Manoj Kumar Mutta, accused of supplying materials for counterfeit liquor production, secures bail as Supreme Court overturns High Court's decision.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has granted anticipatory bail to Manoj Kumar Mutta, a businessman from Vijayawada, who was embroiled in a high-profile case concerning the alleged supply of materials for manufacturing spurious liquor. The apex court's decision came in response to an appeal challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court's previous denial of bail.
The case traces back to October 2025, when excise officials conducted a raid at the premises of Addepalli Jagan Mohana Rao, resulting in the seizure of substantial quantities of spurious liquor and related manufacturing equipment. The investigation later implicated Manoj Kumar Mutta, who allegedly supplied empty plastic bottles and caps with government labels intended for the illegal production of counterfeit liquor brands such as Old Admiral Brandy and Kerala Malt Whiskey.
Despite not being initially named in the First Information Report (FIR) and no raids being conducted at his business premises, Mutta faced allegations based on the custodial interrogation of other accused persons and subsequent witness statements. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar, argued that the charges against him were unfounded and that he had cooperated with the investigation, having appeared before the Investigating Officer on multiple occasions.
The Supreme Court, comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria, considered the arguments presented by both parties. The court emphasized that the appellant's name was not mentioned in the initial FIR and acknowledged his cooperation with the investigation process. Furthermore, the court noted that no evidence suggested misuse of the interim protection granted earlier by the court.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's decision dated December 5, 2025, and made the interim protection granted on January 6, 2026, absolute. The appellant was directed to be released on anticipatory bail in the event of arrest, subject to specific conditions. These conditions include cooperating with the investigation, appearing during the trial, and refraining from influencing witnesses.
The court's ruling underscores the critical balance between ensuring justice and upholding the rights of individuals accused of crimes. The case sheds light on the complexities involved in cases related to the manufacturing and distribution of spurious liquor, a pressing issue in regions like Andhra Pradesh.
This judgment marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal proceedings and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Statutory provision(s): Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968 - Sections 34(a), 34(1)(i), 34(1)(ii), 34(e), 50B(b), 34(f), 34(2), 34(h), 36(1)(b & c), 36(1)(i), 37(b), 37(i), 50
Manoj Kumar Mutta v. State of Andhra Pradesh, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2863998
