CRM-M-24095-2026(O&M) 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 211 CRM-M-24095-2026(O&M) Date of decision: 20.07.2026 Jaspal Singh … Petitioner Versus State of Punjab … Respondent CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Mr. Manoj Kumar Vashishtha, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. Neeraj Madan, Sr. DAG, Punjab. *** 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, in case FIR No.0007, dated 12.01.2026, under Sections 110, 304, 61(2), 317(2) of BNS (corresponding to sections 308, 120-B, 411 of IPC) and sections 25, 27-54-59 of Arms Act, registered at Police Station Sarabha Nagar, District Ludhiana. 2. On 30.04.2026, following order was passed:- “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 of Petitioner (s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District Jaspal Singh 00077 12.01.2026 110, 304, 61(2), 317(2) of BNS (corresponding to sections 308, 120-B, 411 of IPC) and sections 25, 27- 54-59 of Arms Act Sarabha Nagar Ludhiana RAJAN 2026.07.21 18:34 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-24095-2026(O&M) 2 2. 2. FIR in the present case was registered against the accused on the basis of the secret information of complainant Nitin Goyal @ Nannu, on the allegations that he is engaged in the business of money exchange. He runs a shop under the name 'Cheena Money Changer', situated in the street near Kokila Hospital, Jagraon, District Ludhiana. On 05.01.2026, at about 3:30 PM, he handed over 30,000 Canadian Dollars (300 currency notes of 100 Canadian Dollars each) kept in a dark gray coloured bag to his driver Ravi Kumar, son of late Nirmal Singh, resident of Chungi No. 7, Jagraon, District Ludhiana, with instructions to deliver the same to his friend Diwakar, resident of Ludhiana, by bus. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the alleged incident is stated to have occurred on 05.01.2026, whereas FIR in the present case was registered after an unexplained delay of about one week, and that too, on the basis of a personal inquiry rather than any prompt complaint. It is, thus, contended that name of the petitioner has been introduced in the present case, without any proper investigation conducted by the competent investigating agency. It is further argued that had such an incident actually taken place, an immediate complaint would have been lodged with the police or the concerned authorities, either by the complainant or by his driver. In fact, as per the prosecution's own version, driver-Ravi Kumar, had informed the complainant at about 4:30 P.M. on the same day regarding the alleged snatching of a bag containing dollars. 4. Further submits that said driver had specifically informed telephonically that three unknown persons had alighted from a bus, stopped him, and forcibly snatched the bag, and also that said three persons fled away from the spot in an Innova car, bearing registration No.PB-02-BN-7718. It is pointed out that despite naming only three unknown assailants in the initial version of FIR, which was registered subsequently after a long delay against four accused persons. It is further contended that already certain recoveries have been RAJAN 2026.07.21 18:34 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-24095-2026(O&M) 3 effected from those three accused, and thereupon, they released on bail also, by the learned Court below. Thus, it is argued that petitioner is falsely implicated as accused in the present case, and therefore, he deserves the concession of anticipatory bail 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, and seeks some time to file status report in the matter. 7. Adjourned to 20.07.2026. 8. 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.). 9. 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 30.04.2026, 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. 4. Status report by way of affidavit of Mr. Jatinder Pal Singh, PPS, Assistant Commissioner of Police West, Ludhiana, dated 12.07.2026, RAJAN 2026.07.21 18:34 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-24095-2026(O&M) 4 filed on behalf of the respondent-State in the Registry is taken on record. Registry to tag the same at appropriate place in the case file. On instructions from HC Amandeep Singh, learned State counsel confirms the averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation by the petitioner on 13.05.2026, 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 30.04.2026, 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. ( Sanjay Vashisth ) Judge 20.07.2026 Rajan Whether speaking / reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No RAJAN 2026.07.21 18:34 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document