Deepak Bhatt v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH Date of decision: 31.01.2025 Deepak Bhatt ....Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ....Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR

Present:

Mr. Anoop Verma, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Rishabh Singla, AAG, Punjab.

HARPREET SINGH BRAR J. (Oral) 1.

This petition has been filed under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023 seeking anticipatory bail in case FIR No.233 dated 06.11.2021 registered under Sections 409/120-B of IPC, 1860 (Sections 167/201/465/467/468/471 of IPC added later on) at Police Station City Jagraon, District Ludhiana.

2.

On 26.11.2024, the following order was passed:- "XX XX XX XX Learned counsel for the petitioner inter alia submits that the petitioner was only custodian of the register pertaining to the chequebooks received in the branch. The petitioner is neither beneficiary nor has put his signatures for passing the payment. There is no role attributed to the petitioner except that chequebooks register was in his custody and cheques were stolen and amount by way of cash was withdrawn.

Notice of motion.

On asking of the Court, Ms. Manjot Kaur, AAG, Punjab appears and accepts notice on behalf of the respondent-State and seeks time to file status report. A copy of the paper book be supplied to her during the course of the day.

Learned State counsel has opposed the bail petition on the ground that the petitioner is named in the FIR and in connivance with the other accused he has committed the crime.

Keeping in view the evidence collected against the petitioner and the fact that petitioner is not the beneficiary, petitioner is directed to join investigation as and when called by SHO/Investigating Officer and in the event of his arrest, he shall be released on interim bail on his furnishing bail bonds/surety bonds to the satisfaction of SHO/Investigating Agency, subject to the following conditions as envisaged under Section 482 (2) BNSS:- (i) that the petitioner shall make himself available for interrogation before the investigating officer as and when required:

(ii) that the petitioner shall not, directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case as to dissuade him from disclosing such facts to the Court or to any police officer;

(iii) that the petitioner shall not leave the country without prior permission of the Court concerned. Adjourned to 31.01.2025.

Status report be filed on or before the next date of hearing with an advance copy to the counsel opposite." 3.

Learned State counsel, on instructions from ASI Anwar Masih, at the very outset, informs the Court that the petitioner has joined the investigation and his custodial interrogation is not required.

4.

In view of the statement of learned State counsel, order dated 26.11.2024 is hereby made absolute. The petitioner shall abide by the terms and conditions envisaged under Section 482(2) of BNSS (erstwhile Section 438(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973). 5.

The petition stands disposed of.

(HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 31.01.2025 yakub Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No