CRM-M-5556 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA 204 SATWINDER SINGH ALIAS SUNNY STATE OF PUNJAB CORAM:- HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL Present:- Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh, for the petitioner. Ms. Amrit Kaur Mahir, AAG, Punjab ***** RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL, J. (ORAL) 1. Through the instant petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNSS”), the petitioner seeks anticipatory bail in case 419, 420, 120- of IT Act added later on) Ludhiana City, District Police Commissionerate Ludhiana. 2. On ordinate Bench BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a 5556-2026 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM Date of decision: SATWINDER SINGH ALIAS SUNNY Versus STATE OF PUNJAB HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh, Advocate for the petitioner. Ms. Amrit Kaur Mahir, AAG, Punjab ***** RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL, J. (ORAL) Through the instant petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNSS”), the petitioner seeks anticipatory bail in case FIR No.39, dated 26.08.2025, registered u/s -B of IPC (Sections 465, 467, 468, 471 of IPC and Section 66 of IT Act added later on), at Police Station Ludhiana City, District Police Commissionerate Ludhiana. On 02.02.2026, the following order ordinate Bench of this Court: - “1. Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-5556-2026 Date of decision: 06.05.2026 ….Petitioner ....Respondent HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL Ms. Amrit Kaur Mahir, AAG, Punjab. Through the instant petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNSS”), the petitioner FIR No.39, dated 26.08.2025, registered u/s 68, 471 of IPC and Section 66-D , at Police Station Cyber Crime Police Station Ludhiana City, District Police Commissionerate Ludhiana. following order was passed by the Co- 1. Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a ….Petitioner ....Respondent Through the instant petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNSS”), the petitioner FIR No.39, dated 26.08.2025, registered u/s D Cyber Crime Police Station - 1. Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a GURPREET 2026.05.06 17:29 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document. CRM-M-5556 criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder: Name & age of Petitioner (s) Satwinder Singh alias Sunny, aged about 39 years that as per the allegations contained in the FIR, which was registered at the instance of the complainant Amarjeet Singh, all five accused Kohli and other workers of the company, namely, (iii) Harjeet Singh, (iv) Harinder Singh, and (v) Satwinder Singh @ Sanny Jodhan, allegedly induced the complainant to invest money in their company on the assuranc is alleged that the complainant invested a total sum of Rs.32,55,000/ was returned, nor any assured profit was paid, and the entire amount was allegedly misappropriated. basis of a police complaint, present FIR came to be registered. criminal offence is made out, as the complainant himself voluntarily deposited the amount under the expectation of mu suffered, initiation of criminal proceedings is not a proper recourse. It is submitted that, in case of dishonour of cheque, complainant could have availed the statutory remedy under the provisions o alternatively, could have instituted a civil suit for recovery. Shasha Shubham Gupta, has already been released on regular 5556-2026 2 criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- Name & age of Petitioner (s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Satwinder Singh alias Sunny, aged about 39 years 39 26.08.2025 419, 420, 120 IPC (Sections 465, 467, 468, 471 of IPC and Section 66-D of IT Act added later on) 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that as per the allegations contained in the FIR, which was registered at the instance of the complainant Amarjeet Singh, all five accused namely (i) Shasha Shubham Gupta, (ii) Madhu Kohli and other workers of the company, namely, (iii) Harjeet Singh, (iv) Harinder Singh, and (v) Satwinder Singh @ Sanny Jodhan, allegedly induced the complainant to invest money in their company on the assurance of earning substantial returns. It is alleged that the complainant invested a total sum of Rs.32,55,000/- since the year 2017. Neither the invested amount was returned, nor any assured profit was paid, and the entire amount was allegedly misappropriated. basis of a police complaint, present FIR came to be registered. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner argues that no criminal offence is made out, as the complainant himself voluntarily deposited the amount under the expectation of multiplying his investment, and merely because losses were suffered, initiation of criminal proceedings is not a proper recourse. It is submitted that, in case of dishonour of cheque, complainant could have availed the statutory remedy under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, or alternatively, could have instituted a civil suit for recovery. It is further contended that owner of the company, namely Shasha Shubham Gupta, has already been released on regular criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed Section(s) Police Station District 419, 420, 120-B of IPC (Sections 465, 467, 468, 471 of IPC and Section D of IT Act added later on) Police Commissionerat e, Cyber Crime Ludhiana Ludhiana City 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that as per the allegations contained in the FIR, which was registered at the instance of the complainant Amarjeet Singh, all namely (i) Shasha Shubham Gupta, (ii) Madhu Kohli and other workers of the company, namely, (iii) Harjeet Singh, (iv) Harinder Singh, and (v) Satwinder Singh @ Sanny Jodhan, allegedly induced the complainant to invest money in e of earning substantial returns. It is alleged that the complainant invested a total sum of since the year 2017. Neither the invested amount was returned, nor any assured profit was paid, and the entire amount was allegedly misappropriated. Consequently, on the basis of a police complaint, present FIR came to be registered. