If Accused completed his sentence his appeal cannot be infructuous – SC

Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed the Criminal Appeal of the appellant as he gone unrepresented in appeal and appeal rendered infructuous as he completed his sentence U/S of 18 of NDPS Act. Appellant approached the Supreme Court against the order. 

Supreme Court held that if nobody was present for the appellant for any reason, the High Court could have taken appropriate steps for representation on behalf of the appellant but, in any case, the appeal could not have been dismissed as infructuous. Order has been set aside 

D.D-13 November, 2021 

GURJANT SINGH  VERSUS The STATE OF PUNJAB