Manoj Dangi vs Union of India - NDPS Act - Bail - 6 Years Pre-Trial Incarceration

NDPS Act - Section 37 - The Supreme Court set aside the Allahabad High Court’s order and granted bail to the appellant, who had been in custody for six years under the NDPS Act without the trial even having commenced. While noting the seriousness of the allegations and the quantity of opium involved, the Court held that such prolonged pre-trial incarceration, without valid reason for delay, offends Article 21 and justifies release on bail notwithstanding the rigours of section 37 of the NDPS Act.