ORDER

When does the twenty four hour period to produce an accused before the Magistrate commence? Does it start from the time of arrest as recorded by the police or from the time when the accused was detained? These questions are addressed in this application seeking regular bail filed under section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 .

2. Petitioner is the accused in Crime No.2 of 2025 of the Narcotics Control Bureau, Cochin Zonal Unit, alleging offences punishable under section 8(c) r/w section 20(b)(ii)(C), 28 and section 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short ‘NDPS Act’).

3. Prosecution alleges that on 25.01.2025, the accused was found in possession of 26.92 Kg of ganja from platform No.3 of Ernakulam Junction Railway Station and thereby committed the offences alleged. Petitioner has been in custody since 26.01.2025.

4. I have heard Adv. Fathima Sulfath N.B., on behalf of the petitioner and Sri. R. Vinu Raj, the learned Special Public Prosecutor on behalf of the respondents. Considering the importance of the question involved, and on noticing the commitment with which two law interns were watching the proceedings, this Court de