CRM-M-46320-2023(O&M) 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 110+287 CRM-M-46320-2023(O&M) Decided on:07.08.2025 MANPREET SINGH …...Petitioner Versus STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS …...Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Mr. Armaan Gagneja, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab. **** SANJAY VASHISTH, J. 1. Petitioner–Manpreet Singh, aged 33 years, has filed instant petition under Section 482 of Cr.P.C., seeking issuance of appropriate directions to official respondent No. 2– Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, for the constitution of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) comprising senior officials of the Department, other than those posted in District Sri Muktsar Sahib, for the purpose of deciding his representation dated 21.08.2023. In addition to the official respondents, SHO Varun Mattu, ASI Gurtej Singh, ASI Dalbir Singh, Constable Beant Singh, Constable Rajinder Singh, and Munshi Jasmeet Singh have been impleaded as respondents No. 4 to 9. Furthermore, two private individuals, Ravi Kumar and Harwinder Singh, have been arrayed as respondents No. 10 and 11, respectively. 2. Petitioner claims to be a working reporter with Punjab Times Newspaper and pleads that he has been reporting news concerning unlawful activities, particularly to curb the menace of drug abuse and RASHMI 2025.08.12 10:23 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-46320-2023(O&M) 2 illegal betting, commonly known as "Darra Satta." He asserts that he has published reports implicating police personnel who, according to him, are misusing their official positions to shield accused persons involved in drug and betting-related offences. Some such news items were published in the year 2020 in newspapers including Chardi Kala, Pehredar, Jujhar Time, and Punjab Times. Learned counsel for the petitioner further submits that respondent No. 11, who is said to be the Personal Assistant of a former MLA, is actively involved in illegal betting activities in the city of Sri Muktsar Sahib, and has been receiving assistance from the local police due to his political connections. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that, as detailed in the petition, petitioner is being harassed by police personnel from Police Station City Sri Muktsar Sahib, as a means of exerting pressure on him. The police have issued repeated notices requiring his appearance at the police station. It is contended that the petitioner has been called to the police station multiple times and subjected to harassment, which, he claims, can be substantiated through CCTV footage. 4. Counsel also submits that, on 10.08.2023 at about 11:20 a.m., respondents No. 5 to 8 came to petitioner’s residence without any warrant or court-issued notice and misbehaved with him in the presence of his family members. Counsel argues that this incident is also verifiable through CCTV footage installed at the relevant location and time. RASHMI 2025.08.12 10:23 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-46320-2023(O&M) 3 5. In compliance of the order dated 14.03.2024, learned State counsel has filed status report dated 21.03.2024. As per status report, one application dated 21.08.2023 was received in the office of the SSP (respondent No. 3), which was marked to the deponent – Sh. Satnam Singh Virk, PPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sub-Division, District Sri Muktsar Sahib – on 22.08.2023. 6. During the inquiry, certain allegations were made by the petitioner against ASI Gurtej Singh, particularly regarding a demand of ₹5 lakhs for not implicating him in a false case. Further submits that ₹ petitioner arranged 2 lakhs through his wife, which was allegedly handed over to ASI Gurtej Singh in a tiffin box. Based on this, proceedings under Sections 107/151 Cr.P.C. were initiated. 7. Statements of the concerned police officials (as named in paragraph No. 6 of the status report) were recorded. It was revealed that one Harwinder Singh had earlier submitted an application dated 22.06.2023 to the SSP, Sri Muktsar Sahib, against petitioner Manpreet Singh @ Monu. That inquiry had been marked to ASI Gurtej Singh, which led to the preparation of the Kalandra under Sections 107/151 Cr.P.C. against the petitioner. Further, information regarding his arrest was duly conveyed to his wife. Allegations such as the alleged bribe in the form of cash inside a tiffin box were found to be false. Upon conclusion of the inquiry, the deponent/respondent found the allegations to be unsubstantiated and recommended that the application be filed. RASHMI 2025.08.12 10:23 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-46320-2023(O&M) 4 8. Upon perusal of the pleadings and status report, it is evident that the petitioner, despite having ample opportunity, chose not to avail the remedy available before the learned Magistrate. Instead, he has directly approached this Court by filing the instant petition seeking adjudication of issues that are heavily fact-based and require investigation and evidence. 9. Moreover, once an inquiry has already been conducted on petitioner’s allegations and same were found to be baseless, this Court cannot re-adjudicate the matter as if sitting in appeal or review over the findings of the inquiry. Response filed by the State, in the form of an affidavit, does not reveal any material warranting interference or issuance of directions as prayed for. Accordingly, the present petition stands dismissed. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE August 07, 2025 rashmi Whether Speaking/Reasoned:YES/NO Whether Reportable: YES/NO RASHMI 2025.08.12 10:23 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document