Ritu Sood v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M-14738-2023 2023:PHHC:098842

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CRM-M-14738-2023 (O&M) Date of decision: 02.08.2023 Ritu Sood ..Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ..Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AMAN CHAUDHARY

Present:

Mr. Aman Arora, Advocate for the petitioner.

Ms. Himani Arora, AAG, Punjab.

*** AMAN CHAUDHARY, J.

1.

On 29.05.2023, this Court had passed the following order:- "Learned counsel contends that as required, an affidavit has been handed over to the counsel for the complainant, stating therein that the Registration Certificate of the vehicle was never with the petitioner. An amount of Rs.50,000/- has been paid in cash to the petitioner in Court alongwith a draft of Rs.20,000/- and the balance amount of Rs.10,000/- has been transferred electronically as per the statement made by the learned counsel for the petitioner on instructions from his client on 23.03.2023.

Learned counsel for the complainant affirms receipt of the above and on instructions from his client submits no objection to interim bail being granted to the petitioner. Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation on or before 03.07.2023. In the event of her arrest, she shall be released on interim bail to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer, subject to compliance of conditions as enshrined under Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.

However, it is clarified that if the petitioner does not join and cooperate with the Investigating Agency as required by the Arresting/Investigating Officer, this interim order shall be deemed to have been vacated. Adjourned to 02.08.2023."

ASHOK KUMAR 2023.08.02 17:55 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-14738-2023 2023:PHHC:098842 2.

Learned counsel submits that in pursuance of the aforementioned order, the petitioner has not only joined investigation but also fully cooperated with the investigating agency. He further submits that in case the investigating agency requires the petitioner to appear, she shall make herself available without demur.

3.

Learned State counsel on instructions from ASI Sandeep Kumar affirms the factum of joining the investigation by the petitioner and cooperating with the investigating agency. He also submits that at this stage, the petitioner is not required for further custodial interrogation. 4.

In view of the above and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, anticipatory bail petition filed by the petitioner is allowed and the order dated 29.05.2023 granting interim bail to her, is hereby made absolute, subject to compliance of conditions as specified under Section 438(2) Cr. P.C 5.

However, it is made clear that if the petitioner fails to join and cooperate with the investigating agency as and when required, the State would be at liberty to move an application for cancellation of the present anticipatory bail granted to her.

( AMAN CHAUDHARY ) 02.08.2023 JUDGE ashok Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No ASHOK KUMAR 2023.08.02 17:55 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document