Regular bail in GST complaint granted after prolonged custody, limited maximum punishment, and delay in trial.

Regular bail was granted in a GST complaint because the petitioner had already spent more than two years in custody, the alleged offence carried a maximum punishment of five years, and the trial was likely to take time. The Court held that continued incarceration would serve no useful purpose at that stage. Any concern that the petitioner might influence witnesses was treated as a matter to be addressed later through cancellation of bail if misuse was shown during the bail period.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to regular bail in view of the period of custody already undergone, the maximum punishment prescribed for the alleged offence, and the pendency of trial.

Analysis: The petition was for regular bail in a complaint under the GST enactments. The petitioner had already undergone more than two years of custody, while the maximum punishment for the alleged offence was up to five years. The Court also noted that trial was likely to take time, and that continued incarceration would serve no useful purpose. The apprehension regarding possible influence on witnesses was left to be addressed through cancellation of bail if any misuse was shown during the bail period.

Conclusion: The petitioner was entitled to regular bail and the request for bail was allowed.

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