296 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M No.11519 of 2026 Date of decision: 27.07.2026 Jitesh Sethi …Petitioner Versus State of Punjab and another …Respondents CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S.GREWAL Present :- Mr. Amandeep Singh Manaise, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Manpreet Singh DAG, Punjab, for respondent No.1-State. Ms. G. K. Mann, Senior Advocate with Mr. Anmol Jeevan Singh Gill, Advocate for respondent No.2. ***** H.S.GREWAL, J. (Oral) 1. The present petition has been filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023, for seeking anticipatory bail in case FIR No.09 dated 06.02.2026 under Sections 406, 419, 420, 465, 468, 471 IPC {new Sections 316(2), 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 340(2), 336(3) BNS}, registered at Police Station Shahpur Kandi District Pathankot. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in terms of the order dated 27.02.2026, the petitioner has joined the investigation. 3. On the other hand, learned State counsel, on instructions from the Investigating Officer, affirms that the petitioner has joined the investigation and is no longer required for custodial interrogation. 4. I have heard learned counsel for the parties. SEEMA SHARMA 2026.07.30 14:30 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment CRM-M No.11519 of 2026 -2- 5. Without commenting on the merits of the case, this Court is of the view that the petitioner has made out a case for grant of anticipatory bail. 6. Consequently, the petition is allowed and the interim order dated 27.02.2026 is made absolute. The petitioner is directed to appear before the Investigating Officer within a period of 07 days from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. In the event of his appearance and joining the investigation, he shall be released on anticipatory bail on his furnishing adequate bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting/ Investigating Officer, which shall remain operative till the submission of the final report under Section 193 BNSS (erstwhile Section 173 Cr.P.C.) and shall continue to join the investigation as and when required. This relief shall, however, remain subject to the following conditions envisaged under Section 482(2) of the BNSS [erstwhile Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.]:- i) that the petitioner shall make himself available for interrogation by a police officer as and when required; ii) that the petitioner shall not, directly or indirectly, make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him/her from disclosing such facts to the Court or to any police officer; iii) that the petitioner shall not leave India without prior permission of the Court; iv) such other condition as may be imposed under sub- section (3) of Section 480, as if the bail were granted under that Section. (H.S.GREWAL) 27.07.2026 JUDGE seema Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No SEEMA SHARMA 2026.07.30 14:30 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment