Pawan Munda vs State Of Odisha
2021 Latest Caselaw 6300 Ori

              IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

                               CRLA No.287 of 2018


            Pawan Munda                             ....            Appellant
                                                    Mr. J. Kamila, Advocate
                                        -versus-
            State of Odisha                         ....          Respondent
                                               Mr. J. Katikia, AGA for State

                      CORAM:
                      THE CHIEF JUSTICE


                                       ORDER

10.06.2021 Order No. I. A. No.1176 of 2020

06. 1. This matter is taken up by video conferencing mode.

2. The interlocutory application for bail has been filed by the Appellant, who has been convicted by learned 1st Additional Sessions Judge, Rourkela by the judgment dated 22nd March, 2018 in Sessions Trial No.27 of 2015 for the offence under Section 304 Part-II IPC and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) along with fine of Rs.10,000/- and in default to undergo further RI for six months.

3. Admittedly, the Petitioner has been in custody since 22nd March 2018, in which case he has served more than 1/3rd of the substantive sentence. It is stated that he has no criminal antecedents. It is unlikely that the appeal, which is registered in 2018, will be heard at an early date.

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4. In the circumstances, it is directed that during pendency of the criminal appeal, the Appellant be released on bail subject to the satisfaction of the trial Court.

5. The interlocutory application is accordingly disposed of.

6. As the restrictions due to resurgence of COVID-19 situation are continuing, learned counsel for the parties may utilize a printout of the order available in the High Court's website, at par with certified copy, subject to attestation by the concerned advocate, in the manner prescribed vide Court's Notice No.4587, dated 25th March, 2020 as modified by Court's Notice No.4798, dated 15th April, 2021.

(Dr. S. Muralidhar) Chief Justice

M. Panda