CRM-M-15676-2025 1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 213-2 CRM-M-15676-2025 Date of decision: 22nd July, 2025 Ranbir Singh Khurpa ...Petitioner Versus State of Punjab ...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present: Mr. Tarun Sharma, Advocate for the petitioner. Ms. Sakshi Bakshi, Assistant Advocate General, 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. 12 dated 23.02.2025 registered under Sections 379, 406 and 411 of IPC at Police Station City Zira, District Ferozepur. 2. Vide order dated 21.03.2025 passed by this Court, the petitioner was released on interim bail and was directed to join investigation. 3. Learned Assistant Advocate General, Punjab has filed reply dated 07.07.2025. The same is taken on record. She further, on instructions, states that the petitioner joined the investigation on 02.04.2025. However, it is submitted that he has not co-operated with the Investigating Officer and did not effected recovery of stolen spareparts and for that purpose, his custodial interrogation is required. Therefore, it is urged that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. Parveen Sharma 2025.07.24 12:36 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-15676-2025 2- 4. The petitioner joined investigation on 02.04.2025.. So far as the non recovery is concerned, mere non recovery cannot by itself be a ground for denial of bail as has also been observed by the Delhi High Court in case titled as ‘Jagdish Thakkar vs. State of Delhi’, 1992 (3) CCR 2764’ and in case titled as ‘Pooran Singh vs. State of Delhi’, 2022(1) RCR (Criminal) 503. With regard to contention that the petitioner has not co-operated with the investigation, it may be stated that the behavior attributed to the petitioner cannot be considered as an instance of non-cooperation, justifying denial for grant of pre-arrest bail since, an accused, while joining investigation, is not expected to make self incriminating statement under the threat that the State may seek withdrawal of the interim protection granted to him. In the considered opinion of this Court, the pretrial incarceration of the petitioner is not required. Accordingly, the present petition is allowed and the order dated 21.03.2025 granting interim bail to the petitioner is made absolute, subject to compliance of conditions laid down in Section 482(2) of BNSS. 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 has been disposed of, pending application, if any, is rendered infructuous. [MANISHA BATRA] JUDGE 22nd July, 2025 Parveen Sharma 1. Whether speaking/ reasoned : Yes / No 2. Whether reportable : Yes / No Parveen Sharma 2025.07.24 12:36 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document