Prolonged custody and delayed trial supported bail, with the Supreme Court allowing release despite the contraband allegation.

Prolonged custody, the absence of known criminal antecedents, and the fact that the trial had not yet commenced justified release on bail, even though the charge had already been framed. The Supreme Court noted that the petitioners had remained in custody for about 2 years and 4 months and that the nature of the contraband also supported bail. Bail was granted, with the trial court left to impose appropriate conditions.

---

---

Issues: Whether bail should be granted to the petitioners in view of the prolonged custody, the fact that trial had not yet commenced, and the nature of the contraband involved.

Analysis: The petitioners had remained in custody for about 2 years and 4 months, the charge had already been framed but the trial was still to begin, and the State did not indicate any known criminal antecedents. These circumstances, along with the nature of the contraband, justified release on bail, leaving the trial court to impose appropriate conditions.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the petitioners.

---