CRM-M-7789-2025 - 1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 224 CRM-M-7789-2025 Date of decision: 11.09.2025 AJAY ....Petitioner Versus STATE OF PUNJAB ...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present : Mr. C.S. Rana, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Manjinder Singh Bhullar, DAG, Punjab. SANJAY VASHISTH. J.(Oral) 1. The instant petition has been filed under Section 483 of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 439 Cr.P.C.), for grant of regular bail to the petitioner, during the pendency of trial, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- Name of Petitioner(s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District AJAY 156 30.11.2024 304, 307 of BNS, 2023 [Sections 317(2) & 317(4) of BNS added later on] Division No.8 Ludhiana 2. ₹ It is contended that, as per the allegations, a cash amount of 10,000/-, along with an ICICI Bank ATM card, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, school ID card, and two iPhones, were snatched by the petitioner from the complainant/victim, Babli Rani, on 30.11.2024. 3. Further contended that after registration of the FIR, investigation was carried out, during which a motorcycle bearing registration No. PB10-HS-5573 and an iPhone 16 Pro Max were recovered from the possession of co-accused Saroj AMANDEEP GOSAIN 2025.09.12 12:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment CRM-M-7789-2025 - 2- Pawan @ Maua, on whose disclosure statement name of the present petitioner has emerged. Petitioner has been in custody for more than nine months since his arrest on 06.12.2024. The investigation has been concluded, and the challan has also been filed before the trial Court; however, recording of prosecution witnesses is yet to commence. Counsel for the petitioner also contended that co-accused of the petitioner has already been granted the concession of bail by this Court vide order dated 02.08.2025. Thus, prays for grant of regular bail. 4. Per contra, learned State counsel, while opposing the prayer for bail, submits that co-accused on his disclosure stated that he used to sell the snatched mobile phones to the present petitioner. It is further submitted that during investigation, 11 mobile phones of different companies, including mobile phone of complainant were recovered from the petitioner’s possession. Although challan has been filed, however, trial proceedings are yet to commence. 5. Heard 6. Also stage of proceedings, cannot be ignored because, after completing investigation, challan has been filed, and trial is yet to commence, as the recording of statements of prosecution witnesses has not started. 7. After hearing the submissions of both sides and perusing the averments made in the petition, and considering the fact that culpability of the petitioner is yet to be determined during the course of trial, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioner’s prayer for bail deserves consideration at this stage. 8. Consequently, prayer made in the present petition is allowed. Petitioner is ordered to be released on bail, subject to his furnishing bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the learned trial Court/ Chief Judicial Magistrate/ Illaqa Magistrate/ AMANDEEP GOSAIN 2025.09.12 12:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment CRM-M-7789-2025 - 3- Duty Magistrate concerned, if not required in any other case. 9. Needless to observe that the petitioner shall not extend any threat and shall not influence any prosecution witness in any manner directly or indirectly. 10. The observation made here-in-above shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the facts of the case and the Trial Court is expected to decide the case on the basis of complete evidence available on record. 11. Petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) 11.09.2025 JUDGE amandeep Whether speaking/reasoned. : Yes/No Whether Reportable. : Yes/No AMANDEEP GOSAIN 2025.09.12 12:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment