Gurjant Singh Alias Billi And Another v. State Of Punjab

2023:PHHC:145064 CRM-M-56367-2023 -1IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-56367-2023 Date of decision : November 15, 2023 Gurjant Singh alias Billi and another ....Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab ....Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KULDEEP TIWARI Present :

Mr. Yashpal Thakur, Advocate, for the petitioners Mr. Karunesh Kaushal, AAG, Punjab KULDEEP TIWARI,J. (ORAL) 1.

Through the instant petition, relief of regular bail has been sought on the ground that the petitioners are behind the bars for the last 4 years 6 months.

2.

Learned State counsel, during the course of arguments, has submitted custody certificate of one of the petitioner namely Gurjant Singh, issued by Additional Superintendent, Central Jail, Patiala. The same is taken on record. The custody certificate reveals that petitioner Gurjant Singh has faced incarceration for about 4 years and 6 months.

3.

On a specific query with regard to stage of trial, the learned State counsel has informed this Court, on instructions from ASI Jarnail Singh that total 19 witnesses were cited by the DALBIR SINGH TIWANA 2023.11.17 11:47 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment.

2023:PHHC:145064 CRM-M-56367-2023 -2prosecution in the final report. Out of 19, 12 prosecution witnesses have already been examined. One witness was given up as unnecessary and during the pendency of the trial, one witness unfortunately has expired. He further stated that the next date of hearing before the trial court is 6.12.2023 for recording statements of the remaining five witnesses. Therefore, the trial is at the fag end. 4.

Considering the stage of trial, this Court is not inclined to grant the prayer of regular bail to the petitioners. However, a direction is issued to the learned trial court to make an endeavour to conclude the trial expeditiously, preferably within three months from today. The Senior Superintendent of Police concerned is also directed to ensure the presence of prosecution witnesses before the learned trial court concerned, enabling the latter to conclude the trial.

5.

The petition is disposed of accordingly.

6.

Copy of this order be also sent to the Senior Superintendent of Police concerned for its compliance. ( KULDEEP TIWARI ) November 15, 2023 JUDGE 'tiwana'

Whether speaking/reasoned ?

Yes/No Whether Reportable ?

Yes/No DALBIR SINGH TIWANA 2023.11.17 11:47 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment.