Lovepreet Singh And ORS v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M No.23753 of 2021 (O&M) -1IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M No.23753 of 2021 (O&M) Date of Decision:30.06.2021 (Heard through VC) Lovepreet Singh (actual name Lovedeep Singh @ Ladi) and others

...Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab

...Respondent

CORAM:- HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE JAISHREE THAKUR Present:- Mr. Amaninder Singh Sekhon, Advocate for the petitioner.

Ms. Rashmi Attri, AAG, Punjab.

**** JAISHREE THAKUR, J.

(ORAL) This is a petition that has been filed for grant of regular bail to the petitioners in FIR No.64 dated 12.06.2020 registered under Sections 376-D, 452, 511 IPC at Police Station Sadar Faridkot, District Faridkot later on deleted offence under Section 452 IPC vide rapat No.10 dated 25.07.2020 and added offence under Section 354-B IPC vide rapat No.14 dated 27.07.2020 and Section 458 IPC vide rapat No.31 dated 31.07.2020. Learned counsel for the petitioner herein would contend that the petitioners have been falsely implicated in the said matter. It is argued that the material witnesses have been examined, who have not supported the case of prosecution. In support of his contention, he relies upon statements of the material witnesses recorded before the trial Court as Annexures P-8 to P-10. It is further contended that the petitioners herein are in custody since 13.07.2020 and the trial is likely to take some time to conclude, therefore, PANKAJ KUMAR 2021.07.01 16:06 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M No.23753 of 2021 (O&M) -2prays for concession of bail to the petitioners. Learned counsel for the respondent-State opposes grant of bail to the petitioners by contending that the allegations levelled against them are serious in nature, however, she does not dispute the fact that material witnesses have turned hostile.

I have heard learned counsel for the parties. Keeping in view the fact that the material witnesses have been examined, who did not support the prosecution version and the fact that the trial is likely to take some time to conclude owing to present COVID-19 pandemic situation, no useful purpose would be served in keeping the petitioner behind bars. The instant petition is allowed and the petitioner is directed to be released on regular bail on execution of adequate personal/surety bond to the satisfaction of concerned trial Court/Duty Magistrate. However, any observation made herein shall not be construed to be an expression on merits of the case.

(JAISHREE THAKUR) June 30, 2021 JUDGE Pankaj* Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No PANKAJ KUMAR 2021.07.01 16:06 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document