Bail granted after prolonged custody and trial delay, with weekly police reporting and regular appearance conditions imposed.

Bail was considered in light of the trial stage, prolonged custody, and parity with co-accused who had already been granted bail. With 12 of 14 accused on bail, only a fraction of witnesses examined, and no near-term prospect of trial completion, continued detention was found unnecessary for the ends of justice. Release on bail was directed subject to conditions to be fixed by the Special Judge, including weekly reporting to the nearest police station and regular appearance before the trial court on each hearing date unless dispensed with.

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Issues: Whether bail should be granted to the petitioner in view of the stage of trial, the custody period, and the fact that several co-accused had already been enlarged on bail.

Analysis: The Court noted that 12 out of 14 accused had already been granted bail, that the number of witnesses had been reduced but only a fraction had been examined, and that there was no likelihood of the trial concluding soon. The petitioner had remained in custody since 6 May 2020. In these circumstances, further detention was found not to advance the ends of justice. The Court therefore directed release on bail, leaving the Special Judge to impose appropriate terms and conditions, and additionally required weekly reporting to the nearest police station and regular appearance before the trial court.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the petitioner subject to conditions, including weekly police reporting and appearance before the trial court on each date of hearing unless dispensed with.

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