CRM-M-28315-2026 (O&M) -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 311 CRM-M-28315-2026 (O&M) Date of decision:08.07.2026 Harmanpreet Singh ... Petitioner Vs. State of Punjab ... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present: Mr. Sunil Toni, Advocate for the petitioner. Ms. Sakshi Bakshi, AAG, Punjab. Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Arora, Advocate for the complainant. ... Manisha Batra, J. (Oral). 1. The present petition has been filed by the petitioner seeking benefit of regular bail in case arising out of FIR No.247, dated 11.06.2025, registered under Sections 318(3), 336(3), 340(2), and 61(2) of the BNS, at Police Station City Faridkot, District Faridkot. 2. As per the allegations, the petitioner, who was Director of one M/s Avidfly Vacations Private Limited Company, Chandigarh had induced the complainant and 19 other persons on the premise of issuing a holiday package for Dubai in their favour and had extracted an amount of Rs.22,92,000/- from them on the pretext of issuing airline tickets, arranging 10 rooms in a hotel in Dubai and making other travel arrangements. HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.08 18:20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-28315-2026 (O&M) -2- However, he issued fake airline tickets, misled the victims with regard to hotel bookings by keeping 01 instead of 10 rooms booked in a hotel and subsequently, even cancelling that booking. He had also failed to make any travel arrangements. 3. As per the further allegations, initially on receipt of a complaint, an inquiry was conducted by the Superintendent of Police (Investigation), Faridkot. The petitioner had appeared in the inquiry and had assured to refund the amount deposited by the victims by 20.04.2025 but he failed to do so. Subsequently, on a joint complaint of complainants, Sanjeev Pal Jain and Kamal Kant Jain, the aforementioned FIR was registered. Investigation proceedings were initiated as against the petitioner and co-accused Mandeep Kaur and Supinder Singh. Apprehending his arrest, the petitioner moved an application for grant of anticipatory bail and then withdraw the same. A lookout circular was issued against him and he was apprehended from Hyderabad Airport on 26.03.2026. The co-accused are still at large. Investigation qua the petitioner stands concluded. 4. It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been falsely implicated in this case. A settlement had been arrived at between him and the victims before the Mediation and Conciliation Centre of this Court during the pendency of the application for grant of anticipatory bail and the matter was resolved for a sum of Rs.22,92,000/-, which was to be paid in four installments. He could not honour the settlement due to his financial constraints and due to death of his brother. He is in custody since 26.03.2026. He is not required for further investigation. The trial will take considerable time to conclude. No useful purpose would be served by HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.08 18:20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-28315-2026 (O&M) -3- detaining him in custody any more. His antecedents are clean. It is, therefore, argued that he deserves to be extended the benefit of bail. 5. Per contra, learned State counsel assisted by learned counsel for the complainant has argued that the allegations against the petitioner are serious in nature. There are chances of his absconding, if extended benefit of bail. He in connivance with the co-accused has duped the 20 victims of a sum of Rs.22,92,000/- on the pretext of arranging their travel package for Dubai. The said amount has not been returned. It is, therefore, stressed that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. 6. This Court has considered the rival submissions. 7. The petitioner is alleged to have caused wrongful loss of money to 20 victims including the complainants by assuring them to arrange their travel to Dubai. The allegations prima facie make out a case for commission of offence of cheating as against the petitioner. However, he has remained in custody for a period of over 03 months. The investigation now stands completed. Subject offences are triable by the Magistrate. Further incarceration of the petitioner will not serve any fruitful purpose. The well settled proposition of law is that pre-trial incarceration should not be replica of post-conviction sentencing and bail is the rule and jail is an exception. The object of the jail is to secure appearance of the accused during trial, and it cannot be preventive or punitive. In view of the above discussed facts, the petitioner has made out a case for release on bail. Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on his furnishing personal as well as surety bonds to the extent of two sureties in the like amount each, to the satisfaction of learned trial Court/CJM/Duty HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.08 18:20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-28315-2026 (O&M) -4- Magistrate concerned, and subject to the conditions that he shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case. He shall appear before the learned trial Court on each and every date of hearing except when his presence has been exempted by the trial Court. He shall surrender his passport, if any, furnish details of his cell phone and Aadhaar card, and shall not change his mobile number(s) and shall keep his mobile phone switch on all times during the pendency of the trial. He shall visit the Police Station concerned on the first Monday of every alternative month during the trial of the case. 8. It is clarified that the observations made above shall not be construed as an expression of opinion of this Court on the merits of the case and shall not influence the outcome of the trial in any manner. 9. Since the main petition has already been disposed of, pending application, if any, is rendered infructuous. (MANISHA BATRA) 08.07.2026 JUDGE harjeet Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether reportable: Yes/No HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.08 18:20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document