SC upholds NDPS Act regular bail, dismisses State SLP under Article 136 in body concealment case

SC dismissed the State's special leave petition challenging grant of regular bail to the accused under the NDPS Act for alleged smuggling of narcotic substances concealed in the body. The HC had found that, from the very interception, the authorities had sufficient reasons to believe the accused was carrying contraband, and the record supported lawful interception, search, and seizure. SC held there were no grounds to interfere with the HC's assessment while exercising jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution. Consequently, the order granting regular bail to the accused stands confirmed.

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The Supreme Court, exercising its discretionary jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution of India, declined to interfere with the impugned judgment. The Court first addressed a procedural issue, holding that the "delay [is] condoned," thereby allowing the special leave petition to be considered on merits despite being filed late. However, upon consideration, the Court concluded that there was no "good ground to interfere with the impugned judgment" and therefore ordered that "the special leave petition is dismissed." As a consequence, any connected or "pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of." No further reasons or substantive legal analysis were recorded.

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