CRM-M-61598-2023 -1- 260 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-61598-2023 Date of Decision:- 08.07.2025 Harpreet Singh ...Petitioner Versus State of Punjab ...Respondent CORAM:-HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE AMARJOT BHATTI Present:- Mr. J.S. Lalli, Advocate for the petitioner. Ms. Amrit Kaur Mahir, AAG, Punjab. **** AMARJOT BHATTI, J.(Oral) 1. Petitioner – Harpreet Singh has filed petition under Section 439 of Cr.P.C. for grant of regular bail in FIR No. 122 dated 23.06.2023 under Section 363, 366-A of IPC registered at Police Station Sultanpur Lodhi, District Kapurthala (Annexure P-1). 2. Facts of the case are, complainant ‘H’ gave his statement that he is father of two daughters and a son. Victim is his elder daughter, age about 14 years 6 months. She was studying in Government Senior Secondary School, Dudwindi, Sultanpur Lodhi in 11th standard. On the intervening night of 20/21.06.2023, she left the house without telling anyone. They searched for victim at their own level. On 22.06.2023, victim returned home in the evening and did not disclose anything as to where she had gone. Even earlier, his daughter used to leave the house without telling anyone and further used to return on her own. Complainant suspected Harpreet Singh @ Happy, who enticed away his daughter. With these LALIT SHARMA 2025.07.09 17:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-61598-2023 -2- allegations, matter was reported to police and present FIR was registered. 3. Learned counsel for petitioner argued that allegations levelled against petitioner are false. Even facts mentioned in FIR indicates that said victim used to leave the house on her own without telling anybody and used to come back. Petitioner is behind the bars since 23.06.2023. Challan is already presented and charges were framed on 07.10.2023. Petitioner cannot be kept behind the bars for indefinite time period. At present, statement of mother of victim has been recorded as PW-2 where she did not support prosecution case and was declared hostile. Considering his long custody, petitioner may be granted regular bail. 4. Bail petition is opposed by learned counsel representing State. It is confirmed that petitioner was arrested in this case on 23.06.2023 and till date he is behind the bars. Statement of victim was recorded under Section 164 Cr.P.C., where she had claimed that due to beatings given by her parents she left the house in anger. After completion of investigation, challan was presented on 21.08.2023 and case is pending for recording of prosecution evidence. Report of Forensic Science Laboratory is yet to be received. It is pointed out that victim was minor at the time of occurrence. Allegations are serious. Therefore, petitioner is not entitled to be released on regular bail. 5. I have considered the arguments and have gone through the record carefully. As per the facts narrated by the father of victim, even earlier victim used to leave the house and returned home on her own. Present petitioner is specifically named in FIR who allegedly enticed away the daughter of complainant. Victim is minor. Allegations are specific and LALIT SHARMA 2025.07.09 17:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-61598-2023 -3- serious in nature. After presentation of challan, only statement of mother of victim has been recorded, which has been received from the trial Court. Till date statements of victim as well as complainant have not been recorded. There is every chance that in case petitioner is released on bail, he may try to influence the victim. 6. Considering the aforesaid factual position, at this stage, I do not find a fit case for grant of regular bail and petition filed by petitioner – Harpreet Singh is, accordingly, dismissed. However, considering the long custody of petitioner, trial Court is directed to expedite the trial. 7. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, stand disposed of accordingly as well. 08.07.2025 (AMARJOT BHATTI) lalit JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether reportable: Yes/No LALIT SHARMA 2025.07.09 17:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document