Ganesh Pradhan @ Gani vs State Of Odisha

B. P. Routray, J

The matter is taken up through hybrid mode.

Heard Mr. T.K. Mohanty, learned counsel for the Petitioner and Mr. B. Panigrahi, learned Additional Standing Counsel.

This is an application under Section 439 Cr.P.C. for grant of bail to the Petitioner Ganesh Pradhan @ Gani in connection with Saheednagar P.S. Case No.315 of 2021 corresponding to T.R. Case No.349 of 2021 pending in the court of learned 5th Additional Sessions Judge, Bhubaneswar for alleged commission of offence under Section 21(c)/29 of the N.D.P.S. Act for alleged possession of contraband brown sugar (heroin) weighing about 260 grams.

It is submitted on behalf of the Petitioner that he is inside custody since 13th August, 2021 and till date trial has not commenced.

Upon hearing Mr. Panigrahi, learned Additional Standing Counsel for State and keeping in view the total quantity of contraband brown sugar which attracts commercial quantity and the embargo contained under Section 37(1)(b) of the NDPS Act, I am not inclined to release the Petitioner on bail. Accordingly, his prayer for bail is rejected.

However, considering the period of detention of the Petitioner inside custody and delay in commencement of trial, it is directed to release the Petitioner on interim bail for a period of three months from the date of his release on such terms and conditions as may be deemed just and proper by the learned court in seisin over the matter including the conditions that the Petitioner shall furnish two sureties (with proper identity proof) out of whom one shall be his relative and that, he shall not be involved in any other offence while on bail.

It is made clear that the Petitioner shall surrender on or before 30th November, 2022, failing which learned court below shall take all appropriate steps including issuance of NBW of Arrest to apprehend the Petitioner.

The BLAPL is accordingly disposed of.

An urgent certified copy of this order be issued as per rules.

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