Anticipatory bail is a legal provision that allows a person to seek pre-arrest bail from a court of law in anticipation of being arrested for a non-bailable offence. This means that a person who anticipates being arrested can apply for bail before the arrest, and if the court grants the bail, the person will not be taken into custody.
The purpose of anticipatory bail is to protect an individual's personal liberty and prevent the misuse of the criminal justice system by the police or any other law enforcement agency. It is usually granted in cases where the person has reason to believe that he or she may be falsely implicated in a criminal case or where the arrest is likely to be made with a malicious intent.
The procedure for obtaining anticipatory bail varies depending on the country and the legal system. In some countries, such as India, the procedure involves filing an application before the appropriate court, which will then decide whether to grant or reject the bail.
It is important to note that anticipatory bail does not mean that the person is immune from prosecution or that the case against them is dismissed. It only allows them to avoid being taken into custody while the case is pending. If the person violates the conditions of the bail or fails to appear in court as required, the bail can be cancelled, and the person can be taken into custody.