Niraj Kumar v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M 2377/2016

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Date of decision:03/05/2016.

Niraj Kumar ............Petitioner vs State of Punjab .............Respondent CORAM:- HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE JASWANT SINGH Present:- Mr.DN Ganeriwala,Advocate for the petitioner. Mr.Kirat Singh Sidhu,DAG Punjab with ASI Roshan Lal Mr.PKS Phoolka,Advocate for complainant.

Jaswant Singh,J(Oral) Prayer is for grant of regular bail to accused petitioner Niraj Kumar, in case FIR No.184 dated 10.12.2015 under Section 420/34 IPC, PS Civil Lines, Bathinda, Distt.Bathinda. Allegation of almost 10 complainants is that petitioner accused and his co accused wife cheated them for various amounts totalling almost 48 lakhs on the pretext of securing government jobs/agencies/contracts etc.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that petitioner is in custody since 10.12.2015 and investigation qua him is over. Further RAJINDER PRASHAD JOSHI 2016.05.04 11:25 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M 2377/2016 submits that the case is triable by a Magistrate and evidence of 14 cited witnesses is yet to commence.

Learned State counsel, on instructions, does not refute the custody period and the fact that charges have been framed and evidence of prosecution is yet to commence.

Without commenting on the merits of the case and keeping in view the fact that neither trial is likely to be concluded in near future nor any useful purpose would be served by keeping the petitioner in custody,the present petition is allowed and petitioner is directed to be released on regular bail to the satisfaction of CJM/Duty Magistrate concerned.

Disposed of.

03.05.2016 (Jaswant Singh) joshi Judge RAJINDER PRASHAD JOSHI 2016.05.04 11:25 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document