Jayakrishna Bag and ors. Vs. State of Orissa - Court Judgment

SooperKanoon Citationsooperkanoon.com/531741
SubjectCriminal;Narcotics
CourtOrissa High Court
Decided OnJan-10-1996
Case NumberCriminal Misc. Case Nos. 2578, 2705, 3047, 3126 and 3299 of 1995
JudgeD.M. Patnaik, J.
Reported in81(1996)CLT455; 1996(I)OLR161
ActsNarcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 - Sections 37; Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act, 1989; Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) - Sections 439
AppellantJayakrishna Bag and ors.
RespondentState of Orissa
Appellant AdvocateD. Nayak, S. Swain, D.P. Pradhan, M. Mohanty and R.K. Pradhan in Crl. Misc. Case No. 2578/95 and ;M. Mishra, U.C. Patnaik and P.K. Das in Crl. Misc. Case No. 2705/95, ;B. Panda, S.R. Mohapatra and R.K
Respondent AdvocateB.K. Dash, Standing Counsel
DispositionPetition rejected
Cases ReferredFakir Sundari v. State of Orissa
Excerpt:
Notice (8): Undefined variable: kword [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 120]
Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 120]
- labour & services pay scale:[tarun chatterjee & r.m. lodha,jj] fixation - orissa service code (1939), rule 74(b) promotion - government servant, by virtue of rule 74(b), gets higher pay than what he was getting immediately before his promotion - circular dated 19.3.1983 modifying earlier circular dated 18.6.1982 resulting in reduction of pay of employee on promotion held, it is not legal. statutory rules cannot be altered or amended by such executive orders or circulars or instructions nor can they replace statutory rules. - state reported in 1992 (ii) olr 395439, (1992) 5 ocr 555. to precisely speak the law on the point is that in case of offences under the act the judicial discretion to grant bail under section, cr pc is subject to limitation prescribed under section 37 of.....
Notice (8): Undefined variable: kword [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 123]
Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 123]
d.m. patnaik, j. 1. in the above cases the petitioners move for bail for alleged offences under the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances act, 1985 (in short, the 'act').2. the collective voice of the petitioner's counsel in all these cases and other cases of similar nature manifests in their devoutness in human dignity and liberty, when mr. deepak mishra, learned counsel for one of the petitioners as a prelude to his argument leferred to the sying of atrick henery 'give me liberty or give me death' quoted by one of the learned judges of this court in the case of mangal hembram v. state of orissa reported in 53 (1982) clt 259.3. liberty is fundamental and precious to everybody. man is a divine being. he lives in the society and therefore, claims right, liberty and equality. human.....
Judgment:
Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

D.M. Patnaik, J.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

1. In the above cases the petitioners move for bail for alleged offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (in short, the 'Act').

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

2. The collective voice of the petitioner's counsel in all these cases and other cases of similar nature manifests in their devoutness in human dignity and liberty, when Mr. Deepak Mishra, learned counsel for one of the petitioners as a prelude to his argument leferred to the sying of atrick Henery 'give me liberty or give me death' quoted by one of the learned Judges of this Court in the case of Mangal Hembram v. State of Orissa reported in 53 (1982) CLT 259.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

3. Liberty is fundamental and precious to everybody. Man is a divine being. He lives in the society and therefore, claims right, liberty and equality. Human rights cannot be evaluated in isolation. They have to be read in the social context. Liberty of an individual can be curtailed in a given situation when exercise of that right of the individual works out to the detriment of another individual and the society at large. As Justice Krishna Iyer observed in the case of Babu Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, reported in AIR 1978 SC 527, 'after all personal liberty of an accused or a convict is fundamental, suffering lawful eclips only in terms of procedure established in law. The last four words of the Article 21 are the life of that human right'.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

4. Therefore, liberty of free movement can be curtailed in a given case but through legal procedure alone. We may, therefore, examine whether release of the petitioners on bail should be allowed as claimed by them.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

