JAMMU : The practice of arranging “phony sureties” for accused persons has come under the scanner of the Special Judge (NDPS Cases), Jammu, Parvaiz Iqbal, who has sought the cooperation of the Bar to identify those indulge in this fraudulent practices in the District Court Complex.
The court observed that certain persons move around the court premises looking for accused who need local sureties and offer their services for money. It noted that fabricated Aadhaar cards and revenue documents are being used to project them as genuine sureties.
The judge said the practice could undermine the bail system and enable accused to remain away from trial.
He also referred to the Supreme Court judgment in Union of India v. Chidiebere Kingsley Nwadham (2026 INSC 870), which highlighted the need for stricter verification of sureties.
The observations came while dealing with an NDPS case registered at Bahu Fort police station after 17 kg of poppy straw was recovered from a truck in July 2020.
The two accused were granted bail in October 2020 against ₹50,000 surety bonds each. Sanjay Kumar stood surety for both. Their appearances before the court subsequently became irregular, with warrants issued repeatedly since January 2024.
Sanjay Kumar later told the court that he neither knew the accused nor their whereabouts and had been persuaded by a friend to stand surety for strangers.
The court directed him to deposit ₹1 lakh, allowing ₹50,000 to be paid immediately and the balance on the next hearing.