Regular bail in GST fraud prosecution granted after prolonged custody, co-accused parity, and no need for further incarceration.

Regular bail was granted in a GST fraud and tax evasion prosecution after the court considered prolonged custody, the filing of the complaint, the stage of evidence, and the fact that similarly placed co-accused had already obtained bail. The court noted that in economic offences bail should not ordinarily be denied as a punitive measure and that continued incarceration must be justified by the circumstances of the case. On the facts, further custody was found unnecessary, and the petitioner was released on regular bail.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to regular bail in a prosecution for alleged GST fraud and tax evasion.

Analysis: The petition was considered in the context of the petitioner's prolonged custody, the filing of the complaint, the stage of evidence, and the fact that similarly placed co-accused had already been granted regular bail. The decision also noted that in economic offences, bail should ordinarily not be denied as a punitive measure and that continued incarceration must be justified by the circumstances of the case. On the facts, further custody was found unnecessary.

Conclusion: Regular bail was granted to the petitioner.

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