Delhi High Court Denies Bail to NDPS Act Accused Amid Trial Start

The Delhi High Court has turned down the interim bail plea of Amritpal Singh, an accused facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Singh was implicated in a case concerning the seizure of 103 kg of heroin at the Atari border, intercepted by the Immigration Department in April 2022.

Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran, Punjab, was captured on December 12, 2023, at Amritsar Airport while trying to flee to Dubai. His arrest followed the issuance of a lookout notice five days earlier. Justice Ravinder Dudeja, acknowledging the arguments presented by Shilpa Singh, counsel for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), dismissed the bail on grounds that the defense was inadequate.

The defense argued that Singh's bail was crucial for attending to his wife's gall bladder surgery. However, the NIA countered, noting the presence of other family members able to provide support. Moreover, it emphasized the family's financial robustness and the wife's professional capability as a professor. With the trial commencing at the special NIA court in New Delhi, the court maintained its stance, despite bail being granted to co-accused Vipin Mitta earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)