Manjit Singh v. State Of Punjab

2023:PHHC:045868 In the High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana At Chandigarh CRM-M-8436-2023 (O&M) Date of Decision:-28.3.2023 Manjit Singh ... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ... Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE GURVINDER SINGH GILL Present:- Ms. Apoorva Arya, Advocate for Mr. Jagmohan Ghumman, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Siddharth Attri, AAG, Punjab, assisted by ASI Surjit Kumar.

***** GURVINDER SINGH GILL, J. (Oral) 1.

The petitioner seeks grant of regular bail in respect of a case registered vide FIR No.3, dated 24.1.2023 at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Amritsar, under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 as amended by P.C. (Amendment) Act, 2018.

2.

The allegations, in nutshell, are that the petitioner was caught red handed while accepting a bribe amount of Rs.2,000/-, which he had allegedly demanded from the complainant for shifting of high voltage wire from his 'Litchi' Orchard.

3.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has been falsely implicated in the present case and that there is no cogent evidence to substantiate the allegations.

PANKAJ KAKKAR 2023.03.28 16:22 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document

CRM-M-8436-2023 (O&M) ( 2 ) 2023:PHHC:045868 4.

On the other hand, learned State counsel has submitted that since the petitioner was caught red handed while accepting tainted currency notes of Rs.2,000/-, his complicity is clearly evident. It has further been submitted that additionally there is audio conversation, which also points towards the guilt of the petitioner. Learned State counsel has informed that challan stands already present in the present case and charges are yet to be framed and as many as 12 PWs have been cited. It has also been informed that the petitioner has been behind bars since the last more than 2 months. 5.

Without commenting anything as regards the merits of the case, but having regard to the custody of the petitioner i.e. more than 2 months and also the fact that conclusion of trial is likely to take some time inasmuch charges are yet to be framed and as many as 12 PWs have been cited, further detention of the petitioner will not serve any useful purpose. The petition, as such, is accepted and the petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing bail bonds/surety bonds to the satisfaction of learned trial Court/Chief Judicial Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned. 28.3.2023 ( Gurvinder Singh Gill ) pankaj Judge Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No PANKAJ KAKKAR 2023.03.28 16:22 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document