221 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-32346-2025 Date of decision: 28.07.2025 Ravi Kumar ....Petitioner Versus State of Punjab ...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR Present: Mr. S.S. Narula, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Sandeep Kumar, DAG, Punjab. HARPREET SINGH BRAR, J. (ORAL) This petition has been filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking anticipatory bail in case bearing FIR No.228 dated 23.07.2020 under Sections 61/63-1-14/78(2) of Punjab Excise Act and Section 420 of IPC (Section 328 of IPC added later on) registered at Police Station Dera Bassi, SAS Nagar, Punjab. Learned counsel for the petitioner inter alia contends that the petitioner was granted concession of regular bail by the learned Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Derabassi. The petitioner continued to appear before the learned trial Court for 05 years and never missed a date. Thereafter, the petitioner was released during COVID-19 pandemic in terms of a general order applicable to all jail inmates. The FIR (supra) was registered under the Excise Act which is punishable upto seven years. On 13.06.2025, the following order was passed:- ‘Contends that FIR No.228 was registered wayback on 23.07.2020 and petitioner has been regularly appearing before learned trial Court. Also contends that petitioner is ready to join the proceedings; but he be protected. Notice of motion. Mr. Prit Inder Pal Singh, learned Addl. A.G., Punjab accepts Neha 2025.07.30 18:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-32346-2025 -2- notice on behalf of the respondent; seeks time to have instructions and/or to file written response in the matter. Posted for 28.07.2025. In the meanwhile, petitioner shall join the proceedings within three weeks from today after moving an appropriate application before learned trial Court/CJM/Duty Magistrate and he be released on interim bail, in the present case, till the next date of hearing on furnishing adequate bail and surety bonds to its satisfaction.’ Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has already surrendered before the learned trial Court and he has been released on bail on furnishing bail bonds/surety bonds in terms of order dated 13.06.2025 passed by this Court. Learned State counsel has filed status report in the Court today which is taken on record and he could not controvert the fact that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required in the present case as only his presence is required at the time of trial. In view of the statement of learned State counsel, order dated 13.06.2025 is hereby made absolute. The petitioner shall abide by the terms and conditions envisaged under Section 482(2) of BNSS (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). The petition stands disposed of. (HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 28.07.2025 Neha Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No Neha 2025.07.30 18:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document