LAKHWINDER SINGH ALIAS LAKHA Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is second petition filed by the petitioner under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for the grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 593 dated 30.10.2005 under Section 376 IPC, registered at Police Station Sadar, Patiala. His earlier petition was dismissed as withdrawn by this court on February 20, 2007. After arguing the case for some time, counsel for the petitioner stated that he does not want to press this petition and prayed that keeping in view the custody period of the petitioner, the trial court be directed to expedite the trial. Counsel for the respondent-State, after having instructions from Head Constable Hardev Singh, states that out of ten prosecution witnesses, four have been examined and the case is now fixed for 5.5.2007 before the trial court for examination of the remaining prosecution witnesses. He further states that the prosecution will complete its evidence within three months. Dismissed as not pressed. However, keeping in view the aforesaid facts and the fact that the petitioner is in custody since 30.10.2005, trial court is directed to expedite the trial and to preferably conclude the trial within a period of four months.