ORDER : 1. Leave granted. 2. The High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Gwalior by the impugned judgment and order dated 16th December, 2024 has rejected the appellant's prayer for bail. 3. The appellant, figuring as an accused in FIR No. 0316 dated 1st December, 2023 registered with Police Station Lahar, District-Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, is in custody since 23rd September, 2024. It is alleged in the FIR that the appellant committed offence(s) punishable under Section(s) 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 4. We have heard learned counsel appearing for the parties and perused the materials on record. 5. Learned counsel appearing for the appellant voluntarily undertakes to make a payment of Rs.2,75,000/- (Rupees two lakh and seventy five thousand). Let the said amount be deposited with the trial court for being invested in a short-term fixed deposit interest bearing account of a nationalized bank on auto renewal basis. The trial court may pass appropriate order in respect thereof while finally deciding the case. 6. We find that charge-sheet having been filed on 18th November, 2024, the charges have not yet been framed because investigation against an absconding accused is still continuing. 7. Be that as it may, having regard to the period of incarceration suffered by the appellant and in view of the fact that the trial is yet to commence, we are inclined to accept the present appeal. 8. Accordingly, we set aside the impugned judgment and order. 9. The appellant shall be released on bail, subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the trial court. 10. We clarify that the observations made in this order and grant of bail will not be treated as findings on the merits of the case. 11. The appellant shall, however, appear before the trial court on the dates fixed, unless exempted; and should the appellant fail to appear on any date without justifiable cause or breach any of the terms and conditions for grant of bail, the trial court shall be at liberty to cancel the bail. 12. The appeal is, accordingly, allowed on the aforesaid terms. 13. Pending application(s), if any, stand disposed of.