Bail in Customs prosecution for alleged smuggling granted with strict conditions, including surrender of passport and regular trial attendance.

Bail was granted in a Customs Act prosecution concerning alleged smuggling of foreign-origin cigarettes, with the Court considering the facts and material on record without expressing any view on the merits of the case. Release was made conditional on a personal bond and two local sureties, an undertaking not to seek unnecessary adjournments when witnesses are present, appearance before the trial court on each date, compliance with penal consequences for absence, surrender of passport, and no travel outside the country without permission.

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Issues: Whether the applicant, facing prosecution under the Customs Act for alleged smuggling of foreign-origin cigarettes, was entitled to bail pending trial.

Analysis: The application was considered on the facts and material on record, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the prosecution case. The Court found it appropriate to grant bail subject to conditions, including filing an undertaking not to seek unnecessary adjournments when witnesses are present, appearance before the trial court on each date, consequences for absence under the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, and surrender of passport with a restraint on leaving the country without permission.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the applicant on furnishing a personal bond and two local sureties, subject to the stated conditions.

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