Regular bail in a Customs smuggling prosecution granted after prolonged custody and delay concerns, without touching merits.

Regular bail was granted in a prosecution under Section 135 of the Customs Act, 1962 after the Court considered the allegations of smuggling, the petitioner's custody since 26.03.2019, the contention that the offence was bailable, and the likelihood of trial taking time. The Court found that no useful purpose would be served by continued detention, while expressly refraining from expressing any view on the merits. Bail was allowed pending trial on furnishing adequate bail and surety bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court or Duty Magistrate.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to regular bail in a prosecution under Section 135 of the Customs Act, 1962.

Analysis: The petition was considered in the context of the allegations of smuggling, the petitioner's custody since 26.03.2019, the contention that the offence was bailable, and the submission that the trial was likely to take time. The Court also noted that no useful purpose would be served by continued detention and that the merits of the case were not being expressed upon.

Conclusion: Regular bail was granted to the petitioner pending trial on furnishing adequate bail and surety bonds to the satisfaction of the concerned trial Court or Duty Magistrate.

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