The Rajasthan High Court has granted temporary bail for 60 days to Bhawani Pratap Singh, an accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, recognizing the need for his presence with his pregnant wife who is due to deliver soon and lacks support or medical assistance.
Justice Farjand Ali, presiding over the case, acknowledged the gravity of the charges and seriousness of the offence under the NDPS Act. While the Court denied regular bail citing strong prima facie evidence and the custodial requirements of justice, it exercised its discretionary jurisdiction to allow temporary bail on compassionate grounds.
“Though such grounds, by themselves, may not be sufficient to warrant regular bail, they do constitute a reasonable basis for this Court to invoke its discretion and permit the petitioner’s temporary release to discharge familial obligations or attend personal exigencies,” the Court noted.
The Court emphasized the reformative and humane objective of criminal jurisprudence, asserting that temporary bail—even if exceptional—is not foreign to criminal law. Citing Supreme Court rulings in Rakesh Kumar v. State of NCT of Delhi and Dadu alias Tulsidas v. State of Maharashtra, the bench reiterated that courts have the authority to grant limited-duration bail where compelling personal or humanitarian circumstances exist, despite rejection of regular bail.
Read Also:- Delhi High Court Quashes Sole Arbitrator's Appointment by MD, Citing Violation of Supreme Court's Rulings
“The objective of criminal justice is not merely punitive but reformative and humane,” Justice Farjand Ali observed while ordering Singh’s release.
Under the directions of the Court, Singh will be released for a period of 60 days upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹50,000 and two sureties of ₹25,000 each to the satisfaction of the trial court. The concerned jail authorities have been instructed to inform Singh of his surrender date.
Title: Bhawani Pratap Singh v State of Rajasthan
