In Brief
Munawwar Ali had been in police custody for over 26 months on charges of smuggling under the Customs Act, 1962, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years. His co-accused had been granted bail by the High Court. The Supreme Court held that considering the prolonged period of custody, the moderate maximum punishment, and the bail granted to the co-accused, the appellant deserved bail. The Court set aside the High Court's refusal and ordered his release on bail with conditions to be imposed by the trial court.
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