Parity in customs bail justified release where seizure circumstances and co-accused bail supported similar treatment.

In a bail matter under the Customs Act, 1962, the Court considered allegations of gold smuggling, the seizure value, the applicant's attributed role, and the fact that co-accused had already been enlarged on bail. Applying parity and the circumstances of the seizure, the Court found that similar treatment was justified, subject to appropriate safeguards. Bail was granted to the applicant with conditions.

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Issues: Whether the applicant was entitled to bail in a prosecution under the Customs Act, 1962.

Analysis: The application arose from allegations of smuggling of gold and the Court considered the seizure value, the role attributed to the applicant, and the fact that co-accused had already been enlarged on bail. On the material placed, the Court found that the applicant's case warranted similar treatment, subject to appropriate safeguards.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the applicant.

Ratio Decidendi: In a bail matter arising under the Customs Act, 1962, parity with co-accused and the circumstances of the seizure may justify enlargement on bail with conditions.

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