Sandeep Singh v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Decided on: 25.03.2026 SANDEEP SINGH ......Petitioner

Versus

STATE OF PUNJAB ......Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH

Present:

Mr. Sultan Singh Gill, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

Ms. Gurpreet Kaur, Advocate, for Mr. R.S. Sidhu, Advocate, for the complainant. **** 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 & age of Petitioner FIR No.

Date Section(s) Police Station District (s) Sandeep Singh, aged about 37 years 29.05.2025 118(2), 115(2), 3(5) of BNS Mattewal Amritsar Rural 2.

On 30.07.2025, following order was passed:- "2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that a concocted version of events has been registered against the petitioner, particularly in light of the significant and unexplained delay of 33 days in lodging the FIR.

3.

It is submitted that the alleged incident took place on 26.04.2025, and although the medical examination of the complainant was conducted on the

same day, no statement or version implicating anyone was recorded, until the FIR was eventually registered. Absence of any explanation for this delay in the FIR itself raises serious doubts about its credibility. Further submits that in FIR, petitioner, Sandeep Singh, has been attributed with causing two injuries to the complainant with a dattar, one of which is stated to be on the wrist. Counsel for the petitioner submits that this injury has been falsely attributed to the petitioner and, considering the unexplained and inordinate delay in lodging the FIR, it cannot be presumed that petitioner was involved in the incident. Moreover, petitioner is ready to join the investigation and fully cooperate, if protected from arrest by this Court. Thus, prays for grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case. 4.

Notice of motion.

5.

On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent - State, and Mr. R.S. Sidhu, Advocate, puts in appearance on behalf of the complainant. 6.

Adjourned to 06.11.2025.

7.

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 adinterim 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.

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.

Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 30.07.2025, 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.

4.

Learned State counsel on instructions from ASI Jarnail Singh, confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation on 29.08.2025 by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation.

5.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

6.

Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 30.07.2025, passed by this Court is 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. 7.

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 25.03.2026 Lavisha Whether Speaking/Reasoned:

YES/NO Whether Reportable:

YES/NO