Cab driver Ram Kumar Pandey receives bail after contraband found with passengers, highlighting lack of prior contact with co-accused
In a significant decision, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, under the guidance of Justice Subhas Mehla, has granted regular bail to Ram Kumar Pandey, a cab driver implicated in a Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act case. The judgment, dated May 4, 2026, comes after the petitioner was arrested following the discovery of substantial quantities of contraband in his vehicle.
The incident occurred on November 19, 2025, when law enforcement officials recovered two bags containing a total of 15,000 tablets of Tramadol from the back seat of the car driven by Pandey. The vehicle had been booked via a ride-hailing app by co-accused Aman and Mohamad Arshad. Despite the recovery being made from the car, the court found that there was no direct recovery from Pandey himself.
Counsel for Pandey, comprising Mr. Atul Aggarwal and associates, argued for bail on the grounds that Pandey had been falsely implicated, with the contraband being associated with the co-accused who booked the cab. Additionally, it was noted that Pandey had been in custody for over five months and had no prior criminal record.
The State's opposition focused on the quantity of the contraband, which falls under the commercial category, and the fact that Pandey was apprehended alongside the co-accused. However, crucially, the court was informed that there was no evidence of prior contact between Pandey and the co-accused before the booking of the cab, as stated in the State's reply.
Justice Mehla, after considering the submissions and circumstances, highlighted that the trial would likely take considerable time to conclude, and keeping Pandey in custody would serve no fruitful purpose. The court reiterated the principle that bail is a rule and jail an exception in criminal jurisprudence, thus deeming it appropriate to grant bail.
Ultimately, the court ordered that Pandey be released on regular bail upon furnishing the necessary bonds to the satisfaction of the trial court or concerned magistrate. This decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that individuals are not unduly penalized without substantial evidence of wrongdoing.
Bottom line:-
Bail - Regular bail granted to a cab driver accused under the NDPS Act, as the contraband was found with co-accused who booked the cab and there was no prior contact between the petitioner and the co-accused.
Statutory provision(s): Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 Section 22
Ram Kumar Pandey v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2894954
