(1.) Heard. Offence alleged is under section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
(2.) The petitioner is said to be in custody for the last about ten months. Alleged recovery is of two kilograms of opium. Counsel for the State says that the case is fixed for evidence on 8.3.2006 and the evidence is likely to be over within four months from the said date.
(3.) Without expressing any final opinion on merits and while declining bail at this stage, a direction is issued that if prosecution evidence is not concluded within four months from the date fixed, for reasons not attributable to the petitioner, he will be granted bail by the trial court subject to such conditions as may be considered to be appropriate. The petition is disposed of.