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner argues that no criminal offence is made out, as the complainant himself voluntarily deposited the amount under the expectation of ltiplying his investment, and merely because losses were suffered, initiation of criminal proceedings is not a proper recourse. It is submitted that, in case of dishonour of cheque, complainant could have availed the statutory remedy under the f the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, or alternatively, could have instituted a civil suit for recovery. It is further contended that owner of the company, namely Shasha Shubham Gupta, has already been released on regular criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed District Ludhiana 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that as per the allegations contained in the FIR, which was registered at the instance of the complainant Amarjeet Singh, all namely (i) Shasha Shubham Gupta, (ii) Madhu Kohli and other workers of the company, namely, (iii) Harjeet Singh, (iv) Harinder Singh, and (v) Satwinder Singh @ Sanny Jodhan, allegedly induced the complainant to invest money in e of earning substantial returns. It is alleged that the complainant invested a total sum of since the year 2017. Neither the invested amount was returned, nor any assured profit was paid, and the entire Consequently, on the 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner argues that no criminal offence is made out, as the complainant himself voluntarily deposited the amount under the expectation of ltiplying his investment, and merely because losses were suffered, initiation of criminal proceedings is not a proper recourse. It is submitted that, in case of dishonour of cheque, complainant could have availed the statutory remedy under the f the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, or It is further contended that owner of the company, namely Shasha Shubham Gupta, has already been released on regular GURPREET 2026.05.06 17:29 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document. CRM-M-5556 bail by the learned Court of Ses 12.12.2025. Petitioner, being merely an employee of the company, cannot be treated as a beneficiary or a responsible person in any manner, as no amount was ever deposited in his account, nor he demanded or induced the complainant to any money at any point of time. Thus, counsel prays for the grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner. Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent St and seeks some time to file status report in the matter. investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, the petition on ad satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport. during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court. 3. L the order dated petitioner has joined the investigation. 5556-2026 3 bail by the learned Court of Ses 12.12.2025. Petitioner, being merely an employee of the company, cannot be treated as a beneficiary or a responsible person in any manner, as no amount was ever deposited in his account, nor he demanded or induced the complainant to any money at any point of time. Thus, counsel prays for the grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent St and seeks some time to file status report in the matter. 6. Adjourned to 06.05.2026. 7. Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, the petition on ad-interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 8. Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport. It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court.” Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance of the order dated 02.02.2026 passed by the Co-ordinate Bench joined the investigation. bail by the learned Court of Sessions, vide order dated 12.12.2025. Petitioner, being merely an employee of the company, cannot be treated as a beneficiary or a responsible person in any manner, as no amount was ever deposited in his account, nor he demanded or induced the complainant to invest any money at any point of time. Thus, counsel prays for the grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner. On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent State, and seeks some time to file status report in the matter. Adjourned to 06.05.2026. 7. Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, the petitioner shall be released interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport. d that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the earned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance of ordinate Bench of this Court, the sions, vide order dated 12.12.2025. Petitioner, being merely an employee of the company, cannot be treated as a beneficiary or a responsible person in any manner, as no amount was ever deposited in his invest any money at any point of time. Thus, counsel prays for the grant On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, ate, 7. Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating er shall be released interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing d that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the earned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance of this Court, the GURPREET 2026.05.06 17:29 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document. CRM-M-5556 4. Learned counsel for the State, on instructions Kumar, has submitted that the petitioner ha longer required for further investigation. 5. In view of the statement made by learned State counsel, the interim order dated Court, is made absolute. The petitioner shall continue to join investigation, as and when called by the Investigating Officer conditions as provided under Section 482(2) of the BNSS 06.05.2026 Gurpreet 5556-2026 4 Learned counsel for the State, on instructions has submitted that the petitioner has joined the investigation and longer required for further investigation. n view of the statement made by learned State counsel, the interim order dated 02.02.2026 passed by the Court, is made absolute. The petitioner shall continue to join investigation, as and when called by the Investigating Officer conditions as provided under Section 482(2) of the BNSS i) Whether speaking/reasoned? Yes/No ii) Whether reportable? Yes/No Learned counsel for the State, on instructions from SI Sanjeev joined the investigation and is no n view of the statement made by learned State counsel, the the Co-ordinate Bench of this Court, is made absolute. The petitioner shall continue to join investigation, as and when called by the Investigating Officer and shall also abide by the conditions as provided under Section 482(2) of the BNSS. (RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL) JUDGE i) Whether speaking/reasoned? Yes/No from SI Sanjeev no n view of the statement made by learned State counsel, the this Court, is made absolute. The petitioner shall continue to join investigation, as and shall also abide by the (RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL) GURPREET 2026.05.06 17:29 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document.