Sarika v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M-20619-2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-20619-2026 Date of decision: 02.07.2026 SARIKA ...PETITIONER

VERSUS

STATE OF PUNJAB ...RESPONDENT CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S.GREWAL

Present:

Mr. Rishab Bhandari, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Sandeep Kumar, DAG, Punjab.

**** H.S.GREWAL,J. (ORAL) 1.

The present petition has been filed under Section 438 of Cr.P.C. (Section 482 of BNSS, 2023) seeking grant of anticipatory bail in case bearing FIR No.17 dated 25.03.2026 under Section 67-B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 registered at Punjab State Cyber Crime, SAS Nagar, Mohali (Annexure P-1).

2.

The Coordinate Bench of this Court, vide order dated 16.04.2026, had directed the petitioner to appear before the SHO/Investigating Officer and join investigation and in the event of her arrest, she 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.).

3.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance of the order dated 16.04.2026, passed by the Co-ordinate Bench of this Court, the petitioner has joined and cooperated with the investigation. RENU RAWAT 2026.07.02 16.24 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh

CRM-M-20619-2026 4.

Learned State counsel 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 16.04.2026 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 Sumit Vs State of U.P. and Another, Criminal Appeal No. 830 of 2026, decided on 09.02.2026.

7.

Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. 02.07.2026 (H.S.GREWAL) renu JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No RENU RAWAT 2026.07.02 16.24 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Chandigarh