JAGJIT SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD . Jagjit Singh, who is facing trial for offence under Sections 302, 307/34 Indian Penal Code, has filed this application under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for his release on bail on the ground that there was delay in completion of the trial. He was arrested on 2.12.1991 and charge was framed on 7.4.1992 but till now only one formal witness a head constable and Dr. Mohinder Pal had been examined. There were alleged to be two eye-witnesses of the occurrence - Major Singh and Hukam Singh who were real brothers but they were not appearing and were purposely delaying the case.

(2.) IT was contended on behalf of the petitioner that a reasonably expeditious trial was integral and essential part of the fundamental right to life and liberty and the petitioner could not be detained indefinitely as that is against the criminal jurisprudence and amounted to punishment even before the guilt of the petitioner was established. It was further urged that a period of more than two years has elapsed since the arrest of the petitioner and no progress is made in the case. Except the doctor and a formal witness, no other witness has been examined and the eye-witnesses were intentionally evading the process of the court to prolong the trial and to curtail the personal liberty of the petitioner. The petitioner was, therefore, entitled to bail. In support of his contention he placed reliance on the case of Munna alias Kamta Prasad and another v. State of Madhya Pradesh, 1986(3) Crimes 429. In this case more than a year had passed and trial had not been completed. There was nothing to suggest that the accused persons created and hindrance in their respective trial in order to prolong the case. It was held that if the conclusion of Sessions Trial is not possible within a reasonable time despite co-operation from the accused, in that circumstances other under trial prisoner deserves to be released on bail pending trial on the ground of delayed trial alone.

(3.) CONSIDERING the circumstances of the case and agreeing with the view held in the judgment cited above I allow this petition and admit the petitioner to bail on the ground of delayed trial alone. The petitioner will be released on bail on his furnishing security in the sum of Rs. 20,000/- with two sureties each in the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court. Petition allowed.