Section 37 NDPS bail granted after prolonged custody, early trial stage, and safeguards addressed flight risk.

Regular bail was granted in an NDPS prosecution involving alleged recovery of commercial quantity of heroin, with the Court finding that the Section 37 restrictions were satisfied on the facts. The petitioner's custody since January 2021, the early stage of trial, and the limited prosecution evidence recorded weighed in favour of release, particularly as the trial was likely to take time. Conditions, including deposit of the passport and other safeguards, addressed concerns of absconding and interference with witnesses.

---

---

Issues: Whether regular bail should be granted in view of the alleged recovery of commercial quantity of heroin and the restrictions under Section 37 of the NDPS Act.

Analysis: The application was considered in the context of the petitioner's custody since January 2021, the stage of trial, and the fact that only a small part of the prosecution evidence had been recorded. The Court also took into account the likelihood of the trial taking time and the safeguards offered to address the apprehension of absconding, including deposit of the passport and other conditions to secure attendance and prevent interference with witnesses.

Conclusion: Regular bail was granted, the Court holding that the requirements under Section 37 stood satisfied on the facts of the case.

---