IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH (203) CRM-M-29046-2026 Decided on: 27.07.2026 Uploaded on: 27.07.2026 Naresh Kumar ……Petitioner(s) Versus State of Haryana ……Respondent(s) CORAM : HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Ms. Nidhi Sharma, Advocate for the petitioner (s). Ms. Priyanka Sadar, Sr. DAG, Haryana. ***** Sumeet Goel (Oral): 1. Apprehending his arrest in FIR No.16 dated 12.06.2025, registered for offences punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB, Faridabad; the petitioner has preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail. 2. Vide order dated 03.06.2026, the petitioner was afforded the concession of interim anticipatory bail, relevant whereof reads thus: “2. As per allegations on 01.01.2022 and 05.07.2022, one complaint was submitted by Yashveer regarding fraudulent sale of his land. When complainant approached the Economic Cell, Palwal, Inspector Jawahar, Sub-Inspector Hardwari Lal and Sub-Inspector Praveen demanded a bribe of Rs. 35,000/- Sub Inspector Praveen also demanded Rs. 18,000/- from the complainant. NAVEEN NAGPAL 2026.07.27 18:21 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh CRM-M-29046-2026 P a g e | 2 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner argues that petitioner's name is not there in the FIR, however, subsequently, on the basis of one call recording whereby while talking with complainant on phone, petitioner allegedly demanded bribe of Rs. 18,000/-. She further submits that the allegations are false, moreover, petitioner is ready to give his voice sample. Unless, the allegations are proved, he can not be termed as the same person whose recorded voice has been taken into consideration. 4. Notice of motion. 5. On advance notice, learned State counsel puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent – State, and seeks some time to respond to the submissions addressed by learned counsel opposite, after seeking instructions. And, in case of necessity, to file status report. 6. Adjourned to 27.07.2026. 7. In the 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 be abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 8. However, it is clarified that inteirm proteciton would be available in case petitioner gives his voice sample during the course of investigation 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. Learned State counsel (on instructions) has submitted that the petitioner has joined investigation and he is not required for custodial interrogation. NAVEEN NAGPAL 2026.07.27 18:21 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh CRM-M-29046-2026 P a g e | 3 4. Keeping in view the factual milieu of the case in hand, especially the factum of the petitioner having joined investigation and he is not required for custodial interrogation, the petition is allowed and the order dated 03.06.2026 granting interim anticipatory bail to the petitioner is hereby made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS. 5. This order should not be treated as “blanket” order. It will not be read granting petitioner indefinite protection from arrest. It shall be confined to the FIR mentioned ibid and will not operate in respect of any other incident that involves commission of an offence. 6. Liberty is reserved in favour of State/complainant to move for cancellation/recall of this order in case the petitioner violates any condition stipulated under Section 482(2) of BNSS or upon showing any other sufficient cause. 7. Needless to say that anything observed herein above shall not be construed to be an opinion on the merits of the case. 8. Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed off. (SUMEET GOEL) 27.07.2026 JUDGE Naveen Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether Reportable : Yes/No NAVEEN NAGPAL 2026.07.27 18:21 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment HIgh Court Chandigarh