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Defence slams prosecution delays in Thakor Hari Punja drug case

Defence slams prosecution delays in Thakor Hari Punja drug case
Thakor Hari Punja

Defence lawyers for Thakor Hari Punja criticised the State for repeated delays after they filed submissions late, causing the court hearing to be stalled again.

Punja was charged with one count each of unlawful possession of 0.84 grams of methamphetamine, 5.447 grams of cocaine and 6.6 grams of marijuana.

Punja's counsel Iqbal Khan also stated that due to the delay from the State they have missed multiple deadlines and only served documents on the day of the hearing.

He says this compromised their ability to prepare fairly.

The prosecution says an oversight on his part caused the delay.

They also raised concerns about the defence counsel’s use of artificial intelligence.

Magistrate Yogesh Prasad acknowledged the disruption but said some issues fall under the High Court’s jurisdiction.

The case has been adjourned to February 4th 2026.

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