CRM-M-25440-2026(O&M) 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 221 CRM-M-25440-2026(O&M) Decided on :23.07.2026 Hardeep Singh . . . Petitioner(s) Versus State of Punjab . . . Respondent(s) CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: Dr. Anmol Rattan Sidhu, Sr. Advocate with Mr. Pratham Sethi, Advocate Mr. Souravdeep Singh, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, DAG, Punjab. **** SANJAY VASHISTH , J. (Oral) 1. Present petition has been filed under Section 483 of BNSS seeking regular bail in case FIR No.07 dated 02.04.2026, under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 308 of BNS (corresponding Section 348 of IPC), registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Patiala. 2. Allegations against the petitioner are that complainant-Jagjit Singh, had certain unauthorized electricity connections at his residence and had approached the petitioner for their continuance/regularization. It is alleged that the petitioner initially demanded illegal gratification of ₹ ₹ 5,000/-, which was subsequently enhanced to 10,000/-. On the basis of the complaint, a trap was laid and the tainted currency notes were allegedly recovered in the presence of the shadow witness. RASHMI 2026.07.23 18:56 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-25440-2026(O&M) 2 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that petitioner has been falsely implicated and has been made a victim of a planted case. It is contended that the alleged recovery was effected from an open place and not from the person of the petitioner or from the drawer of his office table. Learned counsel further submits that throughout the petitioner's service career, nothing adverse has ever been recorded against him. It is also submitted that petitioner is in custody for a period of more than three months. Although the challan was presented on 30.05.2026, trial has not progressed, as the recording of prosecution evidence has yet to commence. It is, therefore, contended that the conclusion of the trial is likely to take a considerable time. On these grounds, learned counsel prays for the grant of regular bail to the petitioner. 4. Per contra, learned State counsel opposes the prayer for grant of regular bail and submits that petitioner was caught red-handed in a trap while demanding and accepting illegal gratification from the complainant. It is contended that recovery of the tainted currency notes was effected in the presence of the shadow witness and the allegations against the petitioner are duly supported by the material collected during the investigation. Considering the gravity and nature of the allegations, learned State counsel submits that no ground for grant of regular bail is made out and, accordingly, prays for dismissal of the present petition. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and have perused the paper-book. RASHMI 2026.07.23 18:56 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-25440-2026(O&M) 3 6. Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this Court is of the considered view that investigation stands concluded and challan has already been presented. Petitioner is in custody for a period of more than three months. Trial has yet to commence and its conclusion is likely to take a considerable time. Undoubtedly, if the allegations are ultimately established, it would be open to the competent authority to proceed against the petitioner in accordance with law by initiating and concluding appropriate departmental/disciplinary proceedings. However, until the charges are proved in accordance with law, no useful purpose would be served by keeping the petitioner behind bars any longer, particularly when his further incarceration is not likely to advance the case of the prosecution in any manner. Consequently, this Court is of the view that no useful purpose would be served by denying the concession of regular bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, present petition is allowed. Petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds and surety bonds to the satisfaction of the learned trial Court/Chief Judicial Magistrate/Illaqa Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned, if not required in any other case. 7. Any observation made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. Learned trial Court shall proceed to decide the case independently, on the basis of evidence RASHMI 2026.07.23 18:56 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-25440-2026(O&M) 4 available on record, in accordance with law and as expeditiously as possible. 8. Petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 23.07.2026 Rashmi Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No RASHMI 2026.07.23 18:56 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document