Atari Drug Haul Case: Delhi HC Declines Interim Bail Plea Of Amritpal Singh

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the interim bail plea of Amritpal Singh, an accused in the 103-kg heroin seizure case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The drugs were recovered at the Atari border in April 2022 by immigration officials.

Amritpal Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran, Punjab, sought temporary bail citing his wife’s scheduled gall bladder surgery.

His counsel argued that she, a professor at Guru Arjan Dev College, needed assistance during recovery, especially as the couple has two minor children.

NIA Opposes, Cites Family Support & Stability

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), represented by advocate Shilpa Singh, strongly opposed the bail plea. She told the court that other family members could care for the wife and that the family was financially stable. She also noted that Singh’s wife is a working professional, suggesting she had adequate resources and support.

Justice Ravinder Dudeja rejected the plea, noting the NIA’s submissions and the fact that the trial against Singh is set to begin before the special NIA court in Delhi. The court also took into account Singh’s prior attempt to flee to Dubai in December 2023, for which a lookout notice had been issued.

Background

Singh was detained at Amritsar Airport on December 12, 2023, just days after authorities issued a lookout circular on December 7. He is among multiple accused in the high-profile narcotics case. One co-accused, Vipin Mitta, was granted bail in May 2023.