Ram Chander v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M-3307-2023 -12023:PHHC:067048

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH

CRM-M-3307-2023 Date of Decision: 10.05.2023 Ram Chander .... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab .... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK KUMAR VERMA Present: - Mr. S.P.S. Khaira, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. J.P. Ratra, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

ASHOK KUMAR VERMA, J. (ORAL) 1.

Custody certificate dated 08.05.2023 filed by learned counsel for the State is taken on record.

2.

The petitioner has filed the present petition under Section 439 Cr.P.C., for grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 64 dated 15.07.2022 registered under Section 18 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Sadar Nawanshahar, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab.

3.

According to the prosecution story, on 15.07.2022, the petitioner was apprehended by the police party with conscious possession of 2.6 kilograms of opium, without any licence or permit. 4.

Learned counsel, inter alia, contends that the petitioner has falsely been implicated in the present case. The quantity contraband RISHU KATARIA 2023.05.10 16:33 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment

CRM-M-3307-2023 -22023:PHHC:067048 recovered from the petitioner is marginally above the 'commercial quantity'. Petitioner is not involved in any other case. He is in custody since 15.07.2022. The trial is likely to take long time. No useful purpose will be served by further detention of the petitioner in custody. Thus, it is prayed that the he may be released on regular bail. 5.

On the other hand learned State counsel vehemently opposed the submissions of learned counsel for the petitioner. However, he fairly conceded the fact that the petitioner is not involved in any other case.

6.

Keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case, period of custody and the fact that the quantity of contraband recovered from the petitioner is marginally above the 'commercial quantity', but without commenting anything on merits of the case, the present petition is allowed.

7.

Petitioner-Ram Chander, is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate, concerned. 10.05.2023 (ASHOK KUMAR VERMA) rishu JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No RISHU KATARIA 2023.05.10 16:33 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment