CRM-M-15224- 111 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA Neha Singh State of Punjab CORAM : HON'BLE MS Present: Mr. P.S.Ahluwalia, Sr. Advocate with Mr. Gaurav Jain, Advocate for the petitioner. MANDEEP PANNU J. 1. This is the first petition under Section 482 of Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section 438 Cr.P.C.) praying for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No. 200 dated 23.12.2025 registered under Sections 316(4), 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Station Focal Point, District Police Commissionerate Ludhiana, to which Section 61(2) of BNS was added later on (corresponding to Sections 408, 420 IPC, to which Section 120 2. The brief facts of the case are that th the basis of statement of the complainant to the effect that co Singh, who was working as Accounts Head in the company, had fraudulently transferred amounts from the accounts of the company into his own account also into the account of the present petitioner. During investigation, it was found that an amount of more than -2026 (O&M) IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH -.- CRM Date of Decision : VERSUS HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE MANDEEP PANNU Mr. P.S.Ahluwalia, Sr. Advocate with Mr. Gaurav Jain, Advocate for the petitioner. -.- MANDEEP PANNU J. (Oral) This is the first petition under Section 482 of Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section 438 Cr.P.C.) praying for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No. 200 dated 23.12.2025 registered under Sections 316(4), 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Station Focal Point, District Police Commissionerate Ludhiana, to which Section 61(2) of BNS was added later on (corresponding to Sections 408, 420 IPC, to which Section 120-B IPC was added later on). The brief facts of the case are that th the basis of statement of the complainant to the effect that co Singh, who was working as Accounts Head in the company, had fraudulently transferred amounts from the accounts of the company into his own account also into the account of the present petitioner. During investigation, it was found that an amount of more than ₹1 crore was siphoned off by the co -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-15224-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision : 19.03.2026 ....Petitioner ....Respondent MANDEEP PANNU Mr. P.S.Ahluwalia, Sr. Advocate with Mr. Gaurav Jain, Advocate for the petitioner. This is the first petition under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section 438 Cr.P.C.) praying for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No. 200 dated 23.12.2025 registered under Sections 316(4), 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, at Police Station Focal Point, District Police Commissionerate Ludhiana, to which Section 61(2) of BNS was added later on (corresponding to Sections 408, 420 IPC, to The brief facts of the case are that the present FIR was registered on the basis of statement of the complainant to the effect that co-accused Kamal Singh, who was working as Accounts Head in the company, had fraudulently transferred amounts from the accounts of the company into his own account and also into the account of the present petitioner. During investigation, it was found ₹1 crore was siphoned off by the co-accused, out of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section 438 Cr.P.C.) praying for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No. 200 dated 23.12.2025 registered , at Police Station Focal Point, District Police Commissionerate Ludhiana, to which Section 61(2) of BNS was added later on (corresponding to Sections 408, 420 IPC, to e present FIR was registered on accused Kamal Singh, who was working as Accounts Head in the company, had fraudulently and also into the account of the present petitioner. During investigation, it was found accused, out of TRIPTI SAINI 2026.03.20 14:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-15224- which a substantial amount was transferred into the account of the petitioner. It further came on record that the petitioner and her husband purchased movable and immovable properties from the said amount. The petitioner was nominated as an accused on the basis of supplementary statement of the complainant. 3. It is contended by learned cou is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is submitted that the petitioner is a qualified person and was engaged in professional work and had received certain professional charges from t duly reflected in her Income Tax Returns. It is further contended that all the transactions are through banking channels and nothing incriminating has been found. It is argued that the petitioner was not named in the FIR allegations were made against her. It is further submitted that the amount reflected in the account of the petitioner and her husband is on account of an agreement to sell and the said agreement has been placed on record. It is also submitted said amount is duly reflected in the ITRs. The petitioner has further contended that she is ready to join the investigation and custodial interrogation is not required. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On the asking of the Court, accepts notice on behalf of the State and has contested the present application. 