Bail granted in major CGST input tax credit fraud case, with Article 21 speedy trial rights emphasized.

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....HC considered petitions for bail in an alleged CGST-related economic offence involving creation of fictitious firms, fake invoices and wrongful availment/passing of input tax credit of approximately Rs.160.58 crores. Noting that the evidence is largely documentary/electronic, that the petitioners have been in custody since 05.03.2025, and that trial is likely to be protracted, HC held that continued incarceration would infringe their Article 21 rights, including the right to speedy trial. Relying on the principle that bail is the rule and jail the exception, even in economic offences, HC granted bail to the petitioners, subject to bail/surety bonds and conditions to the satisfaction of the trial court/Duty Magistrate.....