IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH (207) CRA-S-969-2025 Decided on : 28.08.2025 Baldev Singh ……Petitioner(s) Versus State of Punjab and another ……Respondent(s) CORAM : HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Mr. B.S. Jatana, Advocate, for the appellant. Mr. Kunwarbir Singh, AAG, Punjab for respondent No.1. None for respondent No.2. ***** Sumeet Goel (Oral): 1. Apprehending his arrest in FIR No.0011 dated 28.02.2025 registered for offences punishable under Sections 299, 61(2) of BNS 2023 and Section 3 of Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, at Police Station Joga, District Mansa; the appellant has preferred the present appeal. 2. On 19.05.2025, the following order was passed: Mr. Buta Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mansa, is present in Courty today being the Investigating Officer of the case and has filed the additional status report dated 18.05.2025 by way of his affidavit and the same is taken on record. Copy thereof has been supplied to learned counsel for the appellant. 2. Heard. 3. After hearing the arguments and perusing the record, on a query being put to the investigating officer, present in Court, he has categorically stated that in the CCTV footage of the alleged occurrence, the appellant is not seen there. NAVEEN NAGPAL 2025.08.28 16:51 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh CRA-S-969-2025 P a g e | 2 4. Learned counsel for the appellant has pointed out that the alleged facebook ID does not belong to him and this aspect can be verified by the police. 5. Be it the case, without commenting on the merits of the case, the appellant is directed to join the investigation within seven days from today and in the event of his arrest, he is ordered to be released on interim bail on his furnishing personal/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer. He shall also abide by conditions as envisaged under Section 482 (2) of BNSS, 2023. 6. Investigating Officer of the case to remain present along with record on the next date of hearing. 7. List on 08.07.2025.” 3. Learned State counsel (on instructions) has submitted that the appellant has joined investigation and he is not required for further custodial interrogation. 4. Keeping in view the factual milieu of the case in hand, especially the factum of the appellant having joined investigation and he is not required for further custodial interrogation, the present appeal is allowed and the order dated 19.05.2025 granting anticipatory bail to the appellant is hereby made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS. 5. This order should not be treated as “blanket” order. It will not be read granting appellant indefinite protection from arrest. It shall be confined to the FIR mentioned ibid and will not operate in respect of any other incident that involves commission of an offence. 6. Liberty is reserved in favour of State/complainant to move for cancellation/recall of this order in case the appellant violates any condition stipulated under Section 482(2) of BNSS or upon showing any other sufficient cause. NAVEEN NAGPAL 2025.08.28 16:51 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh CRA-S-969-2025 P a g e | 3 7. Needless to say that anything observed herein above shall not be construed to be an opinion on the merits of the case. 8. Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed off. (SUMEET GOEL) August 28, 2025 JUDGE Naveen Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether Reportable : Yes/No NAVEEN NAGPAL 2025.08.28 16:51 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh