IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH (209) CRM-M-45517-2025 Decided on : 25.09.2025 Ram Lakhan Singla and another ……Petitioner(s) Versus State of Punjab ……Respondent(s) CORAM : HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Mr. Sunny K. Singla, Advocate, for the petitioner (s). Mr. Jaypreet Singh, DAG, Punjab. Mr. Akshit Mehta, Advocate for the complainant. ***** Sumeet Goel (Oral): 1. Apprehending their arrest in FIR No.112 dated 15.07.2025 registered for offences punishable under Sections 316(2), 318(4), 351(2), 61 of BNS 2023 at Police Station Urban Estates, Patiala, District Patiala; the petitioners have preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail. 2. On 21.08.2025, the following order was passed: Apprehending their arrest in FIR No.112 dated 15.07.2025 registered for offences punishable under Sections 316(2), 318(4), 351(2), 61 of BNS 2023 at Police Station Urban Estates, Patiala, District Patiala; the petitioners have preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail. Counsel for the petitioners, inter alia, contends that the genesis of the FIR in question is actually a business dispute, the complainant-FIR has already lodged a complaint under Section NAVEEN NAGPAL 2025.09.25 16:10 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh CRM-M-45517-2025 P a g e | 2 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act & the petitioners are willing to join investigation and cooperate therein. Notice of motion. On the strength of advance notice; Mr. Gurpartap S. Bhullar, AAG, Punjab has entered appearance on behalf of the respondent-State of Punjab. At this stage, Mr. Akshit Mehta, Advocate has entered appearance on behalf of respondent No.2 and filed his power of attorney. Adjourned to 18.09.2025. The petitioners are directed to appear before the Investigating Officer on 27.08.2025 at 11:00 A.M. in concerned Police Station and join investigation. In the event of arrest, the petitioners shall be released on interim bail subject to furnishing personal/surety bond(s) to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer. As and when further called by Investigating Officer, the petitioners shall join the investigation. They shall abide by the condition(s) enumerated under Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.” 3. Learned State counsel (on instructions) has submitted that the petitioners have joined investigation but their further custodial interrogation is required for effecting the recovery of money in question. 4. Learned counsel for the complainant has vehemently opposed the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner by arguing that allegations raised against the petitioner are direct/serious in nature and hence they ought not to be granted concession of anticipatory bail. He has further iterated that and in case the petitioners are extended the concession of anticipatory bail, there is all the likelihood that they may flee from the process of justice as also intimidate/influence the witnesses. 5. Having heard learned counsel for the rival parties and upon perusal of the record; especially keeping in view the factum of the petitioners having joined investigation & cooperated therein and their NAVEEN NAGPAL 2025.09.25 16:10 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh CRM-M-45517-2025 P a g e | 3 custodial interrogation being sought by the State only for recovery of money in question; this Court is inclined to confirm the order dated 21.08.2025. 6. Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the order dated 21.08.2025 granting anticipatory bail to the petitioners is hereby made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS. 7. This order should not be treated as “blanket” order. It will not be read granting petitioners indefinite protection from arrest. It shall be confined to the FIR mentioned ibid and will not operate in respect of any other incident that involves commission of an offence. 8. Liberty is reserved in favour of State/complainant to move for cancellation/recall of this order in case the petitioners violate any condition stipulated under Section 482(2) of BNSS or upon showing any other sufficient cause. 9. Needless to say that anything observed herein above shall not be construed to be an opinion on the merits of the case. 10. Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed off. (SUMEET GOEL) September 25, 2025 JUDGE Naveen Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether Reportable : Yes/No NAVEEN NAGPAL 2025.09.25 16:10 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh