Satpal Singh v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH Decided on : 26.05.2026 Satpal Singh ..... Petitioner

VERSUS

State of Punjab ..... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURYA PARTAP SINGH

Present:

Mr. Jashandeep Singh Sandhu, Advocate for the petitioner. ***** SURYA PARTAP SINGH, J. (Oral) This petition is the second petition for bail, filed by the petitioner under Section 483 of 'the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita', 2023. It has been filed with regard to a case arising out of FIR No.99 dated 27.06.2015, for the commission of offence punishable under Section 22 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, hereinafter being referred to as 'NDPS Act', Section 540(5) of Jail Manual Act and Section 42 of Prisons Act, Police Station Civil Lines, Bathinda, District Bathinda. 2.

The first petition for bail filed by the petitioner was allowed vide order dated 09.01.2018. However, subsequently due to non-appearance of the petitioner before the learned trial Court, the abovementioned bail was cancelled by the learned trial Court vide order dated 04.10.2024. 3.

Heard.

4.

It has been contended by learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner was regularly appearing before the learned trial Court since 2018 till 04.09.2024, and that on 19.09.2024, he was convicted in some other case and therefore, he was lodged in jail, as a convict. As per learned counsel for the petitioner, in the abovementioned circumstances the petitioner could not appear before the learned trial Court, and therefore, the learned trial Court cancelled his bail and forfeited the bonds to the State. 5.

The record has been perused carefully.

6.

The record supports the contention of learned counsel for the petitioner. Even the learned State Counsel has nothing contrary, to the abovementioned stand of the petitioner.

7.

Taking into consideration the fact that the benefit of bail was accorded to the petitioner earlier also, and that the absence of petitioner before the learned trial Court on 04.10.2024 was beyond his control, as he was already confined in jail in some other case, it is hereby held that the petitioner is entitled to the benefit of fresh bail, and that the present petition deserves to be allowed.

8.

Accordingly, without commenting anything on the merits of the case, the present petition is hereby allowed. The petitioner is hereby admitted to fresh bail subject to the condition of furnishing fresh personal bond and surety bond(s) to the satisfaction of learned trial Court. However the abovementioned concession shall be subject to following conditions:- (i) that the petitioner shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with

the facts of the case, so as to dissuade him to disclose such facts to the Court or to any other authority;

(ii) that the petitioner shall at the time of execution of bond, furnish the address to the Court concerned and shall notify the change in address to the trial Court, till the final decision of the trial; and (iii) that the petitioner shall not leave India without prior permission of the trial Court.

(SURYA PARTAP SINGH) JUDGE 26.05.2026 Gaurav Thakur Whether speaking / reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No