Supreme Court Grants Bail to Radhe Shyam in NDPS Case, Sets Aside Chhattisgarh High Court Order.


06 October 2025 Bail and Antcipatory Bail >> Criminal Law   |   Drugs >> Criminal Law   |   Special Leave Petition >> Criminal Law  

The Supreme Court of India has released on bail Radhe Shyam, who was detained under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, setting aside a 2024 order of the Chhattisgarh High Court that had refused him relief. The order, which was made on October 6, 2025, was by a Bench led by Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh in Criminal Appeal arising out of SLP (Crl.) No. 10638 of 2025.

The appeal questioned the order dated September 5, 2024, rendered by the High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur in MCRC No. 3930 of 2024 in Radhe Shyam v. State of Chhattisgarh. The case had arisen out of Crime No. 482 of 2023 filed at Pendra Police Station, Gaurella-Pendra-Marwahi District, under Section 20(B) of the NDPS Act, 1985.


 

 

Upon considering the record and after listening to counsel for both parties, the Bench opined that the appellant had established a case entitling it to interfere with the order of the High Court. The judges pointed out that Radhe Shyam was in custody from December 30, 2023, and held that he was entitled to be released on bail on such terms as may be directed by the trial court.

Guiding outright compliance, the Supreme Court directed that the appellant be produced before the trial court immediately for bail formalities. The Court also directed that the trial proceedings be hastened. The order specifically required Radhe Shyam to cooperate completely with the investigation and trial, to not abuse his liberty, and to not tamper with witnesses or evidence. The judges explained that the trial court still had jurisdiction to cancel bail in case of any breach.

Besides, the Court laid down that if the investigation was continuing, the appellant shall co-operate with the authorities; and in case a charge sheet had been presented, he shall keep good behaviour during the trial.

With these instructions, the Supreme Court granted the appeal, reversing the High Court judgment and disposing of all the pending applications.


Section 20, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act - 1985  

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985