Regular bail in Customs Act prosecution granted after prolonged custody and progressed investigation, subject to safeguards.

Regular bail under Section 439 CrPC was considered in a Customs Act prosecution where the allegations were serious, but the accused had remained in custody since 5.10.2023 and the investigation had substantially progressed. Continued detention was found unnecessary, and bail was granted subject to safeguards to protect the investigation and prevent interference with evidence or witnesses.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to regular bail in a prosecution under the Customs Act.

Analysis: The application was for regular bail under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The allegations were serious, but the petitioner had been in custody since 5.10.2023 and the investigation had already progressed. On that basis, continued detention was found unnecessary, and bail was considered appropriate subject to safeguards to secure the investigation and prevent interference with evidence or witnesses.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the petitioner on conditions.

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