Bail rejected — NDPS Act, 1985. The High Court of Judicature at Bombay (R.N. Laddha, J.) dismissed Criminal Bail Application No.1259 of 2025 filed by Shahabaz Majid Pathan seeking bail in CR No.188 of 2024, Mumbai Naka Police Station, Nashik, for offences punishable under Sections 8(c), 22(c) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Prosecution case: on 20 June 2024, near the Usmania Hotel, the applicant was found in possession of 58 grams of Mephedrone valued at approximately Rs.2,90,000/-, intended for sale; the FSL report confirmed the substance to be Mephedrone. The applicant, previously convicted under Section 302 of the IPC and enlarged on bail pursuant to an order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, had been in custody since 20 June 2024; investigation was complete and the charge sheet filed. Counsel for the applicant urged false implication, allegations based on suspicion and surmises, and non-compliance with Section 50 of the Act during the search; the learned APP opposed bail citing the gravity of the offence, the applicant's antecedents (the offence allegedly committed while a suspended sentence was outstanding), and risks of tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses. The Court found prima facie material indicating possession of a commercial quantity of contraband, nothing on record to suggest procedural irregularity or non-compliance with mandatory statutory requirements, and material sufficient to demonstrate involvement; describing the offence as grave and serious with significant societal implications, and weighing the nature of allegations, quantity seized, antecedents and broader societal impact, it declined bail and rejected the application.
