Ram Prakash vs N.C.B.

Sandeep Sharma, J

Having taken note of the fact that only three out of nine prosecution witnesses remain to be examined, this Court is not inclined to consider the prayer having been made on behalf of the petitioner for grant of bail at this stage. In the aforesaid background, learned counsel for the petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the present petition, with liberty to file afresh at appropriate stage, if so required and desired.

Consequently, in view of the aforesaid, present petition is dismissed as withdrawn with liberty as prayed for. However, having taken note of the fact that this Court vide order dated 30.10.2018 passed in Cr.MP(M) No.1309 of 2018 had directed the court below to conclude the trial expeditiously, preferably on or before 31.3.2019, this Court deems it fit to direct the court below to conclude the trial on or before 31.7.2020. Learned Senior counsel for NCB assures that all possible assistance shall be rendered enabling the court below to do the needful well within the stipulated period. Needless to say, this Court on judicial as well as administrative sides, has been repeatedly advising the courts below to conclude the trial of under trials on top most priority so that their freedom is not curtailed for an indefinite period. Registry is directed to apprise the court below with regard to passing of the instant order, enabling it to do the needful well within the time limit set up by this Court. Since Court below despite there being direction issued on 30.10.2018, has not been able to conclude the trial on or before 31.3.2019, this court would not appreciate prayer, if any, made for further extension by the court below.