Sukhdarshan Singh @ Sukha v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M No.15573 of 2026 (O & M) -1IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH ***** CRM-M No.15573 of 2026 (O & M) Date of decision : 7.5.2026 Date of uploading : 8.5.2026 Sukhdarshan Singh @ Sukha .............Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab .......Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Mr. Lalit Singla, Advocate and Ms. Varsha Sharm, Advocate, for the petitioner Mr. Hemant Aggarwal, DAG, Punjab Mr. Gulraz S. Kohli, Advocate, for the complainant --- SUMEET GOEL, J. (ORAL) 1.

On 6.4.2026, the following order was passed:

'Apprehending his arrest in FIR No.20 dated 08.02.2026, registered for offences punishable under Sections 108, 61(2) of the BNS, 2023 (Sections 306, 120-B of IPC), at Police Station Mulepur, District Fatehgarh Sahib; the petitioner has preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail. Inter alia contends that the deceased had allegedly committed suicide on account of suspecting bungling in the working of the firm; the prime allegation against the petitioner is that he was not furnishing the accounts of the firm in question; the dispute of not furnishing accounts pertains to 2024, whereas, the deceased had committed suicide on 07.02.2026; assuming arguendo, the prosecution version is taken to be correct, there is no live/ proximate link between suicide and non-furnishing of accounts, & the petitioner is willing to join investigation and cooperate therein. In order to buttress his argument(s), learned counsel relies upon dicta of the

CRM-M No.15573 of 2026 (O & M) -2Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Mohit Singhal and another versus The State of Uttarakhand and others, 2024(1) RCR (Criminal) 72 and Abhinav Mohan Delkar versus The State of Maharashtra & Ors., 2025 INSC 990 Put up on 7.5.2026.

The petitioner is directed to appear before the Investigating Officer on 16.04.2026 at 11:00 A.M. in concerned Police Station and join investigation. In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail subject to his furnishing personal/surety bond(s) to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer. As and when further called by Investigating Officer, the petitioner shall join the investigation. He shall abide by the condition(s) enumerated under Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.' 2.

Learned State counsel (on instructions) submits that pursuant to the order dated 6.4.2026, the petitioner has joined investigation but his custodial interrogation is required for recovering the money in question. 2.1.

Learned counsel for the complainant has vehemently opposed the anticipatory bail of the petitioner by arguing that there are direct and serious allegations against the petitioner and in case he has extended the concession of anticipatory bail, there is all the likelihood that he may flee from the hands of justice and may influence the prosecution witnesses/evidence.

3.

Having heard learned counsel for the parties and upon perusal of the record, especially keeping in view the factum that the petitioner has joined investigation and his custodial interrogation is sought only for recovery of money in question; this Court is inclined to confirm the order dated 6.4.2026.

4.

In view of the above, the instant petition is allowed. The interim order dated 6.4.2026, passed by this Court is hereby confirmed, subject to

CRM-M No.15573 of 2026 (O & M) -3the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS. 5.

This order should not be treated as "blanket" order. It will not be read granting petitioner indefinite protection from arrest. It shall be confined to the FIR mentioned ibid and will not operate in respect of any other incident that involves commission of an offence. 6.

Liberty is reserved in favour of State/complainant to move for cancellation/recall of this order in case the petitioner violates any condition stipulated under Section 482(2) of BNSS or upon showing any other sufficient cause.

7.

Needless to say that anything observed herein above shall not be construed to be an opinion on the merits of the case. 8.

Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, stand disposed of accordingly.

(SUMEET GOEL) JUDGE 7.5.2026 Ashwanii Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No