Regular bail in GST prosecution granted where custody was limited, evidence was documentary, and trial had already advanced.

Regular bail was granted in a GST prosecution where the accused had remained in custody for about three months and 29 days, the case was based on documentary evidence, and the complaint and supplementary complaint had already been filed. The Court noted that the matter was triable by the Magistrate, the prosecution had identified 25 witnesses, and further incarceration was unnecessary for the progress of trial. Bail was therefore allowed on furnishing bail bonds and surety to the satisfaction of the trial court or Duty Magistrate, subject to imposed conditions.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to regular bail in a GST prosecution, having regard to the period of custody, the documentary nature of the evidence, and the stage of trial.

Analysis: The petitioner had undergone custody of about 3 months and 29 days. The case was founded on documentary evidence, the complaint and supplementary complaint had already been filed, the matter was triable by the Magistrate, and the prosecution had identified 25 witnesses. In these circumstances, further incarceration was found unnecessary for the progress of the trial.

Conclusion: Regular bail was granted to the petitioner on furnishing bail bonds and surety to the satisfaction of the trial Court or Duty Magistrate, subject to the conditions imposed by that court.

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