Mumbai, April 3, 2024 – Deepak Suresh Dhotre has been granted bail by the Special Court for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, at Greater Bombay in an NDPS case. Special Judge A.V. Kharkar (Court Room No. 42) issued the order on April 2, 2024.

Dhotre was arrested by the RCF Police Station in connection with C.R. No. 135 of 2024, for offenses under Section 8(c) read with Section 20(B) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act).

Background and Allegations:

On March 1, 2024, during routine patrolling, the police observed Dhotre standing on the roadside with a bag, acting suspiciously. Upon searching his bag in the presence of panch witnesses, 2 kilograms of Ganja were recovered.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate Gorakh Liman, representing Dhotre, argued that the seized quantity was non-commercial and therefore the stringent provisions of Section 37 of the NDPS Act did not apply. He also alleged non-compliance with statutory provisions regarding search and seizure.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Geeta Nayyar, representing the State, opposed the bail, citing the ongoing investigation and the gravity of the offense.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Kharkar acknowledged that the seized contraband was a non-commercial quantity, which meant the bar of Section 37 of the NDPS Act did not apply. The court also noted the lack of any criminal antecedents against Dhotre.

Considering these factors, the court found no impediment to granting bail.

Bail Conditions:

Dhotre was granted bail upon furnishing a solvent surety and a personal bond of Rs. 50,000. The following conditions were imposed:

• Dhotre and his surety must provide their residential addresses, mobile numbers, and email addresses.
• Dhotre must not tamper with evidence, offer inducement, or threaten prosecution witnesses.
• Dhotre must mark his presence at the RCF Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until further orders.
• Prior to release, Dhotre must furnish his residential proof and deposit his passport, if any, with the Investigating Officer under intimation to the court.
• Dhotre must not commit offenses of a similar nature.

Order Details:

The order was dictated, transcribed, and signed on April 2, 2024, and uploaded on April 3, 2024, at 11:29 a.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the non-commercial quantity of the seized contraband, the lack of criminal antecedents, and the imposition of conditions to ensure Dhotre’s compliance with the legal process.