220 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-20457-2026 DECIDED ON: 27.08.2026 AKASHDEEP SINGH ALIAS AKASH .....PETITIONER VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB .....RESPONDENT CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH. Present: None for the petitioner. Mr. Gurpartap Singh, AAG, Punjab. SANJAY VASHISTH , J (ORAL) 1. Present petition has been filed by the petitioner, seeking grant of regular bail, in case, FIR No.58, dated 26.03.2024, under Sections 21-C/25/27-A/29/61/85 of NDPS Act, registered at Police Station Gate Hakima, District Amritsar. 2. Case of the prosecution, as discussed in paragraph No.2 of the order dated 18.03.2026 passed in CRM-M-36071-2025 (Annexure P- 3), whereby concession of regular bail has been extended to co-accused Kuljeet Singh @ Gora, is reproduced here under, for reference:- “Case of the prosecution is that the police had installed barricades/naka and meanwhile two boys came on Activa scooter (both of them were having backpacks on their back). Registration number of the scooter is not mentioned in the FIR. On effecting search of both the backpacks 3 Kg of Heroin was recovered from the backpack of co-accused Akashdeep Singh alongwith Rs. 2 lacs as drug money. LAVISHA 2026.08.27 15:13 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-20457-2026 -2- From the backpack of petitioner Kuljeet Singh @ Gora, 01 Kg Heroin alongwith Rs. 1 lac is shown to have been recovered.” 2. The scooter on which both the accused were riding, was found to be registered in the name of one Money Raja Singh. Upon being contacted by the Investigating Officer, he disclosed that the said scooter had been taken from him by accused Akashdeep Singh alias Akash (petitioner herein), and his statement in this regard was also recorded separately. 3. Having considered the allegations, that 3 kg of heroin and cash amount of Rs.2 lacs recovered from the possession of the petitioner, as well as the statement of the registered owner of the scooter, namely Money Raja Singh, to the effect that scooter had been taken from him by the petitioner, this Court is of the view that prayer for bail cannot be considered at par with the role attributed to co-accused Kuljeet Singh @ Gora, from whose possession 1 kg of heroin along with Rs.1 lac in cash was recovered. 4. Considering the fact that petitioner is inside jail since 31.03.2024, i.e. for a period of approximately 02 years, 04 months and 26 days, time was granted to the State to explain the reasons for the delay in conclusion of trial. 5. Today, learned State counsel has filed a short reply dated 21.08.2026 along with the custody certificate, which are taken on record. Registry is directed to tag the same at the appropriate place on the file. LAVISHA 2026.08.27 15:13 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-20457-2026 -3- 6. Referring to the short reply, learned State counsel submits that, earlier, prosecution witnesses were not appearing before learned trial Court to depose, but pursuant to orders passed by this Court in certain other petitions of a similar nature, the official witnesses have now started appearing before learned trial Court. 7. Upon being asked by the Court, learned State counsel submits that, out of total 15 prosecution witnesses, 2 witnesses have been examined and 1 witness has been given up. 8. In view of the aforesaid position, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, present petition is disposed of with a direction to learned trial Court to expedite the trial and proceed with the same at the requisite pace. 9. It is, however, observed that in case, trial is not concluded despite completion of three years of incarceration by the petitioner, he (petitioner) shall be at liberty, if so advised, to file a fresh application seeking bail, specifically setting out the reasons for delay in conclusion of the trial. 10. With the aforesaid observations, present petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) 27.08.2026 JUDGE Lavisha Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No LAVISHA 2026.08.27 15:13 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh