Gagandeep Singh v. State Of Union Territory Chandigarh

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Decided on : 26.02.2026 Gagandeep Singh . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Union Territory Chandigarh . . . Respondent(s)

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH PRESENT: Mr. Raunaq Singh Aulakh, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

Mr. Manish Bansal, Public Prosecutor, UT Chandigarh. Ms. Amandeep Kaur, Advocate for the complainant(s).

**** 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 here-under:- Name & age of Petitioner (s) FIR No.

Date Section(s) Police Station District Gagandeep Singh, aged about 36 years 12.06.20 318(4) & 61(2) of BNS, 2023 Central Chandigarh Sector 17 2.

In the present case, on 17.07.2025, following order was passed by the Coordinate Bench of this Court.

"1.

Mr. Sandeep Gahlawat, Advocate, puts in appearance on behalf of the complainant, and files his vakalatnama in Court today, which is taken on record.

2.

Learned State counsel has filed status report dated 15.07.2025 in the Court today and the same is taken on record.

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Since, petitioner is disputing his signatures on the receipts pertaining to the amounts of Rs.7 lakhs received on 03.07.2024 and Rs.7.50 lakhs received on 09.07.2024, counsel for the complainant seeks an adjournment to obtain necessary instructions from his client, as to whether any other evidence is available to prima facie support his contention.

4.

List again on 25.08.2025.

5.

Till the next date of hearing, petitioner shall not be arrested. However, issue of joining of investigation of the petitioner shall be examined on the next date of hearing."

3.

Allegations against the petitioner are that, for arranging a visa for the son of the complainant, namely Shayal, the petitioner received a sum of Rs.7,00,000/- on 03.07.2024 and a further sum of Rs.7,50,000/- on 09.07.2024.

4.

Respondent - UT Chandigarh has filed its status report along with one receipt as Annexure R-1 (undated). However, petitioner disputes signatures/initials, which appears on the said receipt. 5.

Learned Public Prosecutor for UT Chandigarh submits that, unless the petitioner joins investigation and is subjected to interrogation, including obtaining his specimen signatures for examination by a handwriting expert, it would not be possible to verify the disputed signatures with those appearing on the agreement dated 26.01.2024 (Annexure P-2). 6.

Admittedly, no amount was transferred by the complainant from his bank account to the bank account of the present petitioner, nor there was any cheque issued towards the disputed amount allegedly paid by the complainant. Whether the receipt is genuine or not would definitely be a matter to be enquired into during investigation. Moreover, for the purpose of

- 3 - specimen signatures, the petitioner can be issued appropriate directions for furnishing the same.

7.

In view of above, present petition is allowed. Petitioner is directed to join the investigation within a period of two weeks from today, or as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of her arrest, he shall be released on ad-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.).

8.

It is further directed that petitioner would hand over her respective 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. 9.

Accordingly, petitions stand disposed of.

10.

It is, however, made clear that this order shall remain subject to the following conditions:- (i) petitioner shall deposit her passport within one week from today, or file an affidavit if he does not possess one; (ii) petitioner shall join the investigation as directed; and (iii) petitioner shall furnish her specimen signatures before the Court of the Area Magistrate in the presence of the Investigating Officer.

- 4 - It is clarified that in case of non-compliance of any of the aforesaid conditions, this order shall automatically stand vacated and be treated as non est.

Pending misc. application(s), if any, also stand(s) disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE February 26, 2026 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No