106 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-38934-2026 DECIDED ON: 17.07.2026 SATNAM SINGH @ SONU .....PETITIONER VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB .....RESPONDENT CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH. Present: Mr. Manjot Singh Rai, Advocate, for the petitioner. SANJAY VASHISTH , J (ORAL) 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 Satnam Singh alias Sonu, aged about 36 years 0128 06.08.2025 61 of Excise Act Verowal Tarn Taran 2. As per the case of prosecution, acting on secret information, a police party conducted a raid at the house of the petitioner, during which 100 kilograms of lahan is alleged to have been recovered from the house of the petitioner. It is further alleged in the FIR that upon noticing the arrival of the police party, petitioner managed to flee from the spot. LAVISHA 2026.07.17 15:00 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-38934-2026 -2- 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the allegations are false and fabricated. It is submitted that no such recovery was effected from the petitioner's house; rather, lahan allegedly recovered from some other person or an unknown source has been falsely planted upon the petitioner. It is further submitted that petitioner was very much present at his house and had not absconded, as alleged by the prosecution. 4. Learned counsel further submits that petitioner had earlier been implicated in a similar case, i.e. FIR No.33 dated 09.05.2023, registered under Sections 61/1/14 of the Excise Act, District Tarn Taran, wherein he was discharged, vide order dated 03.06.2025 passed by learned Judicial Magistrate First Class, Khadur Sahib. Thus, counsel prays for grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case. 5. Notice of motion. 6. On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent – State. 7. This Court has heard the learned counsel for the parties and has carefully perused the record available before it. 8. Undoubtedly, the alleged recovery of 100 kilograms of lahan has already been effected. Offences alleged against the petitioner are triable by the Court of learned Magistrate. 9. Therefore, in the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court does not find it necessary to keep the present petition pending any further and, accordingly, deems it appropriate to dispose of the same, LAVISHA 2026.07.17 15:00 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-38934-2026 -3- with the direction to the petitioner to join the investigation within two weeks from today or as and when called by the investigating officer, and in the eventuality of the arrest, petitioner would be released on anticipatory bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also be abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 10. 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. 11. However, it is clarified that this order shall be deemed inoperative, if petitioner fails to join and cooperate with the investigation, in terms of the directions mentioned in the present order. 12. With the directions recorded here above, present petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) 17.07.2026 JUDGE Lavisha Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No LAVISHA 2026.07.17 15:00 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh