Sarabjit Singh And Others v. State Of Punjab And Others

CRM-M-36426-2023 2023:PHHC: 147283

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-36426-2023 (O&M) Date of order: 20.11.2023 Sarabjit Singh & others ... Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab & others

...Respondent (s)

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ANOOP CHITKARA Present:- Mr. Abhimanyu Tiwari, Advocate, Mr. Govinder Singh Brar, Advocate and Mr. Satwik Bansal, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

Ms. Swati Batra, D.A.G., Punjab through VC.

*** ANOOP CHITKARA, J.

FIR No.

Dated Police Station Sections 22.7.2016 Civil Lines Bathinda, District Bathinda 384 IPC and Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

1.

The petitioners, arraigned as accused in the above captioned FIR, have come up before this Court under Section 482 CrPC for quashing of the FIR. 2.

After arguing considerably on legal questions, petitioners' counsel submits that he would be contended and satisfied if a direction is given to the investigator to conclude the investigation either by filing cancellation report or launching prosecution, whatever, the case may be, in a time bound manner. 3.

Petitioner's grievance is that the FIR, captioned above, was registered in July 2016 and the same is hanging fire for the last seven years. 4.

On this, State's counsel submits that the investigation is almost complete and in ASHWANI KUMAR 2023.11.21 17:01 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment

CRM-M-36426-2023 2023:PHHC: 147283 fact, two more Sections i.e. Section 13(1)(b) and 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act have been added in the FIR.

5.

In the entirety of facts and circumstances of the case, in the interest of justice it would be suffice if the investigation is concluded within six months from today. 6.

Given above, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to the State to conclude with investigation within six months from today. Liberty is reserved to the petitioners to approach this Court again if needful is not done, as aforesaid, or their grievance still survives. They shall also be at liberty to file quashing petition again, in case prosecution arrays them as an accused. It is clarified that filing of present petition or disposal thereof shall not come in their way while filing fresh petition. All pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of. (ANOOP CHITKARA) JUDGE November 20, 2023 AK Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes Whether reportable :

No ASHWANI KUMAR 2023.11.21 17:01 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment