Arpana Rana v. State Of Haryana And Others

-1- (129)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH Date of decision :29.05.2026 ARPANA RANA ... Petitioner

Versus

STATE OF HARYANA & OTHERS

...Respondents

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JASJIT SINGH BEDI

Present:

Mr.Rajan Arora, Advocate with Ms. Sanchi Bindra, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. T.P. Singh, Sr. DAG, Haryana.

**** JASJIT SINGH BEDI, J.

The prayer in the present petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India is for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing respondent Nos.1 to 3 to protect the fundamental rights of the petitioner from the unlawful harassment of the official respondents in connection with FIR No.196 dated 19.03.2022 registered under Sections 406, 420, 120B, 506 IPC and 316(2), 318(4), 61(2), 351(2)/(3) of BNS at Police Station Thanesar Sadar, Kurukshetra. 2.

The learned counsel for the petitioner contends that an FIR No.196 dated 19.03.2022 under Sections 406, 420, 120B, 506 IPC and 316(2), 318(4), 61(2), 351(2)/(3) of BNS Police Station Thanesar Sadar, Kurukshetra has been registered against Sumit Arora and others. The petitioner is being sought to be arrayed as an accused only because she was engaged to him in the year 2012. She has severed her relationship

-2with the said Sumit Arora. The officials of Police Station Sector 1, Panchkula visited her apartment on 03.04.2026 and conducted an unauthorized search of the same without her consent or documentation. She has been forced to report to the Police Chowki No.1, Panchkula in connection with FIR No.196 dated 19.03.2022. An unstamped notice has been handed over to the petitioner by respondent Nos.4 and 5 directing her to appear before the Investigating Officer, Police Chowki Sector 4, Kurukshetra and she was given less than 15 hours notice to appear their even though she is a single woman. In fact, the respondent No.4 by repeatedly attempting to contact the petitioner who has no criminal antecedents is seeking to intimidate her. On 12.05.2026 when the petitioner had appeared at Police Chowki Sector 4, Kurukshetra she was subjected to grave illegality by respondent Nos.4 and 5. Multiple complaints have been filed by her to various authorities. Therefore, her legal and constitutional rights have been violated and thus, she has been forced to knock the doors of this Court.

3.

On the other hand, the learned State counsel contends that on 03.04.2026 a notice under Section 35(3) of BNSS, 2023 (Section 41A of the Cr.P.C.) was issued to the petitioner for 04.04.2026. The said notice was received by the petitioner and her maternal uncle. However, the petitioner chose not to appear in furtherance of the said notice. On 12.05.2026, a notice under Section 35(3) of BNSS, 2023 (Section 41A of the Cr.P.C.) was again issued to the petitioner to appear on 14.05.2026. However, the petitioner appeared on 12.05.2026 before the

-3Investigating Officer and made a statement that she does not want to make a statement on 12.05.2026 and further stated that she would appear on 14.05.2026 at 12.00 PM. However, on 14.05.2026 the petitioner has failed to appear before the concerned police official. He contends that it is the petitioner who is playing hide and seek with the Investigating Agency and the official respondents have only summoned her in accordance with law.

4.

I have heard the learned counsel for the parties. 5.

Without going into the rival contentions of either parties, the present petition is disposed of with the directions to the respondents to follow due process of law in case the petitioner is required for any inquiry/investigation in connection with FIR No.196 dated 19.03.2022 under Sections 406, 420, 120B, 506 IPC and 316(2), 318(4), 61(2), 351(2)/(3) of BNS, Police Station Thanesar Sadar, Kurukshetra or any other case.

(JASJIT SINGH BEDI) JUDGE 29.05.2026 JITESH Whether speaking/reasoned:- Yes/No Whether reportable:- Yes/No