The Patna High Court has recently granted bail to Agustine Chinendu Nwaodu, a Nigerian monk associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), who was apprehended near the India-Nepal border for lacking valid travel documents. The court’s decision came in the case of Agastin Chinet Nevot @ Agustine Chinendu Nwaodu v. The State of Bihar and Another.
Justice Sandeep Kumar, in a single-judge bench, approved the bail after hearing the petitioner’s argument that if released, he would reside at ISKCON in Patna and fully cooperate with the ongoing legal proceedings. The court was informed that Nwaodu is a resident of Janakpur Dham, Nepal, and a bona fide ISKCON member. During the hearing, ISKCON representatives from both Nepal and Patna appeared in court to support the petitioner.
In his July 20 order, Justice Kumar noted, “It is not in dispute that the petitioner is from Nigeria but is a monk associated with ISKCON and a resident of Janakpur Dham, Nepal. A certificate to this effect has been submitted by ISKCON Nepal. During the hearing, ISKCON representatives appeared in court, and it has been submitted that the petitioner will stay at ISKCON, Patna, and cooperate with the trial. Considering the circumstances, the bail application is allowed.”
Nwaodu was arrested while traveling with three Nepalese citizens near the India-Nepal border without valid travel documents. He faced charges under the Indian Penal Code, the Foreigners Act of 1946, and the Passport Act of 1967, including allegations of cheating.
Nwaodu’s counsel argued that he is a legitimate resident of Nepal and a dedicated ISKCON member. The defense further contended that although Nwaodu was initially unable to present valid travel documents, he did provide his passport to the authorities after his arrest. The counsel also emphasized that Nwaodu had been unjustly detained since May 2023 and was entitled to a speedy trial.
Despite opposition from the Central Government, the court found no justification for the trial’s delay and approved the bail with the condition that Nwaodu furnish bail bonds of ₹10,000 along with two sureties of equal value. The court further required that one of the bailors be the President of ISKCON, Patna. Additionally, the court approved the transfer of Nwaodu’s trial from Sitamarhi to Patna.
Advocates Kumar Harshvardhan, Sudhanshu Prakash, and Kalpana represented Agustine Chinendu Nwaodu in court. The Union of India was represented by Additional Solicitor General Dr. KN Singh, along with Senior Central Government Counsel Awadhesh Kumar Pandey, Central Government Counsel Arvind Kumar, and advocates Lokesh and Abhijeet Gautam. Assistant Public Prosecutor Jharkhandi Upadhyay appeared for the State of Bihar.
