What is anticipatory bail?

• A. It is a pre-arrest relief granted by a court to protect a person from arrest in relation to an offense.
• B. It is a post-arrest release on bail.
• C. It is a plea bargain to avoid trial.
• D. It is immunity from arrest in all cases.

Answer: (A)

Anticipatory bail is protection granted by a court before any arrest is made, to prevent arrest in connection with a planned or anticipated offense. It allows a person to approach the court in advance to seek relief instead of waiting to be arrested. This relief is not automatic and is granted for a specified period and under conditions set by the court. If the person is actually arrested, they can pursue regular bail after the arrest under the usual procedures. It is not post-arrest bail, not a plea bargain, and it does not provide blanket immunity from arrest in all cases.