Dev Ram@Debi v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-19686-2026 Date of decision: 20.04.2026 DEV RAM@DEBI ......Petitioner

VERSUS

STATE OF PUNJAB .......Respondent CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VINOD S. BHARDWAJ ***** Present: - Mr. Aman Mittal, Advocate for the petitioner.

Dr. (Ms.) Savi Nagpal, Asst. A.G. Punjab.

***** VINOD S. BHARDWAJ, J. (Oral) 1.

The instant second petition has been filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for the grant of regular bail in case bearing FIR No. 25 dated 07.03.2025, registered under Section(s) 22 of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 at Police Station Sadar Nabha, District Patiala.

2.

Learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner contends that the FIR has been registered on chance recovery of 30 strips containing Alprazolam i.e. a total of 300 tablets from the polythene bag carried by the petitioner. Counsel contends that the petitioner is in judicial custody since 10.03.2025 and has undergone actual incarceration of more than 01 year. It is further submitted that only one witness out of 10 witnesses cited by the prosecution has been examined so far. He contends that the recovery in question is intermediate quantity and the conclusion of trial shall thus take VISHAL SHARMA 2026.04.21 17:46 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-19686-2026 -2long time.

3.

Learned State Counsel on the other hand contends that the petitioner has criminal antecedents and is also involved in similar cases. She submits that the petitioner is stated to be involved in organized crime related to illicit trafficking under the NDPS Act, 1985. She, however, does not dispute the period of custody undergone by the petitioner, the stage of the trial as well as the fact that the recovered quantity is intermediate-noncommercial. 4.

Having heard learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respective parties and taking into consideration the period of custody undergone by the petitioner as well as the stage of trial and the recovered quantity being intermediate, I deem it appropriate to enlarge the petitioner on regular bail to the satisfaction of the trial Court. 5.

The instant petition is allowed and the petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing requisite bail bond/surety bond to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate, concerned. 6.

It is made clear that the petitioner shall not extend any threat and shall not influence any prosecution witnesses in any manner directly or indirectly.

7.

The observation made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression on the merits of the case and the Trial Court shall decide the case on the basis of available material.

(VINOD S. BHARDWAJ) APRIL 20, 2026 JUDGE Vishal Sharma Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether Reportable :

Yes/No VISHAL SHARMA 2026.04.21 17:46 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document