IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH (215) CRM-M-24632-2026 Date of Decision: 27.07.2026 Chhoti Mahant --Petitioner Versus State of Punjab --Respondent CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH. Present:- Mr. Gaurav Singla, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. M.S. Bhullar, DAG, Punjab. *** SANJAY VASHISTH.J (Oral) 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 FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District Chhoti Mahant 62 31.03.2026 126(2), 115(2), 118(3), 351(2), 190, 191(3) of BNS. Dehlon Police Commissioner ate, Ludhiana 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that FIR was registered on the statement of complainant Rashika Singh and therein it is alleged that on 30.03.2026, she, along with her companions, visited a residence in Ranjit Avenue to collect customary marriage gifts and monetary blessings. At approximately 10:30 a.m., the accused persons— allegedly disciples/chelas of Heena Mahant—namely (i) Chhoti Mahant LUCKY 2026.07.29 10:22 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgement High Court chandigarh CRM-M-24632-2026 -2- (petitioner herein), armed with scissors; (ii) Ruhi Mahant, armed with a stick; (iii) Saloni Mahant; (iv) Sona Marasi, armed with a stick; (v) Gulzar Marasi, armed with a stick; (vi) Toni Marasi, armed with a stick; along with 5–6 other unidentified individuals carrying sticks, arrived in vehicles bearing registration numbers PB-10FN-2034 and PB-10JT-1786. Upon commencement of verbal abuse by the accused, complainant party attempted to leave the spot to avoid any confrontation. However, the accused allegedly chased them in their vehicles, surrounded them, and launched an attack. It is alleged that Sona Marasi caught hold of the complainant by the neck and attempted to strangulate her with a chunni. Thereafter, accused Chhoti Mahant (present petitioner) allegedly inflicted a blow with scissors on the complainant’s left shoulder. While the complainant was lying on the ground, co-accused Saloni Mahant and Ruhi Mahant allegedly kicked her on the chest. The remaining accused persons are stated to have issued threats to kill before fleeing the scene in their vehicles. On 04.05.2026, following order was passed:- “1.xxx 2. Complainant-Rashika Singh, got an FIR registered alleging that on 30.03.2026, she, along with her companions, visited a residence in Ranjit Avenue to collect customary marriage gifts and monetary blessings. At approximately 10:30 a.m., the accused persons—allegedly disciples/chelas of Heena Mahant —namely (i) Chhoti Mahant (petitioner herein), armed with scissors; (ii) Ruhi Mahant, armed with a stick; (iii) Saloni Mahant; (iv) Sona Marasi, armed with a stick; (v) Gulzar Marasi, armed with a stick; (vi) Toni Marasi, armed with a stick; along with 5–6 other unidentified individuals carrying sticks, arrived in vehicles bearing registration numbers PB- 10FN-2034 and PB-10JT-1786. Upon commencement of verbal LUCKY 2026.07.29 10:22 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgement High Court chandigarh CRM-M-24632-2026 -3- abuse by the accused, complainant party attempted to leave the spot to avoid any confrontation. However, the accused allegedly chased them in their vehicles, surrounded CRM-M- 24632-2026 -2- them, and launched an attack. It is alleged that Sona Marasi caught hold of the complainant by the neck and attempted to strangulate her with a chunni. Thereafter, accused Chhoti Mahant (present petitioner) allegedly inflicted a blow with scissors on the complainant’s left shoulder. While the complainant was lying on the ground, co-accused Saloni Mahant and Ruhi Mahant allegedly kicked her on the chest. The remaining accused persons are stated to have issued threats to kill before fleeing the scene in their vehicles. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that, as per the medico-legal report referred in paragraph No.6 of the impugned order dated 22.04.2025 passed by learned Sessions Judge, Ludhiana (Annexure P-2), total four injuries were observed. Out of these, three injuries were caused by blunt weapons, while only one injury—allegedly attributed to the petitioner—was caused by a sharp-edged weapon. It is further argued that the said injury has neither been declared grievous nor dangerous to life, nor is it located on any vital part of the complainant’s body. Counsel further submits that petitioner is willing to join the investigation and fully cooperate with the investigating agency, provided she is granted protection from arrest by this Court. Thus, it is prayed that concession of anticipatory bail be granted to the petitioner in the present case. 4. Notice of motion. 5. 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. CRM-M- 24632-2026 -3- 6. Adjourned to 21.07.2026. 7. Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In LUCKY 2026.07.29 10:22 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgement High Court chandigarh CRM-M-24632-2026 -4- 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.). 8. 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. Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 04.05.2026, passed by this Court, petitioner has joined the investigation and has fully co-operated. Therefore, he prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order. 4. Learned State counsel on instructions, confirms the said averment made by learned counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation. 5. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 6. Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 04.05.2026, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed. 7. However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as and when required to do so and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023. LUCKY 2026.07.29 10:22 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgement High Court chandigarh CRM-M-24632-2026 -5- 8. Accordingly, petition stands disposed of. Misc. application(s), if any, also stand disposed of. 27.07.2026 (SANJAY VASHISTH) lucky JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No LUCKY 2026.07.29 10:22 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgement High Court chandigarh