NDPS bail request refused where co-accused had not surrendered, and trial was directed to proceed expeditiously.

In an NDPS bail matter, the Court declined to entertain the petitioner's request because the co-accused, although on bail, had not surrendered. The petitioner had remained in custody since 16.06.2020, but the Court did not grant relief on that basis and instead directed the trial court to expedite the proceedings without waiting for the absconding co-accused. No bail was granted.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to bail.

Analysis: The petitioner, facing prosecution under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, sought bail after rejection by the trial court. The Court noted that the co-accused, though released on bail, had not surrendered and, on that account, the Court was not inclined to entertain the bail request. The Court also recorded that the petitioner had been in custody since 16.06.2020 and directed that the trial court expedite the trial without waiting for the absconding co-accused.

Conclusion: The bail application was not entertained and no relief was granted to the petitioner.

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