CRM-M-27663-2026(O&M) 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 223 CRM-M-27663-2026(O&M) Decided on :23.07.2026 Pankaj @ Shooter . . . Petitioner(s) Versus State of Haryana . . . Respondent(s) CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Mr. Rakesh Kumar Lathwal, Advocate for the petitioner. Ms. Ruch Sekhri, Addl. A.G., Haryana. **** SANJAY VASHISTH , J. (Oral) 1. Present second petition has been filed under Section 483 of BNSS, seeking regular bail in case FIR No.394 dated 20.11.2020, under Sections 302, 34 IPC (Sections 103(1), 3(5) of BNS) registered at Police Station Rai, District Sonipat, Haryana. 2. On 20.05.2026, while noticing that the petitioner had undergone incarceration for more than five years, this Court called for a report from the learned trial Court regarding the progress of the trial. 3. In compliance with the order dated 20.05.2026, report dated 20.07.2026 has been received from the learned Additional District and Sessions Judge, Sonipat. Relevant extract thereof reads as under: “instant Session case was received in the Court of undersigned on 16.12.2024 by way of transfer, which was fixed for prosecution evidence. The prosecution evidence was later closed and it was fixed for defence evidence and arguments for 22.01.2025 and it was adjourned for that purpose on the request of defence counsel. It is further respectfully submitted that then on 16.05.2025, an application under Section 311 Cr.P.C. was moved by the Public Prosecutor for producing RASHMI 2026.07.23 18:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-27663-2026(O&M) 2 FSL report, which was decided on 08.09.2025. On 11.09.2025 FSL report Ex.PA was produced in additional evidence by the prosecution and on its coming on record as additional incriminating evidence against the accused, the matter was fixed for 17.09.2025 for recording his additional statement under Section 313 Cr.P.C. On 17.09.2025 supplementary statement of accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C. was recorded and the matter was fixed for defence evidence on 03.10.2025. On request of defence counsel, the case was adjourned for defence exidence and arguments. On 28.01.2026 the accused changed his counsel and another counsel appeared to represent him. On his request, it was adjourned for defence evidence, if any and arguments. Now, it is fixed for 23.07.2026 for defence evidence and arguments. It is respectfully submitted that since another case of CCL, who was on bail, arising out of the same FIR has been simultaneously pending with this case, which was received on transfer on 22.01.2025, in which the matter remained pending for Court notice to CCL and so, his statement under Section 313 Cr.P.C. was recorded on 05.03.2025. In this confusion and due to oversight and inadvertent mistake the matter was posted for 23.07.2026 from 28.04.2026, though earlier short adjourments were being given. It is respectfully submitted that sincere efforts shall be made to dispose of the trial titled State Vs. Pankaj @ Shooter finally at the earliest on closure of defence evidence and conclusion of arguments” 4. Learned counsel for the petitioner was specifically queried as to within how many opportunities the defence evidence would be concluded. He submitted that the petitioner shall conclude the entire defence evidence on the next date fixed before the learned trial Court. 5. It has been informed that the matter is now fixed before the learned trial Court on 24.07.2026. RASHMI 2026.07.23 18:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-27663-2026(O&M) 3 6. In view of the aforesaid statement and considering that petitioner has been availing opportunities to lead defence evidence for the last about eleven months, learned trial Court is directed to ensure that the defence evidence is concluded within a period of two weeks from today by granting such opportunities as it may deem appropriate in the facts and circumstances of the case. In the event the petitioner fails to conclude the defence evidence within the aforesaid period, the learned trial Court shall be at liberty to proceed further in accordance with law. Thereafter, learned trial Court shall make an endeavour to conclude the trial within a period of one month. 7. With the aforesaid directions, present petition stands disposed of. 8. Let a copy of this order be forwarded to the learned trial Court concerned for information and necessary compliance. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 23.07.2026 Rashmi Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No RASHMI 2026.07.23 18:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document