CRM-M-22276-2026 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 211-1 CRM-M-22276-2026 Decided on: 14.07.2026 RAVI ALIAS HARDEEP SINGH …...Petitioner Versus STATE OF PUNJAB …...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Mr. Lakshay Bector, 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 Ravi @ Hardeep Singh, aged about 39 years 45 03.03.2026 331(3), 305 of BNS (corresponding to sections 454 and 380 IPC) City Khanna Ludhiana 2. On 23.04.2026, following order was passed:- “2. Learned counsel for the petitioner, contends that allegations levelled in the FIR against the petitioner, pertaining to the commission of theft in the house of the complainant, namely Tejpal, are wholly false and baseless. It is submitted that petitioner has no connection, whatsoever with the alleged occurrence, and has not been involved in any such illegal act. 3. It is further submitted that there is not even a single instance in the past, where the petitioner has been found involved in any similar offence. LAVISHA 2026.07.15 14:17 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-22276-2026 2 However, learned Additional Sessions Judge, Ludhiana, vide order dated 03.04.2026, declined the concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, on the erroneous assumption that petitioner is involved in 13 other criminal cases. Clarifying the said position, learned counsel submits that the said cases are, in fact, registered against one Hardeep Singh, son of Angrej Singh, and not against the present petitioner. As such, the impugned order suffers from patent perversity and is liable to be set aside. It is further submitted that petitioner is ready and willing to join the investigation and shall fully cooperate with the investigating agency, in case, he is granted protection from arrest by this Court. Thus, counsel prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent – State, and seeks some time to file status report in the matter. 6. Adjourned to 14.07.2026. 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, 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 23.04.2026, passed by this Court, petitioner has joined the investigation, and has fully co-operated. Therefore, he prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order. LAVISHA 2026.07.15 14:17 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-22276-2026 3 4. Learned State counsel on instructions from ASI Jagtar Singh, 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 23.04.2026, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed. 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 14.07.2026 Lavisha Whether Speaking/Reasoned: YES/NO Whether Reportable: YES/NO LAVISHA 2026.07.15 14:17 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh