Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Friday quashed the FIR and criminal proceedings against American national William Michael Hurtubise, who was arrested in Bhubaneswar on September 18 last year, for alleged illegal possession of live bullets.
Justice S C Parija acquitted the 27-year-old engineer and directed the trial court (SDJM court, Bhubaneswar) to return his visa, passport and the surety of Rs 50,000, which he had deposited before the court for his bail, immediately. The techie was booked under the Arms Act.
"According to a Supreme Court order, police cannot detain or arrest a person unless s/he is guilty of consciously possessing arms. William had clearly stated that he carried the bullets unknowingly. Moreover, he was not carrying any firearm. The court took note of our arguments and granted us relief," said petitioner's counsel Sarat Kumar Gajendra.
18/01/14 Times of India
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Justice S C Parija acquitted the 27-year-old engineer and directed the trial court (SDJM court, Bhubaneswar) to return his visa, passport and the surety of Rs 50,000, which he had deposited before the court for his bail, immediately. The techie was booked under the Arms Act.
"According to a Supreme Court order, police cannot detain or arrest a person unless s/he is guilty of consciously possessing arms. William had clearly stated that he carried the bullets unknowingly. Moreover, he was not carrying any firearm. The court took note of our arguments and granted us relief," said petitioner's counsel Sarat Kumar Gajendra.
18/01/14 Times of India
