CRM-M-18473-2026 (O&M) 1 216 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-18473-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision: 08.07.2026 MANDEEP SINGH ... PETITIONER VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB ... RESPONDENT CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S.GREWAL Present:- Mr. K.S.Bal, Advocate for the petitioner. H.S. GREWAL, J. (ORAL) 1. The petitioner is seeking regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) (439 Cr.P.C.) in FIR No.279 dated 27.12.2025, registered under Sections 25(1)(a), 25(6), 25(8) of the Arms Act [offence u/s 25(7) Arms Act and offence u/s 22-C of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act added later on], at Police Station Cantonment, District Amritsar. 2. The case of the prosecution is that on 27.12.2025, in the area of Police Station Cantonment, petitioner and co-accused Davinder Singh were arrested on the basis of suspicion, while they were travelling on motorcycle and upon their search, recovery of one Glok pistol 9MM was effected from Davinder Singh. During investigation, Davinder Singh suffered a disclosure statement, on the basis of which one kilogram Ice Drug (Methamphetamine) was recovered. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. There is no JANKI BHATT 2026.07.09 17:36 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh CRM-M-18473-2026 (O&M) 2 recovery from the petitioner. He further submits that the petitioner is in custody for the last 06 months and 06 days and is not involved in any other case. 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 06 months and 06 days. 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 there is nothing objectionable recovered from the petitioner; he is in custody for the last 06 months and 06 days and is not involved in any other case; challan has been presented; 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 satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate concerned. 10. Nothing discussed hereinabove shall be construed as an JANKI BHATT 2026.07.09 17:36 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh CRM-M-18473-2026 (O&M) 3 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 17:36 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh