Regular bail warranted for intermediate-quantity ganja possession where the charge-sheet is filed and trial is likely to take time.

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in connection with Crime No. 91/2026, registered under Section 20(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

The prosecution alleged that police, acting on secret information, apprehended the applicant near Royal Dhaba on 17 July 2026 and seized 3 kilograms of ganja from his possession.

The applicant denied conscious possession and alleged false implication, while submitting that the seized quantity was intermediate, the charge-sheet had been filed, he had no criminal antecedents, and he had been in custody since 18 July 2026.

The State opposed bail, relying on the alleged recovery and nature of the offence.

Whether the applicant should be released on regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in light of the alleged seizure and the circumstances of the case

The Court considered the application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for regular bail, in a prosecution under Section 20(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

In assessing bail, it considered the nature and gravity of the alleged offence, the quantity of contraband, the applicant’s criminal antecedents, the filing of the charge-sheet, the period of custody, and the likely time required to conclude the trial.

The Court weighed the alleged seizure of 3 kilograms of ganja against the circumstances favouring release.

It treated the quantity as intermediate, noted that the applicant had no criminal antecedents and that the charge-sheet had been filed, and considered his custody since 18 July 2026 and the likelihood of delay before trial concludes.

On that basis, it found that he deserved regular bail notwithstanding the State’s opposition.

It directed that the applicant be released on a personal bond of ₹50,000 with one surety for the same amount, to the satisfaction of the trial Court.

Bail is subject to conditions prohibiting interference with witnesses or the fair and expeditious trial, and requiring the applicant to attend each date fixed by the trial Court until disposal of the case.