Vikas Markandey Singh v. the Union of India
Case brief
What is this about?
NDPS bail; parity with co-accused; long incarceration; charges not framed; delayed trial. Accused No. 1 Vikas Markandey Singh, one of nine accused, arrested 19 December 2023 in C.R. No. 34 of 2023, NCB Mumbai Zonal Unit, for Sections 8(c), 22(c), 23(c), 28, 29 NDPS Act; 9.877 kgs Amphetamine found in courier parcel (DHL, Andheri East) consigned to Australia under sender name Mohd. Yusuf; two earlier bail applications rejected by Special NDPS Judge (5 June 2024, 24 March 2025); co-accused bailed primarily for prolonged custody (order dated 15 April 2025); Bombay High Court grants bail on PR bond of Rs. 50,000/- with monthly police-station attendance till framing of charges; observations prima facie only.
What did the court decide?
Applicant enlarged on bail on executing a PR Bond of Rs. 50,000/- with one or two local sureties in the like amount, subject to conditions: attendance at the Trial Court on every date unless exempted; monthly attendance at the concerned Police Station on Monday between 11:00 a.m. and 02:00 p.m. till charges are framed; deposit of passport (if any) with the Police Station; no departure from India without Trial Court permission; no tampering with or influencing/contacting the complainant or witnesses; informing latest place of residence and contact details to the Court and Investigating Officer; cooperation with the conduct of the trial; any infraction shall entail cancellation of bail.