Bharat Singh vs State Of Madhya Pradesh

Anil Verma, J

This is the first application filed by the applicant for grant of regular bail under section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 relating to FIR No. 651/2023 registered at P.S-Alot,, District- Ratlam (M.P.) for the offence under sections 8 /15 of NDPS Act.

2/ As per prosecution story, on 21/09/2023, the police got discreet information regarding illegal transportation of contraband. Acting upon the said information, the police intercepted motorcycle bearing registration no. MP-13=DX-0170 and during search, 20 kg poppy-straw from the possession present applicant and the co-accused Gopal Singh , who sat on the said motorcycle. Accordingly, the aforementioned offence was registered and both of them were arrested.

3/ Learned counsel for the applicant contended that applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this offence. Applicant is in custody since 21/09/2023. The seized quantity of the contraband is below than the commercial quantity. Investigation is almost over. He is permanent resident of District-Ratlam.. There is no apprehension of his fleeing away from the court of justice. Final conclusion of trial shall take sufficient long time. Hence, he prays that the applicant be released on bail.

4/ Per-contra, learned counsel for respondent – State opposes the bail application and prays for its rejection, but fairly admits that no criminal antecedent has been found against the applicant.

5/ Perused the impugned order of the trial Court as well as the case dairy. 6/ Considering all the facts and circumstances of the case, arguments advanced by both the parties, nature of allegation as also taking note of the fact that the seized quantity of the contraband is below than the commercial quantity, therefore, there is no specific bar under section 37 of the NDPS Act; he is in custody since 21/09/2023; investigation is almost over therefore, no further custodial interrogation of the applicant is required and final conclusion of trial shall take sufficient long time, in view of the evidence available on record, I deem it proper to release the accused / applicant on bail.

7/ Accordingly, without commenting on the merits of the case, the application is allowed. It is directed that the applicant be released on bail on his furnishing personal bond in the sum of Rs. 1,50,000/- (Rs. One Lac Fifty Thousand only) with one solvent surety in the like amount to the satisfactionof the trial Court for his appearance before the trial Court, as and when required.

8/ He shall abide by all the conditions enumerated u/S. 437(3) Cr.P.C.,

9/ It is made clear that if the applicant is again found to be involved in any other offence during the trial, this order shall stand cancelled automatically without reference to the Court and the police will be at liberty to arrest the applicant in the present case also. This order shall be effective till the end of the trial, however, in case of bail jump, it shall become ineffective.

Certified copy, as per Rules.