206 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA CHANDIGARH CRM-M-62032-2024 (O&M) Date of Decision: 22.05.2025 SAROJ BALA …Petitioner V/S STATE OF PUNJAB …Respondent CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR Present: Mr. Bhupinder Ghai, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Sandeep Kumar, DAG Punjab. **** HARPREET SINGH BRAR J. (Oral) 1. The petitioner seeks grant of anticipatory bail in respect of a case registered against her vide FIR No. 51, dated 24.03.2024, Police Station Division No.6, Police Commissionerate Jalandhar, under Sections 420, 406, 120-B IPC and Section 13 of Punjab Travels Professional Regulation Act, 2014. 2. On 11.12.2024, following order was passed: “The petitioner seeks grant of anticipatory bail in respect of a case registered against her vide FIR No. 51, dated 24.03.2024, Police Station Division No.6, Police Commissionerate Jalandhar, under Sections 420, 406, 120-B IPC and Section 13 of Punjab Travels Professional Regulation Act, 2014. The FIR in question was lodged at the instance of Harjinder Singh wherein it is alleged that Raman Kumar was running a travel agency and he was introduced to Raman Kumar and Saroj Bala by Sarabjit Singh and that since the said persons had represented that they could send the complainant abroad in lieu of Rs.30 lakhs, the complainant was taken in by such representation and paid an amount of Rs.14 lakhs in the shape of cheques, while the remaining amount was paid by means of cash. However, since the complainant was not sent abroad, he demanded his money back and accused Raman Kumar issued two cheques i.e. for an amount of Rs.7 lakhs and Rs.6 lakhs. Another cheque for Rs.14 lakhs is stated to AJAY GOSWAMI 2025.05.23 15:51 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-62032-2024 (O&M) -2- have been issued by Saroj Bala which upon presentation was dishonoured. Learned counsel submitted that the petitioner is a lady aged about 71 years and has been roped in being mother of another accused namely Karanveer simply in order to exert pressure upon the accused to extract money. It has been submitted that in any case, even in the FIR Saroj Bala is stated to have issued the cheque as a security and that under these circumstances she cannot be attributed any criminal intention with regard to the alleged cheating. It has also been submitted that the petitioner enjoys a clean record and is not involved in any other case. Notice of motion for 22.05.2025. Meanwhile, in the event of arrest, the petitioner be released on interim bail subject to her furnishing personal bonds and surety bonds to the satisfaction of Arresting/Investigating Officer. However, the petitioner shall join the investigation as and when called upon to do so and cooperate with the Arresting/Investigating Officer and shall abide by the conditions as provided under Section 482 BNSS.” 3. Learned State counsel has filed short reply by way of affidavit of Paramjit Singh, PPS Assistant Commissioner of Police, Detective Jalandhar. Same is taken on record and be tagged at the appropriate place. He, on instructions from ASI Malkiat Singh, submits that in compliance of order dated 11.12.2024 passed by this Court, the petitioner has joined the investigation and is not required for further custodial interrogation. 4. Keeping in view the statement made by learned State Counsel the order dated 11.12.2024, is made absolute. The petitioner shall abide by the terms and conditions enumerated in Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023. 5. The petition is accordingly disposed of. (HARPREET SINGH BRAR) 22.05.2025 JUDGE Ajay Goswami Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No AJAY GOSWAMI 2025.05.23 15:51 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document