CRM-M-8758-2025 1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-8758-2025 Reserved on: 2nd April, 2025 Pronounced on: 9 th April, 2025 Karma @ Karma Singh ...Petitioner Versus State of Punjab ...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present: Mr. Munish Gulati, Advocate for the petitioner. Ms. Swati Batra, Deputy Advocate General, Punjab. *** MANISHA BATRA, J :- The present petition has been filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’) by the petitioner seeking grant of regular bail in case bearing FIR No. 117 dated 06.08.2024 registered under Sections 103/3, (5)/ 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNS’) at Police Station Bhaghapurana, District Moga. 2. As per the allegations, on the evening of 04.08.2024, the complainant Gurvinder Singh was going toward bus stand to fetch milk when the present petitioner accompanied by co-accused Laadi, Komal and Gabbar was found standing on the road. Accused Laadi was holding a bottle containing petrol. The complainant heard him saying that he would burn somebody with petrol. He asked accused Laadi and his companions as to the Parveen Sharma 2025.04.09 14:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-8758-2025 2- reason of saying so and feeling offended, accused Komaldeep Singh asked accused Laadi to throw petrol upon the complainant and to burn him. The complainant tried to flee but the present petitioner caught hold of him from neck whereas, co-accused Laadi sprinkled petrol on him and accused Gabbar sat him on fire by igniting by a lighter. The limbs as well as face of the complainant were burnt. He raised alarm and then the petitioner and co- accused fled away. He was rushed to hospital. The aforementioned FIR was registered. Investigation proceedings were initiated. The present petitioner was arrested on 11.08.2024. Investigation now stands completed. 3. It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been falsely implicated in this case. He is in custody since long. Trial would take considerable time. No recovery remains to be effected from him. His further detention would not serve any useful purpose. Accordingly, it is urged that he deserves to be released on bail. 4. Status report has been filed by respondent-State. It is argued by learned Deputy Advocate General, Punjab, that there are serious allegations against the petitioner, who actively participated in causing burn injuries to the complainant by setting him in fire. He was caught hold by the victim by neck so that he could be sat ablaze. The victim is yet to be examined. There are chances of his intimidating the victim or committing similar offence, if extended benefit of bail. Therefore, it is urged that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties at considerable length and have gone through the record carefully. 6. The petitioner in furtherance of his common intention with the Parveen Sharma 2025.04.09 14:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-8758-2025 3- co-accused is alleged to have caused burn injuries to the victim by sprinkling petrol upon him and setting him ablaze. The victim had sustained several superficial to deep burns on his person. There was no provocation and motive on behalf of the complainant. The petitioner was obviously knowing about the consequences going to be incurred by the act of the co-accused and himself. An attempt to cause the death of the victim had been made. The allegations against the petitioner are serious in nature. The apprehension that he may intimidate the complainant cannot be stated to be unfounded at this stage. Keeping in view the nature of the allegations as levelled against the petitioner, the quantum of sentence which the conviction may entail and the attendant facts but without meaning to make any comment on the merits of the case, I am of the considered opinion that the petition does not deserve to be allowed, accordingly, the same is dismissed. 7. Since the main petition has been dismissed, pending application, if any, is rendered infructuous. [MANISHA BATRA] JUDGE 9 th April, 2025 Parveen Sharma 1. Whether speaking/ reasoned : Yes / No 2. Whether reportable : Yes / No Parveen Sharma 2025.04.09 14:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document