In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has granted bail to a hardened cattle smuggler, Najeeb Khan, highlighting a major oversight by the Rajasthan government. The court observed that despite prior notice to the state government, no legal representation was made on its behalf during the proceedings. This absence of counsel led to the court being unable to assess the status of ongoing and seven other cases against Khan.
The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, acknowledged that Khan is a resident of Uttar Pradesh, which raised concerns about his regular appearance in Rajasthan for trial. However, the court remarked that there was insufficient reason to detain him indefinitely, citing the lack of active representation or updated information from the state on his case status. The court subsequently issued an order on October 21, granting him bail.
Conditions Imposed by the Supreme Court
While approving Khan’s bail, the Supreme Court laid down several conditions to ensure his cooperation with the legal process. The court mandated that Khan submit a surety bond along with two guarantors of an equal amount to satisfy the trial court. This measure aims to secure his consistent appearance in future court hearings.
This case underscores the critical importance of state representation in sensitive criminal cases, especially involving repeat offenders. The lapse by the Rajasthan government not only impacted the judicial process but also raised questions about the effectiveness of legal oversight in cases related to cattle smuggling.