Interpretation of the proviso regarding the calculation of the 60-day period for filing chalan and its impact on bail applications.

1. Raj Kumar and another have been chalaned under Sec. 302 read with S.34, Indian Penal Code, for committing the murder of Smt. Taro in furtherance of their common intention. This petition for bail for Raj Kumar has been pressed solely on the ground that the police failed to me the chalan within 60 days of the arrest of Raj Kumar petitioner, which took place on 17th June 1978. Learned counsel for the State has pointed out that the petitioner was produced before the Illaqa Magistrate on 18th June, 1978 and the chalan was filed on 16th Aug., 1978. Learned counsel for the parties are agreed that if 17th June, 1978, is included, then the chalan was filed on sixty-first day of the arrest of the petitioner.

2. The question for determination is, whether in the facts of this case, 17th June, 1978, has to be included or not. Proviso (a) to Sub-S. (2) of S.167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure lays down that "no Magistrate shall authorise the detention of the accused person in custody under this Section for a total period exceeding sixty days and on the expiry of the said period of sixty days, the accused person shall be released on bail if he is prepared to furnish bail." It is no gainsaying that it was on 18th June, 1978, that the Magistrate authorised the detention of the petitioner. Accordingly, the inclusion of 17th June, 1978, does not appear to be within the purview of the proviso. This petition, therefore, fails and the same is hereby dismissed.