CRM-M-17569-2025 - 1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 209 CRM-M-17569-2025 Date of decision: 28.08.2025 SOHANPREET SINGH ALIAS SONU ....Petitioner Versus STATE OF PUNJAB ...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present : Ms. Amarjeet Kaur, Advocate for Mr. Sukhbir Maandi, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Manjinder Singh Bhullar, DAG, Punjab. SANJAY VASHISTH. J.(Oral) 1. Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, 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 Sohanpreet Singh alias Sonu, aged about 20 years 96 13.11.2024 318(4), 305, 61(2) of BNS, 2023 Chohla Sahib Tarn Taran 2. On 01.04.2025, following order was passed:- Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- AMANDEEP GOSAIN 2025.08.30 11:19 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment CRM-M-17569-2025 - 2- Name of Petitioner (s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District Sohanpreet Singh alias Sonu, aged about 20 years 96 13.11.2024 318(4), 305, 61(2) of BNS, 2023 Chohla Sahib Tarn Taran 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that two of the co-accused of the petitioner namely Harpreet Singh @ Preet and Akashdeep Singh, have already been arrested and presently are inside jail. No amount has been shown to be recovered from the possession of the already arrested accused, therefore, the allegations levelled by the complainant seems to be prima facie unbelievable. Further contends that as per the complaint, complainant acquired knowledge of withdrawal of the amount on 27.08.2024 but first time, he moved complaint on 13.11.2024, thus, there is a huge delay which enabled the complainant to concoct false version. 3. Learned counsel also points out that vide order dated 25.02.2025, passed in CRM-M-10605-2025 (O&M), co-accused – Chanan Singh, has already been granted concession of ad-interim anticipatory bail. Thus, prays for grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On asking of the Court, Mr. Amandeep Singh, DAG, Punjab, accepts notice and seeks some time to respond to the submissions addressed by learned counsel opposite, after seeking instructions, and, in case of necessity, to file status report. Let a copy of the complete paper book be supplied to learned State counsel during course of the day. 6. Adjourned to 28.04.2025. 7. In the meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, the petitioner shall be released on ad-interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also be abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 8. Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the AMANDEEP GOSAIN 2025.08.30 11:19 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment CRM-M-17569-2025 - 3- Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport. It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court. 9. To be heard along with CRM-M-10605-2025 (O&M). 3. Again on 08.07.2025, following order was passed:- “i) Learned State counsel has filed status report by way of affidavit of Atul Soni, PPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sub Division Khadur Sahib, Camp at Goindwal Sahib, District Tarn Taran, in Court today. Same is taken on record. Registy is directed to tag the same at appropriate place with paper-book. ii) petitioner Though, there is a specific stand taken by counsel for the before this Court regarding joining of investigation by the petitioner, still learned Senior Deputy Advocate General, on instructions, submits that petitioner–Sohanpreet Singh @ Sonu has failed to join the investigation despite having been granted two opportunities. He, therefore, prays for dismissal of the petition for anticipatory bail. iii) Faced with this situation, learned counsel for the petitioner prays for grant of one more opportunity to enable the petitioner to join the investigation. iv) In the interest of justice, one last opportunity is granted to the petitioner to join the investigation. The petitioner is again directed to appear before the Investigating Officer and join the investigation within two weeks from today, or as and when called by the Investigating Officer. v) List on 28.08.2025. vi) In the meantime, the interim order to continue.” 4. Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 01.04.2025, passed by this Court, AMANDEEP GOSAIN 2025.08.30 11:19 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment CRM-M-17569-2025 - 4- petitioner has joined the investigation, and has fully co-operated. Therefore, he prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order. 5. Learned State counsel on instructions from the official respondent confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation on 06.08.2025 by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation. 5. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 6. Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 01.04.2025, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed. However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as and when required to do so and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023. 7. Accordingly, petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) 28.08.2025 JUDGE amandeep Whether speaking/reasoned. : Yes/No Whether Reportable. : Yes/No AMANDEEP GOSAIN 2025.08.30 11:19 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment