Raj Rani v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M-42740-2025

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-42740-2025 Date of decision: 25.09.2025 Raj Rani

...Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab

...Respondent

CORAM: HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE AARADHNA SAWHNEY Present :

Mr. Kuldip Singh, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Gautam Thapar, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

***** AARADHNA SAWHNEY, J.(ORAL) 1.

By virtue of the present petition under Section 482 BNSS, petitioner, an accused in case bearing FIR No.122 dated 05.11.2024 registered under Sections 331(6), 109, 326, 3(5) of BNS at Police Station Vairo Ke, District Fazilka, has prayed for grant of pre-arrest bail. 2.

On 27.08.2025, following order was passed by this Court:- "By virtue of the present petition under Section 482 BNSS, petitioner, an accused in case bearing FIR No.122 dated 05.11.2024 registered under Sections 331(6), 109, 326, 3(5) of BNS at Police Station Vairo Ke, District Fazilka, has prayed for grant of pre-arrest bail.

Learned State counsel has placed on record the status report by way of affidavit of Jatinder Singh Gill, PPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jalalabad, which is taken on record. Learned counsel submits that the petitioner has been falsely implicated in the present case on account of some prior enmity with the complainant. Earlier also, sons of the petitioner were arrayed as accused in case bearing FIR No.16 dated 05.03.2024 registered under Sections 451, 354-C, 506, 509 IPC at Police Station Vairoke, District Fazilka, which was lodged at the instance of complainant Balwinder Kaur. No substance was found in the allegations as the IO declared them innocent in the aforesaid case. Copy of the said report has been placed on record.

Continuing further, learned counsel submits that insofar as the present case is concerned, the story as alleged by complainant appears to be fabricated, for though in the opening lines of complaint, she alleged that petitioner alongwith one Ashok Kumar entered her house and petitioner handed over the 'petrol can' to Ashok Kumar, who set the house at fire. Immediately thereafter, she (complainant) and her family members rushed out and, in the street, they saw a woman and 3 unidentified HAMANT 2025.09.25 19:22 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-42740-2025 persons. Learned counsel submits that if, actually petitioner had been involved, complainant would have spotted her (petitioner) in the street, which is not so in the present case. The medico legal report of daughter of complainant also does not fully substantiate her stand. Continuing further, learned counsel submits that even though no recovery is to be effected from petitioner, thus, her custodial interrogation is not required, but she is willing to join the investigation as and when called for by the IO.

Heard.

Documents on record perused.

In view of the submission advanced by learned counsel for the petitioner, but without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the petitioner is hereby directed to join investigation within seven days from today and co-operate in the same. In the event of the arrest of the petitioner, she shall be released on interim bail on her furnishing personal/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer. She shall also abide by conditions as envisaged under Section 482(2) BNSS.

Adjourned to 25.09.2025."

3.

Learned State counsel, on instructions from ASI Mohinder Singh, states that the petitioner has joined the investigation and has not needed for any further investigation.

4.

Keeping in view the fact that petitioner has joined the investigation, interim bail granted vide order dated 27.08.2025 is hereby confirmed, subject to conditions as envisaged under Section 482(2) BNSS. Further the petitioner is directed to join investigation as and when required in future by way of written notice for such purpose to be served by Investigating Officer of this case upon the petitioner; he will not tamper with the evidence nor will influence the witnesses and will not leave the country without prior permission of the Court.

5.

The petition stands allowed.

(AARADHNA SAWHNEY) JUDGE 25.09.2025 Hemant Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes / No Whether reportable :

Yes / No HAMANT 2025.09.25 19:22 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document