Srinagar, Feb 13:The Court of Special Judge (NDPS Cases), Srinagar, on Friday granted interim bail to accused Sheikh Altaf Ahmad in connection with FIR No. 57/2025 registered at Police Station Nowhatta under Sections 8/20/22/29 of the NDPS Act.
The bail application (Bail App No. 427/2025) was decided by the Court of Mr. Vinod Kumar, Special Judge (NDPS Cases), Srinagar.
According to the prosecution case, on November 16, 2025, during naka checking at Malkha Chowk in Srinagar, one Hyder Javed Wani was apprehended with 3.040 kilograms of charas-like powder and 12 Tramadol Hydrochloride injections (2 ml each). On his alleged disclosure, Sheikh Altaf Ahmad was implicated in the case.
Subsequently, police claimed to have recovered 722 grams of similar charas-like powder from a graveyard near the applicant’s locality. Another co-accused was later arrested, and 1.114 kilograms of powder was allegedly recovered from near Makhdoom Sahib. The total recovery in the case was stated to be 5.176 kilograms of charas-like substance along with 12 Tramadol injections.
Three FSL reports dated December 2, 4, and 6, 2025, confirmed the seized samples as Ganja and Tramadol Hydrochloride.
Appearing for the applicant, Advocates Qazi Mohammad Athar and Syed Nafat argued that no contraband was recovered from the personal possession or residence of the accused and that he has no criminal antecedents. It was further submitted that the accused has been in judicial custody since November 18, 2025, and that the charge sheet has already been filed, with the investigation completed.
The defence also contended that continued incarceration would amount to pre-trial punishment. It was emphasized that the alleged recovered quantity of 5.176 kilograms of Ganja falls above the small quantity threshold but below the commercial quantity limit, categorizing it as intermediate quantity. The quantity of Tramadol injections was also stated to be below the small quantity threshold.
On this basis, the defence argued that the stringent conditions under Section 37 of the NDPS Act are applicable only in cases involving commercial quantity and therefore do not apply in the present case.
After hearing the parties, the Court granted interim bail to the accused.
