Amandeep Singh v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-14722-2020 Decided on : 25.06.2020 Amandeep Singh . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab . . . Respondent(s) CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANJARI NEHRU KAUL PRESENT: Mr. J.S. Sandhu, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

Mr. Lavinder Sofat, AAG, Punjab.

**** MANJARI NEHRU KAUL , J.

Due to the outbreak of pandemic COVID-19, the instant case is being taken up for hearing through video conferencing. The instant petition has been filed under Section 439 Cr.P.C. for grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 54, dated 11.03.2020, registered under Sections 452, 324, 148, 149 IPC, at Police Station Kotwali Bathinda, District Bathinda, Punjab.

Learned counsel for the petitioner inter alia contends that initially the petitioner was not named in the FIR in question and his named cropped up only in the supplementary statement recorded by the complainant. Further contends that the injury attracting the mischief of Section 326 IPC has not been attributed to the petitioner. The trial is unlikely to conclude in the near future due to the outbreak of pandemic COVID-19.

Learned State counsel on the other hand has opposed the prayer for grant of regular bail to the petitioner. He has, however, not been able to JAWALA RAM 2020.06.26 16:14 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh

CRM-M14722 -2020 - 2 - controvert the factual aspects of the submissions made by learned counsel for the petitioner. He has further apprised the Court that till date only challan has been filed and the charges are yet to be framed. Heard.

In view of the submissions made by learned counsel for the parteis and keeping in view the fact that the petitioner has been behind bars since 11.03.2020, no useful purpose would be served in keeping the petitioner behind bars, as the trial is unlikely to conclude in the near future, more so in the prevailing conditions due to the outbreak of pandemic COVID-19. Therefore, I deem it a fit case for grant of the concession of regular bail. The petition as such is allowed and the petitioner is admitted to bail to the satisfaction of trial Court/Duty Magistrate. However, it is made clear that anything observed hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. (MANJARI NEHRU KAUL) JUDGE June 25, 2020 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No JAWALA RAM 2020.06.26 16:14 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh