Lovepreet Singh Alias Labha v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH -.- CRM-M-20027-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision : 30.04.2026 Lovepreet Singh @ Labha ....Petitioner

VERSUS

State of Punjab ....Respondent CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S.GREWAL

Present:

Mr. Aman Kumar, Advocate for Mr. Prateek Pandit, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Rohit Hans, DAG, Punjab.

-.- H.S.GREWAL J. (Oral) 1.

This petition has been filed under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023 (corresponding Section 438 Cr.P.C.) for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in FIR No.21 dated 04.02.2026, under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 118(2), 333, 351(2) and 3(5) of BNS registered at Police Station Kotwali District Kapurthala.

2.

This Court, vide order dated 10.04.2026, had directed the petitioner to appear before the SHO/Investigating Officer and join investigation and in the event of his arrest, he was ordered to be released on interim bail to the satisfaction of the SHO/Investigating Officer, subject to the conditions envisaged under Section 482(2) of the BNSS (erstwhile Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.).

TRIPTI SAINI 2026.05.01 14:27 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-20027-2026 (O&M) -23.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance of the order dated 10.04.2026 passed by this Court, the petitioner has joined and cooperated with the investigation.

4.

Learned State counsel, upon instructions, states that the petitioner has joined the investigation and is not required for further custodial interrogation.

5.

In view of the statement made by learned State counsel, the petition is allowed and the interim order dated 10.04.2026 is made absolute. The petitioner shall continue to join investigation, as and when called by the Investigating Officer and shall also abide by the conditions as provided under Section 482(2) of the BNSS.

6.

However, it is clarified that the investigating authority on addition of an offence or offences may not proceed to arrest the accused/petitioner, but for arresting the accused/petitioner on such addition of offence or offences, it needs to obtain an order to arrest the accused/petitioners from the Court which had granted the bail in view of the judgment passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Sumit versus State of U.P. and Another, Criminal Appeal No. 830 of 2026, decided on 09.02.2026.

April 30, 2026 (H.S.GREWAL) tripti JUDGE Whether speaking/non-speaking : Speaking Whether reportable : Yes/No TRIPTI SAINI 2026.05.01 14:27 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document