CRM-M-23235-2025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 243+249 CRM-M-23235-2025 Date of Decision: 28.07.2025 (1) Kuldeep Singh ...Petitioner Versus State of Punjab ... Respondent CRM-M-31210-2025 (2) Kamalpreet Singh ...Petitioner Versus State of Punjab ... Respondent CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE N.S.SHEKHAWAT Present : Mr. Ketan Chopra, Advocate for the petitioner in CRM-M-23235-2025. Mr. Vivek Sethi, Advocate for the petitioner in CRM-M-31210-2025. Mr. Ravneet Singh Joshi, Deputy, A.G., Punjab. **** N.S.SHEKHAWAT , J. (Oral) 1. This order shall dispose off two bail petitions, i.e., CRM- M-23235-2025 titled as “Kuldeep Singh Vs. State of Punjab” and CRM-M-31210-2025 titled as “Kamalpreet Singh Vs. State of Punjab”, whereby, the petitioner(s) have applied for grant of regular bail under Section 483 of the BNSS in case FIR No.04 dated 28.01.2025 under Sections 7 Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and VIPIN KUMAR 2025.07.29 16:51 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this judgment/order CRM-M-23235-2025 Section 61(2) and 318 BNS added later on, registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Ludhiana. 2. The FIR in the present case was registered on the basis of the statement made by Sandeep Singh son of Davinder Singh. As per him, he was owner of a showroom and the electricity meter in the said shop was burnt. As per him, for installation of a new electric meter, Kuldeep Singh meter reader (petitioner in CRM-M-23235-2025) and Kamalpreet Singh lineman (petitioner in CRM-M-31210-2025) had demanded an illegal gratification of Rs.30,000/- from the complainant and they had assured that they would complete all the formalities in the matter. On. 29.08.2024 he paid the amount of Rs.20,000/- to Kamalpreet Singh (petitioner in CRM-M-31210-2025) through his Phone Pay App. Even thereafter Kamalpreet Singh (petitioner in CRM-M-31210-2025) had been calling him for paying the remaining amount of Rs.10,000/-. Even the complainant had recorded the conversation between him and Kamalpreet Singh (petitioner in CRM- M-31210-2025) with regard to the amount received earlier and further demand of bribe from him. Consequently, he reported the matter to the police and the present FIR was registered against both of them. Even Kamalpreet Singh (petitioner in CRM-M-31210-2025) was caught by the police, while he was receiving the amount of Rs.5,000/- from the complainant. VIPIN KUMAR 2025.07.29 16:51 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this judgment/order CRM-M-23235-2025 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner(s) have submit that the petitioner(s) have been falsely involved in the present case. Even the petitioner(s) were arrested in the present case on 28.01.2025 and are in custody for the last about 06 months. After completion of investigation, challan has already been presented against them and out of total 18 prosecution witnesses, no witness has been examined so far. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel has vehemently opposed the submissions made by learned counsel for the petitioner(s) on the ground that the Kamalpreet Singh (petitioner in CRM-M- 31210-2025) was arrested by the police, while he was accepting the amount of Rs.5,000/- from the complainant. Even sufficient evidence has been collected against both of them during the course of investigation. However, he admits that the petitioners are the first offenders. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record. 6. In the present case, both the petitioner(s) are stated to be in custody for the last about 06 months and investigation qua both the of them has already been concluded. Now, the prosecution is yet to lead evidence before the trial Court with regard to the involvement of the petitioner(s) in the crime. Thus, the further custody of the petitioner(s) will not serve any useful purpose. VIPIN KUMAR 2025.07.29 16:51 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this judgment/order CRM-M-23235-2025 7. Without commenting on the merits of the case, the present petitions are allowed. The petitioner(s) are ordered to be released on bail pending trial on their furnishing bail bonds and surety to the satisfaction of the concerned trial Court/ Duty Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate. 28.07.2025 (N.S.SHEKHAWAT) vipin JUDGE Whether reasoned/speaking : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No VIPIN KUMAR 2025.07.29 16:51 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this judgment/order