GURNAM SINGH Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE prayer in this petition is to release the petitioner on regular bail in case FIR No. 48 dated 18.3.2005, under Section 15 of the N.D.P.S. Act, registered at Police Station, Butana, District Karnal. As per the allegations, on receipt of an information from the informer, raid was conducted by the police party, however, the petitioner ran away from the spot, though four bags, each containing 34 Kgs. of Poppy husk were recovered.

(2.) IT is true that the petitioner's co-accused (Shakuntla wife of Surjit Singh) was released on bail by this Court vide order dated 12.9.2005 (Annexure P-1) after prima facie observing that rigors of Section 37(b)(ii) of the Act stood substantially complied with. However, there is no denial to the fact that the petitioner was declared a proclaimed offender and was arrested by the police on 13.12.2005. The petitioner is in custody since then. Meanwhile, out of 12 prosecution witnesses, two have been examined. IT is stated by Mr. Tarun Aggarwal, learned Sr. DAG, Haryana, on instructions from ASI Baldev Singh, that the case is now fixed for 29.5.2007 for further prosecution evidence. After hearing learned counsel for the parties and without expressing any views on merits of the case, lest it should prejudice either of the parties during trial, this petition is disposed of with a direction to the learned Special Judge, Karnal to conclude the trial proceedings as early as possible and preferably by 31st August, 2007. IT is made clear that after 29.5.2007, not more than one opportunity shall be granted to the prosecution to conclude its entire evidence. Disposed of.