Gurmel Singh Alias Matta v. State Of Punjab
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA
AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-55909-2025 (O&M) Date of decision: 30.03.2026 GURMEL SINGH ALIAS MATTA ... Petitioner
Versus
STATE OF PUNJAB ... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AMAN CHAUDHARY Present :
Mr. Sukhbir Maandi, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. Manipal Singh Atwal, DAG, Punjab.
**** AMAN CHAUDHARY, J. (Oral) 1.
The present petition has been filed under Section 482 BNSS, 2023, for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No.102, dated 01.08.2025, under Sections 61/1/14 of Excise Act, registered at Police Station Sirhali, District Tarn Taran.
2.
On 09.10.2025 & 24.03.2026, this Court had passed the following orders:- "Petitioner, who is an accused in case FIR No. 102 dated 1.8.2025, under Section 61 of the Excise Act, registered at Police Station Sirhali, District Tarn Taran, has filed the present petition under Section 482 of BNSS for grant of anticipatory bail. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has been falsely implicated in the present case. The FIR was registered on the basis of secret information given by a secret informer who was not a member of the raiding team even the Investigating Officer did not join any independent person as a witness. Notice of motion.
At this stage, Mr. Kamalpreet Bawa, Deputy Advocate General, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the respondent-State and prays for time to file status report. Learned State counsel has opposed the prayer for grant of anticipatory bail on the ground that the petitioner was specifically named in the FIR. On conducting search, one silver pot containing 20 litre Lahan and one plastic can containing 10 bottles of illicit liquor were recovered from the kitchen of the house. Presence of petitioner is needed for custodial interrogation to find out who all are involved in the offence, what is the modus operandi etc.
Heard.
Adjourned to 7.11.2025."
"The petitioner is directed to join the investigation on 25.03.2026. ASHOK KUMAR 2026.03.30 17:51 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document
CRM-M-55909-2025 (O&M) -2- In the event of his arrest, he shall be released on interim bail to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer, subject to compliance of conditions as enshrined under Section 482 (2) BNSS. However, it is clarified that if the petitioner does not join and cooperate with the Investigating Agency as required by the Arresting/Investigating Officer, this interim order shall be deemed to have been vacated.
Adjourned to 27.03.2026."
3.
Learned counsel submits that in pursuance of the afore-mentioned order, the petitioner has not only joined investigation but also fully cooperated with the investigating agency. He further submits that in case the investigating agency requires the petitioner to appear, he shall make himself available without demur.
4.
Learned State counsel on instructions from the Investigating Officer affirms the factum of joining the investigation by the petitioner and cooperating with the investigating agency. He also submits that at this stage, the petitioner is not required for further custodial interrogation. 5.
In view of the above and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, anticipatory bail petition filed by the petitioner is allowed and the order dated 24.03.2026 granting interim bail to him, is hereby made absolute, subject to compliance of conditions as specified under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023.
6.
However, it is made clear that if the petitioner fails to join and cooperate with the investigating agency as and when required, the State would be at liberty to move an application for cancellation of the present anticipatory bail granted to him.
(AMAN CHAUDHARY) 30.03.2026 JUDGE ashok Whether speaking/reasoned :
Yes/No Whether reportable :
Yes/No ASHOK KUMAR 2026.03.30 17:51 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document