On January 30, 2026, the Supreme Court cancelled a Madras High Court order forcing a man accused of falsely promising marriage to wed a woman to get interim bail. The Madras High Court had ordered the man to file an affidavit to marry the woman and produce the marriage certificate by February 4, 2026, to remain on bail. Justice K.V. Viswanathan’s Bench heard the accused-petitioner, represented by advocates G. Anto Prince, G. Anto Robert, and Jose Abraham. They argued that their client cannot be forced into marriage as a condition for bail before the charges are proven. They said this would be like pre-judging the case. The High Court’s January 5 order said, “The petitioner is directed to file an affidavit while producing surety stating that he would marry the de facto complainant. On such filing of affidavit, the petitioner may be released on interim bail.” It also ordered the marriage registration certificate to be submitted by February 4, 2026. In his plea to the Supreme Court, the petitioner said the marriage condition "travelled far beyond the settled parameters governing the grant of bail." He added, "The condition compelling marriage has no rational nexus with the object of bail, namely securing the presence of the accused, ensuring a fair investigation, or preventing tampering with evidence." The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to inform the Madras High Court of the setting aside of its January 5 order. The apex court said the accused would continue on interim bail until February 4, 2026, and the High Court will reconsider the case afterward.