Somanath Paul v. State Of Odisha

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

BLAPL No.956 of 2022 Somanath Paul ....

Petitioner Miss B. Sahu, Advocate -versusState of Orissa ....

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

CORAM:

JUSTICE B. P. ROUTRAY

ORDER

19.05.2022 Order No.

02.

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 66 kg.

2. Heard Miss B. Sahu, 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 16.11.2019 and the trial has not commenced till date.

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 Chitrakonda P.S. Case No.140/2019 corresponding to T.R. No.138/2019 on such terms and conditions to be fixed by learned Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Malkangiri 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 24th 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