Ajaypal Singh v. State Of Punjab

In the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, at Chandigarh Criminal Misc. No. M-32890 of 2020 (O&M) Date of Decision: 15.01.2021 Ajaypal Singh ... Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab ... Respondent(s) CORAM: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Anil Kshetarpal.

Present:

Mr. Ashish Aggarwal, Advocate for the petitioners.

Mr. Avtar Singh Sandhu, Additional Advocate General, Punjab for the respondent.

Anil Kshetarpal, J.

This is second petition for grant of regular bail pending trial in a criminal case arising from FIR No. 309 dated 29.11.2018, registered under Section 21 & 29 of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, at Police Station Tarn Taran, District Tarn Taran. The first petition, filed by the petitioner, was disposed of on 06.12.2019 with the following order:- "Petitioner prays for bail pending trial in FIR No.309 dated 29.11.2018 registered under Sections 21, 25, 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 at Police Station City Tarn Taran, District Tarn Taran. As per case of the prosecution which was registered on the basis of secret information, petitioner alongwith his co-accused were seen coming with 500 grams of heroin. Petitioner was successful in escaping whereas coaccused of the petitioner was arrested with 500 grams of DEEPAK KUMAR BHARDWAJ 2021.01.15 16:05 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

Criminal Misc. No. M-32890 of 2020 (O&M) heroin.

Learned counsel for the State, on instructions from ASI Mehal Singh, has submitted that the petitioner is a habitual offender, involved in two more cases under the NDPS Act. In view thereof, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner. However, keeping in view the fact that the petitioner is in custody, learned Special Court is requested to expedite the conclusion of the trial.

Disposed of, accordingly".

Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that inspite of the directions, the trial of the case has not made any substantial progress. This Court has considered the submissions. No doubt, due to the spread of COVID-19, normal functioning of the Courts stood hampered, however, now efforts are being made to resume normal functioning. Keeping in view the aforesaid facts, the trial Court is directed to make a sincere endeavour for disposal of the trial within a period of six months from today.

With the observations made above, the present petition is disposed of.

The miscellaneous application(s) pending, if any, shall also stand disposed of.

(Anil Kshetarpal) Judge January 15, 2021 "DK"

Whether speaking/reasoned :Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No DEEPAK KUMAR BHARDWAJ 2021.01.15 16:05 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document