Puneet Jain v. State Of Punjab And Others

In The High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana At Chandigarh CRM-M-22729-2020 (O&M) Date of Decision:-14.8.2020 Puneet Jain ... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab and others ... Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE GURVINDER SINGH GILL Present:- Ms. Amrita Nagpal, Advocate for the petitioner. (the aforesaid presence is being recorded through video conferencing since the proceedings are being conducted in Virtual Court) ***** GURVINDER SINGH GILL, J.(Oral) The petitioner seeks issuance of a direction to respondents No.1 to 3 for presentation of final report in terms of Section 173 Cr.P.C. in respect of FIR No.113 dated 2.5.2018 registered at Police Station Kotwali Patiala, District Patiala under Sections 420 and 120-B of Indian Penal Code. The investigating agency after investigating the matter had initially submitted a cancellation report but the same was not accepted and the Trial Court vide its order dated 26.2.2020 (Annexure P-2) had directed the investigating agency to conduct further investigation and to submit a final report positively within three months of the said order. PANKAJ KAKKAR 2020.08.14 13:13 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

( 2 ) CRM-M-22729-2020 (O&M) Another prayer has been made for providing security to the petitioner, who apprehends threat to his life and liberty at the hands of respondents No.4 to 6.

I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner. As regards issuance of a direction for filing the final report pursuant to order dated 26.2.2020 (Annexure P-2) is concerned, no doubt the time afforded vide said order i.e. of three months has elapsed but given the fact that the working of several departments has virtually been at a stand still on account of spread of pandemic COVID-19, this Court does not deem it appropriate to issue any time bound specific direction for filing the final report at this stage.

However, investigating agency is directed to expedite the matter, so that the final report is filed at the earliest. As regards the second prayer of the petitioner for providing security is concerned, it shall be open to the petitioner to approach the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala and to move an appropriate application for providing security. In case, any such application is filed, the Superintendent of Police, Patiala shall get the same examined in accordance with law expeditiously and take necessary steps as warranted under the facts and circumstances of the case.

14.8.2020 ( Gurvinder Singh Gill ) pankaj Judge Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No PANKAJ KAKKAR 2020.08.14 13:13 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document