CRM-M-28490-2026 -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 218 CRM-M-28490-2026 Date of Decision: 23.07.2026 MANPREET SINGH ALIAS MANU ... PETITIONER VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB ... RESPONDENT CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S.GREWAL Present:- Mr.A.S.Sekhon, Advocate for the petitioner. H.S. Grewal, J.(Oral) 1. This petition has been filed under section 483 B.N.S.S. (earlier 439 Cr.P.C.) for grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 218 dated 16.09.2025 under Sections 420 IPC (Corresponding to Section 318(4) BNS, 2023) later on offence under Section 238 BNS, 2023 added (corresponding to Section 201 IPC) vide rapat No 29 dated 20.02.2026 registered at Police Station Sadar Faridkot, District Fardikot. 2. The prosecution case is that the petitioner, in connivance with co- accused Jagjit Singh and Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly deceived the victims on the false promise of securing their selection in the Police Department and fraudulently received a total amount of ₹45 lakh. Out of the said amount, ₹34 lakh was transferred by the victims into the bank account of co-accused Kulwinder Kaur, who thereafter transferred the said amount to the petitioner's bank account. The said transactions, coupled with the petitioner's own RENU RAWAT 2026.07.24 14.27 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh CRM-M-28490-2026 -2- admission, prima facie indicate his involvement and complicity in the commission of the alleged offence. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has been falsely implicated in the present case. He further submits that the petitioner had solemnized a love marriage with co-accused Kulwinder Kaur against the wishes of her father, namely, Jagjit Singh. It is contended that the petitioner has been implicated primarily on account of his being the husband of co-accused Kulwinder Kaur. It is further argued that the father-in-law of the petitioner is a construction contractor and that the amount in question was received towards the services rendered by him and the construction of the complainant's house, which has subsequently been given the colour of a criminal case by way of registration of the present FIR. The petitioner is in custody since 04.02.2026 and, therefore, prays for grant of regular bail. 4. Notice of motion. 5. Mr. Subhash Godara, Addl. Advocate General, Punjab accepts notice on behalf of the respondent–State and has vehemently opposed the prayer for grant of regular bail on the ground that the allegations against the petitioner are serious in nature. He has filed the custody certificate of the petitioner in Court today, which is taken on record. As per the custody certificate, the petitioner is in custody for the last 05 months and 16 days and is not involved in any other case. 6. I have heard the submissions made by the parties and gone through the record. RENU RAWAT 2026.07.24 14.27 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh CRM-M-28490-2026 -3- 7. After hearing the rival contentions and considering the fact that in the case in hand, the petitioner is in custody for the last 05 months and 16 days and not involved in any other case coupled with the fact that the trial is likely to take considerable time, this Court is of the view that no useful purpose would be served by further incarceration of the petitioner. Accordingly, the petitioner is granted the concession of regular bail during the pendency of the trial. 8. Therefore, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the instant petition is allowed. The petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing requisite bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate concerned. 9. Nothing discussed hereinabove shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. 10. It is clarified that if while on bail so granted through the instant order, the petitioner is found indulged in any other criminal case/activity, it shall be open to the State to seek cancellation of his bail. 23.07.2026 (H.S.GREWAL) renu JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable: Yes/No RENU RAWAT 2026.07.24 14.27 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh