Prafulla Jena v. State Of Odisha

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

BLAPL No.916 of 2022 Prafulla Jena ....

Petitioner Mr. B.K. Sahoo, Advocate -versusState of Orissa ....

Opposite Party Mr. P.K. Mohanty, A.S.C.

CORAM:

JUSTICE B. P. ROUTRAY

ORDER

10.05.2022 Order No.

01.

1. This is an application under Sec.439 Cr.P.C. for bail and the offence alleged is under Sec.20(b)(ii)(C) of the NDPS Act for alleged possession of contraband ganja weighing 37 kg. 750 grams.

2. Heard Mr. B.K. Sahoo, learned counsel for the Petitioner as well as Mr. P.K. Mohanty, learned A.S.C. for the State-Opposite Party.

3. After hearing learned A.S.C. for the State-Opposite Party, I am not inclined to release the Petitioner on bail keeping in view the embargo contained in Section 37(1)(b) of the NDPS Act. The prayer for bail is rejected.

4. However, it is submitted on behalf of the Petitioner that he is inside custody since 13.9.2019 and in the meantime only three witnesses have been examined and the trial is yet to complete.

5. Thus considering long period of detention of the Petitioner inside custody and slow progress in trial, it is directed to release

the Petitioner on interim bail for a period of three months from the date of his release in connection with Khandagiri P.S. Case No.540/2019 corresponding to T.R. No.544/2019 on such terms and conditions to be fixed by learned Sessions Judge, Khurda at Bhubaneswar as he deems just and proper including the condition that the Petitioner shall furnish two sureties (with proper identity proof) out of which one shall be his relative and that, he shall not be involved in any other offence while on bail and shall attend the trial court on each date fixed.

6. It is made clear that the Petitioner shall surrender in the trial court on or before 16th August, 2022, failing which learned trial court shall take appropriate steps including issuance of NBW of arrest to apprehend him.

7. The BLAPL is disposed of.

8. An urgent certified copy of this order be granted on proper application.

( B.P. Routray) Judge B.K. Barik