Jatinder Singh v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH DECIDED ON: 24.03.2026 JATINDER SINGH .....PETITIONER

VERSUS

STATE OF PUNJAB .....RESPONDENT

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH.

Present:

Mr. Arshvir Singh Sandhu, Advocate, for the petitioner (through VC mode).

Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

SANJAY VASHISTH , J (ORAL) 1.

Present petition has been filed by the petitioner, seeking grant of anticipatory bail, in case, FIR No.156, dated 27.06.2024, under Sections 406, 420, 120-B of IPC and section 13 of The Punjab Travel Professional (Regulation) Act, registered at Police Station Rama Mandi, Police Commissionerate, Jalandhar.

2.

After hearing the submissions addressed by counsel for the petitioner, on 24.06.2025, following order was passed:- "2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that co-accused, namely Davinder Singh, in whose bank account a sum of Rs.5 lakhs was allegedly deposited, has already been granted anticipatory bail by the coordinate Bench of this Court vide order dated 02.12.2024 passed in CRM-M-51534-2024 (P-3). It is further contended that no amount has been deposited in the petitioner's bank account, and that vague and unsubstantiated allegations have been made, regarding the payment of such a substantial amount. Counsel further submits that the petitioner is ready and willing

to join the investigation and cooperate with the authorities. Thus, prays for grant of anticipatory bail. 3.

Notice of motion.

On advance notice, Mr. Manjinder Singh Bhullar, DAG, Punjab puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent - State. He seeks some time to file reply.

4.

Adjourned to 16.09.2025 5.

In the meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also be abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.).

6.

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.

It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court."

3.

On 16.09.2025, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that since the petitioner had been arrested in another case, he was unable to join the investigation in the present case, in compliance with the directions issued by this Court, vide order dated 24.06.2025. However, present petition was adjourned while directing continuation of the interim order.

4.

Today, learned State counsel, on instructions from SI Rakesh Kumar, submits that the position remains unchanged. It is an admitted fact that despite being granted opportunities on two occasions, petitioner has failed to comply with the directions issued by this Court and has not joined the investigation.

In this regard, learned State counsel has drawn attention to paragraph No.14 of the status report dated 15.09.2025, already appended

with the present petition, which clearly reflects the petitioner's failure to join the investigation. He, therefore, prays for dismissal of the present petition.

5.

On the other hand, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that he has no instructions regarding the factum of joining or non-joining of the investigation by the petitioner.

6.

After hearing the submissions addressed by learned counsel for the parties and upon consideration of the record, this Court finds that petitioner has failed to join the investigation despite being granted sufficient opportunities on two occasions.

Therefore, this Court finds no reason to keep the present petition pending or to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, present petition is dismissed.

7.

Investigating Officer is directed to proceed further in accordance with law without any delay.

(SANJAY VASHISTH) 24.03.2026 JUDGE Lavisha Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No