Akashdeep v. State Of Punjab

In the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, at Chandigarh Criminal Misc. No. M-14805 of 2026 Date of Decision: 06.04.2026 Akashdeep ... Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab ... Respondent(s) CORAM: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Partap Singh.

Present:

Mr. Kashav Chadha, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

Mr. Eklavya Darshi, Deputy Advocate General, Punjab, for the respondent.

Surya Partap Singh, J.

1.

This petition for anticipatory bail, is the first petition filed by the petitioner under Section 482 of 'the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023'. It has been filed with regard to a case arising out of FIR No. 05 dated 07.01.2026, for the commission of offence punishable under Section(s) 22-C [Section 29 added later on] of 'the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985' Police Station Sadar Muktsar Sahib, District Sri Mukatsar Sahib, Punjab.

2.

Vide order dated 18.03.2026, the petitioner was admitted to interim anticipatory bail, subject to the condition of furnishing bonds to the satisfaction of arresting officer. It was also directed that the petitioner shall join the investigation.

3.

Heard.

DEEPAK KUMAR BHARDWAJ 2026.04.24 12:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document 4.

It has been submitted by learned counsel for the petitioner that

Criminal Misc. No. M-14805 of 2026 in compliance with order dated 18.03.2026, the petitioner has joined the investigation, and that nothing has been left to be recovered from the possession of petitioner. In view of above, the learned counsel for the petitioner has requested that the order dated 18.03.2026 be made absolute. 5.

The learned State counsel has controverted the abovementioned arguments. According to the learned State counsel although the petitioner has joined the investigation, but his attitude was non-cooperative, and that in order to extract information from the petitioner with regard to identity of other accused, and also for collection of evidence, his custodial interrogation is required.

6.

The record has been perused carefully.

7.

With regard to fact-situation of this case and the abovementioned arguments, following are the relevant factors which are supposed to be taken into consideration:- i) that the petitioner has already joined the investigation; ii) that the petitioner cannot be forced to help the prosecuting agency in recovering incriminating material against himself; and iii) that there is nothing significant, which has to be recovered in this case with the assistance of petitioner. 8.

Keeping in view the above discussed factors the order dated 18.03.2026 is hereby made absolute. The present petition stands allowed, accordingly.

(Surya Partap Singh) Judge April 06, 2026 "DK"

Whether speaking/reasoned :Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No DEEPAK KUMAR BHARDWAJ 2026.04.24 12:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document