CRM-M-27288-2026 (O&M) 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH. 211 CRM-M-27288-2026 (O&M). Date of Decision: 28.07.2026. Gurpreet Singh ....Petitioner. VERSUS State of Punjab ....Respondent. **** CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH --- Present: None. **** SANJAY VASHISTH, J. (Oral) On a call given by the Executive Committee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, the Members of the Bar have suspended the work from 28.07.2026 (Post Lunch) till 30.07.2026 in protest against the implementation of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), Policy. 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 First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- Name of petitioner(s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District Gurpreet Singh 61 08.03.2026 109, 190, 191(3) of BNS and sections 25, 27 of Arms Act, 1959 [correspondig to sections 307, 149, 148 of IPC] City Tarn Taran Tarn Taran JITENDER 2026.07.29 14:15 I attest to the accuracy of this document CRM-M-27288-2026 (O&M) 2 2. On 14.05.2026, following order was recorded:- “1. xxx 2. FIR in the present case was registered on 08.03.2026 on the basis of statement made by complainant–ASI Gurpreet Singh, wherein it was alleged that while he, along with other police officials, was present at the T- point of Mohalla Jaswant Singh, he received a secret information to the effect that certain young persons of the village, who were allegedly of criminal disposition and had formed rival gangs, namely Jagroop Singh alias Gujjar, Sameer Singh sons of Ashok Kumar, Ranjit Singh alias Giani son of Jagir Singh, Akashdeep Singh alias Hawai son of Jagir Singh, Gurinder Singh son of Satnam Singh, Akashdeep Singh alias Jhota son of Tarlok Singh, Akashdeep Singh alias Balander son of Dalbir Singh, Lovepreet Singh alias Love son of Raju Singh, Inderjit Singh son of Swaran Singh, Sahil son of Gajju, and Lakhwinder Singh son of Sohan Singh, all residents of village Palasaur, along with 10–12 unknown persons constituting one group; and Veeru son of Sarabjit Singh, Mapi son of Bittu, Joban son of Sarabjit Singh and Prince son of Dhari Singh, residents of village Palasaur, along with 10–12 unknown persons constituting another rival group, were indulging in acts of hooliganism and terrorizing the villagers by openly firing weapons and extending threats to eliminate each other. It was further alleged that on 07.03.2026 at about 3:00 P.M., a violent clash had taken place between the aforesaid rival groups, during which they allegedly opened indiscriminate fire with an intention to kill each other. Members of both the groups also allegedly indulged in brickbatting and created complete chaos and terror in the village. During the said incident, pellets allegedly struck Sarwan Singh alias Samo son of Baldev Singh, resident of Palasaur, on his backside and arm, while another person, namely Sikander Singh son of Ram Singh, resident of Palasaur, also sustained injuries. It was alleged that due to the cross-firing between the rival groups, an atmosphere of fear and panic had been created amongst the general public. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that after registration of FIR, a supplementary statement of Baldev Singh was recorded vide General Diary No. 50 dated 08.03.2026, wherein for the first time, names of certain allegedly unknown persons, namely Narvail Singh, Baljinder Singh alias Binda and Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi (present petitioner), were disclosed. However, it is contended that no specific role or overt act has been attributed to the petitioner in the entire prosecution case. It is further JITENDER 2026.07.29 14:15 I attest to the accuracy of this document CRM-M-27288-2026 (O&M) 3 submitted that there is no allegation that petitioner caused any injury to any person during the alleged occurrence. 4. Learned counsel further submits that petitioner is a law abiding citizen and is ready and willing to join the investigation and fully cooperate with the Investigating Agency in every manner, in case, he is granted protection from arrest by this Court. Thus, prayer has been made for grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case. 5. Notice of motion. 6. On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent – State, and seeks some time to file status report in the matter. 7. Adjourned to 28.07.2026. 8. 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 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, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court.” 3. ASI Satnam Singh has put in appearance and filed status report dated 27.07.2026, which is taken on record. Registry to tag the same at an appropriate place. He confirms that petitioner has joined investigation, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation. 4. Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 14.05.2026, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed. However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as JITENDER 2026.07.29 14:15 I attest to the accuracy of this document CRM-M-27288-2026 (O&M) 4 and when required to do so and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023. 5. 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. 6. Accordingly, petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 28.07.2026 jitender Whether speaking/ reasoned : Yes/ No Whether Reportable : Yes/ No JITENDER 2026.07.29 14:15 I attest to the accuracy of this document