1 CRM-M-24980-2026 (O&M) IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 217 CRM-M-24980-2026 (O&M) Reserved on: 13.07.2026 Pronounced on: 15.07.2026 Uploaded on: 15.07.2026 RAJAT KUMAR SONI PETITIONER VERSUS STATE OF U.T. CHANDIGARH RESPONDENT CORAM: HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE SHALINI SINGH NAGPAL Argued by: Mr. Rahul Sidher, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Ankur Bali, Addl. Public Prosecutor, U.T. Chandigarh. *** Shalini Singh Nagpal, J. 1. Petitioner seeks regular bail in FIR No.137 dated 29.08.2024 under Sections 409, 420, 120(b) IPC, Police Station South, Sector-34, Chandigarh. Sections 467, 468 and 471 IPC have been added in the FIR during investigation. This is the first petition for regular bail. 2. Complainant J. Kasinathan stated that his relatives Asimghori Fazullulllea Khan Ghori, Sittandi Annand Kumar, Harrish Muthramalingam and Elangovan Arumugam were eager to got to Canada for which Great Times was contacted. They assured to provide them work permit for Canada on transfer of ₹11,00,000/-, which he did from his account to the account provided by Tanya. He along with his relatives came to Chandigarh on 12.04.2024 and met Rajat, Kuldip and Tanya, who asked to deposit additional amount of ₹2,80,000/- in the same account, which was done. Thereafter they provided tourist visa for Russia to his relatives assuring that they would provide them work visa within 15 days. On his assurance, he sent Asimghori Fazullulllea Khan Ghori and Elangovan Arumugam to Russia but no work HARPREET SINGH CHAUHAN 2026.07.15 19:13 I agree to specified portions of this document 2 CRM-M-24980-2026 (O&M) was provided to them and they returned to India. When he asked for refund of money, the said persons refused to return his money. Legal action was prayed for against Rajat, Tanya, Kuldip, Arav, Ruby and other associates of Great Time Enterprises. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that petitioner was in custody for the last four months. Investigation of the case was completed and charges were framed against the petitioner. Before registration of the FIR, a compromise (Annexure P-2) was executed between the petitioner and the complainant on 26.04.2024, wherein complainant acknowledged that there was no amount pending regarding Russia visa. It was further agreed that the seven persons would be sent to Canada and it would be the responsibility of the complainant to send them to Canada at his own expense. The matter was amicably resolved, yet FIR was lodged after unexplained delay of five months, casting doubts on its genuineness. The dispute was civil in nature and was given criminal colour only to exert pressure. Petitioner who had no criminal antecedents, deserved to be enlarged on regular bail. 4. Status report by way of affidavit of Ms. Gurjeet Kaur, Deputy Superintendent of Police-cum-SDPO (South), UT Chandigarh on behalf of the respondent-State and custody certificate dated 12.07.2026 have been filed. The same are made part of the record. Learned State counsel urges that sum of ₹11,00,000/- plus ₹2,80,000/- obtained from the complainant was never returned to him. From the agreement (Annexure P-2), it was clear that the accused persons had provided fake offer letters to Canada-bound aspirants and promised them employment in Russia with work permit, which they failed to arrange. Final report had been presented against the petitioner and charges were framed against him. Trial was fixed for prosecution evidence. He prayed for dismissal of the petition. HARPREET SINGH CHAUHAN 2026.07.15 19:13 I agree to specified portions of this document 3 CRM-M-24980-2026 (O&M) 5. Investigation of the case qua the petitioner is complete. As per status report filed, final report has been presented before the Trial Court on 04.05.2026 under Sections 420/120B IPC and Section 24 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 against him. Case is triable by Court of Magistrate and is likely to take time to conclude. Truth of the allegations against the petitioner can be determined only on conclusion of trial. There is no reason to suspect that petitioner would evade the process of law or tamper with evidence. In the facts and circumstances of the case, but without commenting on merits, the petition is allowed. Petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail, subject to his furnishing adequate bail and surety bonds to the satisfaction of Trial Court/Duty Magistrate. 6. Pending miscellaneous applications, if any, stand disposed of. (SHALINI SINGH NAGPAL) JUDGE 15.07.2026 HS.CHAUHAN Whether Speaking/Reasoned : Yes/No Whether Reportable : Yes/No HARPREET SINGH CHAUHAN 2026.07.15 19:13 I agree to specified portions of this document