- (1.) THIS order shall dispose of the present petition filedunder Section 439 read with Section 167(2) Cr.P.C. for grant of regular bail to the petitioner in FIR No. 85 dated 05.10.2013 under Section 21/22/61/85 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (here -in -after referred to as 'the Act'), registered at Police Station Sadar Batala, District Batala.
(2.) COUNSEL for the parties have been heard at length.
(3.) THE uncontroverted facts of the present case are that the petitioner was arrested on 05.10.2013 with the allegation of recovery of some intoxicant capsules of Pysevon Spac and 6 injections as also other intoxicant material. Under Section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and under its various sub -sections, the maximum period beyond which a person cannot be detained while investigation is under way has been provided and the same varies between 60 to 90 days keeping in view the gravity of offence. If the investigation is not completed within such stipulated period, the accused is entitled to bail under Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure if he makes an application for such purpose. However, under the Act, the maximum period of 90 days fixed under Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been increased to 180 days for several categories of offences under the Act. Under Section 36 -A of the Act, the period of detention may go on to a total of one year subject to satisfaction and compliance of the stringent conditions provided therein i.e. (i) upon a report of the Public Prosecutor; (ii) which in turn indicates the progress of the investigation; (iii) specifies the compelling reasons for seeking the detention of the accused beyond the period of 180 days; and (iv) after notice to the accused.;