Satya Devi Shaida @ Satya Devi v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M No.61435 of 2025 -1IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH ***** CRM-M No.61435 of 2025 Date of decision : 3.12.2025 Date of uploading : 3.12.2025 Satya Devi Shaida @ Satya Devi .............Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab .......Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Dr. Rau P.S. Girwar, Advocate and Ms. Archana Rau, Advocate Ms. K.t. Rau, Advocate, for the petitioner Mr. Gaurav Gurcharan S. Rai, Senior DAG, Punjab Mr. Simranjit Singh, Advocate for Mr. Amandeep Singh Jawandha, Advocate, for the complainant --- SUMEET GOEL, J. (ORAL) 1.

On 3.11.2025, the following order was passed: 'Apprehending her arrest in FIR No.180 dated 04.10.2025 registered for offences punishable under Sections 333, 126(2) and 3(5) of BNS 2023 at Police Station City Rampura, District Bathinda; the petitioner has preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail.

Counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that the petitioner is a lady aged 70 years, the FIR in question has civil overtones & the petitioner is willing to join investigation and cooperate therein. Notice of motion.

On the strength of advance notice; Mr. Amit Kumar Goyal, Addl. AG, Punjab has entered appearance on behalf of the respondent-State of Punjab.

At this stage; Mr. Amandeep Singh Jawandha, Advocate has entered

CRM-M No.61435 of 2025 -2appearance on behalf of the complainant and filed his power of attorney. Adjourned to 03.12.2025.

The petitioner is directed to appear before the Investigating Officer on 10.11.2025 at 11:00 A.M. in concerned Police Station and join investigation.

In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail subject to her furnishing personal/surety bond(s) to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer. As and when further called by Investigating Officer, the petitioner shall join the investigation. She shall abide by the condition(s) enumerated under Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.'

2.

Learned State counsel (on instructions) submits that pursuant to the order dated 3.11.2025, the petitioner has joined investigation and is no longer required for custodial interrogation.

3.

Per contra, learned counsel appearing for the complainant has opposed the grant of anticipatory bail on the ground that there are direct and serious allegations against the petitioner. In case the petitioner is enlarged on bail, there is all likelihood of the petitioner to abscond from the process of justice and to interfere with the investigation/prosecution witnesses.

4.

Having heard learned counsel for the parties and upon perusal of the record, especially keeping in view the factum of the petitioner being a lady aged 70 years of age and joining her investigation and not required for custodial interrogation, this Court is inclined to confirm the order dated 3.11.2025.

5.

Accordingly, the instant petition is allowed. The interim order dated 3.11.2025, passed by this Court is made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS.

CRM-M No.61435 of 2025 -36. This order should not be treated as "blanket" order. It will not be read granting petitioner indefinite protection from arrest. It shall be confined to the FIR mentioned ibid and will not operate in respect of any other incident that involves commission of an offence. 7.

Liberty is reserved in favour of State/complainant to move for cancellation/recall of this order in case the petitioner violates any condition stipulated under Section 482(2) of BNSS or upon showing any other sufficient cause.

8.

Needless to say that anything observed herein above shall not be construed to be an opinion on the merits of the case. (SUMEET GOEL) JUDGE 3.12.2025 Ashwanii Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No