India considers licensing for bail bondsmen
The Supreme Court of India is considering a proposal to introduce a regulated system of professional bail bondsmen who would be licensed to provide bail sureties specifically for foreign nationals accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and similar serious drug offences. The idea, raised during hearings on concerns that non-citizens released on bail often fail to appear for trial, would allow qualified individuals or entities to act as bail guarantors and obligate them to ensure compliance with bail conditions and court appearances. Draft Professional Bail Bondsmen (Regulation) Rules outlining eligibility criteria, disqualifications (such as for police or judicial officers) and obligations for bondsmen have been uploaded for public consultation as part of the Court’s review process, reflecting an effort to strengthen accountability in the judicial process for drug-related cases involving international defendants.