Bhabagrahi Sahu v. State Of Odisha

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

ABLAPL No.9726 of 2022 Bhabagrahi Sahu ....

Petitioner Mr.B.C.Ghadei, Advocate -versusState of Odisha ....

Opp. Party Mr. S.Mishra, A.S.C.

CORAM:

JUSTICE A.K. MOHAPATRA Order No.

ORDER

16.08.2022 01.

1.

This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual /Physical Mode).

2.

Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner and the learned Additional Standing Counsel. Perused the records. 3.

This is an application under Section 438 Cr.P.C. filed by the Petitioner for anticipatory bail.

4.

The Petitioner is seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with 2(a) C.C.Case No.45 of 2022, arising out of P.R.No.78 of 2022-23 pending in the Court of the learned Additional Sessions Judge-cumSpecial Judge, Athagarh for commission of alleged offence punishable under sections 20(i)(B) of the NDPS Act. 5.

It is submitted by the learned counsel for the Petitioner that the Petitioner is the owner of the vehicle for which alleged contraband ganja was seized. It is further submitted by the learned counsel for the Petitioner that the Petitioner was not present at the spot. The Petitioner is apprehending arrest as the vehicle which was used in the alleged offence belongs to him.

// 2 // 6.

Taking into consideration the nature of offence and nonavailability of the case diary, I am not inclined to exercise any discretion under Section 438 Cr.P.C. in favour of the Petitioner. 7.

However, it is observed that the Petitioner, if so advised, may surrender before the learned Additional Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Athagarh in the aforesaid case within three weeks from today. In the event the Petitioner surrenders and moves for bail within the aforesaid period, learned Additional Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Athagarh shall do well to dispose of the bail application of the Petitioner on the same day on merit in accordance with law. Further, while considering the bail application of the Petitioner, learned court in seisin over the matter shall also consider the law laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Tofan Singh vs. State of Tamilnadu : reported in (2021) 4 SCC 1 and order dated 10.01.2022 in the matter of State By (NCB) Bengaluru v. Palluabid Ahmad Arimuta and another (Special Leave to Appeal (Criminal) No.242 of 2022). The case diary be made available to the concerned court to facilitate disposal of the bail application of the Petitioner. 8.

Accordingly, the ABLAPL stands disposed of.

9.

Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per Rules. ( A.K. Mohapatra) Judge RKS