CRM-M-23481-2026 1 216 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-23481-2026 Date of Decision: 10.07.2026 JAIMAL SINGH ... PETITIONER VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB ...RESPONDENT CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JASJIT SINGH BEDI Present: Mr. Gaurav Verma, Advocate for Mr. Ankur Jain, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. M.S. Toor, AAG Punjab. **** JASJIT SINGH BEDI, J. The prayer in the present petition under Section 483 BNSS is for the grant of regular bail in case bearing FIR No.055 dated 11.12.2022 (Annexure P-1) registered under Sections 148, 149, 302, 323, 452, 506 of IPC and Sections 25 and 27 of Arms Act at Police Station Mattewal, District Amritsar (Rural). 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that two material witnesses namely Kawaljit Kaur (complainant), an eye-witness and Bikramjit Singh, the brother-in-law of the deceased, have not supported the prosecution case. An independent witness namely Sulakhan Singh has supported the case of the prosecution, but as per the complainant, he came to the spot later. Once the two material witnesses have not supported the case of the prosecution and the presence of the third witness at the spot becomes KUSUM 2026.07.10 17:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC Chandigarh CRM-M-23481-2026 2 doubtful, the report of the FSL, as per which the weapon of the petitioner was used in the occurrence, is not sufficient to establish the culpability of the petitioner. Therefore, the petitioner be granted the concession of bail particularly when he is in custody since 18.12.2022, but only 04 of the 24 prosecution witnesses have been examined so far. 3. The learned counsel for the State, on the other hand, while referring to the reply dated 09.07.2026, contends that though two material witnesses have turned hostile, a third witness has supported the case of the prosecution. Further, the report of the FSL establishes that it is the weapon of the petitioner which was used in the occurrence. Therefore, the nature of the allegations levelled and the role played by the petitioner do not entitle him to the concession of bail as prayed for. He however concedes that the petitioner is in custody since 18.12.2022 and that only 04 of the 24 prosecution witnesses have been examined so far. 4. I have heard the learned counsel for the parties. 5. Admittedly, two material witnesses, including the wife of the deceased, have not supported the prosecution case and have turned hostile. The presence of the third witness becomes doubtful in view of the deposition of the complainant herself. In this situation, whether or not the evidence of the FSL report regarding the weapon used in the occurrence is sufficient to establish the culpability of the petitioner shall be adjudicated upon during the course of the trial. The petitioner is in custody since 18.12.2022 but 04 of the 24 prosecution witnesses have been examined so far. Therefore, the Trial of KUSUM 2026.07.10 17:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC Chandigarh CRM-M-23481-2026 3 the present case is not likely to be concluded anytime soon. In this situation, the further incarceration of the petitioner is not required. 6. Thus, without commenting upon the merits of the case, the present petition is allowed and the petitioner, namely, Jaimal Singh son of Jagir Singh is ordered to be released on bail to the satisfaction of the Trial Court/Duty Magistrate concerned. 7. The petition stands disposed of. (JASJIT SINGH BEDI) JUDGE 10.07.2026 kusum Whether speaking/reasoned:- Yes/No Whether reportable:- Yes/No KUSUM 2026.07.10 17:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC Chandigarh