5. The petitioners face indictment for offences in illicit drug trafficking and some of them are in custody pending investigation. They seek release on bail on the logic that if, because of the violation of the mandatory provisions of the Act relating to search and seizure etc. Under Section 42 or Section 50 as has been held by the apex Court in the case of State of Punjab v. Balbir Singh reported in AIR 1954 SC 1872, proceeding are vitiated and they will be ultimately acquitted, there is no reason for their further detention in custody.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

6. The submission is no doubt demanding, attractive and pursuasive; but keeping in view the seriousness of the offence, the legislative intent in providing a stringent provision in the matter of bail Under Section 37 of the Act, to accede to such a submission would not only lead in facilitating and encouraging the offence of illicit drug trafficking but also it would frustrate the whole purpose for which the Act has been brought out in its present amended form.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

It would be apposite to deal with the Court's power in exercising the judicial discretion in the matter of bail in general.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

7. While dealing with the discretion to grant bail, Sulaiman, J. in the famous Meerut conspiracy case reported in AIR 1931 All. 504, K. J. Joglekar v. Emperor, held as under:

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

'There is no hard and fast rule and no inflexible principle governing such discretion. The only principle that is established is that there should be a judicial exercise of that discretion. It is not only one single circumstance which necessarily concludes the decision but it is the cumulative effect of all the combined circumstances that must weigh with the Court. The considerations are too numerous to be classified its catalogued exhaustively.'

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

8. Tek Chand, J. in the case of Rao Harnarain Singh Sheoji Singh and Ors. v. The State : AIR 1958 Punj. 123, while dealing with a case Under Section 487, Cr PC (old Code) held that the probability or improbability of the prosecution terminating in conviction is not a conclusive consideration for the grant or refusal of bail particularly in case in which evidence has not so far been led. The Courts while deciding such applications will be traversing beyond their proper ambit and would be exceeding the limits of their function if they engage themselves in discovering the guilt or innocence of the accused-appellant which can only be determined at the trial stage.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

It was further reasoned that the fact that the accused persons have been accused of having committed grave offence punishable with long term imprisonment is a consideration against their being released on bail. The question of severity of the punishment must be looked at not from the point of view of what sentence on the facts of a particular case the Court should award but to see the maximum punishment which the Court may award.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

9. The apex Court in the case of The State v. Captain Jagjit Singh, reported in AIR 1962 SC 253, considering that the accused in that case was prima facie found to have committed an offence punishable with imprisonment for a terms of 14 years, held that once the accused is found to have committed a non-bailable offence of serious nature, the Court should refuse bail even though it has a very wide power Under Section 498, Cr PC (old Code).

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

10. A Division Bench of this Court in the case of State of Orissa v. Damodar Pentia and Gora Pentia, reported in 37 (1971) CLT 629 held that where there is a prima facie evidence in the commission of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life even though the accused may have a possible defence, the same should be left for decision by the appropriate forum at the appropriate stage and should not be gone into judging the merit of the case at the time of determination of the question of bail.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

Thus it is found from the above discussion that in case of grave offences the judicial discretion in granting bail may not be exercised even though the accused may satisfy the Court about furnishing adequate security to face the trial.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

We may now examine the point posed that as to whether bail should be granted for an offence under the Act on the grounds which are ultimately available for an acquittal of an accused, for non-compliance of the mandatory provisions of the Act as claimed at the Bar.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

11. This Act was enacted as is evident from the preamble to make stringent provisions of the trial for illicit drug trafficking and to provide deterrent punishment. It is found from the state of objects and reasons of the Amending Act 2 of 1989 that even though major offences are non-bailable by virtue of the level of punishment, on 'technical grounds' drug offenders were being released on bail {vide State of Objects and Reasons, Banerjee's 1991 Edition of the NDPS Act page 5).

