India

Anticipatory bail protects a person who reasonably apprehends arrest for a non-bailable offence from unnecessary pre-arrest detention. Under Section 482 of the BNSS, an application may be made before the Sessions Court or High Court. Courts consider factors such as the nature of allegations, need for custodial interrogation, criminal history, cooperation with the investigation, flight risk, and possibility of influencing witnesses. Anticipatory bail protects personal liberty but does not stop the investigation or exempt the accused from complying with lawful conditions.