Manjit Singh Khaira v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CRM-M-43765-2024 (O&M) Date of decision: 21.07.2025 Manjit Singh Khaira ....Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ....Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR

Present:

Mr. Kamaljeet Singh Mamrat, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Sandeep Kumar, DAG, Punjab.

Mr. Naresh Kumar Manchanda, Advocate for the complainant.

HARPREET SINGH BRAR J. (Oral) 1.

This petition has been filed under Section 438 of Cr.P.C., seeking anticipatory bail in case FIR No.63 dated 10.05.2024, registered under Sections 420 and 120-B IPC, at Police Station Kot Ise Khan, District Moga.

2.

On 19.09.2024, the following order was passed by this Court:- "Learned State counsel, on instructions, has submitted that although the petitioner has been declared innocent in another criminal case for which he has been booked for 306 IPC, however, it is a matter of record that previously also, the petitioner has been booked in three other cases of identical nature from which it is not hard to discern that the petitioner is a habitual offender and has

been routinely duping innocent people; he also stands convicted for an offence under Sections 420 and 120-B IPC. While reiterating the allegations levelled in the FIR in question, learned State counsel has submitted that in the instant case as well the petitioner had lured the complainants to part with huge amount of Rs.27 lakhs on the pretext of providing their children a government job by posing himself to be an Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister, Punjab.

Learned State counsel is directed to verify as to what are the specific allegations levelled against the petitioner in other FIRs registered under Section 420 IPC and whether in those cases also, the petitioner had duped other persons on the pretext of providing government job. Adjourned to 29.10.2024.

Meanwhile, no coercive steps be taken against the petitioner till the next date of hearing only." 2.

Subsequently, on 31.01.2025, the following order was passed by this Court:- "Short reply by way of affidavit of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dharmkot, District Moga, has been filed in Court, which is taken on record subject to just exceptions. A copy thereof has been supplied to the counsel opposite, who prays for an adjournment to go through the same and thereafter make his submissions.

On his request, adjourned to 07.05.2025.

Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation and appear before the investigating agency as and when called upon to do so. In the event of his arrest, he shall be admitted to interim bail on his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting/Investigating

Officer. The petitioner shall abide by the terms and conditions as envisaged under Section 482(2) BNSS/438(2) Cr.P.C."

3.

Learned State counsel has filed status report by way of affidavit of Ramandeep Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dharamkot, District Moga today in the Court, which is taken on record and he assisted by learned counsel for the complainant and on instructions from SI Avi Bansal, at the very outset, informs the Court that the petitioner has joined the investigation and his custodial interrogation is not required.

4.

In view of the statement of learned State counsel, order dated 31.01.2025 is hereby made absolute. The petitioner shall abide by the terms and conditions envisaged under Section 482(2) of BNSS (erstwhile Section 438(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973). 5.

The petition stands disposed of.

(HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 21.07.2025 yakub Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No