CRM-M No.40550 of 2026 -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 225 ***** CRM-M No.40550 of 2026 Date of decision : 21.8.2026 Date of uploading : 21.8.2026 Vajira Bai @ Wazira Bai @ Wajira Bai ………….Petitioner Versus State of Punjab …….Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Mr. Arshdeep, Advocate, for the petitioner Mr. Gaurav Gurcharan S. Rai, Senior DAG, Punjab --- SUMEET GOEL, J. (ORAL) 1. On 23.7.2026, the following order was passed: ‘Apprehending her arrest in FIR No. 84 dated 09.06.2026, registered for the offences punishable under Sections 326(a) and 326(e) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (erstwhile Sections 430 and 434 of the Indian Penal Code), Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 and Section 52 of the Punjab Canal and Drainage Act, 2023, registered at Police Station Vairoke, District Fazilka, the petitioner has preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail. Counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that the FIR in question has genesis in a water course dispute, the petitioner is a lady aged 53 years with clean antecedents & is willing to join investigation and cooperate therein as per law. Notice of motion. On the strength of advance notice; Mr. Adhiraj Singh, AAG, Punjab has entered appearance on behalf of the respondent-State of Punjab. Adjourned to 19.08.2026. The petitioner is directed to appear before the Investigating Officer on 29.07.2026 at 11:00 A.M. in concerned Police Station and join investigation. In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail subject to her ASHWANI KUMAR 2026.08.21 14:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M No.40550 of 2026 -2- furnishing personal/surety bond(s) to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer. As and when further called by Investigating Officer, the petitioner shall join the investigation. She shall abide by the condition(s) enumerated under Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.’ 2. Learned State counsel (on instructions) submits that pursuant to the order dated 23.7.2026, the petitioner has joined investigation and is no longer required for custodial interrogation. 3. In view of the above, the instant petition is allowed. Interim order dated 23.7.2026, passed by this Court is made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS. 4. This order should not be treated as “blanket” order. It will not be read as 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. 5. 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. 6. Needless to say that anything observed herein above shall not be construed to be an opinion on the merits of the case. (SUMEET GOEL) JUDGE 21.8.2026 Ashwanii Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether reportable: Yes/No ASHWANI KUMAR 2026.08.21 14:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document