UNION OF INDIA Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) CHALLENGE in this petition is to the order dated 20.06.1995 (Annexure P -2), passed by the Sessions Judge, Bathinda, whereby application filed by the Commandant 55 Bn CRPF for return of 9 MM pistol, bearing Butt No. 8, Body No. 245 P -251885, 1 live Amm 8 MM & 9 fired cases, has been dismissed. The pistol in question was used in the commission of murder. As per the judgment dated 09.11.1990 passed by the Sessions Judge, Bathinda, accused T.A. Bhaskar was convicted under Section 302 IPC and Section 27 of Arms Act, 1959. The conviction was upheld in appeal. In both the orders, no order with regard to the pistol In question was passed. Hence, vide impugned order, the Sessions Judge, Bathinda, ordered that the pistol be confiscated to the State.

(2.) AS per Section 452(1) Cr.P.C., after conclusion of a trial in any criminal Court, the Court can make any order as it thinks fit for the disposal, by destruction, confiscation or delivery to any person claiming to be entitled to possession of the property or otherwise of any property or document produced before it or in its custody. Further, sub -section (2) of Section 452 Cr.P.C., reads as under: - -

(3.) ON notice, reply on behalf of respondent Nos. 1 to 3 has been filed, admitting that the pistol used in the commission of the offence, is the property of Union of India and it was the service pistol of the accused.