Interim anticipatory bail in customs prosecution granted subject to cooperation, investigation, and compliance with bail conditions.

Interim anticipatory bail was granted in a customs prosecution where the Court considered the petitioner's willingness to make further deposits, the recovery already made from a co-accused, and the need for temporary protection pending further consideration. The protection against arrest was made conditional on execution of personal and surety bonds, joining investigation when called, cooperating with the investigating officer, and complying with the statutory conditions governing anticipatory bail. The matter was kept pending for the next date, with interim relief operating subject to strict investigation-related compliance.

---

---

Issues: Whether interim anticipatory bail should be granted in a customs prosecution, and on what conditions.

Analysis: The petitioner faced allegations under the Customs Act involving recovery of customs duty. The Court noticed that a co-accused had already deposited a substantial amount and that the petitioner expressed willingness to make further deposits within specified periods. Pending further consideration, the Court granted protection against arrest, subject to execution of personal and surety bonds, joining investigation whenever called, cooperating with the investigating officer, and complying with the statutory conditions governing anticipatory bail.

Conclusion: Interim anticipatory bail was granted in favour of the petitioner, subject to the stated conditions.

Final Conclusion: The petitioner obtained interim protection from arrest, while the main matter was kept pending for further consideration on the next date.

Ratio Decidendi: Interim anticipatory bail may be granted in a customs case where the Court considers the accused's proposed cooperation and conditional deposits sufficient to justify temporary protection, subject to compliance with investigation-related conditions.

---