Manpreet Singh Alias Mannu v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH ***** CRM-M No. 31893 of 2022 Date of Decision : 13.3.2023 Manpreet Singh alias Mannu ..... Petitioner versus State of Punjab ..... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE TRIBHUVAN DAHIYA

Present:

Mr. I.S. Saggu, Advocate, for the petitioner Mr. Kunal Vinayak, AAG, Punjab --- TRIBHUVAN DAHIYA J. (ORAL):

This is a petition under Section 439 Cr.P.C. seeking regular bail to the petitioner in case FIR No.66 dated 8.4.2022 under Sections 305, 201, 354-C IPC registered at Police Station City Rajpura, District Patiala. As per allegations in the FIR, the complainant's daughter, aged about 17 years, committed suicide by consuming sulphas, and named coaccused Lucky, alleging that the latter had made her life hell. He used to harass her by saying that he would viral her photographs. On being fed up, she was constrained to consume sulphas.

Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the petitioner was not named in the FIR. It is only in the complainant's supplementary statement recorded after about two and a half months, that the allegations against the petitioner were levelled for the first time, leading to his arrest on 28.6.2022. The same are, therefore, not believable. Investigation of the case is already over, and the challan stands presented before the trial Court. Learned State counsel, on instructions from Inspector Vikas Bhatia, submits that during investigation the complainant presented a ASHWANI KUMAR 2023.03.13 19:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M No. 31893 of 2022 -2photograph of the petitioner with deceased, that was found in the latter's mobile phone. It connects him to the alleged offences. He further submits that charges in the case have already been framed on 14.2.2023 and the trial will soon commence. Therefore, the petitioner should not be released on bail. Culpability of the petitioner is a matter of trial, which is yet to commence and will take a long time to conclude. Taking this into account, and looking at the nature of the allegations against the petitioner as well as the material brought on record, it is deemed appropriate to grant the concession of bail to the petitioner.

Accordingly, the petition is allowed. The petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on furnishing bail bonds and surety bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate.

(TRIBHUVAN DAHIYA) JUDGE 13.3.2023 Ashwani Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No ASHWANI KUMAR 2023.03.13 19:11 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document