New Delhi, Delhi: Accused Harpreet Singh Talwar, also known as Kabir Talwar, has received relief from the Supreme Court in connection with the major narcotics seizure case at Mundra Port.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court dismissed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) plea seeking cancellation of his bail. However, the court made it clear that his bail could be reconsidered if he attempts to influence witnesses or interfere with the judicial process.
Supreme Court Hearing
The matter was heard by a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana.
Appearing for the NIA, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati opposed the bail and argued that the case was extremely serious.
The NIA told the court that Talwar could face life imprisonment if convicted and therefore should not remain on bail.
NIA’s Arguments
According to the investigating agency, the case involves the seizure of nearly 3,000 kilograms of narcotics at Mundra Port.
The NIA alleged that the consignment had been purchased from Iran and Afghanistan before being brought into India.
During the hearing, the agency also stated that it was not aware of how many similar consignments might have entered the country previously.
The NIA argued that the seriousness of the allegations warranted cancellation of Talwar’s bail.
Court Refuses to Cancel Bail
The Supreme Court, however, declined to cancel the bail already granted to Harpreet Talwar.
The court observed that the seriousness of the allegations by itself cannot be sufficient grounds for cancelling bail unless there is an adequate legal basis for such action.
At the same time, the bench issued a clear warning to the accused.
If Talwar attempts to influence, threaten or interfere with witnesses or the judicial process, the court said that cancellation of his bail could be considered.
Several Witnesses Yet to Be Examined
The bench also took note of the current status of the case.
The court observed that several co-accused have not yet been granted bail and that the examination of several witnesses is still pending.
The court said that further proceedings and appropriate legal action can continue before the concerned special court.
Relief Not a Precedent for Other Accused
The Supreme Court also clarified that the relief granted to Harpreet Talwar should not be treated as a precedent for other accused persons in the case.
The bail applications of other accused will be considered separately, based on their individual circumstances, evidence and the facts presented before the court.
Gujarat High Court Had Earlier Granted Bail
The Gujarat High Court had previously granted bail to Harpreet Singh Talwar after considering the examination of witnesses and the facts concerning his alleged role in the case.
The Gujarat High Court had also granted bail to two other accused.
One of them, Ishwar Singh, later became an approver for the NIA.
Meanwhile, Durga Purna Govindaraju Vaishali has been identified as the only woman accused in the case.
Further Proceedings to Continue
Following the Supreme Court’s latest decision, Harpreet Talwar’s bail will remain in force for now.
However, the underlying case will continue, with further proceedings to take place before the appropriate court in accordance with the law.
The Supreme Court’s order provides temporary relief to Talwar while leaving the prosecution and trial proceedings unaffected.
