CRM-M-45624-2025 (O&M) -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 214 CRM-M-45624-2025 (O&M) Date of decision: 22.09.2025 Nitish ....Petitioner Versus STATE OF Punjab ...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE SHALINI SINGH NAGPAL Present : Mr. Gagandeep Singh Simble, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Hardeep Singh Wadhwa, DAG, Punjab Mr. Ritesh Pandey, Advocate for the complainant. SHALINI SINGH NAGPAL . J.(Oral) Petitioner seeks regular bail in case vide FIR No.99, dated 02.04.2025, under Section 108 Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Police Station Civil Lines Batala, Police District Batala, District Gurdaspur. This is his first petition for regular bail. As per allegations, Ekta, sister of the complainant-Ashish Munjal was married with Nitish Kumar, on 20.02.2013. The couple had two daughters, aged 11 years and 6 years. On account of her inability to bear male child deceased-Ekta was harassed by her husband-Nitish Kumar, who thrashed her mercilessly and forced her to take her share from the father's property. She had been narrating her woes to her family. Complainant stated that his father transferred 1/3rd share of his house measuring 600 square feet NARESH KUMAR 2025.09.23 10:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-45624-2025 (O&M) -2- in the name of deceased-Ekta, yet Nitish Kumar did not stop torturing her. He continued to harass and assault her for more dowry. His sister Ekta often informed him on phone that Nitish Kumar was demanding dowry and money, on which account she was given beatings. The day before, on 01.04.2024, at about 7:15 pm, Nitish Kumar called her mother Ranjani Munjal and told her that he had locked her daughter in the store and that she may get her released. That day, when he was coming from Abohar to Batala to make enquiry about his sister, Nitish Kumar called him but he did not take the call. Then, on 02.04.2024, at about 12:40pm, Nitish Kumar called his father to inform that Ekta had committed suicide by hanging. It was stated that Ekta died due to mental and physical torture given by Nitish Kumar and ended her life. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the marriage was 12 years old and before the marriage, no complaint of any kind was moved before any authority. It was further argued that petitioner and the deceased had two daughters, who were both studying in reputed school which indicated that petitioner was happy with the daughters and was not harassing deceased-wife for not bearing male child. Learned counsel prayed for release of the petitioner on bail considering his antecedents and period of custody i.e. five months. The prayer for bail has been opposed by learned State counsel who has filed status report. Allegations against the petitioner are serious, specific and grave. Considering the gravity of the offence, the role attributed to the petitioner and all relevant facts and circumstances of the case, it is not a fit NARESH KUMAR 2025.09.23 10:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-45624-2025 (O&M) -3- case to grant regular bail despite the period of incarceration. The application for regular bail is dismissed. Nothing observed hereinabove shall be construed as expression of opinion on merits of the case. All the pending miscellaneous applications, if any, stand disposed of. (SHALINI SINGH NAGPAL) 22nd September, 2025 JUDGE nt Whether speaking/reasoned. : Yes/No Whether Reportable. : Yes/No NARESH KUMAR 2025.09.23 10:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document