Anticipatory bail under the NDPS Act declined where prima facie material linked the applicant to the vehicle carrying alleged contraband.

Anticipatory bail in a prosecution under the NDPS Act was refused where the available record showed prima facie involvement of the applicant, including that the applicant was the registered owner of the vehicle from which the contraband was allegedly recovered. On that material, the court found no basis to grant protection against arrest at that stage, and the application was dismissed.

---

---

Issues: Whether the applicant was entitled to anticipatory bail in connection with the alleged offences under the NDPS Act.

Analysis: The application was considered in light of the allegation that the applicant was the registered owner of the vehicle from which the contraband was allegedly recovered. The record indicated prima facie involvement of the applicant on that basis, and the nature of the material available did not justify protection against arrest at that stage.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was declined and the application was dismissed.

Ratio Decidendi: Where the available material shows prima facie involvement of the applicant, including ownership of the vehicle from which contraband is allegedly recovered, anticipatory bail may be refused.

---