Rani Dudeja vs State Of Haryana

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in rejecting the appellant's anticipatory bail petition under Section 438 of the Cr.P.C. on the grounds of res judicata, as the earlier petition was withdrawn without consideration on merits. The Court emphasized that a change in circumstances warrants a fresh application for bail to be considered on its merits. Consequently, the order dated 7.3.2017 was set aside, and the matter was remanded to the High Court for reconsideration.