STATE OF ORISSA Vs. KANHU CHARAN SAHU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal at the instance of the State of Orissa is directed against the judgment of acquittal dated 7.3.1991 passed by the Sessions Judge, Sundargarh in Sessions Trial No.145 of 1991 acquitting the respondent from a charge under Section 20(b)(i) of the N.D.P.S. Act for alleged possession of 630 grams of contraband Ganja.

(2.) Since the appeal was filed, close to fifteen years' time has elapsed. It was not the fault of the respondent that the appeal could not be heard and disposed of within a reasonable period of time since the appeal was filed. It was the inability of this Court to take up the appeal for hearing and disposal within a reasonable period of time. After passage of almost a decade and half, I do not think that it will serve the interest of justice to alter the finding of acquittal into one of conviction. For the aforesaid reason only, this appeal is dismissed. Appeal dismissed.