Manpreet Singh @ Mani v. State Of Punjab And Others
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA
AT CHANDIGARH DATE OF DECISION :- January 08, 2020 Manpreet Singh @ Mani
...Petitioner
Versus
State of Punjab and others
...Respondents
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S. MADAAN Present:- Mr. Buta Singh Bairagi, Advocate for the petitioner. Ms. Amarjit Kaur Khurana, DAG, Punjab.
*** This petition for regular bail has been filed by petitioner Manpreet Singh @ Mani, an accused in F.I.R. No. 279 dated 26.08.2019 under Sections 379-B, 34 IPC and Section 25 of the Arms Act, 1959 (Section 203, 120-B IPC added later on) registered with Police Station Division No. 5, Ludhiana.
Briefly stated the case of the prosecution is that Rajinder Pal Singh, Head Cashier in PSPCL was carrying Rs.10 lacs which was public money, which he was going to deposit in another Branch of PSPCL. He informed Gurpreet Singh-SDO telephonically at about 4.00 P.M. when he was near gate No. 2 of Punjab Agricultural University that two motorcyclist having dangerous weapons had snatched the money from him. The police was informed. However, it was found that Rajinder Pal Singh had concocted the story and he himself was involved in misappropriation of that amount. A
picket was laid by the police and Baleno Car bearing registration No. PB10GY-6620 was intercepted near Jawahar Nagar Camp, Ludhiana. Rajinder Pal Singh, Head Cashier along with Manpreet Singh @ Mani and Abhishek Sharma @ Abhi were found to be travelling in that Car. The amount of Rs.10 lacs was recovered from Rajinder Pal Singh. All the three occupants of the Car were arrested and sent behind bars. Petitioner Manpreet Singh @ Mani had approached the Court below seeking regular bail but was unsuccessful as such has filed the instant petition before this Court. Notice of the petition was given to the respondents and State counsel has put in appearance.
I have heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned State counsel besides going through the record.
Learned counsel for the petitioner has contended that similarly placed accused namely Abhishek Sharma @ Abhi has since been granted regular bail by a coordinate Bench of this Court vide order dated 7.11.2019 passed in CRM-M-46766-2019 (O&M) and petitioner be also granted that concession on ground of parity. Further more the trial is going on and guilt of the accused shall be established during those proceedings. In that way, further detention of the petitioner is not required. Though learned State counsel opposes the petition but I find that keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case petition calls for acceptance.
Therefore, in view of the aforesaid circumstances, this petition is accepted. Petitioner Manpreet Singh @ Mani is ordered to be released on bail on his furnishing bail bond and surety bond to the satisfaction of the
learned trial Court/CJM/Duty Magistrate, Ludhiana. However, it is made clear that in case the petitioner is found indulging in any criminal act at a later stage, his order granting bail is liable to be withdrawn. (H.S. MADAAN) JUDGE January 08, 2020 p.singh Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No