Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 3: Justice Shahzad Azeem of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has dismissed the bail plea of 24-year-old Haroon Rashid of Rajouri, who is facing trial under Sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act, observing that his criminal antecedents and likelihood of repeating the offence weigh against grant of bail at this stage.
As per the case record, the accused was apprehended on January 26, 2025 at around 1500 hours by a police naka party at Shema Crossing/DPL Crossing/ITI Road in Rajouri after allegedly attempting to flee; on personal search, six grams of heroin were recovered. The investigation culminated in a charge-sheet and the trial is pending before the competent court. The prosecution opposed bail, stating the petitioner is already involved in multiple cases, including three earlier NDPS FIRs (2018, 2020 and 2022) and two FIRs under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2024), arguing that repeated involvement indicates a serious risk of further offences if released.
Referring to principles laid down by the Supreme Court of India on considering criminal antecedents and the possibility of repetition, the High Court held the petitioner does not deserve the concession of bail "in the larger interest of society," while granting him liberty to approach the trial court afresh if advised. (JNF) |
