Jaswant Singh @ Kala v. State Of Punjab

In The High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana At Chandigarh Date of Decision:- 11.11.2025 Jaswant Singh @ Kala ... Appellant

Versus

State of Punjab ... Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE GURVINDER SINGH GILL HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE RAMESH KUMARI Present:- Mr. Puran Singh Hundal, Senior Advocate with Mr. Gursaib Singh Hundal, Advocate for the appellant. Mr. Siddharth Attri, AAG, Punjab.

***** FIR NO.

DATE POLICE STATION OFFENCES 05.06.2017 Mukandpur, District S.B.S.Nagar 121, 121-A, 120-B IPC, Sections 25 and 27 of Arms Act and Sections 10, 13, 15, 16 and 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, GURVINDER SINGH GILL , J . (Oral) 1.

The instant appeal has been filed on behalf of the appellant seeking grant of regular bail in respect of aforementioned FIR.

- 2 - 2.

Today, at the very outset learned State counsel has passed on a copy of order dated 04.11.2025 passed by the trial Court which is reproduced herein under:- "In view of reasons mentioned in the applications, personal appearance of accused Gurmukh Singh, Harpreet Singh and Satnam Singh exempted for today. Accused Jaswant Singh and Balwant Singh produced in custody by jail authorities, Sub-Jail, Muktsar Sahib and Central Jail, Faridkot, through video conferencing.

PW-21 Kuljit Singh examined today through VC and identified by/in the presence of Ms. Geeta, JSA. Further, Ld Addl PP for the State has tendered into evidence report of FSL as Ex.PZ and forwarding letter of FSL as Ex.PZ/1. No other PW is present. Learned Addl PP for the State has requested for an adjournment. Perusal of the file shows that prosecution has already availed 108 opportunities but has failed to conclude the prosecution evidence. Moreover, this Court finds no justification to further adjourn the case for prosecution evidence. As such, the evidence of prosecution is hereby closed by order. To come up on 11.11.2025 for recording statement of accused persons under Section 313 of CrPC. Accused persons Jaswant Singh and Balwant Singh be again produced on the date fixed."

3.

A perusal of the aforesaid order shows that the prosecution evidence already stands closed and the matter is fixed for today for recording statement under Section 313 Cr.P.C.

4.

Having regard to the aforestated position, we do not deem it appropriate to release the appellant on bail at the fag end of the case particularly having regard to the nature of offences alleged against him. The appeal, as such, is dismissed. However, the trial Court is directed to make strenuous efforts for

- 3 - expeditious conclusion of the trial given the fact that the appellant is stated to have been behind bars for 8 years.

5.

Since, some of the co-accused are stated to be confined in connection with other cases, the authorities concerned including the Senior Superintendent of Police/Commissioner of Police concerned are directed to ensure their presence in the Court on all the dates fixed henceforth. The counsel for the accused shall also render utmost cooperation for expeditious conclusion of the trial.

( GURVINDER SINGH GILL ) JUDGE ( RAMESH KUMARI ) 11.11.2025 JUDGE mohan Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No