Chandra Joy Jamatia v. the Union of India
Case brief
What is this about?
Bail denied — NDPS commercial quantity. Gauhati High Court, Bail Appln. 948/2024, order dated 04.02.2025 by Justice Robin Phukan. Accused Chandra Joy Jamatia (resident of West Tripura), in custody since arrest on 13.01.2021 (more than 4 years), charged under Sections 20(b)(ii)(c)/27A/29 NDPS Act in DRI Guwahati Zonal Unit case; 1078.400 kgs ganja in 70 packages seized from hidden chamber of truck AS-01-GC-5985 intercepted near Khanapara Flyover on 12.01.2021. Section 37 twin conditions held unsatisfied (Union of India v. Ajay Kumar Singh @ Pappu; NCB v. Kashif); Article 21 speedy-trial plea rejected — delay attributed to absconding co-accused, case split on 14.12.2022, 8 of 13 witnesses examined (last on 04.11.2024); gravity and societal impact outweigh delay (NCB v. MohitAgarwal, (2022) 0 Supreme (SC) 619); coordinate-bench precedent Bail Appln. 4312/2023 distinguished on facts. Disposition: dismissed; trial court directed/requested to expedite trial without adjournments.