The Associated Journals Limited v. Central Bureau Of Investigation

CRM-M-36663-2021 (O&M) 1

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CRM-M-36663-2021 (O&M) The Associated Journals Limited ....Petitioner

Versus

Central Bureau of Investigation ....Respondent The date when the judgment is reserved 03.12.2025 The date when the judgment is pronounced 27.02.2026 The date when the judgment is uploaded on the website 27.02.2026 Whether only operative part of the judgment is pronounced or whether the full judgment is pronounced Full The delay, if any, of the pronouncement of full judgment, and reasons thereof Not Applicable CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE TRIBHUVAN DAHIYA

Present:

Mr. Sartej Singh Narula, Senior Advocate, with Mr. Siddharth Bhukkal, Advocate, Mr. Mayur Singla, Advocate, Ms. Sumanjit Kaur, Advocate, and Mr. Prince Bharol, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. Ravi Kamal Gupta, Advocate, for the respondent-CBI. TRIBHUVAN DAHIYA, J.

The petition has been filed for quashing the order dated 16.04.2021, Annexure P-4, passed by learned Special Judge, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Panchkula, dismissing the petitioner's application under Section 294 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, to admit or deny genuineness of certain documents enclosed therewith, in case FIR No.RC CHG 2017 A0008, dated 05.04.2017, registered under Sections 120-B, 420 IPC, and Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of MANINDER 2026.02.27 10:17 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB, CBI, Chandigarh.

CRM-M-36663-2021 (O&M) 2 2.

The petitioner/Associated Journals Limited (AJL) earlier filed CRR No.649 of 2021 titled The Associated Journals Limited v. Central Bureau of Investigation seeking quashing of chargesheet, dated 16.04.2021, issued against it by learned Special Judge in the aforementioned case. The petition was heard and decided with the connected petition, CRR No.650 of 2021, filed by co-accused Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Both the petitions were allowed vide judgment dated 25.02.2026, setting aside the chargesheet. The operative part of the judgment reads as under: 14.

In view of the discussion, it is apparent that the material brought on record does not even prima facie disclose the existence of essential ingredients of the alleged offences against the petitioners, and there is no ground to proceed against them. Continuation of prosecution will be an abuse of the process of Court. Consequently, both the petitions are allowed. The impugned orders, dated 16.04.2021, framing charges against the petitioners as well as dismissing the discharge application, are hereby set aside along with all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom, and the petitioners stand discharged. 3.

Since the chargesheet against the petitioner has already been set aside and it stands discharged in the case, the present petition does not survive and has been rendered infructuous.

4.

Disposed of as such.

(TRIBHUVAN DAHIYA) JUDGE 27.02.2026 Maninder Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No MANINDER 2026.02.27 10:17 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment