Naresh Kumar Alias Joni v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH.

CRM-M-28637-2026 (O&M).

Date of Decision: 02.07.2026.

Naresh Kumar alias Joni ....Petitioner.

VERSUS

State of Punjab ....Respondent.

**** CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH ---

Present:

Mr. Vaibhav Sharma, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Deputy Advocate General, Punjab. **** SANJAY VASHISTH, J. (Oral) 1.

Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- Name of petitioner(s) FIR No.

Date Section(s) Police Station District Naresh Kumar alias Joni 30.04.2026 7-A of P.C. Act Vigilance Bureau Patiala 2.

As per allegations, petitioner-Naresh Kumar @ Joni took bribe amount of Rs.15000/- from Satpal Garg for getting vasika of Prabhat Garg, nephew of Satpal Garg, certified.

3.

Counsel for the petitioner argues that in fact except of the bald allegations, there is no other evidence, never any trap could be laid at the time

of payment of the amount because at the relevant time, no such complaint was moved by the complainant nor there is recovery of any amount from the possession of the petitioner while joining of the investigation. 4.

On hearing counsel, on 01.06.2026, the petitioner was directed to join investigation and meantime was granted interim bail. 5.

Continuing the submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 01.06.2026, petitioner has joined the investigation and has fully co-operated. Therefore, learned counsel prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order. 6.

Learned State counsel on instructions, confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation. Learned State counsel does not dispute any of the factual position explained by counsel for the petitioner.

7.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

8.

Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 01.06.2026 is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed. However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as and when required to do so and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023.

9.

Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport.

10.

Accordingly, petition stands disposed of.

(SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 02.07.2026 jitender Whether speaking/ reasoned :

Yes/ No Whether Reportable :

Yes/ No