Prolonged custody and delayed trial justified bail, with conditions, despite serious allegations and a voluminous charge-sheet.

Prolonged pre-trial custody, delayed progress of the trial and parity with a similarly placed co-accused justified bail despite serious allegations and a voluminous charge-sheet. The Court noted that the accused had spent about two years in custody, the trial was still at the stage of supplying and translating documents, and the likely duration of proceedings weighed against continued detention. Bail was therefore granted subject to protective conditions, including cooperation with the trial, no unnecessary adjournments, surrender of passport, restrictions on foreign travel without permission, and no interference with witnesses or proceedings.

---

---

Issues: Whether the appellant, in a case involving serious allegations and a voluminous charge-sheet, was entitled to bail having regard to prolonged custody, the stage of the trial, and the release of co-accused on bail.

Analysis: The appellant had remained in custody for about two years, the trial was still at the stage of supply and translation of charge-sheet documents, and the record was exceptionally voluminous. The Court also took note that a co-accused had already been granted bail. In these circumstances, the pendency and likely duration of the trial, coupled with continued custody, justified release on bail. The grant of bail was made subject to conditions requiring cooperation with the trial, avoidance of unnecessary adjournments, surrender of passport, restriction on foreign without permission, and non-interference with witnesses or proceedings.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the appellant subject to conditions.

Ratio Decidendi: Prolonged pre-trial custody, coupled with delayed commencement of trial and parity with similarly placed co-accused, can justify grant of bail subject to protective conditions even where serious allegations are made.

---