Court Finds Bail Fit Under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Subject to Compliance With Statutory Conditions
In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted bail to Satish Verma, a medical representative accused under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The bail was sanctioned by Justice Ajay Kumar Nirankari, who presided over the Miscellaneous Criminal Case No. 17476 of 2026, dated June 30, 2026.
Satish Verma, who has been in judicial custody since December 11, 2025, faced charges under Sections 27(A) and 27(D) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, as well as multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, including Sections 105, 276, 238(2), 241, 336(3), and 3(5). Despite the gravity of these allegations, the court found it appropriate to grant bail, emphasizing that the trial would require considerable time to conclude.
The counsel for the applicant argued that Verma was falsely implicated and highlighted his role as a medical representative engaged in the sale of a manufacturer's sealed pack of Coldriff syrup. The court was persuaded by the argument that there was no evidence suggesting Verma's knowledge of the product's non-compliance with legal standards or its potential harm.
Justice Nirankari, while granting bail, refrained from expressing any opinion on the merits of the case. The court directed Verma to furnish a personal bond of Rs. 50,000 with one solvent surety of the same amount. Furthermore, the court mandated compliance with Section 480(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to ensure adherence to the bail conditions.
The decision was met with opposition from the counsel representing the State, who argued against the bail application. However, the court, after reviewing the case diary and hearing both parties, concluded that the bail was justified under the circumstances.
This decision underscores the court's approach to balance the rights of the accused with the procedural safeguards, especially in cases where trials are prolonged.
Bottom line:-
Bail application under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Applicant accused under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Court finds it fit to grant bail considering circumstances, subject to furnishing bond and compliance with Section 480(3) of BNSS, 2023.
Statutory provision(s): Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Sections 27(A) and 27(D) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Sections 105, 276, 238(2), 241, 336(3), and 3(5) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Section 480(3) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Satish Verma v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (Madhya Pradesh)(Jabalpur) : Law Finder Doc id # 2933040