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

12. Section 37 of the Act has come up many a time for decision before various High Courts including our own High Court in the Full Bench decision in the case of Banka v. State reported in 1992 (II) OLR 395439, (1992) 5 OCR 555.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

To precisely speak the law on the point is that in case of offences under the Act the judicial discretion to grant bail Under Section, Cr PC is subject to limitation prescribed Under Section 37 of the Act. In the case of Union of India v. Thamisharusi, reported in 1995 (II) OLR (SC) 85, (1995) 9 OCR (SC) 1, it has been held that the NOPS Act being a special statute supersedes the provisions Under Section 437/439. CrPC to the extent of inconsistency. Such inconsistency has been explained by observing that while Under Section 439 the burden is on the prosecution to prime facie show that the accused is 'guilty' Under Section 37 of the Act, it is for the accused to show that he is 'not guilty'. Therefore, the provisions of Section 37 of the Act supersedes to the extent of this inconsistency.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

13. The controversy raised at the Bar is, even if contraband substance is recovered from the accused and in a particular case it is found that there is non-compliance with the mandatory provisions with regard to search and seizure for which the accused is bound to be acquitted ultimately because of such non-compliance as has been held in the case of Balbir Singh (supra), then the accused should be considered as 'not guilty' since the argument proceeds that he has committed no offence in the eye of law.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

With due respect I am unable to subscribe this view. In my view, the moment prosecution shows recovery of the contraband substance from the possession of the accused, according to the intention of the legislature, the words employed in Section 37 of the Act and the spirit behind the provisions, he shall be considered as 'guilty' for the limited purpose of bail under that section. Where, however, recovery of the substance from the possession of the accused is neither proved nor shown, the case would be totally a different one and in that case it can be said that he has committed no offence. But once recovery is shown, the accused can be said to be guilty of the offence though on various other grounds, he may be ultimately discharged or acquitted, as the case may be. The moment recovery is proved or shown, the prosecution is discharged of the burden of prima facie showing that the accused is guilty. Once this is shown then the accused is to discharge the burden by showing that he is not guilty. Without this burden being discharged, he would not be entitled to bail as provided Under Section 37 of the Act.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

14. While dealing with the question of the accused discharging the burden of proving that he is not guilty as mentioned above, the apex Court in the case of Thamisharusi (supra) in para 10 of the judgment held that the accused cannot discharge this burden until the police paper is available with him and this is obviously not before the charge-sheet is submitted. The (earned counsel for the parties submit that this burden can be discharged by the accused even from the case diary produced on the side of the State while hearing the matter of bail and according to both Mr. Mishra and Mr. Palit, the diary if at th3t stage discloses which would be apparent on record that there has been non-compliance with the mandatory provisions of the Act that itself would be sufficient to show that the accused has discharged the burden so on him.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

I may point out at this juncture that the Additional Solicitor General in the above referred case raised this exact point that the Court can form this belief by referring to the contents of the case diary even before charge-sheet is filed. The apex Court termed this argument as 'fallacious' for the reason that the accused is not supplied with any material from which he can discharge this burden as provided Under Section 37(1)(b) of the Act and the Court held such a construction of Clause (b) of Sub-section (1) of Section 37 as not 'permissible'.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

15. The above observation of the Supreme Court is sought to be explained away by both Mr. Palit and Mr. Mishra. It was contended by Mr. Palit that the observation of the Court was in the context for deciding the import of Section 167(2) which section being a complete provision itself in the statute, would not permit any detention in custody beyond the prescribed period. But. according to the learned counsel, any attempt to limit the right of the accused to be released from the custody even during investigation cannot be curtailed by taking resort to the embargo Under Section 37 of the Act.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

Mr. Mishra, on the other hand, explained by saying that this observation rather supports the case of the defence and according to him, assuming for the sake of argument the same is accepted, it can be judged only in the context with which it was so observed and that a decision is an authority for what it actually decides and not as to what would logically follow from it. To support the above contention, Mr. Mishra relied on the decisions in the case of Ambika Quary Works v. State of Gujarat AIR 1987 SC 1073, and the State of Orissa v. Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra: AIR 1968 SC 647 and in the case of H. H. Maharajadiraj Madhabarao Sindhia v. Union of India, reported in AIR 1971 SC 530.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

