CRM-M-37434-2026 (O&M) 1 246 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-37434-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision: 16.07.2026 RAVI RANJAN ... PETITIONER VERSUS STATE OF HARYANA ... RESPONDENT CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S.GREWAL Present:- Mr. R.K.Lathwal, Advocate for the petitioner. H.S. GREWAL, J. (ORAL) 1. The petitioner is seeking regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) (Section 439 Cr.P.C.) in FIR No.212 dated 02.07.2023 under Section 18 (B) of Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (Charge framed under Section 18 (C) of Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985), registered at Police Station Urban Estate, District Rohtak (Haryana). 2. The case of the prosecution is that petitioner along with the co- accused was apprehended with 5 Kgs 810 grams of Opium. At the time of the alleged recovery, the petitioner was seated on the conductor seat while the co-accused was on the driver seat. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. He further submits that the petitioner is in custody for the last 02 years, 09 months and 21 days in this particular FIR. He, thus, prays for grant of bail to the JANKI BHATT 2026.07.17 16:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh CRM-M-37434-2026 (O&M) 2 petitioner. 4. Notice of motion. 5. Mr. Vipul Sherwal, A.A.G., Haryana accepts notice on behalf of the State and has vehemently opposed the prayer for grant of regular bail to the petitioner on the ground of gravity of allegations. He has filed the custody certificate in the Court today and the same is taken on record. He further submits that as per the custody certificate, the petitioner is in custody for the last 02 years, 09 months and 21 days and out of total cited 24 prosecution witnesses, only 15 witnesses have been examined so far. 6. I have heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the record. 7. After hearing the rival contentions of the learned counsel for the parties and keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case that the petitioner is in custody for the last 02 years, 09 months and 21 days and out of total cited 24 prosecution witnesses, only 15 witnesses have been examined so far.; the conlusion of trial is likely to take time; as such, continuous detention of the petitioner would not serve the ends of justice, this Court has no option but to grant the concession of regular bail to the petitioner during the pendency of the trial. 8. Reference can be made to the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Pardeep Kumar @ Banu versus State of Punjab, bearing Criminal Appeal No.1341/2026 (arising out of SLP(Cri.) No.18775/2025), decided on 13.03.2026, wherein it has been categorically held that where the accused has remained in custody for a considerable period and the trial has not even commenced, or is not likely to conclude in the near future, therefore, continued incarceration would amount to JANKI BHATT 2026.07.17 16:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh CRM-M-37434-2026 (O&M) 3 punishment without trial. In such circumstances, further detention pending trial is not necessary and the accused is entitled to be released on bail. 9. Therefore, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the instant petition is allowed. The petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing requisite bail bonds, surety bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate concerned. 9. Nothing discussed hereinabove shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. 10. It is clarified that while on bail so granted through the instant order, if the petitioner is found indulging in any other criminal case, it shall be open to the State to seek cancellation of his bail. 11. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. (H.S.GREWAL) 16.07.2026 JUDGE Janki Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No JANKI BHATT 2026.07.17 16:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh