Rahul Bagga v. State Of Punjab

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Decided on : 24.03.2026 Rahul Bagga . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab . . . Respondent(s)

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH PRESENT: None for the petitioner(s).

Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

**** SANJAY VASHISTH , J. (Oral) 1.

Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- Name Petitioner(s) FIR Date Section(s) Police Station District No.

Rahul Bagga 23.01.2024 420 of IPC Model Town Hoshiarpur 2.

After hearing learned counsel for the petitioner, on 30.09.2025, following order was passed by this Court:- "2.

Allegation in the FIR is that Malook Chand, husband of the complainant-Manjeet Kaur, had become the guarantor for an education loan from SBI Bank availed by the petitioner-Rahul Bagga. As petitioner failed to repay the loan, recovery proceedings were initiated against the complainant's house even after the death of her husband on 31.10.2022. Consequently, complainant-Manjeet Kaur, filed the FIR alleging that the petitioner had cheated her late husband.

3.

Referring to the letter dated 01.07.2024 issued by the State Bank of India, counsel for the petitioner contends that the entire loan amount was repaid in March 2024 under the RINN Samadhan Settlement

- 2 - Scheme 2023-24, and therefore, nothing remains to be recovered from the complainant. Accordingly, it is submitted that the criminal proceedings against the petitioner may be closed, and there is no justification for his arrest. Furthermore petitioner is ready and willing to join the investigation and cooperate with the investigating agency. Hence, prayer is made for grant of anticipatory bail.

4.

Notice of motion.

On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent - State. He seeks some time to file reply.

5.

Adjourned to 17.12.2025 6.

In the meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also be abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 7.

Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport.

It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court." 2.

Thereafter, on 25.02.2026, Court was informed that the petitioner has not joined investigation, and therefore, one more opportunity was afforded to the petitioner to join investigation, with observation that if he failed to join the investigation, in terms of order dated 30.09.2025, interim relief mentioned therein shall be deemed to be vacated. 3.

Today, neither there is any representation on behalf of the petitioner, nor petitioner is himself present before this Court. 4.

As per learned State counsel, petitioner has not joined investigation so far, despite granting adequate opportunities. 5.

Heard.

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Taking note of all the aspects, especially, the fact that petitioner has not joined investigation, present petition is dismissed. Concerned Investigating Officer is directed to proceed in accordance with law. Pending misc. application(s), if any, also stand(s) disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE March 24, 2026 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No