KASHMIR SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) FOR the reasons stated in the application for condonation of delay, the delay in filing this appeal is hereby condoned.

(2.) IT has been contended by the appellants that the accused for whom they had stood surety namely Daler Singh absented himself on March 10, 1997 whereas he was released on interim bail on March 1, 1997. Thereafter Daler Singh voluntarily surrendered before the court on March 21, 1997 and was taken into custody. Daler Singh was subsequently found guilty and convicted of the offence under Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances by Special Judge, Amritsar, on December 21, 1998. From the above, it appears that Daler Singh's absconding from the court was only for 11 days and was not such a serious matter which would necessitate the forfeiture of the surety bond by imposing Rs. 30,000/ - on each appellant. In the circumstances of this case, appeal deserves to be accepted and the impugned order deserves to be set aside ordered accordingly.