Customs Act bail pending trial granted after prolonged custody, charge-sheet filing and no framed charges.

Accused facing prosecution under the Customs Act were granted bail pending trial after the SC noted about sixteen months of incarceration, filing of the charge-sheet, and the absence of framed charges. Without examining the merits of the prosecution, the Court treated these factors as sufficient to justify release, leaving the Trial Court to impose suitable conditions. The terms included deposit of the passport, disclosure of correct address and contact details, and cooperation for an expeditious trial.

---

---

Issues: Whether the appellants, facing prosecution for offences under the Customs Act, were entitled to bail pending trial.

Analysis: The appellants had undergone about sixteen months of incarceration, the charge-sheet had already been filed, and charge had not yet been framed. Without entering into the merits, these circumstances were treated as sufficient to justify release on bail, subject to conditions to be imposed by the Trial Court, including deposit of passport, disclosure of correct address and contact details, and cooperation for expeditious trial.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the appellants, subject to terms and conditions to be fixed by the Trial Court.

---