Shillong, May 16: The Meghalaya High Court has granted default bail to former Balachanda MDC Sofior Rahman after police failed to file the chargesheet within the stipulated 60-day timeframe.
Rahman was accused of inciting communal disharmony related to the violent incidents in the Garo Hills region.
During the hearing of the bail plea, Justice Wanlura Diengdoh was presented with the arguments made by Rahman’s counsel, K. Paul. He pointed out that the alleged offenses carried a punishment of less than seven years, necessitating the filing of a chargesheet within 60 days, which expired on May 14, 2026.
In response to this oversight, the counsel sought default bail for the accused.
Acknowledging that the chargesheet was not filed within the set timeframe, senior government Advocate N.G. Shylla opposed the bail on the ground that Rahman’s arrest was linked to the law-and-order situation in Garo Hills during the district council election, and releasing him could pose a danger to society.
The court however cited legal precedent set by prior case, including Rakesh Kumar Paul v. State of Assam, which states an accused’s right to default bail once the statutory period expires.
The court granted Rahman subject to conditions that he shall not abscond or tamper with evidence or witnesses, to attend court when required, not to leave the state without permission, a personal bond of Rs. 50,000 with two local sureties.
The court said that if the conditions are violated, authorities can move for cancellation of the bail.
