Authority: Hon'ble Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, Uttarakhand High Court
Order Date: 16 July 2026
Case Overview
- Applicant: Ripul Chauhan, son of Rakshpal Singh, proprietor of Vatsal Medical Store, licensed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, valid until 14 February 2030.
- Respondent: State of Uttarakhand.
- FIR No. 0507 dated 16 December 2025, lodged at Kashipur Police Station, Udham Singh Nagar, charging the applicant under NDPS Act Section 29 together with Sections 3(5), 318(4), 338, 336(3) and 340(2).
- Applicant claims innocence, asserts the alleged contraband is commercial and therefore Section 37 of the Act is applicable, and submits an invoice (Annexure 6) disputing the recovery.
- He points out that a chargesheet has already been filed, he has been in custody since 23 December 2025, and co‑accused in related cases have been released on bail (e.g., Deepak Thakur, bail granted on 13 May 2026).
- Counsel for the State (AGA B.C. Joshi) does not dispute the filing of the chargesheet, the bail of co‑accused, or the certification of the inventory by the magistrate, and notes investigation under Section 68 of the NDPS Act.
Final Outcome
- The Court, after considering the submissions, finds that the applicant merits bail as he has been detained since 23 December 2025 and the twin conditions of Section 37 can be waived because co‑accused are already on bail.
- Bail is granted without expressing opinion on the merits of the case.
- Conditions imposed: (a) the applicant shall not indulge in any such activities in future; (b) shall cooperate with the ongoing investigation as per Section 68 NDPS Act; (c) shall avoid unnecessary adjournments and ensure regular appearance in court.
Topics: Legal Proceedings, NDPS Act, Bail