Jumping bail is not common here because the accused person does
not want the money - put up by family members or friends - to be
forfeited, said lawyers.
Thousands of people are granted bail every year, and, on
average, only 150 per year have jumped bail granted by the
Subordinate Courts in the last three years, a spokesman said. Bail,
which is meant to secure the attendance of the accused at a court
hearing or police questioning, varies depending on the severity of
the offence.
Said lawyer Amolat Singh: 'Unless it's a serious offence, like a
capital case, bail is usually allowed as a matter of principle.
'Because as long as they are not convicted, they shouldn't have
to languish in jail, unless of course there is the potential that
they can interfere with the case, harass victims or tamper with
evidence; then, the judge will remove bail.'
-- ST