Egwin Kingsley Ugochukwu v. Union Of India
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 22.01.2025
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA Egwin Kingsley Ugochukwu ... Petitioner Vs.
Union of India through Intelligence Officer, Narcotics Control Bureau, Chennai.
... Respondent For Petitioner : Mr.Rajiv Lochan For Respondent : Mr.N.P.Kumar Special Public Prosecutor (NDPS and EC)
ORDER
This Petition has been filed before this Court under the caption "For extension of time" along with the report sent by the learned Additional District Judge/Presiding Officer, Special Court for EC Act cases, Coimbatore, in D.No.3178 of 2024 dated 12.12.2024.
2. This Court, while disposing of the petition in Crl.O.P.No.12906 of 2024 on 11.07.2024, directed the Trial Court to conduct the trial on day-to-day basis and complete it within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. A letter has been sent by the learned Additional District
Judge/Presiding Officer, Special Court for EC Act cases, Coimbatore, in D.No.3178 of 2024 dated 12.12.2024 seeking extension of time. In the said letter, the learned Judge has expressed his inability to proceed with the Trial Court stating that the respondent is not producing the witnesses from 23.10.2024. It is seen that the accused is in custody for more than 33 months.
3. This Court, while extending the time by further period of three months, strictly directs the respondent/Union of India through Intelligence Officer, Narcotics Control Bureau, Chennai to comply with the order passed by this Court dated 11.07.2024 and produce the witnesses on day-to-day basis and to ensure that the order passed by this Court is strictly complied with.
4. Considering the above facts and circumstances of this case, this Court is inclined to grant three months time to the Trial Court to complete the trial in C.C.No.19 of 2022 from today.
22.01.2025 mn
To
1. Union of India through Intelligence Officer, Narcotics Control Bureau, Chennai.
2. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.
A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA., J.
mn 22.01.2025