Deepali v. State Of Punjab

- 1 -

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH 134-1 Decided on : 25.03.2026 Deepali . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab . . . Respondent(s)

CORAM:

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

Mr. Manjinder S. Bhullar, DAG, Punjab.

Mr. L.M. Gulati, Advocate for the complainant(s).

**** 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 here-under:- Name & age of Petitioner (s) FIR No.

Date Section(s) Police Station District Deepali, aged about 32 years 03.10.2025 305 of BNS, 2023 Civil Lines Patiala Patiala (Old 380 of IPC) 2.

In the present case, on 31.10.2025, following order was passed by this Court:- "2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that FIR has been registered at the instance of one Jivan Bala, aged 62 years, who alleged that petitioner had been her student since 2017 at Women College, Patiala, in the subject of Music. It is stated that petitioner used to visit the complainant's house frequently. On 29.09.2025, when the complainant was present at her residence, petitioner came to meet her and, after inquiring about her health, served food from the kitchen. After taking meal, complainant went to sleep. It is further alleged in the FIR that gold, diamond, and panna ornaments, along with gold bangles, tops, chains, rings, and other jewellery, were kept in a wooden almirah in the bedroom, key of which was lying under the complainant's pillow. On waking up,

- 2 - complainant found the petitioner missing and noticed that key of the almirah was also in it. Upon checking, the aforesaid ornaments were found missing. Therefore, on 03.10.2025, present FIR was registered against the petitioner.

3.

Counsel for the petitioner submits that petitioner should not be subjected to custodial interrogation merely on the basis of suspicion, as any such action would irreparably damage her reputation, especially considering her marriageable age.

It is further submitted that petitioner, aged 32 years, has never been involved in any similar offence and is presently employed as a teacher in a private school. Counsel also points out that the alleged incident occurred on 29.09.2025, whereas FIR was lodged after an unexplained delay of four days. Moreover, petitioner is ready to join the investigation and fully cooperate, if protected from arrest by this Court. Thus, prays for grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case.

4.

Notice of motion.

5.

On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent - State, and Mr. Deepanshu Bansal, Advocate, puts in appearance on behalf of the complainant, and files his power of attorney in Court today, which is taken on record. 6.

Adjourned to 20.01.2026.

7.

Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of her arrest, the petitioner shall be released on ad-interim bail, subject to her furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.). 8.

Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over her passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if she possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that she 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." 3.

Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 31.10.2025, passed by this Court, petitioner has joined the investigation, and has fully co-operated. Therefore, he prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order.

4.

Learned State counsel on instructions, confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation on 02.12.2025 by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation.

- 3 - 5.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

6.

Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 31.10.2025, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as and when required to do so and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023.

7.

Accordingly, petition stands disposed of, accordingly. 8.

However, present order would be subject to the submission of passport of the petitioner to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if she possesses, within a period of one week from today. Otherwise, she would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that she does not possess any passport.

It is clarified that in case, aforesaid condition is not complied with, this order would be considered as non est automatically. Pending misc. application(s), if any, also stand disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE March 25, 2026 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No