Court Cites Lack of Substantial Change in Circumstances Despite Delayed Trial
Raipur, 29th June 2026: The Chhattisgarh High Court has rejected the second bail application filed by Nehal Singh, who is implicated in a significant narcotics case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The decision, delivered by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, emphasized the absence of substantial changes in circumstances since the rejection of the first bail application in December 2025.
The applicant, Nehal Singh, was arrested in connection with the seizure of 40 bottles of Glankof-T syrup, containing Codeine Phosphate and Triprolidine Hydrochloride, amounting to 4000 ml. The contraband is classified as a commercial quantity under the NDPS Act, indicating severe legal repercussions.
The court noted that the prosecution's case is supported by the memorandum statements of co-accused Yuvraj Singh Chouhan and Wajid Khan, who claimed to have acquired the narcotic syrup from Singh. Furthermore, Singh's own statement revealed that he procured the syrup from Bhavnath Tiwari and sold it to the co-accused, further entrenching his involvement in an organized narcotics trafficking network.
Despite Singh's contention that the trial has been delayed and no prosecution witnesses have been examined, the court maintained that these factors do not constitute a substantial change in circumstances. The court underscored that the prima facie evidence of Singh's involvement in illicit trafficking outweighs the argument of trial delay.
In a bid to expedite the trial, the High Court directed the trial court to endeavor to conclude the proceedings within four months, urging the Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh, to ensure the presence of prosecution witnesses at the next trial date. The court warned that failure to produce witnesses could result in salary stoppages for responsible police personnel.
This ruling highlights the judiciary's stern stance on narcotics-related offenses and underscores the importance of timely trial proceedings in upholding the principles of justice.
Bottom line:-
Bail application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Rejection of second bail application for offence under NDPS Act, 1985 - Delay in trial does not constitute substantial change in circumstances to warrant bail when prima facie evidence indicates involvement in organized illicit trafficking.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 483, NDPS Act, 1985 Sections 21(C) and 29
Nehal Singh v. State of Chhattisgarh, (Chhattisgarh) : Law Finder Doc id # 2933196
