Lovejot Singh Johal And ANR v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M-62537-2023 2024:PHHC:006469

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-62537-2023 Decided on: 18.01.2024 Lovejot Singh Johal and another

...Petitioners

Versus

State of Punjab

...Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ANOOP CHITKARA

Present:

Mr. P.S. Ahluwalia, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Shiva Khurmi, AAG, Punjab.

**** ANOOP CHITKARA, J.

FIR No.

Dated Police Station Sections 10.02.2017 Vigilance Bureau, Economic Offences Wing, District Ludhiana 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 201, 120-B IPC and Sections 13(1)(D) & 13(2) of PC (Amendment) Act 2018 1.

The petitioners apprehending arrest in the FIR captioned above, had come up before this Court under Section 438 CrPC seeking anticipatory bail by filing the present petition.

2.

Vide order dated 13.12.2023, the petitioners were granted interim bail, which is continuing till date. On 09.01.2024, this Court had extended the interim subject to declaration of assets by the petitioners.

3.

Petitioners' counsel submits that in compliance to the order dated 09.01.2024, they had voluntarily declared their assets and they would not claim such declaration as self incrimination, violation of Article 20/21 of Constitution of India or Indian Evidence Act or any other fundamental right/law. He further submits that main accused has already been granted bail by this Court and despite lapse of many years, State has not assailed that order.

4.

State counsel does not dispute the contention made by counsel for the petitioner, however opposes the bail.

5.

The petitioners were granted interim protection, and during the interregnum, there is no allegation that they had intimidated the witnesses or that they had ANJU RANI 2024.01.19 16:41 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-62537-2023 2024:PHHC:006469 hampered the investigation, or despite being called to join the investigation, they did not appear before the investigator. Given the above, there would be no justification to discontinue the interim protection, and the same is made absolute subject to the petitioners complying with the terms of the bail order. 6.

Given above, petition is allowed and interim order dated 13.12.2023 is made absolute. Pending applications, if any, stand disposed of. (ANOOP CHITKARA) JUDGE 18.01.2024 anju rani Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes Whether reportable:

No.

ANJU RANI 2024.01.19 16:41 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document