…..Petitioner REKHA SHARMA 2026.07.07 06:06 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh will take a sufficiently long time to conclude and, therefore, no useful purpose would be served by keeping the petitioner in custody any longer. 5. Per contra, learned State counsel has opposed the prayer for bail. 6. I have considered the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties. 7. Concededly, the petitioner is not connected in any manner with the rape case. He is alleged to be the cousin of the ‘X’, who was the mother of the victim and who is stated to have been blackmailing the complainant. No doubt, an amount of Rs.27 Lakhs was recovered from him but as to whether he was in league with the main accused shall be determined only at the stage of trial. Final report stands submitted and trial will take a sufficiently long time to conclude and, therefore, no useful purpose would be served by keeping the petitioner in custody any longer. 8. In view of the aforementioned facts and circumstances, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the present petition is allowed. The petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Chief Judicial Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned. Rekha REKHA SHARMA 2026.07.07 06:06 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh