CRM-M-39590-2026 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 118 CRM-M-39590-2026 Decided on: 20.07.2026 Maninder Singh …...Petitioner Versus State of Punjab …...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Mr. Karambir Singh Kahlon, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Manjinder Singh Bhullar, 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, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of FIR No.13 dated 18.06.2026, under Section 7 of P.C. Act, 1988 as amended by P.C. (Amendment) Act, 2018 read with Section 61(2) of BNS, 2023 added vide DDR No. 10 dated 18.06.2026, registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau Range, Jalandhar, District Jalandhar, 2. Complainant-Amarjit Kaur residing in NRI Colony in Phagwara got registered the FIR against one SI Amandeep Singh for receiving illegal gratification of Rs.6,50,000/- on different occasions from the complainant under the pretext of involving her or her family members in some false case. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner argues that as per allegations naming the petitioner also in FIR no offence could be alleged to have been REENA 2026.07.22 09:54 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh CRM-M-39590-2026 2 committed by the petitioner in violation of the Prevention of Corruption Act because the element of mens rea would completely missing out qua the part of petitioner if actually true having been made by the petitioner. As per allegations the petitioner never demanded any amount from the complainant and in actual he is in hand in glove or not with main accused SI Amandeep Singh for extorting the illegal gratification, would be depending upon a very strong evidence, if so collected during investigation in the absence of it only on the basis of assumption petitioner may not be subjected to the custodial interrogation. Being present only with the main accused SI Amandeep Singh at the spot when the complainant was giving money and then on being handed over by the main accused, the counting of the alleged bribe amount would not in any manner amount the committal of offence, moreover, petitioner is ready to join investigation. Thus, prays for grant of bail. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On advance notice, Mr. Manjinder Singh Bhullar, DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent – State. 6. Since it is almost admitted position that except of the role of counting of the amount at the time of laying trap, petitioner was never found indulged in raising demand for questioned bribe amount or even directly receiving of it with the knowledge that said amount is meant for a bribe purpose. I do not find any strong reason to keep the petitioner pending, therefore, acknowledging all the aforementioned facts and factors and especially the knowledge to the petitioner regarding the crime committed by his co-accused SI Amandeep Singh, who already stands arrested. REENA 2026.07.22 09:54 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh CRM-M-39590-2026 3 7. In view of the aforementioned discussion, this Court do not find any substantial reason for subjecting the petitioner for custodial interrogation. 8. Accordingly, petitioner is directed to join the investigation within two weeks from today, or as and when called by the investigating agency, 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.). 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, petitioners would seek prior permission of the Court. 10. However, it is clarified that if the petitioner fails to join and cooperate with the investigation, in terms of directions mentioned in the present order, it shall be open for the Investigating Officer to proceed immediately to arrest the petitioner, in accordance with law. 11. With the directions issued here above, present petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) 20.07.2026 JUDGE reena Whether Speaking/Reasoned: YES/NO Whether Reportable: YES/NO REENA 2026.07.22 09:54 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh