CRM-M-22917-2026 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 207 CRM-M-22917-2026 Decided on: 13.07.2026 GURPAL SINGH …...Petitioner Versus STATE OF PUNJAB …...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Ms. Vidhushi Kumar, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. Manjinder Singh Bhullar, DAG, Punjab. **** SANJAY VASHISTH, J. 1. Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- Name & age of Petitioner (s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District Gurpal Singh, aged about 42 years 45 24.03.2026 108 of BNS (corresponding to section 306 of IPC) Barnala Barnala 2. On 24.04.2026, following order was passed:- “2. Complainant-Sarabjeet Kaur, got the FIR registered alleging that her husband, namely Rupinder Singh @ Rimpi (since deceased), committed suicide due to continuous harassment and mental pressure exerted by the petitioner. It is alleged that despite receiving the entire sale consideration and handing over possession of the plot, petitioner failed to get the LAVISHA 2026.07.13 18:23 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-22917-2026 2 mutation sanctioned and instead threatened to forcibly take back vacant possession at any cost. On 06.03.2026, after attending proceedings before the Court of the SDM, Barnala, Rupinder Singh @ Rimpi returned home at about 7:00 PM and became unconscious. Thereafter, complainant’s son admitted him to Sidhu Hospital, Barnala. On 15.03.2026, Rupinder Singh @ Rimpi was discharged from AIIMS Hospital, Bathinda, while on oxygen support. At that time, as per the allegations, he informed the complainant that petitioner had been persistently harassing him to regain vacant possession of the house, and further disclosed that he had consumed a poisonous substance due to such harassment. Subsequently, on 23.03.2026, Rupinder Singh @ Rimpi passed away, and present FIR came to be registered on 24.03.2026. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the case has been falsely registered. It is argued that if there had been any substance in the allegations, Rupinder Singh @ Rimpi could have recorded a dying declaration or brought such allegations to the notice of the police during his lifetime. It is further submitted that dispute between the parties is essentially civil in nature, pertaining to possession of the plot, for which a civil suit is already pending before the Court of learned SDM. Counsel further submits that deceased took the extreme step on account of his own personal circumstances and no act of abetment, as required in law to constitute the offence of abetment of suicide, is made out against the petitioner. Thus, counsel prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On advance notice, Mr. Manjinder Singh Bhullar, DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent – State, and Mr. M.M. Pandey, Advocate, puts an appearance on behalf of the complainant. 6. Adjourned to 13.07.2026, to enable learned State counsel to file status report in the matter. 7. Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, the petitioner shall be released on ad-interim bail, LAVISHA 2026.07.13 18:23 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-22917-2026 3 subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 8. Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport. It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court.” 3. Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 24.04.2026, passed by this Court, petitioner has joined the investigation, and has fully co-operated. Therefore, she prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order. 4. Learned State counsel has filed status report dated 12.07.2026 in the Court today and the same is taken on record. Registry is directed to tag the same at the appropriate place on the file. Learned State counsel on instructions, confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation. 5. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 6. Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 24.04.2026, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed. LAVISHA 2026.07.13 18:23 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-22917-2026 4 However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as and when required to do so and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023. 7. Accordingly, petition stands disposed of. However, present order would be subject to the submission of passport of the petitioner to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses, within a period of one week from today. Otherwise, he would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport. It is clarified that in case, aforesaid condition is not complied with, this order would be considered as non est automatically. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 13.07.2026 Lavisha Whether Speaking/Reasoned: YES/NO Whether Reportable: YES/NO LAVISHA 2026.07.13 18:23 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh