JAGMEL SINGH @ KALA Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This order shall dispose of CRM-M Nos.7643 and 8366 of 2013, as both these petitions arise from the same FIR. The petitioners seek grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 43, dated 21.8.2012, registered under Section 15/61/85 of the NDPS Act, at Police Station Joga, District Mansa.

(2.) The allegation against the petitioners is that they were found in possession of 1 quintal 60 kgs 500 grams of poppy straw. The petitioners were arrested on 21.8.2012 and were remanded to police custody for two days i.e up to 23.8.2012. Consequently, for the purpose of Section 167(2) read with Section 36-A(4) of the NDPS Act, their custody shall be deemed to start from 24.8.2012. From this date, 180 days expired on 20.2.2013.

(3.) Prior thereto, on 16.2.2013, the Public Prosecutor moved an application for extension of time and by order dated 22.2.2013, the trial Court extended the time by four weeks. That period of four weeks expired on 21.3.2013.