JUDGMENT

Tejinder Singh Dhindsa, J. - Matter has been taken up through Video Conferencing via Webex facility in the light of the Pandemic Covid-19 situation and as per instructions.

2. Challenge in the instant petition is to the order dated 19.04.2021 (Annexure P-2) passed by the District Magistrate, Ludhiana vide which request of the petitioner for temporary release under Section 3(1)(d) of the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 1962 (for short 'the 1962 Act') has been declined.

3. Reply by way of affidavit of Devinder Kumar, PPS, Assistant Commissioner of Police (East), Ludhiana on behalf of respondents No.1 and 2 has been filed. The same is taken on record and a complete copy has been furnished to counsel opposite.

4. With the consent of the counsel for the parties, the case is taken up for disposal today itself.

5. Uncontroverted facts are that petitioner was arrested in FIR No.274, dated 24.11.2017 registered at Police Station Meharban, District Ludhiana under Section 18/61/85 of the NDPS Act. In the trial that ensued, petitioner stands convicted and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for a period of 12 years as also to pay a fine vide judgment dated 01.10.2020 p