Ashraf @ Ashru vs The State
This matter concerns two post-arrest bail applications filed by the applicant, who was charged with the possession of 1980 grams of Charas and an unlicensed 9mm pistol. The applicant sought bail, arguing innocence, false implication by the police, and the absence of independent witnesses to the recovery. The State opposed the applications, characterizing the applicant as a hardened and habitual offender. The Court examined the record and noted that the applicant was named in the FIR with specific allegations of recovery. The Court held that it would be premature to conclude the applicant was falsely implicated, noting that police officials are competent witnesses. Furthermore, the Court rejected the argument that the duration of custody (three months) warranted bail, particularly given the applicant's status as a habitual offender. The Court concluded there were reasonable grounds to believe the applicant was guilty of the charged offences and dismissed the bail applications, directing the trial court to expedite the proceedings within two months.
- Are police officials considered competent witnesses in cases involving the recovery of contraband and unlicensed weapons?
- Does the absence of independent witnesses to a recovery incident automatically entitle an accused to bail?
- Can a habitual offender be denied bail solely on the basis of their criminal history and the nature of the allegations?
- Section 497, Code of Criminal Procedure 1898
ORDER
Irshad Ali Shah J:- It is alleged that on arrest from the applicant were secured 1980 grams of the Charas and unlicensed pistol of 9mm bore with magazine containing six live bullets of same bore, for that the separate cases were registered against him by police.
2. The applicant by making two separate applications sought for his release on bail, those were dismissed by learned trial Court, therefore, the applicant now has sought for his release on bail from this Court by making two separate applications under section 497 Cr .P.C.
3. It is contended by learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant being innocent has been involved in this case falsely by the police by making foistation of Charas and unlicensed pistol upon him; there is no independent witness to the incident and the applicant is in custody since three months therefore, he is entitled to be released on bail on point of further inquiry .
4. Learned A.P.G for the State has opposed to release of the applicant on bail by contending that the applicant is hardened criminal of the area and habitual of fender .
5. I have considered the above arguments and perused the record.
6. The name of the applicant is appearing in the FIR with specific allegation that on arrest from him has been secured the contraband Charas and unlicensed pistol by police party of P.S. Kunri. In that situation, it would be premature to say that the applicant being innocent has been involved in this case falsely by the police. The police apparently was having no enmity with the applicant to have involved him in this case falsely by making foistation of Charas and unlicensed pistol upon him. No doubt there is no independent witness to the incident, but there could be made no denial to the fact that the police officials are as good witnesses as others. The applicant may be in custody since three months, but for this reason he could not be admitted to bail being habitual offender as is contended to be by learned A.P.G for the State. There appear reasonable grounds to believed that the applicant is guilty of the offence for which he has been charged. No case for grant of bail to the applicant is made out.
Consequently , both the bail applications are dismissed with direction to learned trial Court to expedite the disposal of both the cases against the applicant preferably within two months.