Jaspal Singh @ Sundri v. State Of Punjab

201/1

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-11431-2020 Date of decision: 23.06.2020 Jaspal Singh @ Sundri .... Petitioner versus State of Punjab .... Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANJARI NEHRU KAUL

Present:

Mr. Subhash Kumar, Advocate for the petitioner.

Ms. Samina Dhir, DAG, Punjab.

***** Manjari Nehru Kaul, J.

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the case is taken up for hearing through video conferencing.

Instant petition has been filed under Section 439 Cr.PC for grant of regular bail to the petitioner in case FIR No.170 dated 20.10.2019 registered under Sections 420, 465, 467 and 468 IPC at Police Station Kartarpur, District Jalandhar Rural (Annexure P-1). Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the FIR in question was registered on the basis of a secret information that the petitioner along with other co-accused had prepared forged identity cards of CBI officials and would go to the shops of innocent persons and collect money from them by impersonating themselves as CBI Officers or Food Inspectors Learned counsel has further contended that it is in fact a case of false implication and nothing is to be recovered from the petitioner. The petitioner is in custody since 22.10.2019 and as on date, only charges have been framed in the instant case.

SONIA BURA 2020.06.23 16:45 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document chandigarh

CRM-M-11431-2019 -2Learned counsel for the State, on the other hand, while opposing the prayer and submissions made by learned counsel for the petitioner has not been able to controvert the fact that only charges have been framed in the instant case. She has further submitted that the case is now fixed for prosecution evidence, which is likely to commence on the next date of hearing i.e. 29.06.2020.

Heard.

Having considered the submissions made by either side and the fact that the petitioner has been behind bars since 22.10.2019, this Court does not find any reason to decline the prayer of the petitioner for grant of regular bail. It is unlikely that the trial would conclude in the near future more so in the wake of outbreak of pandemic Covid-19. Hence, the present petition is allowed and the petitioner is admitted to bail to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate. However, it is made clear that anything observed hereinabove shall not be construed to be an expression of opinion on the merits of the case.

23.06.2020 (MANJARI NEHRU KAUL) sonia JUDGE Whether speaking/non-speaking?

Yes/No Whether reportable?

Yes/No SONIA BURA 2020.06.23 16:45 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document chandigarh