Act fast
What is bail and how do I get it?
Simple answer
Bail is release from custody on a promise (bond) to appear whenever called, sometimes backed by a surety. For bailable offences, bail is your right. For non-bailable offences, bail is not automatic; usually the court decides, based on how serious the case is.
Real-life examples
Gurpreet was arrested for rash driving, a bailable offence. At the police station he signed a bail bond, his cousin stood surety, and he went home the same day.
Rahul was arrested for theft, a non-bailable offence. The Magistrate refused bail. His lawyer then applied to the Sessions Court, which granted bail on conditions such as attending every hearing.
Lakshmi, a daily-wage worker, was granted bail in a bailable case but could not find a surety for over a week. The law then presumes she is too poor, so she should be released on her own bond without a surety.
What should you do?
- 1Find out if the offence is bailable. Check the sections in the FIR or ask a lawyer.
- 2For a bailable offence, ask for bail at the police station itself, and arrange a surety if asked.
- 3For a non-bailable offence, apply for bail before the Magistrate. If refused, apply to the Sessions Court or the High Court.
- 4Carry ID and address proof for yourself and your surety. Follow every bail condition and attend every court date.
- 5If police don't complete the investigation within 60 days (90 days for very serious offences), ask your lawyer about default bail.
- 6Can't afford a lawyer? Call NALSA at 15100, or ask the court for a legal aid lawyer.
Exceptions & limits
- A Magistrate generally cannot grant bail where there are reasonable grounds to believe you committed an offence punishable with death or life imprisonment, though women, children and the sick or infirm may be exceptions.
- Special laws, such as those on drugs or terrorism, have stricter bail conditions.
- Breaking bail conditions or missing court dates can lead to bail being cancelled and re-arrest.
Official legal reference
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 478
In bailable offences the accused must be released on bail; a person unable to give bail within a week may be presumed poor and released on a personal bond.
Earlier: CrPC Section 436Read the official textBharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 480
When police or a Magistrate may grant bail in non-bailable offences, the limits for very serious offences, and the conditions that can be imposed.
Earlier: CrPC Section 437Read the official textBharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 483
The Sessions Court and High Court can grant bail, set aside or change bail conditions, and cancel bail.
Earlier: CrPC Section 439Read the official textBharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 187(3)
Custody during investigation is capped at 60 days, or 90 days for offences punishable with death, life or 10+ years; then the accused gets bail on furnishing it.
Earlier: CrPC Section 167(2)Read the official textBharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 479
An undertrial who has spent half the maximum sentence in custody (one-third for first-time offenders) must generally be released; not for death or life offences.
Earlier: CrPC Section 436ARead the official text
Where to get help
NALSA Free Legal Aid
Free lawyer and legal advice for eligible people through Legal Services Authorities.
Source & status
- Applies to
- All of India
- Law in force since
- 1 Jul 2024
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.