CRM-M-23779-2026 (O&M) 1 222 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-23779-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision: 08.07.2026 NISHAN SINGH @ BILLA ... PETITIONER VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB ... RESPONDENT CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S.GREWAL Present:- Mr. RDS Bhullar, Advocate for the petitioner. H.S. GREWAL, J. (ORAL) 1. Mr. RDS Bhullar, Advocate has filed power of attorney on behalf of the petitioner after obtaining ‘no objection’ from the earlier counsel. 3. This is 2nd petition for regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Section 439 Cr.P.C.) in FIR No.148 dated 02.08.2025 under section 21-B, 27-A and section 29 of NDPS Act, registered at Police Station Chheharata, District Police Commissionerate Amritsar. 2. The case of the prosecution is that on 02.08.2025 the patrolling party apprehended the petitioner with 150 grams of heroin along with Rs.2050/- drug money and one motorcycle was recovered from his possession. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. He submits that Inspector Vinod Kumar Sharma, who is the Investigating Officer in the JANKI BHATT 2026.07.09 18:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh CRM-M-23779-2026 (O&M) 2 instant case is involved in FIR No. 41 dated 30.10.2025 under Section 7/7-A of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 read with Section 342 IPC registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar and the petitioner has been implicated in this case at the behest of the said IO. He further submits that the petitioner is in custody for the last 11 months. He, thus, prays for grant of bail to the petitioner. 4. Notice of motion. 5. Mr. Subhash Godara, Addl. A.G., Punjab accepts notice on behalf of the State and has vehemently opposed the prayer for grant of regular bail to the petitioner on the ground of gravity of allegations. Learned State counsel has filed the custody certificate in Court, which is taken on record. He further submits that as per the custody certificate, the petitioner is in custody for the last 11 months and is involved in one more case under the NDPS Act. 6. I have heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the record. 7. After hearing the rival contentions of the learned counsel for the parties and keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case that the petitioner is in custody for the last 11 months; trial is yet to commence and continuous detention of the petitioner would not serve the ends of justice, this Court deems it fit to grant the concession of regular bail to the petitioner during the pendency of the trial. Moreover, ‘bail is rule and jail is exception’. 8. Therefore, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the instant petition is allowed. The petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing requisite bail bonds, surety bonds to the JANKI BHATT 2026.07.09 18:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh CRM-M-23779-2026 (O&M) 3 satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate concerned. 10. Nothing discussed hereinabove shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. 11. It is clarified that while on bail so granted through the instant order the petitioner is found indulging in any other criminal case, it shall be open to the State to seek cancellation of his bail. 12. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. (H.S.GREWAL) 08.07.2026 JUDGE Janki Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No JANKI BHATT 2026.07.09 18:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh