Authority: High Court of Gujarat at Ahmedabad (Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hasmukh D. Suthar)
Order Date: 30 October 2026
Case Overview
- Applicant: Vilas Sadashiv Shivram Bhargude, Director of Vipra Pharmaceuticals.
- Respondent: State of Gujarat.
- FIR: C.R. No.11185004261162 of 2026, registered at Jam Khambhaliya Police Station, District Devbhoomi Dwarka.
- Charges: Offences under Sections 316, 318, 336, 338 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 18 & 27 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act relating to alleged conspiracy to trade the medicine “Pregabalin” (Schedule H‑1).
- Allegations: Preparation of invoices/bills for the drug with alleged over/under‑valuation and incorrect box counts; no evidence of manufacturing or exporting.
- Investigation: Substantial part completed; no overt act attributed; no recovery required; prior NDPS antecedent noted.
- Arguments: Applicant claims innocence, no role as manufacturer/exporter; State opposes bail citing flight risk and evidence tampering; Court considered precedent (Sanjay Chandra vs CBI, Gudikanti Narasimhulu vs Public Prosecutor) and bail jurisprudence.
Final Outcome
- Bail granted; applicant to execute personal bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of equal amount.
- Conditions: (a) No misuse of liberty; (b) No obstruction of investigation; (c) Surrender passport within a week; (d) No leaving Gujarat without permission; (e) Report weekly to police until charge‑sheet, then monthly for six months; (f) Provide Aadhaar, email, address and not change without permission; (g) No illegal activity, else warrant; (h) No contact with complainant/victim/witnesses.
- Bail to be executed before the trial court; trial court not bound by preliminary observations.
Topics: Criminal Law, Drug Regulation