IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 298 CRM-M-35501-2025 Date of decision: 25.08.2025 PREET ......Petitioner VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB .......Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VINOD S. BHARDWAJ ***** Present: - None for the petitioner. Mr. I.P.S Sabharwal, DAG, Punjab. ***** VINOD S. BHARDWAJ, J. (Oral) The instant petition is for seeking concession of regular bail in case FIR No. 426 dated 24.09.2024 under Sections 21, 22 and 29 of the ND&PS Act, 1985 registered at Police Station City Barnala, District Barnala. 2. It is averred in the petition that the petitioner has been arraigned as an accused on the strength of disclosure statement of co- accused. As per the case of prosecution, four persons were sitting in the car and one strip containing 10 tablets each was recovered from each of the persons so sitting while 05th strip was recovered from the ground. It is submitted that since the respondents have effected recovery of one specific strip from the petitioner, the aspect of joint possession would become circumspect. The recovery would thus be non-commercial against the VISHAL SHARMA 2025.08.26 13:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-35501-2025 -2- petitioner. It is averred that the petitioner has been in custody for last 11 months and out of the 15 witnesses, 02 witnesses have been examined while 06 witnesses have been given up and the main witnesses are yet to be examined by the respondents. 3. Counsel for the respondent-State, however, contends petitioner has criminal antecedents and he, however, does not dispute the factual matrix noticed above and the recovery of individual strips of 10 tablets each. 4. I have heard learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent-State. 5. Taking note of the contentions noticed above, the stage of the trial as well as the age of the petitioner, I am of the opinion that further incarceration of the petitioner in a case where the trial is not likely conclude soon would not be warranted. 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 13:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-35501-2025 -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 13:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document