Manpreet Singh Alias Manna v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-63808-2024 Date of decision: July 8th, 2025 Manpreet Singh Manna .....Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab .....Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANJARI NEHRU KAUL

Present:

Mr. Armaan Saggar, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Amit Rana, Senior Deputy Advocate General, Punjab. MANJARI NEHRU KAUL, J. (ORAL) In compliance of order dated 13.02.2025, report from the learned trial Court has been received and perused. 2.

Learned State counsel at the outset has, on instructions, brought to the notice of this Court that the trial is nearing conclusion with the case fixed for recording of defence evidence. Learned counsel submits that in the circumstances, there is every likelihood that the trial would be concluding in the near future. It has also been submitted that in the present case, a specific secret information had been received qua the involvement of the petitioner in cross-border drug trafficking leading to a huge recovery of 35 kilograms of heroin along with drug money running into lacs of rupees and arms and ammunition. It has also been brought to the notice of this Court by the learned State counsel, on instructions, that the petitioner is involved in four other criminal cases, two under the NDPS Act, one under the Arms Act and another case under the Prisons Act. Learned State counsel has submitted that in PUNEET SACHDEVA 2025.07.08 19:17 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh

CRM-M-63808-2024 -2the aforementioned facts and circumstances, in case the petitioner is enlarged on bail at this stage, there is every likelihood that he could abscond leading to the trial being prolonged. 3.

I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the relevant material on record.

4.

Although it has been urged by the learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been falsely involved in the instant case, however, keeping in view the huge recovery effected in the present case along with drug money and arms and ammunition as well as the advance stage of trial, this Court does not deem it fit to extend the concession of bail to the petitioner at this stage.

5.

Accordingly, the instant petition stands dismissed. 6.

However, it is made clear that anything observed hereinabove shall not be construed to be an expression of opinion on the merits of the case.

July 8th, 2025 (MANJARI NEHRU KAUL) Puneet JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No PUNEET SACHDEVA 2025.07.08 19:17 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh