Piara Singh v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-5506-2026 (O&M) Date of decision: 12.03.2026 Piara Singh ....Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab

...Respondent

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AMAN CHAUDHARY ***** Present :

Mr. Vipin Mahajan, Sr. Advocate with Ms. Tejinder Kaur, Advocate for the petitioner ***** AMAN CHAUDHARY, J. (ORAL) 1.

Learned Senior Counsel inter alia contends that the petitioner, who was working as Panchayat Secretary, had the responsibility of writing a resolution of the Panchayat as the Coram was not complete in favour of the Sarpanch, in wake of which an officer senior to him was appointed as Administrator by the Govt., to run the affairs. The resolution for carrying out the development activities in the village was signed by the Administrator, approved by the BDPO, who is the competent authority and it is only on basis thereof that the amount was transferred by a bank transaction to the firm, to which work was allotted. The responsibility to ensure or inspect that the material had been supplied and the work is carried out, is also not that of the petitioner. He is being made a scapegoat, while none of the officers, who were responsible, have been arraigned as an accused. He is ready and willing to join the investigation as and when required by the investigating agency and will cooperate.

Notice of motion.

At the asking of the Court, Ms. Gagandeep Kaur, DAG, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of respondent-State. MOHIT 2026.03.12 19:39 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-5506-2026 (O&M) -2Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation on or before 23.02.2026. In the event of his arrest, he shall be released on interim bail to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer, subject to compliance of conditions as enshrined under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023. However, it is clarified that if the petitioner does not join and cooperate with the Investigating Agency as required by the Arresting/Investigating Officer, this interim order shall be deemed to have been vacated.

Adjourned to 12.03.2026.

(AMAN CHAUDHARY) JUDGE 12.03.2026 M.Kamra Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes / No Whether reportable :

Yes / No MOHIT 2026.03.12 19:39 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document