Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail, Says Cooperation With Probe Doesn’t Mean Self-Incrimination

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Vinay Kumar Gupta in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, holding that cooperation with investigation does not require an accused to incriminate himself.

The Court observed that while the State may investigate as per law, it cannot insist on actions that violate the constitutional right against self-incrimination. 

The appellant had joined the investigation but did not surrender his mobile phone.

Noting that custodial interrogation was not required at this stage, the Court directed that he be released on bail if arrested, subject to conditions fixed by the trial court.

[Vinay Kumar Gupta v. State of Madhya Pradesh]