Bombay HC flags COVID impact, allows bail plea

Wife of deceased had alleged abetment to suicide

The Bombay High Court recently granted anticipatory bail to the owner of a restaurant for prima facie abetting the suicide of the man who was running it and noted, “this is an instance of how a common man has suffered on account of the economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic and particularly, those in the hospitality business.” Justice Bharati Dangre said, “The year 2020 and to some extent the year 2021 has been a challenging year that no one could have predicted would turn out in the manner in which it did. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic sent economic shock-waves globally and its impact extended beyond an international health crisis. The economic effects of the pandemic in India, led to the reduction in economic activities, subsequently forcing businesses to scale or shut down their operations. It impacted many individuals, families, enterprises being affected due to sharp rise in unemployment. Millions of enterprises face an existential threat.” The court was hearing a petition by the owner of a restaurant seeking protection from arrest for abetting the suicide of a 48-year-old man who was running the restaurant.