Renu Bala v. State Of Haryana And Others

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Decided on : 25.03.2026 Renu Bala . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Haryana and others . . . Respondent(s)

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH PRESENT: Mr. Vishal Jassal, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

Mr. P.K. Jhanda, Sr. DAG, Haryana assisted by SI Bhupinder Singh, 288/A, P.S. Mahesh Nagar, Ambala.

**** 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 Renu Bala, aged about 55 years 19.09.2025 3(5), 318(4), 351(2) of BNS, Mahesh Nagar Ambala 2.

In the present case, on 03.11.2025, following order was passed by this Court:- "2.

Complainant Baljeet Kaur lodged an FIR alleging that the accused, (i) Anil Gupta and his wife, (ii) Renu Bala (the petitioner herein), (iii) Rahul, and (iv) Nitin, defrauded her of a sum of Rs.2,50,000/- by misusing cheque No. 811790, which had originally been given to the accused as security while availing a personal loan of Rs.1,50,000/- at an interest rate of 10% per annum.

3.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that dispute between the parties is purely civil in nature, pertaining to the exchange of money that was admittedly taken by the complainant as a loan of Rs.1,50,000/- against the aforesaid security cheque. It is further contended that the loan amount was advanced on an agreed rate of interest of 10%

- 2 - per annum, and once the cheque in question is admitted to be genuine, the allegation of forgery with respect to the affixation of signatures cannot sustain a criminal prosecution. Hence, no criminal offence is made out against the petitioner or the other co-accused. Thus, counsel prays for grant of concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in the present case.

4.

Notice of motion.

5.

On advance notice, Mr. Kanwar Sanjiv Kumar, AAG, Haryana, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent - State, and seeks some time to file status report in the matter. 6.

Adjourned to 21.01.2026.

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 03.11.2025, 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 by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation. 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 03.11.2025, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as

- 3 - 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