A.K. Mohapatra, J
1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual /Physical Mode).
2. Heard learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner and learned Additional Standing Counsel appearing for the State-Opposite Party. Perused the materials placed before this Court.
3. The present bail application under Section 439 of Cr.P.C. has been filed by the Petitioner for regular bail in connection with T.R. Case No.91 of 2024, arising out of Badagada P.S Case No.122 of 2024, pending in the Court of learned Sessions Judge, Khurda, Bhubaneswar for alleged commission of offence punishable under Sections 21(b) of the N.D.P.S. Act.
4. Learned counsel for the Petitioner submits that earlier this matter was not before any other Bench of this Court. It is submitted by the learned counsel for the Petitioner that the Petitioner is in custody since 23.02.2024. Further contended that in the meantime the investigation has been concluded and charge sheet has been filed on 19.04.2024. Further, allegations made in the F.I.R., the learned counsel for the Petitioner submitted that a total quantity of 18 gms. of brown sugar, was recovered from the exclusive and conscious possession of the Petitioner, which is less than the commercial quantity, a bar under Section 37 of the N.D.P.S. Act is not attracted. He further submitted that the Petitioner is having one similar criminal antecedent. In such view of the matter, learned counsel for the Petitioner submitted that the Petitioner be released on bail on any terms and condition which the Petitioner undertakes to abide by while on bail.
5. Learned Additional Standing Counsel appearing for the State-Opposite Party, on the other hand, opposed the release of the Petitioner on bail on the ground that in the event the Petitioner is released on bail, there is a possibility that he might be involved in similar criminal offences. Learned Additional Standing Counsel submitted that nature of allegation and the contraband used in the present case is itself a threat to the society. Therefore, he submitted that the prayer for bail of the Petitioner be rejected at this juncture.
6. Having heard the learned counsels appearing for the respective parties and on a careful examination of the surrounding facts and circumstances of the present case and further keeping the view the fact that the Petitioner is having one similar criminal antecedents, this Court is inclined to release the Petitioner on bail subject to imposition of stringent conditions.
7. Hence, it is directed that the Petitioner be released on bail in the aforesaid case on furnishing bail bond of Rs.35,000/-(Rupees Thirty Five thousand) with two local solvent sureties each for the like amount to the satisfaction of the Court in seisin over the matter with further conditions that:-
I. The Petitioner shall appear before the jurisdictional Police Station once in a week for a period of two months preferably on ‘Sunday’ in between 10.00 A.M. to 1 P.M., thereafter once in a fortnight for a period of two months, thereafter once in a month till conclusion of trial; and
II. he shall not default in attendance of the court during trial on each date of posting.
8. It is open for the Court in seisin over the matter to impose any other conditions as may be deemed just and proper. Violation of any other conditions shall entail cancellation of the bail application.
9. It is further directed that the bail granted to the Petitioner subject to depositing a cash security of Rs.5,000/- (Rupees five thousand) before the learned Court in seisin over the matter, which shall be kept in any Nationalized bank in interest bearing account initially for a period of one year which will be renewable from time to time till conclusion of trial and the same shall be abide by the final outcome of the trial of the case.
10. It is further directed that the bail granted to the Petitioner be subject to the condition that the court below shall verify the criminal antecedent of the Petitioner. In the event the Petitioner is having more than one similar criminal antecedent under the offences of NDPS Act, this bail order shall automatically stand revoked.
11. The BLAPL is, accordingly, disposed of..
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