When somebody is accused of a crime by filing FIR (first information report) in a police station, an inquiry is conducted and the case submitted to court. The court will hear the case and decide whether the accused is actually guilty or innocent and announce punishment in form of sentence of imprisonment or fine or both. The punishment in jail or fine will be implemented only when so decided by court. Meanwhile, the accused person is only an accused and not convict and it is not yet decided that he is guilty. So, he cannot be punished. He is granted bail subject to condition that he will attend court on date of hearing.

Nobody likes to be in jail. hence, every accused person applies for bail. Bail is usually granted subject to certain conditions.

The offences may be bailable or non bailable. In bailable cases, bail can be given by police station. In non bailable cases, bail can be given only by court.

Detailed procedure for bail is in Criminal Procedure Code.