Bail in alleged customs offence granted after considering seizure value, detention period, and investigation conditions.

Bail was granted to the accused-petitioner in connection with an alleged customs offence after the HC considered the quantity and value of the seized gold bars, the dispute over whether the offence was bailable or non-bailable, and the period of detention already undergone. The court found further custodial detention unnecessary and ordered release on conditions, including cooperation with the investigation, non-interference with witnesses, abstention from similar offences, restriction on travel outside Assam, and surrender of any passport.

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Issues: Whether the accused-petitioner was entitled to bail in connection with the alleged customs offence.

Analysis: The application was considered in the context of the quantity and value of the seized gold bars, the competing submissions on whether the offence was bailable or non-bailable, and the length of detention already undergone. On that assessment, further custodial detention was found unnecessary. Bail was granted subject to conditions relating to cooperation in the investigation, non-interference with witnesses, restraint from similar offences, restriction on travel outside Assam, and surrender of passport, if any.

Conclusion: The petitioner was held entitled to be released on bail.

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