CRM-M-36014-2025 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 222 CRM-M-36014-2025 Decided on: 25.09.2025 Ajit Singh …...Petitioner Versus State of Punjab …...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Mr. Supneet Singh, Advocate for Mr. Preetinder Singh Dhaliwal, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Bareen Pratap Singh, AAG, Punjab. **** SANJAY VASHISTH, J. 1. Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- Name & age of Petitioner (s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District Ajit Singh, aged 66 years 18 13.12.2017 406, 420, 120-B IPC NRI SAS Nagar 2. On 10.07.2025, following order was passed:- “1. Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- RASHMI 2025.09.26 10:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-36014-2025 2 Name & age of Petitione r (s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District Ajit Singh, aged 66 years 18 13.12.2017 406, 420, 120-B IPC NRI SAS Nagar 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner inter alia, contends, that instant FIR has been registered at the instance of the complainant, Daljit Singh Sidhu, who solemnized his marriage with one Mandeep Kaur on 08.02.2013. During the period from 03.10.2013 to 10.09.2014, complainant deposited an amount of Rs.66 lakhs into joint bank account held by him and Mandeep Kaur. Subsequently, due to matrimonial discord between the complainant and his wife, Mandeep Kaur, certain financial transactions took place which are now under scrutiny. It is alleged that Mandeep Kaur withdrew a substantial portion of the deposited amount from the said joint account and re- deposited it into another joint account held by her and the petitioner, who is stated to be the Mahant of Gurudwara Sahib. Thereafter, Mandeep Kaur allegedly again transferred the amount from that account into her personal bank account. The allegations primarily relate to the withdrawal and transfer of the said funds, which are claimed to have been originally deposited by the complainant. Based on the complaint lodged by Daljit Singh Sidhu, an FIR was registered on 13.12.2017. Following an initial inquiry, cancellation report was prepared on 10.08.2018. However, upon submission of the cancellation report, learned Magistrate directed that the matter be re-investigated in light of the issues raised by the complainant. RASHMI 2025.09.26 10:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-36014-2025 3 3. It is further submitted that petitioner merely acted as a mediator for the marriage between complainant and co- accused Mandeep Kaur, and has been falsely implicated in the present case owing to the subsequent matrimonial discord between the couple. Even if the allegations are taken at face value, there is nothing to suggest that petitioner played any active role in the withdrawal or transfer of the disputed amount. The allegations are entirely based on documentary and bank records, and as such, custodial interrogation of the petitioner would serve no fruitful purpose. However, petitioner is willing to join the investigation and fully cooperate, provided that he is granted protection from arrest by this Court. Thus, prays for grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent – State, and seeks some time to file status report in the matter. 6. Adjourned to 25.09.2025. 7. In the meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, the petitioner shall be released on ad-interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also be abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 8. Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport. RASHMI 2025.09.26 10:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-36014-2025 4 It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court.” 3. Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 10.07.2025, passed by this Court, petitioner has joined the investigation, and has fully co-operated. Therefore, he prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order. 4. Learned State counsel on instructions, confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation on 14.07.2025 by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation. 5. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 6. Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 10.07.2025, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed. However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as and when required to do so and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023. 7. Accordingly, petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 25.09.2025 Rashmi Whether Speaking/Reasoned: YES/NO Whether Reportable: YES/NO RASHMI 2025.09.26 10:31 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document