The Supreme Court has granted bail to an accused booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, observing that his alleged involvement in the offence was based primarily on a SIM card registered in his name, which was recovered from another person.
The Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar allowed the special leave petition challenging the Rajasthan High Court’s order denying regular bail.
The petitioner had been in custody since 19 March 2025 in connection with an FIR registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau, Jaipur, for offences under Sections 8 and 29 of the NDPS Act. After hearing the parties, the Court noted that the petitioner had been implicated on the basis of a SIM card used in the commission of the offence which was issued in his name but was recovered from another individual.
Taking into account the circumstances of the case and the period of custody of about one year, the Court held that it was appropriate to grant bail without expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations. The Bench directed that the petitioner be released on bail upon furnishing suitable bonds and complying with conditions imposed by the trial court.
The Court further directed the petitioner to comply with all bail conditions and regularly attend the trial proceedings unless exempted. It clarified that any violation of the conditions would allow the trial court to take appropriate action.
Appearances
Petitioner- Mr. Namit Saxena, AOR
Respondent- Mr. Raja Thakare, A.S.G. Mr. Rohit Khare, Adv. Ms. Mili Joy Baxi, Adv. Mr. Rajat Nair, Adv. Mr. B.k. Satija, Adv. Mr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, AOR Mr. Vipin Kalra, Adv.
