Varinder Singh Alias Kala v. State Of Punjab

In the High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh CRM-M-43534-2025 (O&M) Date of Decision:- 05.02.2026 Varinder Singh @ Kala ... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ... Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUBHAS MEHLA Present:- Mr. Satnam Singh Gill, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Anup Singh, AAG, Punjab.

***** SUBHAS MEHLA , J. (Oral) 1.

By way of the present petition, the petitioner is seeking regular bail in case FIR No.139 dated 01.11.2023 registered under Section 18 of NDPS Act, at Police Station Sadar Patiala, District Patiala. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner contended that the petitioner is in custody for the last more than 02 years and 03 months and trial is proceeding at a snail's pace. Learned counsel prayed for grant of regular bail to the petitioner.

3.

Custody certificate of petitioner filed by learned State counsel in Court, is taken on record. As per custody certificate, the petitioner is in custody for the last about 02 years and 03 months. 4.

Learned State counsel opposed the prayer made by learned counsel for the petitioner by submitting that a huge quantity of cotraband has been recovered i.e. 08 KG of 'Opium' from the car which was driven by the GEETA RANI 2026.02.11 10:40 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment Punjab & Haryana High Court at Chandigarh

CRM-M-43534-2025 (O&M) ( 2 ) petitioner. It is further submitted that out of cited 16 PWs, 07 PWs have been examined so far and the case is fixed for 24.02.2026 before the Special Court established for NDPS cases.

5.

Heard.

6.

Having heard learned counsel for the parties, as the petitioner is in custody for the last more than 02 years and 03 months, the instant petition stands disposed off with a direction to the Trial Court to expedite the conclusion of trial preferably within a period of 3 months from the next date of hearing fixed before it. If the trial Court fails to conclude the trial within the stipulated period, then the petitioner would be at liberty to move an appropriate application seeking grant of bail before the Trial Court. Upon such application being filed, the Trial Court shall release the petitioner on bail subject to his furnishing requisite bonds to its satisfaction by imposing such condition that his presence can be secured during the trial as the petitioner is in custody since the last more than 02 years and 03 months. It is made clear that if the delay in the trial is caused on the part of the petitioner/accused, then he shall not be entitled for the aforesaid relief. 7.

Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, stands disposed of accordingy.

( SUBHAS MEHLA ) 05.02.2026 JUDGE Geeta Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No GEETA RANI 2026.02.11 10:40 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment Punjab & Haryana High Court at Chandigarh