Young applicant secures bail due to lack of evidence on LSD and absence of criminal history, with substances categorized under small and intermediate quantities.
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has granted regular bail to Aashish Bachchas in a case involving multiple contraband substances. The court's decision, delivered by Justice Manoj Jain, considered the applicant's young age, absence of prior criminal records, and the lack of prima facie evidence regarding the alleged LSD possession.
The case, originating from FIR No. 0092/2025, was registered under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The incident in question involved a tragic accident on August 10, 2025, where two individuals lost their lives, allegedly due to a Mahindra Thar driven by Bachchas. Following the accident, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several contraband substances, including Ganja, Cocaine, Charas, MD, LSD, and Tobacco.
The court noted that the contraband, except for MD, fell within the 'small quantity' category, with MD classified as 'intermediate quantity.' The trial court had previously observed that the investigating agency did not conduct immediate tests on the suspected LSD, thereby lacking prima facie material to confirm its identity as LSD. This observation played a crucial role in the high court's decision to grant bail.
Despite opposition from the State's Additional Public Prosecutor, who argued the conscious recovery of multiple contraband and pending FSL reports, the court emphasized the applicant's young age and clean record. The charge sheet has already been filed, and the case is set for consideration on charges on April 8, 2026.
The court ordered Bachchas to be released on bail, subject to furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 25,000 with one surety of the same amount. The decision highlights the court's balanced approach in assessing the merits of bail applications, especially when involving young individuals with no prior legal issues.
Bottom Line:
Bail - Regular bail granted to an applicant in an NDPS Act case involving possession of small and intermediate quantities of contraband, considering his young age, lack of previous criminal antecedents, and absence of prima facie material regarding LSD substance.
Statutory provision(s): Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 Sections 20, 21, 22, 25, 29; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 281, 105
Aashish Bachchas v. State NCT of Delhi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2856635
