Entitlement to bail in NDPS prolonged pre-trial custody: parity-based bail granted with stringent conditions including passport surrender

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....Prolonged pre-trial custody in an NDPS case entitled the appellant to parity-based bail because an identically situated co-accused travelling with the appellant had already been released; bail was therefore granted. Bail is subject to stringent conditions to be fixed by the trial court, including surrender of passport and cooperation in trial. Trial courts must inform accused of the right to legal representation and availability of legal aid, record the offer and the accused's response, and note actions taken before witness examination. Observations are limited to bail and do not determine trial merits.....