Ranjit Singh @ Tidda v. State Of Punjab

- 1 -

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Decided on : 28.07.2025 Ranjit Singh @ Tidda . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab . . . Respondent(s)

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH PRESENT: Mr. Raghav Soni, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

Mr. Manjinder S. Bhullar, DAG, Punjab.

**** SANJAY VASHISTH, J. (Oral) 1.

The instant petition has been filed under Section 483 of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 439 Cr.P.C.), for grant of regular bail to the petitioner, during the pendency of trial, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed here-under:- Name of Petitioner(s) FIR No.

Date Section(s) Police Station District Ranjit Singh @ Tidda 110 25.07.2024 21, 21-C, 29 of NDPS Act, STF SAS Nagar (Mohali) 2.

As per the case of the prosecution, a recovery of 267 grams of 'Heroin' was effected from a polythene packet placed inside a black-colored truffle bag. The petitioner was apprehended along with co-accused Bikramjeet Singh from Room No.101, Aniket Hotel, situated opposite SBI Bank, Mahan Singh Gate, under the jurisdiction of Police Station 'D' Division, Amritsar, based on secret information. 3.

Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that although the quantity alleged falls within the commercial category, the process of actual

- 2 - weighing of the contraband is yet to be substantiated by the prosecution during the course of trial, particularly whether the net weight of the recovered substance is indeed above the threshold of 250 grams, or is precisely 267 grams as claimed.

It is further submitted that the petitioner is not found involved in any other similar criminal activity. Despite being incarcerated for more than one year, not a single prosecution witness out of the total 20 cited has been examined till date. Accordingly, learned counsel prays for the grant of regular bail to the petitioner.

4.

On the other hand, learned State counsel has filed custody certificate dated 25.07.2025, in Court today, which is taken on record, subject to all just exceptions. Office to tag the same at appropriate place. A copy thereof has been handed over to the counsel for the petitioner.

5.

While opposing the prayer for bail, learned State counsel does not dispute the factual matrix recorded here-above. He further affirms that, except the present case, the petitioner is not involved in any other offence of similar nature. He also concedes that none of the 20 prosecution witnesses has been examined so far.

6.

Having heard learned counsel for the parties and having regard to the overall facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the petitioner's age, being a young man of 25 years; the fact that he has remained in custody for around one year; the absence of any prior involvement in offences under the NDPS Act; and also taking into account that no prosecution witness has been examined till date; I am of the

- 3 - considered view that the issue regarding the exact quantity and weight of the contraband shall be a matter for adjudication during the course of trial. Accordingly, I find it appropriate to favourably consider the petitioner's prayer for regular bail.

7.

Consequently, prayer made in the present petition is allowed. Petitioner is ordered to be released on bail, subject to his furnishing bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the learned trial Court/ Chief Judicial Magistrate/ Illaqa Magistrate/ Duty Magistrate concerned, if not required in any other case.

8.

Needless to observe that the petitioner shall not extend any threat and shall not influence any prosecution witness in any manner directly or indirectly.

9.

The observation made here-in-above shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the facts of the case and the Trial Court is expected to decide the case on the basis of complete evidence available on record.

10.

It is further made clear that if, in future, petitioner is directly found indulged in similar kind of activities, this order shall be deemed to be cancelled.

11.

Petition stands disposed of.

(SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE July 28, 2025 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No