Section 132 of the CGST Act, 2017 —Bail –Modifications of Conditions for Bail-- The petitioner is an accused in the alleged commission of offence under Section 132(1)(b) of the Act, was released on regular bail vide order dated 24.2.2021 on stringent conditions including execution of the bond amounting to Rs. 1.10 crores and two sureties of like amount including furnishing a bank guarantee/FDR of Rs. 60 lakhs. The petitioner challenged the amount of bail bond and surety bond etc. It is alleged that he had caused wrongful loss of Rs. 15.91 crores. The Addl. Sessions Judge, Ludhiana reduced the bond amount to Rs. 30 lakhs, with two sureties in the like amount, whereas the amount of bank guarantee was reduced to Rs. 20 lakhs. The petitioner submitted that the conditions modified are still extremely stringent and beyond the capacity of the petitioner to meet with the said requirement. The Court observed that the petitioner cannot be allowed to remain in jail indefinitely, because it would mean punishment to the accused before charges against him are even explained. The maximum sentence for the alleged offence in the present case is Five years, whereas the petitioner has already undergone a period of more than 11 months. Further, till date no complaint/charge-sheet has been filed by the respondent and despite the concession of bail extended to the petitioner on 24.2.2021, he continues to be in prison and grant of bail is a general rule, whereas denial is an exception. Held that:- The Hon’ble High Court ordered that the accused shall be released on bail subject to his executing bond of Rs. 10 lakhs and two sureties of the like amount, and further the other condition of furnishing a bank guarantee for a sum of Rs. 20 lakhs is set aside.