Mumbai: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic (NDPS) Act court, which had issued summons against 33 accused in the Sushant Singh Rajput murder case, classified them into three categories to appear in court due to Covid.

“As the number of accused in this case is 33, due to Coronavirus circumstances, and to avoid gathering of several persons in court, the production of accused/appearance of the accused has been classified in three categories, as per sections imposed on them and their status as to whether they are in JC (judicial custody) or on bail,” the court had said recently. Subsequently, accused Jinedra Jain and Rahila Furniturewala submitted bail pleas, which are pending. Australian architect Paul Bartels, who is out on bail, submitted a discharge plea. The matter was adjourned to Tuesday.

The prosecution will then submit draft charges. The accused can submit discharge pleas. Arguments will be presented on charges by prosecution and defence. The court will then decided which charges are to be framed against the accused and if any are to be dropped. Once charges are framed, the trial can commence, but if an accused is discharged, proceedings against them end before the NDPS court.