250 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-34474-2025 Date of Decision:10.07.2025 Harcharan Singh …Petitioner vs. State of Punjab …Respondent Coram : Hon’ble Mr. Justice N.S.Shekhawat Present : None for the petitioner. Mr. Ravneet Singh Joshi, DAG, Punjab. *** N.S.Shekhawat J. (Oral) 1. The petitioner has filed the present petition under Section 483 of B.N.S.S with a prayer to grant regular bail to him in case FIR No. 183, dated 19.05.2020, registered under Section 420 of IPC, Police Station City Sangrur, District Sangrur (Annexure P-1). 2. As per the allegations levelled by the complainant, the petitioner had allegedly cheated him to the tune of Rs.2,85,000/-. The petitioner was arrested in the present case on 19.05.2025 and is in custody for the last about two months. After completion of investigation the challan has been presented against the petitioner. The prosecution has relied upon 12 witnesses, but no witness has been examined so far. 3. On the other hand, learned State counsel has vehemently opposed the submisions made by learned counsel for the petitioner on the ground that one more case of similar nature was ordered to be registered against the petitioner and he is a habitual offender. HITESH 2025.07.11 12:57 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document/judgment High Court, Chandigarh CRM-M-34474-2025 -2 4. I have heard the learned State counsel and perused the record carefully. 5. In the present case, the petitioner has been charged for the offence under Section 420 of IPC and and the offence is exclusively triable by the Court of Magistrate. The petitioner is stated to be in custody for the last about 02 months and after completion of investigation, challan has been presented against him. Since, no witness has been examined so far and trial Court will take considerable time to conclude the trial proceedings. 6. Without commenting on the merits of the case, the present petition is allowed. The petitioner is ordered to be released on bail pending trial on his furnishing bail bonds and surety to the satisfaction of the concerned trial Court/ Duty Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate. (N.S.SHEKHAWAT) 10.07.2025 JUDGE hitesh Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No HITESH 2025.07.11 12:57 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document/judgment High Court, Chandigarh