Interim anticipatory bail in GST enquiry granted where cooperation was shown and custodial interrogation was not necessary.

Interim anticipatory bail may be granted where the applicant has no criminal antecedents, shows a willingness to cooperate with the GST enquiry, and the State does not demonstrate a real apprehension of flight or a present need for custodial interrogation. On that basis, temporary protection from arrest was granted, subject to cooperation with interrogation, production of documents, non-tampering with evidence, and restraint on leaving India without permission. The relief was expressly limited to the next date fixed and given without any opinion on the merits.

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Issues: Whether the applicant was entitled to interim anticipatory bail in connection with summons issued during GST enquiry.

Analysis: The application was considered in the light of the absence of criminal antecedents, the State not expressing any real apprehension of flight, and the applicant's stated willingness to cooperate with the enquiry, produce documents, and have his statement recorded. The order records that, without expressing any opinion on the merits, custodial investigation was not shown to be necessary at that stage.

Conclusion: Interim anticipatory bail was granted to the applicant, subject to conditions including availability for interrogation, non-inducement or tampering with evidence, and restraint on leaving India without permission.

Final Conclusion: The applicant obtained temporary protection from arrest during investigation, but the relief remained limited to the next date fixed and was subject to compliance with the imposed conditions.

Ratio Decidendi: Interim anticipatory bail may be granted where the applicant shows willingness to cooperate, no criminal antecedents are shown, and custodial interrogation is not demonstrated to be necessary at that stage.

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