Prakash Pradhan v. State of Odisha
Case brief
What is this about?
Prakash Pradhan v. State of Odisha, BLAPL No. 7579 of 2024, High Court of Orissa at Cuttack, Justice V. Narasingh, order dated 29.08.2024. NDPS bail application refused; bar under Section 37(1)(b)(ii) NDPS Act invoked; offence under Sections 20(b)(ii)(c) NDPS Act; Special (NDPS) Case No.160 of 2023; Manamunda P.S. Case No.162 of 2023; Kantamal Special Judge; custody since 02.07.2023; ganja 1 quintal 26 Kg; fourth bail application after BLAPL Nos.8517 of 2023, 2036 of 2024, 3591 of 2024; prior rejection under S.483 BNSS dated 09.07.2024; interim bail surrendered; trial commenced with two of fifteen witnesses examined; directions to expedite trial and ensure witness presence.
What did the court decide?
The Court was not inclined to entertain the bail application in view of the bar contained in Section 37(1)(b)(ii) of the NDPS Act, taking into account the quantity of contraband seized and that the trial has already commenced.