Prince Ranjan v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH DATE OF DECISION :- 26.11.2024 Prince Ranjan

...Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab

...Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present:- Mr. Suneet Pal Singh Aulakh, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Anup Singh, AAG, Punjab.

*** SUMEET GOEL , J.

(Oral) 1.

This petition has been filed under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023 for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in FIR No. 212 dated 21.09.2024 registered for offences punishable under Sections 3,4,5,7 and 8 of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act at Police Station City Phagwara, District Kapurthala. 2.

On 21.10.2024, the following order was passed:- "Apprehending his arrest in FIR No. 212 dated 21.09.2024 registered for offences punishable under Sections 3,4,5,7 and 8 of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act at Police Station City Phagwara, District Kapurthala; the petitioner has preferred this petition under Section 482 of BNSS seeking pre-arrest bail.

Inter alia contends that the petitioner does not have any concern with the spa in question where alleged prostitution racket was being run, the rent agreement for the premises in question (copy where of has been appended as AnnexureP-2 with the instant petition) shows that the premises is tenanted in favour of one Sukhwinder Singh & the petitioner is willing to join investigation and cooperate therein. Notice of motion.

On asking of the Court, Mr. Adhiraj Singh, AAG, Punjab appears and accepts notice on behalf of the respondent-State. Adjourned to 26.11.2024.

The petitioner is directed to appear before the Investigating Officer on 24.10.2024 at 11:00 A.M. in concerned Police Station and join investigation. In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail subject to his furnishing personal/surety bond(s) to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer. As and when further called by Investigating Officer, the petitioner shall join the investigation. He shall abide by the condition(s) enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023."

3.

Status report by way of affidavit of Sh. Bharat Bhushan, PPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sub Division Phagwara, Taran, District Kapurthana filed in the Court today. The same be taken on record. Learned State counsel, on instructions from ASI Paramjit Singh, has stated that pursuant to the order dated 21.10.2024, the petitioner has joined investigation and is no longer required for custodial interrogation. 4.

In view of above, the present petition stands allowed and the interim order dated 21.10.2024 passed by this Court is made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023.

5.

This order should not be treated as "blanket" order. It will not be read granting petitioner indefinite protection from arrest. It shall be confined to the FIR mentioned ibid and will not operate in respect of any other incident that involves commission of an offence. 6.

Liberty is reserved in favour of State/complainant to move for cancellation/recall of this order in case the petitioner violates any condition stipulated under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 or upon showing any other sufficient cause.

7.

Needless to say that anything observed herein above shall not be construed to be an opinion on the merits of the case. (SUMEET GOEL) JUDGE 26.11.2024 P.Singh Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No