Mumbai, Maharashtra – March 7, 2024 – Adnam Akram Sayyed, also known as Adnan or Firoz, a 22-year-old resident of Powai, Mumbai, has been granted bail by the Special Judge for NDPS Cases at Greater Mumbai in connection with a drug possession case. Sayyed was arrested on January 23, 2024, by the Powai Police Station and charged under sections 8(c) read with 22(b), 27A, and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The case stems from the alleged recovery of 10 grams of MD (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as ecstasy or molly, from Sayyed. Subsequently, a further 5 grams of MD were reportedly seized during a house search, leading to the implication of a co-accused.

Sayyed’s legal counsel, Advocate B.J. Shaikh, filed a bail application under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, arguing that his client had been falsely implicated and that the recovered quantity of MD fell within the non-commercial category. The defense emphasized Sayyed’s clean criminal record, permanent residence in Mumbai, and willingness to abide by all court-imposed conditions.

The prosecution, represented by Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Shankar Erande, vehemently opposed the bail plea. In their reply, submitted by the Investigating Officer, they argued that Sayyed’s involvement in possessing and potentially distributing MD constituted a serious offense. They expressed concerns that releasing Sayyed on bail could lead to him repeating the crime and potentially hindering the ongoing investigation.

Court’s Decision and Rationale:

Special Judge B.Y. Phad, after considering the arguments from both sides, granted Sayyed bail, citing the non-commercial quantity of the recovered MD, Sayyed’s clean antecedents, and permanent place of residence. The court acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but deemed it appropriate to release Sayyed on bail with stringent conditions to ensure his compliance and prevent any potential misuse of his freedom.

Stringent Bail Conditions Imposed:

The court ordered Sayyed’s release upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 60,000 and a solvent surety bond of the same amount. To ensure his appearance during the legal proceedings and maintain law and order, the court imposed the following conditions:

• Weekly Reporting: Sayyed is required to report to the Powai Police Station every Sunday between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM until the filing of the final report.
• Travel Restrictions: He is prohibited from leaving the jurisdiction of Mumbai without explicit permission from the investigating officer or the court.
• No Contact with Co-accused and Witnesses: Sayyed is strictly forbidden from contacting co-accused, witnesses, or any individuals associated with the case. He is also barred from tampering with any evidence or documents related to the case.
• Residential Address and Mobile Number: He must maintain his current residence in Powai and inform the court and investigating officer of any change in address. He must also provide his active mobile number and report any changes.
• Cooperation with Investigation: Sayyed is required to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and comply with all reasonable directions from law enforcement.
• Passport Surrender: He must surrender his passport to the investigating officer within a week or file an affidavit stating that he does not possess one.
• Prohibition of Related Activities: Sayyed is prohibited from engaging in any activities related to the registered offense.
• Compliance with Law Enforcement: He must comply with all reasonable directions from law enforcement agencies or investigating officers.
• Blood Relative Information: As per the Criminal Manual, Sayyed is required to provide a list of three blood relatives with their residential and work addresses, along with documentary proof.

The court explicitly warned that any violation of these conditions would result in the immediate revocation of bail and potential further legal consequences.

Significance of the Case:

This case highlights the complexities of drug-related offenses and the balancing act between individual liberty and public safety. The court’s decision to grant bail, while imposing strict conditions, reflects the consideration of the quantity of the drug recovered and the accused’s personal circumstances. The stringent conditions underscore the court’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the investigation and preventing any potential recurrence of the offense.

The case is expected to proceed further with the ongoing investigation and the filing of the charge sheet.