16. I have no quarrel over the proposition laid down by the apex Court as submitted by Mr. Mishra. I am also conscious that a decision of the Court is binding so far as the ratio decidendi is concerned and not the conclusion. I am unable to accept the way both the learned counsel have tried to explain the observation of the apex Court with regard to the limitation prescribed Under Section 37 of the Act.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

No doubt the matter for decision before the Court was as to whether the provisions Under Section 167(2), Cr PC was applicable also to the cases under the Act. The apex Court held that it is so applicable. But at the same time while comparing the inconsistency in the provisions of the Cr PC and that of the Act, the Court dealt with the provisions of Section 37 of the Act and in that context the Court as a matter of proposition has laid down that until the requisite papers are supplied to the accused, the accused would not be in a position to discharge the burden of showing that be is not guilty. This is a reasoning given by the Court and I do not find anything not to accept this reasoning of the apex Court. Rightly or wrongly this is the proposition laid down by the Court which is binding on this Court. But this does not bring out a conclusion that the accused cannot discharge the burden by placing any material from his side in order to show that he is not guilty, and once he shows this, he may be released on bail and the embargo Under Section 37(1)(b) of the Act would not work out against him. But till then he cannot be released on bail.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

17. The above view of mine finds support from the view of brother Pasayat, J., who, in the case of State v. Surendranath reported in 1990 (II) OLR 213, (1990) 3 OCR 462, held that the provisions in Section 37 of the Act are stringent and unless the accused proves to the contrary that he is not guilty, bail is not to be granted.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

18. Reliance is put in the cases reported in (1994) 7 OCR 468 Rabi Sahoo v. State, (1995) 9 OCR 121 Narahari Das v. State, (1995) 9 OCR 195 Sachi Bewa alias Sabitri Bewa v. The State of Orissa and (1995) 8 OCR 320 Fakir Sundari v. State of Orissa, to support the arguments that bail should be granted during investigation also if there has been violation of the mandatory provisions of the Act. The learned counsel both Mr. Palit and Mr. Mishra also cited a number of decisions of other High Courts which I do not feel necessary to discuss since I would not have differed from the opinion expressed by the above Single Bench decisions of this Court, but for, what has been observed and held by the apex Court in the case of Thamisharusi (supra). The decision of the apex Court clearly lays down that until police papers are supplied to the accused (which would only arise when charge-sheet is submitted), the latter would not be in a position to discharge the burden that he is not guilty. It is further made clear that such a belief also cannot be formed from the papers with the prosecution available at that stage. All these above decisions of this Court on which the petitioners rely relate to release on bail during investigation. For the reasons and the proposition laid down by the apex Court with regard to the accused discharging the burden of proving that he is not guilty, these decisions are found to be impliedly over-ruled, being based on the reasoning contrary to that of the apex Court.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

19. Another form of argument is put forth i.e. in case the proposition laid down by the Supreme Court is applied to all such cases, then it would be a situation where it can be said that Section 37(1)(b) of the Act is not at all applicable because the accused is denied of the benefit under the said section and in that case, it is argued, that the provision of Section 439, Cr PC should be applicable and, therefore, the Court would be free to exercise the judicial discretion for granting bail.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

It may be made clear that Section 37 of the Act does not prevent a person from being released on bail if he can show at any stage either during the investigation or trial that he is not guilty. It is because of the stringent provision and the peculiar provision with regard to the discharging the onus of proving 'not guilty' during investigation, it would be improper for the Courts to grant bail by resorting to the exercise of judicial discretion as is done in the case of offences under the IPC or other Act. Even assuming this argument is accepted, then also because of the very serious nature of the offence, the Court should not exercise the discretion the way it is so done while dealing with the matters of bail Under Section 439, CrPC. Therefore, Section 37 of the Act would be applicable to a given case at all stages of the proceeding including the stage of investigation as well as during the pendency of the case for trial.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]

20. For the reasons indicated above, the bail petitions are rejected.

Notice (8): Undefined variable: query [APP/View/Case/amp.ctp, line 144]