Lakhan Singh v. State Of Odisha

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

BLAPL No.5412 of 2022 Lakhan Singh and another ....

Petitioners Mr. S.K.Dash, Advocate -versusState of Odisha ....

Opposite Party Mr. P. K.Maharaj, Addl. Standing Counsel

CORAM:

JUSTICE SASHIKANTA MISHRA

ORDER

28.06.2022.

Order No.

01.

1. This matter is taken up through virtual mode.

2. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioners and learned Addl. Standing Counsel for the State.

3. The Petitioners are in custody since 23rd August, 2021 in connection with R. Udayagiri P.S. Case No.103/2021 corresponding to G.R. Case No.87/2021 pending in the court of learned Addl.

Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Parlakhemundi for the alleged commission of the offence under Section 20(b)(ii)(C )/25/29 of N.D.P.S. Act.

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4. It is submitted that the Petitioners are nomadic street vendors and have been wrongly implicated in the case.

5. Considering the fact that the seized contraband is more than commercial quantity being 515.700 grams of ganja, I am not inclined to allow the prayer for bail at this stage.

6. However, considering the fact that the Petitioners are in custody for nearly 10 months without commencement of trial, this Court deems it proper to direct the trial court to expedite the trial and to conclude it within a period of five months from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. It is open to the Petitioners to renew their prayer if the trial is not concluded within the aforesaid period.

7. The BLAPL is disposed of.

(Sashikanta Mishra) AKB Judge