Gujarat High Court granted regular bail in an e-way bill forgery case, subject to deposit of ₹29.30 lakh as tax and compliance with standard conditions.
Gujarat HC Grants Bail in E-Way Bill Forgery, Orders ₹29.3 Lakh Deposit
The Gujarat High Court granted regular bail to an accused in a case involving alleged forgery and misuse of e-way bills under the GST regime. The Court imposed stringent conditions, including deposit of ₹29.30 lakh—equivalent to the disputed tax liability—as a prerequisite for release.
The decision balanced investigative integrity with personal liberty, observing that continued detention without tangible forensic recovery justified no further purpose. The Court emphasized that economic offences under GST should not be equated with physical harm or national security threats.
Practitioners should note the emerging trend of linking bail to partial tax settlement. While not formalized in statute, courts are increasingly viewing deposits as a measure of cooperation and mitigation. Counsel must prepare bail applications with compliance and restitution strategies.
