Vinod Dhanuk v. Union Of India Through Intelligence Officer, Narcotics Control Bureau, Patna, Bihar.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA

CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.2556 of 2026 Arising Out of PS. Case No.-4 Year-2022 Thana- N.C.B (GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL) District- Bhojpur ====================================================== Vinod Dhanuk Son of Kishun Dhanuk R/o Village - Ward no. 10, P.S. - Shahpur, Dist. - Bhojpur.

... ... Petitioner/s

Versus

Union of India through intelligence officer, Narcotics Control Bureau, Patna, Bihar ... ... Opposite Party/s ====================================================== Appearance :

For the Petitioner/s :

Ms. Akanksha Malviya, Advocate Mr. Akash Keshav, Advocate Ms. Naina Nancy, Advocate For the Opposite Party/s :

Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh (C.G.C) Mr. Ankit Kumar Singh, Advocate Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Advocate ====================================================== CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RUDRA PRAKASH MISHRA ORAL ORDER 15-05-2026 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned APP for the State.

2.

The petitioner seeks bail in connection with NCB Case No. 04 of 2022, instituted for the offences under Sections 8(c), 21(c), 25, 28, 29 and 35 of the NDPS Act. 3.

This is the third attempt of the petitioner for bail. The petitioner has renewed his prayer for grant of regular bail which was earlier rejected by a co-ordinate Bench of this Court vide order dated 11.12.2023 passed in Cr. Misc. No. 50202 of 2023 and was also rejected by this Court vide order dated 03.04.2025 passed in Cr. Misc. No. 85158 of 2024 taking into consideration the recovery of contraband beyond commercial

Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.2556 of 2026(5) dt.15-05-2026 2/3 quantity coupled with embargo under Section 37 of the NDPS Act.

4.

In compliance of the order dated 03.04.2026, a report dated 13.04.2026 with regard to the present stage of trial has been received. From perusal of the aforesaid report, it appears that out of five charge-sheeted witnesses, only three witnesses have been examined in this case. It is further reported that the trial is likely to be concluded within a period of six months.

5.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is languishing in judicial custody since 27.01.2022 without any rhymes or reason and has got five criminal antecedents. Learned counsel for the petitioner further submits that previously vide order dated 03.04.2025 passed in Cr. Misc. No. 85158 of 2024, the petitioner was granted six months liberty to renew his prayer for bail before the learned Court below if the trial is not concluded within a period of six months. 6.

Learned APP for the State has vehemently opposed the prayer for grant of bail to the petitioner. 7.

There is no new ground to consider the bail petition of the petitioner. From the aforesaid report, it appears that the trial is going on and is at an advance stage.

Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.2556 of 2026(5) dt.15-05-2026 3/3 8.

In view of the above, the prayer for bail of the petitioner is again rejected with a direction to the court below to expedite the trial and conclude the same preferably within a period of two months from today. If the trial is not concluded within the period of two months, as stated above, the petitioner will be at liberty to renew his prayer before the learned court below.

9. The Director, NCB is directed to produce the remaining two witnesses before the learned Court below as and when required for conclusion of the trial within the stipulated time.

(Rudra Prakash Mishra, J) Rajorshi/- U T