The High Court may exercise its inherent powers to modify unreasonable bail conditions when the investigation is complete.

O R D E R Dated this the 26^th day of February, 2026 The petitioner is the 6^th accused in S.C.No.2341/2025 on the file of the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge-IV, Thiruvananthapuram, which has originated from Crime No.915/2024 registered by the Vellarada Police Station alleging the commission of the offences punishable under Sections 20 (b)(ii) C, 8(c) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 .

2. The petitioner has stated in the Criminal Miscellaneous Case that, by Annexure A2 order, the petitioner was enlarged on bail subject to conditions. As per condition No.5, the petitioner was directed to appear before the Investigating Officer on every Sunday, until further orders. Since the investigation in the case is complete and the complaint is filed, the petitioner had filed an application before the above court, seeking modification of condition No.5. However, by Annexure A3 order, the said court has dismissed the application, on the ground that the contraband involved in the case is of a commercial quantity and, therefore, there is every likelihood of the petitioner committing a similar offence. Annexure A3 order is unreasonable and unjustifiable.

Hence, the Crl.M.C.

3. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Public Prosecutor.

4. Indisputably, Annexure A2 order was passed on

21.11.2025, after the investigation was complete and the complaint was filed before the said court. Therefore, I am of the definite view that there is no necessity for the petitioner to appear before the Investigating Officer, after the filing of the complaint. In case the petitioner violates any of the conditions in Annexure A2 order, the Investigating Officer would be at liberty to move the said court and seek for cancellation of Annexure A2 order rather than imposing condition that he should unnecessarily appear before the Investigating Officer. Thus, I am convinced and satisfied that this is a fit case to exercise the inherent powers of this Court under Section

528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 .

In the aforesaid circumstances, I allow the Crl.M.C, by setting aside Annexure A3 order and deleting condition No.5 in Annexure A2 order. Nonetheless, the petitioner shall appear before the Trial Court as and when directed.

Sd/-