CRM-M-24953 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND (207 ) AJAY KUMAR ALIAS KASHI STATE OF PUNJAB CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present: Mr. Ms. Sakshi Bakshi, AAG, Punjab MANISHA BATRA, J. (ORAL) 1. Through the instant petition under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’), the petitioner seeks registered under Sections 333, 115(2), 118(1), 117(2), 324(4), 191(3) and 190 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNS”) Division No.6, Ludhiana. 2. Vide order dated petitioner was released on interim bail and was directed to join investigation. 3. Learned State counsel filed status report dated on instructions states that the petitioner 24953-2026 (O&M) (1) IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND CHANDIGARH CRM Date of decision : 03.07.2026 AJAY KUMAR ALIAS KASHI Versus STATE OF PUNJAB HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Mr. Akashdeep Miglani, Advocate for the petitioner Ms. Sakshi Bakshi, AAG, Punjab **** MANISHA BATRA, J. (ORAL) Through the instant petition under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’), the petitioner seeks anticipatory bail in case FIR No. registered under Sections 333, 115(2), 118(1), 117(2), 324(4), 191(3) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNS”) Division No.6, Ludhiana. Vide order dated 04.05.2026 passed by this Court, the petitioner was released on interim bail and was directed to join Learned State counsel filed status report dated on instructions states that the petitioner has joined the investigation IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CRM-M-24953-2026 (O&M) Date of decision : 03.07.2026 … Petitioner ...Respondent HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Akashdeep Miglani, Advocate for the petitioner Through the instant petition under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’), the anticipatory bail in case FIR No.59 dated 04.03.2026 registered under Sections 333, 115(2), 118(1), 117(2), 324(4), 191(3) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNS”) at Police Station passed by this Court, the petitioner was released on interim bail and was directed to join Learned State counsel filed status report dated 02.07.2026 and joined the investigation on AMIT SHARMA 2026.07.04 10:55 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment. CRM-M-24953 15.05.2026. However, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is required to ascertain the role played by each member of the unlawful assembly and the manner in which the assault was executed in furtherance of common object of the accused persons. not cooperated with the investigation. It is, therefore, argued that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. 4. However, with regard to the contention that the petitioner not cooperated with the investigation, it may be stated that the attributed to the petitioner cannot be considered as an instance of non cooperation, justifying denial for grant of pre arrest bail, since, an while joining investigatio statement under the threat that the State may seek protection granted to him incarceration of the petitioner is not required. As such, without commenting on the this case, the Accordingly, the granting interim bail compliance of the Nagarik Suraksha 24953-2026 (O&M) (2) 15.05.2026. However, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is required to ascertain the role played by each member of the unlawful assembly and the manner in which the assault was executed in furtherance of common object of the accused persons. It is further argued that the petitioner has not cooperated with the investigation. It is, therefore, argued that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. However, with regard to the contention that the petitioner not cooperated with the investigation, it may be stated that the attributed to the petitioner cannot be considered as an instance of non justifying denial for grant of pre arrest bail, since, an while joining investigation, is not expected to make self statement under the threat that the State may seek protection granted to him. Given the nature of the allegations, the pre trial of the petitioner is not required. As such, without commenting on the merits of the case and in the circumstances peculiar to petitioner makes a case for release on pre arrest bai Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the order dated granting interim bail to the petitioner is made absolute subject to the compliance of the conditions laid down in Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. 15.05.2026. However, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is required to ascertain the role played by each member of the unlawful assembly and the manner in which the assault was executed in furtherance of common It is further argued that the petitioner has not cooperated with the investigation. It is, therefore, argued that the However, with regard to the contention that the petitioner has not cooperated with the investigation, it may be stated that the behavior attributed to the petitioner cannot be considered as an instance of non- justifying denial for grant of pre arrest bail, since, an accused, n, is not expected to make self incriminating statement under the threat that the State may seek withdrawal of the interim en the nature of the allegations, the pre trial of the petitioner is not required. As such, without merits of the case and in the circumstances peculiar to petitioner makes a case for release on pre arrest bail. petition is allowed and the order dated 04.05.2026 to the petitioner is made absolute subject to the conditions laid down in Section 482(2) of Bharatiya AMIT SHARMA 2026.07.04 10:55 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment. CRM-M-24953 5. It is, however, clarified that the observations made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. 6. Since the main petition application, if any, is 03.07.2026 Amit Sharma 24953-2026 (O&M) (3) It is, however, clarified that the observations made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. Since the main petition has been disposed of, application, if any, is rendered infructuous. (MANISHA BATRA) Whether speaking/reasoned:- Yes/No Whether reportable:- Yes/No It is, however, clarified that the observations made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the has been disposed of, pending (MANISHA BATRA) JUDGE Yes/No AMIT SHARMA 2026.07.04 10:55 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment.