Gulzar Singh v. State Of Punjab

In the High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh CRM-M-25479-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision:- 06.05.2026 Gulzar Singh ... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ... Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUBHAS MEHLA Present:- Mr. Inderjeet Singh Chawla, Advocate for the petitioner. ***** SUBHAS MEHLA , J. (Oral) 1.

The instant petition under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023 (438 of Cr.P.C.), has been filed for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No.0054 dated 03.04.2026, registered under Sections 329(3) and 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Section 3(1) of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, at Police Station Sadar Jalalabad, District Fazilka. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner contended that there has been an inordinate and unexplained delay in the registration of the FIR. It is further submitted that the present case arises out of village friction, as civil litigation regarding demarcation of land, is already pending between the Gram Panchayat and the petitioner. Learned counsel further submitted that the allegations pertain only to alleged damage to a demarcation pillar and do not involve any injury to any person. It is further argued that the petitioner has clean antecedents and is not involved in any other criminal case. Hence, prayer is made by learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner be granted the relief of anticipatory bail.

3.

Notice of motion.

GEETA RANI 2026.05.12 18:07 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment Punjab & Haryana High Court at Chandigarh

CRM-M-25479-2026 (O&M) ( 2 ) 4.

Mr. Anup Singh, AAG, Punjab, accepted notice on behalf of the respondent-State and opposed the prayer made by learned counsel for the petitioner by submitting that a lawful demarcation of the land was carried out by the competent authorities and demarcation pillars were duly erected at the spot. However, the petitioner, in connivance with co-accused, illegally removed the said demarcation pillars, thereby caused damage to the public property and committed alleged offence. On these grounds, he prays for dismissal of the present petition.

5.

Heard.

6.

Taking into consideration the rival contentions and the facts and circumstances of the present case, this Court finds that the allegations pertain to removal of demarcation pillar in the backdrop of an admitted land dispute, which is already subject matter of pending civil litigation between the parties. There is also an unexplained delay in lodging the FIR, and it is a no injury case. The petitioner is having clean antecedents and is willingness to join the investigation. Hence, this Court finds it a fit case for grant of interim anticipatory bail. Accordingly, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required by the Investigating Officer. In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail on furnishing personal bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of Arresting/Investigating Officer and he shall abide by the conditions as envisaged under Section 482(2) of the BNSS (erstwhile Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 7.

Ordered accordingly.

( SUBHAS MEHLA ) 06.05.2026 JUDGE Geeta Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No GEETA RANI 2026.05.12 18:07 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment Punjab & Haryana High Court at Chandigarh