Satpaul v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-23502-2026 (O&M) Date of decision: 13.05.2026 SATPAUL ... Petitioner

Versus

STATE OF PUNJAB ... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AMAN CHAUDHARY Present :

Mr. Sanjeev K. Virk, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. Jasjit Singh, DAG, Punjab.

**** AMAN CHAUDHARY, J. (Oral) 1.

The present petition has been filed under Section 482 BNSS, 2023, for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No.39, dated 18.12.2025, under Sections 13(1)(C) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, now 13(1)A read with Section 13(2) of PC Act as amended by PC(Amendment) Act 2018 and Sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B IPC, registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Jalandhar. 2.

On 28.04.2026, this Court had passed the following order:- "Learned counsel contends that the FIR in question has been lodged after delay of 9 years and thus, barred by period of limitation. Co-accused Gurmej Singh, who was Sarpanch and identified the beneficiaries, has been granted anticipatory bail, vide order dated 18.03.2026, so has Karam Singh Patwari on 16.04.2026, Annexure P-5. Moreover, the petitioner, aged 64-year-old, having retired in the year 2016, had made the entries in the record in his official capacity, which were duly verified by the higher authorities. He is ready and willing to join the investigation as and when required by the investigating agency and will cooperate.

Notice of motion.

At the asking of the Court, Ms. Manjot Kaur, AAG, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of respondent-State. Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation on or before 04.05.2026. In the event of his arrest, he shall be released on interim bail to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer, subject to compliance of conditions as enshrined under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023.

However, it is clarified that if the petitioner does not join and cooperate with the Investigating Agency as required by the Arresting/Investigating Officer, this interim order shall be deemed to have been vacated.

Adjourned to 13.05.2026."

ASHOK KUMAR 2026.05.13 16:20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-23502-2026 (O&M) -23.

Learned counsel submits that in pursuance of the afore-mentioned order, the petitioner has not only joined investigation but also fully cooperated with the investigating agency. He further submits that in case the investigating agency requires the petitioner to appear, he shall make himself available without demur.

4.

Learned State counsel on instructions from SI Kewal Singh affirms the factum of joining the investigation by the petitioner and cooperating with the investigating agency. He also submits that at this stage, the petitioner is not required for further custodial interrogation. 5.

In view of the above and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, anticipatory bail petition filed by the petitioner is allowed and the order dated 28.04.2026 granting interim bail to him, is hereby made absolute, subject to compliance of conditions as specified under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023.

6.

However, it is made clear that if the petitioner fails to join and cooperate with the investigating agency as and when required, the State would be at liberty to move an application for cancellation of the present anticipatory bail granted to him.

(AMAN CHAUDHARY) 13.05.2026 JUDGE ashok Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No ASHOK KUMAR 2026.05.13 16:20 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document