Navin Mandal @ Ashik Raj v. The State Of Bihar

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA

CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.82405 of 2025 Arising Out of PS. Case No.-112 Year-2023 Thana- BIHARIGANJ District- Madhepura ====================================================== Navin Mandal @ Ashik Raj S/o Nawal Kishor Mandal @ Rajeev Mandal @ Rajeev Ranjan Mandal R/o vill - Sarauni Kala, ward no. 2, P.S.- Bihariganj, Distt.- Madhepura ... ... Petitioner/s

Versus

The State of Bihar ... ... Opposite Party/s ====================================================== Appearance :

For the Petitioner/s :

Mr. Alok Kumar Singh, Advocate For the Opposite Party/s :

Mr. Amitesh Kumar, A.P.P ====================================================== CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE DR. ANSHUMAN ORAL ORDER 25-02-2026 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned A.P.P. for the State.

2. The petitioner seeks regular bail in connection with Bihariganj P.S. Case No. 112 of 2023 lodged on 10.05.2023, for the offence punishable under Sections 25(1-AA), 25(1-b)a & 26 of the Arms Act read with sections 8(c) & 21(b) of the N.D.P.S Act, pending in the Court of District & Additional Sessions Judge 1st-cum-Special Judge, S.C./S.T, Madhepura.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the regular bail application of the petitioner was earlier rejected thrice vide orders dated 29.02.2024, 17.01.2025 & 01.08.2025 passed in Cr. Misc. No. 68886 of 2023, Cr. Misc. No. 67627 of 2024 & Cr. Misc. No. 27105 of 2025 respectively. Counsel submits that in the rejection order dated 01.08.2025, it was directed to the Additional District & Sessions Judge-cum-

Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.82405 of 2025(3) dt.25-02-2026 2/2 Special Judge, N.D.P.S., Madhepura where the case was pending, to put this case on the examination of accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C. and thereafter grant time for examination of defence witness and conclude the same within three months. Counsel submits that three months have already been lapsed and therefore, this aspect may be taken into consideration and the petitioner be released on bail. Counsel submits that the petitioner is in custody since 11.05.2023.

4. Learned APP for the State opposes the prayer for bail of the petitioner and submits that on earlier occasion, report with regard to the present stage of the trial was called for and from the said report, it is clear that evidence of all the five prosecution witnesses have already taken place, examination of accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C. also taken place and presently, the case is going on for defence witness.

5. In this view of the matter, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, the prayer for regular bail of the petitioner is hereby rejected.

(Dr. Anshuman, J) Divyansh/- U T