218 CRM-M-18067-2025 -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-18067-2025 Date of decision: 22.05.2025 SATWANT SINGH ….Petitioner Versus STATE OF PUNJAB ....Respondent CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJIV BERRY Present:- Mr. Ishan Gupta, Advocate and Sahil Matharoo, Deepali, Advocates for the petitioner. Mr. Roshandeep Singh, AAG Punjab. ..… SANJIV BERRY, J. (ORAL) Status report dated 29.04.2025 in the form of an affidavit of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sub Division Bhawanigarh, District Sangrur, has been filed. The same is taken on record. Copy thereof has been supplied to learned counsel for the petitioner. 2. By way of present petition filed under Section 482 BNSS, 2023, the petitioner seeks anticipatory bail in case FIR (Annexure P-1) as under: - FIR No. Dated Sections Police Station 199 01.10.2021 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 120-B IPC Bhawanigarh, District Sangrur Puneet Sharma 2025.05.23 16:39 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment 218 CRM-M-18067-2025 -2- 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance to the order dated 02.04.2025, the petitioner has joined the investigation. 4. During the course of hearing on 02.04.2025, following order had been passed: - “ 2. It is, inter alia, contended by learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He contends that the petitioner has no concern whatsoever with the allegations levelled in the FIR and even he has not been named in the FIR but has been nominated allegedly after 04 years of the lodging of the FIR by the police after illegally exonerating the accused Patwari namely Karamjeet Singh. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner further contends that the petitioner is neither working in the revenue department nor has he got any access to the official portal of the department of which, the access was available to the revenue officials who in the present case happens to be Karamjeet Singh, Patwari. He contends that all the documents relied upon by the prosecution happens to be computer generated, not being in his hand writing nor bearing his signatures. He further contends that there is no pending FIR against the petitioner and is ready to join the investigation. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On the asking of the Court, Mr. Rajinder Singh Bhatta, DAG Punjab, present in Court, accepts notice on behalf of the State-respondent and prays for time to file the status report/reply in the matter. 6. Adjourned to 30.04.2025. 7. Needful be done well before the date fixed with an advance copy to the counsel opposite. 8. In the meanwhile, the petitioner is hereby directed to join 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. Puneet Sharma 2025.05.23 16:39 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment 218 CRM-M-18067-2025 -3- 9. Investigating Officer of the case is directed to remain present in Court along with record on that date.” 5. Learned State counsel on instructions received from Investigating Officer of the case informs the Court that the petitioner has joined the investigation and is neither required for further investigation nor for any custodial interrogation. 6. Keeping in view the above submissions made by learned State counsel and the fact that the petitioner had joined the investigation consequent to the order dated 02.04.2025 passed by this Court, interim bail granted vide order dated 02.04.2025 is hereby confirmed, subject to conditions as envisaged under Section 482(2) of BNSS. Further the petitioner is directed to join investigation as and when required in future by way of written notice for such purpose to be served by Investigating Officer of this case upon the petitioner; he will not tamper with the evidence nor will influence the witnesses and will not leave the country without prior permission of the Court. 7. The petition stands allowed. 8. It is made clear that anything contained hereinabove shall not be construed to be an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. (SANJIV BERRY) 22.05.2025 JUDGE puneet i) Whether speaking/reasoned? Yes/No ii) Whether reportable? Yes/No Puneet Sharma 2025.05.23 16:39 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment