In Brief
Manoj Chauhan was charged with criminal offences including theft, fraud, cruelty to animals, and criminal conspiracy under the IPC, along with violations of the Wildlife Protection Act. He had been in custody since February 2016, and though trial had commenced, it was expected to take considerable time given the number of witnesses. The Supreme Court held that, considering the prolonged custody and the trial's anticipated duration, the accused should be released on bail pending trial. The High Court's order was set aside, and bail was granted subject to conditions to be determined by the trial court."
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