Bansi Lal v. State Of Punjab

In the High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana At Chandigarh CRM-M-23792-2020 (O&M) Date of Decision:-12.10.2020 Bansi Lal ... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ... Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE GURVINDER SINGH GILL Present:- Mr. Digvijay Nagpal, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Ramandeep Partap, DAG, Punjab, assisted by ASI Subhash Chander.

(proceedings conducted through video conferencing) ***** GURVINDER SINGH GILL, J.(Oral) 1.

This is the second petition filed on behalf of the petitioner Bansi Lal seeking grant of regular bail in respect of a case registered vide FIR No.0036 dated 26.3.2018 at Police Station Arniwala, District Fazilka under Sections 18/61/85 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, wherein the allegations are mainly to the effect that five persons including the present petitioner were found in possession of 3.5 kilograms of 'opium' while they were travelling in a car.

2.

The learned State counsel, upon instructions from ASI Subhash Chander, has informed that all the PWs already stands examined. PANKAJ KAKKAR 2020.10.12 18:30 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

( 2 ) CRM-M-23792-2020 (O&M) 3.

In view of the aforestated position, wherein the trial is virtually at its fag end, this Court does not deem it appropriate to release the petitioner on bail. 4.

However, since the learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the defence counsel representing the petitioner before the Trial Court shall render utmost cooperation for conduct of proceeding of the trial, the trial Court is directed to take necessary steps for expediting the trial as may be possible during the present circumstances of spread of pandemic COVID-19 for recording defence evidence, if any. If it is possible to record the statements of DWs, if any, by physical process subject to adherence of all the safeguards as prescribed by Health Authorities, the same may be recorded through physical process. In case, it is not safe or convenient to do so, then possibility of recording of the statement of DWs by video conferencing be explored, so that efforts may be made thereafter for hearing final arguments at the earliest.

5.

The petition stands disposed of with aforesaid directions. 12.10.2020 ( Gurvinder Singh Gill ) pankaj Judge Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No PANKAJ KAKKAR 2020.10.12 18:30 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document