Paramjit Singh Patwalia, J. - (1.) IN the present case, appellant has been convicted and sentenced by the trial Court for offence under Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act") and ordered to suffer rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,00,000/ - and in default to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year.
(2.) ON 16.01.2014, a Coordinate Bench of this Court passed the following order: For the last two consecutive dates, no one has been appearing on behalf of the appellant. Mr. B.S. Kathuria, Advocate, had appeared on behalf of appellant till 17.8.2006 when his sentence was suspended. Let, notice be issued to the appellant intimating him regarding the date of hearing, for 20.02.2014. In case of non -appearance on behalf of the appellant, the matter will be taken up for hearing with the assistance of legal aid counsel or with the assistance of amicus curiae. In compliance of the aforesaid order, affidavit dated 19.03.2014 of Sh. Sarbjit Singh Bahia, P.P.S. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nawanshahar, Sub Division, District Saheed Bhagat Singh Nagar has been placed on record in which it is stated that appellant -Ram Piara has expired on 17.04.2010.
(3.) TILL date, no near relative of the appellant has applied for leave to continue with the appeal.;