Anil Mehta v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M-13267-2020 -1-

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH

CRM-M-13267-2020 Date of Decision: 25.06.2020 Anil Mehta .... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab .... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAMENDRA JAIN Present: - Mr. Narinder S. Lucky, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Harbir Sandhu, AAG, Punjab.

RAMENDRA JAIN, J. (ORAL) Case has been taken up for hearing through video conferencing.

Through this petition under Section 439 Cr.P.C., petitionerAnil Mehta, has prayed for grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 42 dated 02.03.2020 registered under Sections 379 and 411 IPC (Section 489 IPC added later on) at Police Station Shahkot, Jalandhar. Briefly, petitioner was admitted on bail during trial in the aforesaid FIR. However, on 25.04.2013, he jumped the bail. Thus, finding no other option, he was declared as proclaimed offender on 05.12.2014. Thereafter, for around 7 years petitioner kept on absconding and was arrested on 18.01.2020.

Learned counsel inter alia contends that petitioner is in custody since 18.01.2020 i.e. for around six months. Conclusion of trial RISHU KATARIA 2020.06.26 15:16 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-13267-2020 -2may take a long time. No useful purpose would be served by detaining the petitioner in jail.

On the other hand, learned State counsel vehemently opposed the submissions of learned counsel for the petitioner. Considering the factum of declaration of petitioner as proclaimed offender and his absence for around 7 years, after granting him the concession of bail, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner.

Dismissed.

June 25, 2020 (RAMENDRA JAIN) rishu JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No RISHU KATARIA 2020.06.26 15:16 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document