IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 214 CRM-M-19050-2025 Date of decision: 25.08.2025 MANPREET SINGH ALIAS MANI ......Petitioner VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB .......Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VINOD S. BHARDWAJ ***** Present: - Mr. Sumeet S. Brar, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Mohit Kapoor, Senior DAG, Punjab. ***** VINOD S. BHARDWAJ, J. (Oral) The instant petition is for seeking concession of regular bail in case FIR No. 220 dated 21.12.2023 under Sections 21 (C), 27 and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985 registered at Police Station Nahianwala, District Bathinda, Punjab. 2. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner contends that recovery of 400 grams heroin has been effected from the car. The petitioner was sitting on the rear seat, however, there is no evidence to establish that he was in conscious possession of the said contraband. He further submits that the petitioner is not suffering from any criminal VISHAL SHARMA 2025.08.26 10:13 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-19050-2025 -2- antecedents of similar nature and is not involved in any other case under NDPS Act. It is further submitted that he is in custody since 21.12.2023 and that his further custodial incarceration would not advance any interest of justice. It is also argued that only 03 witnesses of the total 16 witnessess cited by the respondents have been examined so far. 3. Counsel for the respondent-State does not dispute any of the aforesaid facts. Despite a specific query as to the evidence on the basis whereof the petitioner can be said to be in conscious possession of the said contraband, he is not in a position to refer to any evidence to substantiate the same. 4. I have heard learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respective parties. 5. In view of the facts noticed above and taking into consideration the lack of criminal antecedents of similar case, the period of custody, the age of the petitioner as well as the stage of trial, I deem it appropriate to enlarge the petitioner on regular bail to the satisfaction of the trial Court. 6. The instant petition is allowed and the petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing requisite bail bond/surety bond to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate, concerned. 7. It is made clear that the petitioner shall not extend any threat and shall not influence any prosecution witnesses in any manner directly or indirectly. VISHAL SHARMA 2025.08.26 10:13 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-19050-2025 -3- 8. The observation made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression on the merits of the case and the Trial Court shall decide the case on the basis of available material. (VINOD S. BHARDWAJ) AUGUST 25, 2025 JUDGE Vishal Sharma Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether Reportable : Yes/No VISHAL SHARMA 2025.08.26 10:13 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document