Lovepreet Laddi v. State Of Punjab
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA
AT CHANDIGARH Decided on: 10.04.2026 LOVEPREET LADDI ......Petitioner
Versus
STATE OF PUNJAB ......Respondent
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH
Present:
Mr. Vikas Sharma, Advocate, for the petitioner.
Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab.
**** SANJAY VASHISTH, J.
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 Lovepreet Laddi, aged 25.05.2025 22 of NDPS Act No.61 of 1985 (section 29 of NDPS Act added later on) Rahon SBS Nagar about 23 years 2.
On 24.07.2025, following order was passed:- "2. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that on 25.05.2025, accused Gurpreet Singh was found in possession of 20 tablets of Etilaam-0.5 (Etizolam tablets IP 0.5 Mg) each strip containing 10-10 tablets i.e. total 20 tablets without any license or permit. During interrogation of the accused Gurpreet Singh, he disclosed that he had bought recovered intoxicating tablets from the petitioner. He further submits that the petitioner is a young boy of 23 years of age and there
are no other criminal antecedents and even in the present case except the disclosure statement, there is no other connecting evidence. Besides, petitioner is ready to join investigation, if protected from arrest. Thus, he prays for grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case.
2.
Notice of motion.
3.
On advance notice, learned State counsel puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent State, and seeks some time to respond to the submissions addressed by learned counsel opposite, after seeking instructions. And, in case of necessity, to file status report by verifying the submissions addressed by the petitioner's counsel.
4.
Adjourned to 30.10.2025.
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 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.).
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.
7.
It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court."
3.
Thereafter, on 24.03.2026, following order was passed:- "i) Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that, after the grant of interim bail by this Court vide order dated 24.07.2025, petitioner was convicted in another case and was taken into custody on 08.08.2025. On account of his incarceration, he could not join the investigation. Counsel further submits that the petitioner has now been granted bail by this Court (Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh) during the pendency of the appeal, and therefore prays for the grant of one further opportunity to join the investigation.
ii) In view of the submissions addressed by learned counsel for the petitioner, one last opportunity is granted to the petitioner to join the investigation in terms of the order dated 24.07.2025 passed by this
Court.
Iii) List on 10.04.2026."
4.
Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the orders dated 24.07.2025 and 24.03.2026 passed by this Court, petitioner has joined the investigation, and has fully co-operated. Therefore, he prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order.
5.
Learned State counsel on instructions from ASI Sandeep Kumar, confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation on 06.04.2026 by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation.
6.
Heard learned counsel for the parties.
7.
Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail orders dated 24.07.2025 and 24.03.2026, passed by this Court are 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. 8.
Accordingly, petition stands disposed of.
However, present order would be subject to the submission of passport of the petitioner to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses, within a period of one week from today.
Otherwise, he would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport.
It is clarified that in case, aforesaid condition is not complied with, this order would be considered as non est automatically. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 10.04.2026 Lavisha Whether Speaking/Reasoned:
YES/NO Whether Reportable:
YES/NO