Sunita Lakra vs The State of Jharkhand

Jaya Roy, J.—Heard learned Counsel for the Petitioner and learned Counsel for the State.

Petitioner is an accused in a case registered under Sections 467/468/471/420/408/120B of the Indian Penal Code.

Learned Counsel for the Petitioner submits that the Petitioner is in custody since 18.11.2009 i.e. more than one year and four months. He has further submitted that u/s 437 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Petitioner being a lady is entitled to release on bail.

From the record, I find that the prayer for bail of the Petitioner was rejected by this Court twice. Furthermore, there is direct allegation against the Petitioner for non-depositing the amount of Rs. 23,98,000/- (Rupees twenty

lacs and ninety eight thousand) in the bank in the name of trust and in stead of the same she has deposited the amount along with another persons in the name of Chand Khan and thereafter the said Chand Khan has withdrawn the said amount.

As there is direct allegation against her, I am not inclined to grant bail to the Petitioner at this stage. Accordingly, prayer for bail of the Petitioner is rejected.

Report has come regarding the stage of trial which shows that only four witnesses are left to be examined

Considering the stage of trial, trial court is directed to conclude the trial within a period of six months from the receipt of this order after taking all possible steps for the same.