CRM-M-36816-2026 -1- 242 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-36816-2026 Date of Decision: 15.07.2026 Gurpreet Singh alias Laddi …Petitioner vs. State of Punjab …Respondent Coram : Hon’ble Mr. Justice N.S.Shekhawat Present : Ms. Shreya Rana, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Sartaj Singh Gill, Sr. DAG, Punjab. *** N.S.Shekhawat J. (Oral) 1. The petitioner has filed the Second petition under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Corresponding Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure) with a prayer to grant regular bail to him in case FIR No.235, dated 09.08.2016, under Sections 307, 452, 323, 506, 148, 149 of the Indian Penal Code (Corresponding Sections 109, 333, 115 (2), 351 (2), 191 (3), 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023), at Police Station Basti Jodhewal, Ludhiana, District Ludhiana. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the petitioner had earlier applied for grant of concession of bail before this Court and vide order dated 17.04.2017 (Annexure P-3), he was ordered to be released on bail. Later on, the petitioner had entered into some oral settlement with the complainant and under a wrong impression, he could not appear before the trial Court. Consequently, the petitioner was declared as a proclaimed offender on 27.03.2024. She further contends that the petitioner was again taken in custody HEMLATA 2026.07.16 17:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-36816-2026 -2- on 10.11.2025 and is in custody since then. By referring to various zimni orders passed by the trial Court, learned counsel submits that the prosecution has intentionally not producing the prosecution witnesses before the trial Court. Till now, only eight witnesses, out of total 16 witnesses, have been produced before the trial Court and further custody of the petitioner will not serve any meaningful purpose. 3. On the other hand, learned State counsel has vehemently opposed the submissions made by learned counsel for the petitioner on the ground that serious allegations have been levelled against the present petitioner and he does not deserve the concession of bail by this Court. 4. I have heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the record. 5. In the present case, the petitioner was earlier granted the concession of bail, but he abused the process of law and he was declared as a proclaimed offender on 27.03.2024. However, the petitioner was again taken in custody on 10.11.2025 and is in custody since then. Since the trial before the trial Court is getting delayed, the petitioner cannot be confined in jail for an indefinite period as an under trial prisoner. 6. Without commenting on the merits of the case, the present petition is allowed and the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail subject to his furnishing bail bonds/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate, concerned, subject to the following conditions:- (i) The petitioner shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the HEMLATA 2026.07.16 17:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-36816-2026 -3- facts of the case, so as to dissuade him to disclose such facts to the Court or to any other authority. (ii) The petitioner shall remain present before the Court on the dates fixed for hearing of the case. (iii) The petitioner shall not absent himself from the Court proceedings except on the prior permission of the Court concerned. (iv) The petitioner shall surrender his passport, if any, (if already not surrendered), and in case he is not holder of the same, he shall swear an affidavit to that effect. (v) The petitioner shall also file his affidavit before the concerned Court, mentioning his ordinary place of residence and number of mobile phone, which shall be used by him during the pendency of the trial. In case of change of place of residence/mobile number, he shall share the details with the concerned Court/learned Trial Court. (vi) In case, the petitioner involves in any other criminal activity, during the pendency of the trial, it shall be viewed seriously. (vii) The concerned Court may insist on two heavy local sureties and may also impose any other condition, in accordance with law, while accepting the bails bonds and surety bonds of the petitioner. (N.S.SHEKHAWAT) 15.07.2026 JUDGE hemlata Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No HEMLATA 2026.07.16 17:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document