6. Learned State counsel, assisted by Sh. D.S. Sobti, VC) and Mr. Sultaan Singh Sangha, Advocate, complainant, has submitted that serious allegations have been levelled against the petitioner. It is contended that huge amount has been siphoned off by the co accused, who is the husband of the petitioner, and part of the said amount has been transferred into the account of the petitioner. It is further submitted that the amount -2026 (O&M) which a substantial amount was transferred into the account of the petitioner. It er came on record that the petitioner and her husband purchased movable and immovable properties from the said amount. The petitioner was nominated as an accused on the basis of supplementary statement of the complainant. It is contended by learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is submitted that the petitioner is a qualified person and was engaged in professional work and had received certain professional charges from the complainant company, which were duly reflected in her Income Tax Returns. It is further contended that all the transactions are through banking channels and nothing incriminating has been found. It is argued that the petitioner was not named in the FIR allegations were made against her. It is further submitted that the amount reflected in the account of the petitioner and her husband is on account of an agreement to sell and the said agreement has been placed on record. It is also submitted said amount is duly reflected in the ITRs. The petitioner has further contended that she is ready to join the investigation and custodial interrogation is not required. Notice of motion. On the asking of the Court, Mr. Sahil Chowdhary, AAG Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the State and has contested the present application. Learned State counsel, assisted by Sh. D.S. Sobti, and Mr. Sultaan Singh Sangha, Advocate, , has submitted that serious allegations have been levelled against the petitioner. It is contended that huge amount has been siphoned off by the co accused, who is the husband of the petitioner, and part of the said amount has been erred into the account of the petitioner. It is further submitted that the amount -2- which a substantial amount was transferred into the account of the petitioner. It er came on record that the petitioner and her husband purchased movable and immovable properties from the said amount. The petitioner was nominated as an accused on the basis of supplementary statement of the complainant. nsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is submitted that the petitioner is a qualified person and was engaged in professional work and had he complainant company, which were duly reflected in her Income Tax Returns. It is further contended that all the transactions are through banking channels and nothing incriminating has been found. It is argued that the petitioner was not named in the FIR and no direct allegations were made against her. It is further submitted that the amount reflected in the account of the petitioner and her husband is on account of an agreement to sell and the said agreement has been placed on record. It is also submitted that the said amount is duly reflected in the ITRs. The petitioner has further contended that she is ready to join the investigation and custodial interrogation is not required. Mr. Sahil Chowdhary, AAG Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the State and has contested the present application. Learned State counsel, assisted by Sh. D.S. Sobti, Advocate (through and Mr. Sultaan Singh Sangha, Advocate, who appeared on behalf of the , has submitted that serious allegations have been levelled against the petitioner. It is contended that huge amount has been siphoned off by the co accused, who is the husband of the petitioner, and part of the said amount has been erred into the account of the petitioner. It is further submitted that the amount which a substantial amount was transferred into the account of the petitioner. It er came on record that the petitioner and her husband purchased movable and immovable properties from the said amount. The petitioner was nominated as an nsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is submitted that the petitioner is a qualified person and was engaged in professional work and had he complainant company, which were duly reflected in her Income Tax Returns. It is further contended that all the transactions are through banking channels and nothing incriminating has been and no direct allegations were made against her. It is further submitted that the amount reflected in the account of the petitioner and her husband is on account of an agreement to that the said amount is duly reflected in the ITRs. The petitioner has further contended that Mr. Sahil Chowdhary, AAG Punjab, through f the , has submitted that serious allegations have been levelled against the petitioner. It is contended that huge amount has been siphoned off by the co- accused, who is the husband of the petitioner, and part of the said amount has been erred into the account of the petitioner. It is further submitted that the amount TRIPTI SAINI 2026.03.20 14:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-15224- so transferred has been utilized for purchase of properties. It is contended that the alleged agreement to sell is forged and fabricated and has been created subsequently to that the documents relied upon by the petitioner are also forged and fabricated. It is submitted that the petitioner has actively connived with her husband in commission of the offence and 7. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record. 8. A perusal of the record shows that serious allegations have been levelled against the petitioner. The material on record prima facie huge amount, running into more than accused, who is the husband of the petitioner, and part of the said amount has been transferred into the account of the petitioner. The role of the petitioner ca said to be innocuous at this stage, as she appears to have actively participated in the transactions and has benefited from the said amount. The plea taken by the petitioner that the amount pertains to an agreement to sell does not inspire confidence at this stage, particularly in view of the stand taken by the State and the complainant that the said agreement and supporting documents are forged and fabricated. The fact that properties have been purchased from the said amount further strengthens the is still at a crucial stage and the custodial interrogation of the petitioner is necessary to unearth the entire modus operandi and trail of the money. 