CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 - - - - 1111 - - - - IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH AT CHANDIGARH AT CHANDIGARH AT CHANDIGARH 139 139 139 139 C C C CRM-M-36512-2026 RM-M-36512-2026 RM-M-36512-2026 RM-M-36512-2026 Decided on : 09.07.2026 Decided on : 09.07.2026 Decided on : 09.07.2026 Decided on : 09.07.2026 Lovejit Singh @ Lovejeet Singh @ Love . . . Petitioner(s) Versus State of Punjab . . . Respondent(s) CORAM: CORAM: CORAM: CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH PRESENT: Mr. Karandeep Singh Sidhu, Advocate for the petitioner(s). Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab. **** SANJAY VASHISTH SANJAY VASHISTH SANJAY VASHISTH SANJAY VASHISTH , J. (Oral) , J. (Oral) , J. (Oral) , J. (Oral) 1. Petitioner – Lovejit Singh @ Lovejeet Singh @ Love, aged about 28 years, has filed the present petition under Section 528 of the BNSS, 2023, seeking issuance of directions to the learned trial Court to expedite and conclude the trial arising out of FIR No.145, dated 25.06.2022, registered under Section 21 of the NDPS Act, 1985 (later on Sections 29 of the NDPS Act and 25 of the Arms Act, 1959 were added), lodged at Police Station Sadar Ferozepur, District Ferozepur (Annexure P-1). 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that despite the case having reached the stage of defence evidence, since 15.12.2025, the trial has not concluded. It is further submitted that though recovery of 2.5 kilograms of heroin was effected from the other three accused, the petitioner has been implicated only on the basis of the disclosure statement and has remained inside jail since the year 2022. Learned counsel, thus, prays for issuance of appropriate JAWALA RAM 2026.07.10 19:45 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 - - - - 2222 - - - - directions to the learned trial Court to expedite the trial. 3. However, perusal of the zimni orders (Annexure P-2), particularly from page 76 of the paper-book, reveals that the statement of the accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C. was recorded on 05.03.2026. Thereafter, no defence witness appeared on 09.03.2026, 13.03.2026, 18.03.2026, 25.03.2026, 06.04.2026 and 08.04.2026. Though DW-1 and DW-2 had already been examined, another defence witness, namely, the Nodal Officer of Airtel/Vodafone/BSNL/Jio, despite having been served, was ultimately given up by the accused. Thereafter also, on the request of the accused, the matter was adjourned, but no defence witness appeared. Again, on 27.04.2026 and 04.05.2026, the matter was adjourned. DW-3, namely, HC Jaspinder Singh, was examined on 18.05.2026, however, his cross-examination was deferred and the remaining defence witnesses were ordered to be produced, if so required. 4. Again, no defence witness appeared on 22.05.2026. It is also noticed that the petitioner had earlier filed a similar petition seeking directions for expeditious disposal of the trial, i.e., CRM-M-53507-2025, which was disposed of vide order dated 09.12.2025 (Annexure P-3), after noticing that the case had already reached the stage of defence evidence and by directing the learned trial Court to conclude the proceedings as expeditiously as possible. However, today, after going through the zimni orders, particularly from page 76 of the paper-book, it is apparent that the proceedings have been repeatedly adjourned on account of non-production JAWALA RAM 2026.07.10 19:45 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 CRM-M-36512-2026 - - - - 3333 - - - - of defence witnesses by the accused. Even the zimni order dated 08.07.2026 records that no defence witness appeared on that date as well. Therefore, the present petition appears to be wholly misconceived, as the delay in conclusion of the trial is attributable to the accused themselves. Consequently, no special circumstance exists warranting exercise of the inherent jurisdiction of this Court under Section 528 of the BNSS, 2023. 5. Accordingly, the present petition stands dismissed dismissed dismissed dismissed. Pending misc. application(s), if any, also stand(s) disposed of. ((((SANJAY VASHISTH SANJAY VASHISTH SANJAY VASHISTH SANJAY VASHISTH)))) JUDGE JUDGE JUDGE JUDGE July 09, 2026 July 09, 2026 July 09, 2026 July 09, 2026 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No JAWALA RAM 2026.07.10 19:45 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document