Submits that petitioners are involved in case F.I.R. No,162 of 1996 dated 10-7-1996 under section 16/7/79. The case was registered on 10-7-1996 on the statement of Muhammad Usman that one year prior to the occurrence when he was out of the house his wife had been taken away and ultimately the accusation fell on the petitioner. Petitioners Nos.1 and 2 claim themselves to be married as husband and wife which fact is controverted by the complainant. The petitioner was arrested on 2-3-1997. The challan was submitted in Courron 26-4-1997 but in spite of pendency of the case for about six months not a single witness has been recorded so far. Petitioner No,2 being woman is entitled to concession of bail as admissible to her under proviso to section 497, Cr.P.C.
The alleged offence is not covered by the prohibitory clause, therefore, the petitioners cannot be kept in confinement for indefinite period nor they can be punished for the slackness on the part of the prosecution. Either of the petitioners has no criminal history.
2. This petition is, therefore, allowed and the petitioners are admitted to bail on their furnishing bail bonds in the sum of Rs,50,000 each with one surety each in the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned trial Court. revisions by the competent authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the official sources or legal professionals for the most up-to-date and accurate information.