BISWAJIT MANDAL Vs. INSPECTOR, NARCOTIC CONTROL BUREAU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) When does the twenty four hour period to produce an accused before the Magistrate commence? Does it start from the time of arrest as recorded by the police or from the time when the accused was detained? These questions are addressed in this application seeking regular bail filed under sec. 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

(2.) Petitioner is the accused in Crime No.2 of 2025 of the Narcotics Control Bureau, Cochin Zonal Unit, alleging offences punishable under sec. 8(c) r/w Sec. 20(b)(ii)(C), 28 and Sec. 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short 'NDPS Act').

(3.) Prosecution alleges that on 25/1/2025, the accused was found in possession of 26.92 Kg of ganja from platform No.3 of Ernakulam Junction Railway Station and thereby committed the offences alleged. Petitioner has been in custody since 26/1/2025.