9. In view of the gravity of allegations, involved and the active role attributed to the petitioner in connivance with her husband, this Court does not find it to be a fit case for grant of anticipatory bail. -2026 (O&M) so transferred has been utilized for purchase of properties. It is contended that the alleged agreement to sell is forged and fabricated and has been created subsequently to give colour of legitimacy to the transactions. It is further argued that the documents relied upon by the petitioner are also forged and fabricated. It is submitted that the petitioner has actively connived with her husband in commission of the offence and custodial interrogation is necessary. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record. A perusal of the record shows that serious allegations have been levelled against the petitioner. The material on record prima facie huge amount, running into more than ₹1 crore, has been siphoned off by the co accused, who is the husband of the petitioner, and part of the said amount has been transferred into the account of the petitioner. The role of the petitioner ca said to be innocuous at this stage, as she appears to have actively participated in the transactions and has benefited from the said amount. The plea taken by the petitioner that the amount pertains to an agreement to sell does not inspire ce at this stage, particularly in view of the stand taken by the State and the complainant that the said agreement and supporting documents are forged and fabricated. The fact that properties have been purchased from the said amount further strengthens the prima facie involvement of the petitioner. The investigation is still at a crucial stage and the custodial interrogation of the petitioner is necessary to unearth the entire modus operandi and trail of the money. In view of the gravity of allegations, involved and the active role attributed to the petitioner in connivance with her husband, this Court does not find it to be a fit case for grant of anticipatory bail. -3- so transferred has been utilized for purchase of properties. It is contended that the alleged agreement to sell is forged and fabricated and has been created give colour of legitimacy to the transactions. It is further argued that the documents relied upon by the petitioner are also forged and fabricated. It is submitted that the petitioner has actively connived with her husband in custodial interrogation is necessary. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record. A perusal of the record shows that serious allegations have been levelled against the petitioner. The material on record prima facie indicates that a ₹1 crore, has been siphoned off by the co accused, who is the husband of the petitioner, and part of the said amount has been transferred into the account of the petitioner. The role of the petitioner cannot be said to be innocuous at this stage, as she appears to have actively participated in the transactions and has benefited from the said amount. The plea taken by the petitioner that the amount pertains to an agreement to sell does not inspire ce at this stage, particularly in view of the stand taken by the State and the complainant that the said agreement and supporting documents are forged and fabricated. The fact that properties have been purchased from the said amount prima facie involvement of the petitioner. The investigation is still at a crucial stage and the custodial interrogation of the petitioner is necessary to unearth the entire modus operandi and trail of the money. In view of the gravity of allegations, the magnitude of the amount involved and the active role attributed to the petitioner in connivance with her husband, this Court does not find it to be a fit case for grant of anticipatory bail. so transferred has been utilized for purchase of properties. It is contended that the alleged agreement to sell is forged and fabricated and has been created give colour of legitimacy to the transactions. It is further argued that the documents relied upon by the petitioner are also forged and fabricated. It is submitted that the petitioner has actively connived with her husband in A perusal of the record shows that serious allegations have been indicates that a ₹1 crore, has been siphoned off by the co- accused, who is the husband of the petitioner, and part of the said amount has been nnot be said to be innocuous at this stage, as she appears to have actively participated in the transactions and has benefited from the said amount. The plea taken by the petitioner that the amount pertains to an agreement to sell does not inspire ce at this stage, particularly in view of the stand taken by the State and the complainant that the said agreement and supporting documents are forged and fabricated. The fact that properties have been purchased from the said amount prima facie involvement of the petitioner. The investigation is still at a crucial stage and the custodial interrogation of the petitioner is the magnitude of the amount involved and the active role attributed to the petitioner in connivance with her TRIPTI SAINI 2026.03.20 14:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-15224- 10. Accordingly, the present petition is dismissed. stated hereinabove shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. 11. All pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, stands disposed of. March 19, 2026 tripti Whether speaking/non Whether reportable -2026 (O&M) Accordingly, the present petition is dismissed. stated hereinabove shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of All pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, stands disposed of. Whether speaking/non-speaking : Speaking Whether reportable : Yes/No -4- Accordingly, the present petition is dismissed. However, nothing stated hereinabove shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of All pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, stands disposed of. (MANDEEP PANNU) JUDGE : Speaking : Yes/No , nothing stated hereinabove shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of All pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, stands disposed of. TRIPTI SAINI 2026.03.20 14:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document