Jagjit Singh v. State Of Punjab

207-5

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Date of Decision: 19.07.2022 Jagjit Singh .......... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab .......... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE MAHABIR SINGH SINDHU

Present:

Mr. Amarbir S. Shergill, Advocate for Mr. Navjot Singh, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mrs. Anju Sharma Kaushik, Deputy Advocate General, Punjab **** MAHABIR SINGH SINDHU, J.

1.

Present petition has been filed under Section 439 of Criminal Procedure Code for seeking regular bail, pending trial in FIR No. 50, dated 05.04.2021, under Sections 370, 370-A, 372 & 373 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, read with Sections 3, 4 & 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, registered at Police Station City Sangrur, District Sangur.

2.

Allegations in brief are that Karamjit Singh S/o Harnek Singh, who is stated to be retired Inspector from PRTC, alongwith his wife - Balwinder Kaur, was running a brothel in his house, situated at Jujhar Nagar (Sangrur). On the basis of above secret information, six minor girls alongwith other co-accused were caught from the spot. 3.

This Court, on 26.11.2021, granted interim bail to petitioner in the following manner:-

-2- " Custody certificate dated 26.11.2021 filed today in the Court is taken on record.

It is contended by learned counsel for petitioner that petitioner is in custody since 06.04.2021. Further contends that co-accused Arshdeep Singh has already been granted concession of interim bail vide order dated 07.10.2021 passed in CRM M-25854 of 2021.

Learned State counsel seeks time to verify the status of trial.

Posted on 09.02.2022.

Let the petitioner be released on interim bail in this case, till the next date of hearing, on his furnishing bail bonds and surety bonds to the satisfaction of learned trial Court/CJM/Duty Magistrate, concerned. "

4.

Learned counsel submits that after grant of interim bail, petitioner has been regularly appearing before the learned Court below, but there is no progress of trial at all. He also contends that there is no other criminal case pending against petitioner, except present FIR. Also contended that it is not the apprehension or allegation that in case, petitioner is granted bail, there would be any threat to the prosecution witnesses or the same is likely to hamper the trial in any manner. 5.

Learned State Counsel, on instructions from concerned quarter, does not dispute the above factual position; rather acknowledged that out of 25 prosecution witnesses, none has been examined till date.

6.

In view of the above, this Court is of the opinion that sending the petitioner in custody at this stage would not serve any purpose.

-37.

Consequently, the present petition is allowed. Interim bail granted to the petitioner, vide order dated 26.11.2021, is made absolute. He shall be admitted to bail on his furnishing bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of learned trial Court/Chief Judicial Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned.

8.

Petitioner shall fully co-operate with the learned trial Court without seeking any unnecessary adjournments. 9.

The above observations may not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. 10.

It is clarified that in case there is any misuse of concession of bail on the part of the petitioner, State of Punjab would be at liberty to move an appropriate application for recalling of this order. July 19, 2022 ( MAHABIR SINGH SINDHU ) 'dk kamra'

JUDGE Whether Speaking/reasoned Yes Whether Reportable Yes