The court exercises its discretion to grant bail to an accused in an NDPS Act case due to prolonged incarceration and the slow pace of trial proceedings.

1. Against an order rejecting the regular bail by the High Court and to seek bail, the present special leave petition has been filed. The petitioner is in custody w.e.f. 09.09.2023 in connection with FIR No.325/23 dated 08.09.2023 for the offences punishable under Sections 8, 20(b)(ii), 25 and 35 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act registered with Police Station Amas, Sub-Division, Sherghati, district Gaya, Bihar.

2. After hearing learned counsel for the parties and looking to the period of custody which is about two and a half years and, as stated by learned counsel for the respondent, still out of 6 witnesses, only three have been examined, therefore, the trial may take some time to conclude.

However, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, we deem it appropriate to release the petitioner on bail.

3. Accordingly, we direct that the petitioner be released on bail on furnishing the suitable bail bonds and sureties and on such other terms and conditions as may be deemed fit by the trial Court.

4. Petitioner to abide all the conditions as imposed and shall regularly attend the trial until exempted by the Court. Violation, if any, may give a cause to take recourse as permissible and the trial Court is at liberty to do the needful.

5. Accordingly and in view of the foregoing, the special leave petition stands disposed of. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.