Surinder Kumar v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-62524-2025 (O&M) Date of decision: 25.03.2026 SURINDER KUMAR ... Petitioner

Versus

STATE OF PUNJAB ... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AMAN CHAUDHARY Present :

Mr. PS Ahluwalia, Sr. Advocate with Mr. Keerat Dhillon, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Manipal Singh Atwal, DAG, Punjab.

**** AMAN CHAUDHARY, J. (Oral) 1.

The present petition has been filed under Section 482 BNSS, 2023, for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No.158, dated 21.06.2022, under Sections 406, 409, 420, 120-B IPC and 13(1)(A) of the PC Act, registered at Police Station Guru Harsahai, District Ferozepur. 2.

On 07.11.2025, this Court had passed the following order:- "Learned Senior counsel inter alia contends that the petitioner as a matter of fact, had about a month before lodging of the FIR, sent a complaint to the M.D. Markfed dated 29.05.2022, Annexure P-2 stating therein that DM Sachin-complainant in the present case and Lovepreet Singh have colluded with each other, by misappropriating the bags of wheat from godown at night and he has the recorded conversation of the same, referred to as Annexure P-4, but they are making him a scapegoat to save themselves. Subsequently, a complaint was even submitted by his wife to SSP, Ferozepur on 10.01.

2023, Annexure P-3 stating therein that both the aforesaid persons were working in tandem with each other and misappropriated, however, there is no outcome thereof, though it had been marked to the DSP concerned. It is now after a period of more than 3 years that the investigating agency has sought to arrest the petitioner, regarding which reference is made to SLP (Crl.) No.11234/2025, titled 'Gursewak Singh vs. State of Punjab', decided on 03.09.2025, a case where the petitioner was being sought to be arrested after a long period and it was observed that it was a tenable basis to exercise discretion to grant anticipatory bail by Hon'ble the Supreme Court. He is not involved in any criminal case.

He is ready and willing to furnish the above recorded conversation along with his voice samples for forensic examination, if given an opportunity to join investigation. Notice of motion.

ASHOK KUMAR 2026.03.25 19:47 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-62524-2025 (O&M) -2- At the asking of the Court, Ms. Gagandeep Kaur, DAG Punjab accepts notice on behalf of respondent-State. Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation on or before 17.11.2025. In the event of his arrest, he shall be released on interim bail to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer, subject to compliance of conditions as enshrined under Section 482 (2) BNSS.

However, it is clarified that if the petitioner does not join and cooperate with the Investigating Agency as required by the Arresting/Investigating Officer, this interim order shall be deemed to have been vacated.

Adjourned to 17.12.2025."

3.

Learned Senior counsel submits that in pursuance of the aforementioned order, the petitioner has not only joined investigation but also fully cooperated with the investigating agency. He further submits that in case the investigating agency requires the petitioner to appear, he shall make himself available without demur.

4.

Learned State counsel on instructions from ASI Baldev Raj affirms the factum of joining the investigation by the petitioner and cooperating with the investigating agency. He also submits that at this stage, the petitioner is not required for further custodial interrogation. 5.

In view of the above and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, anticipatory bail petition filed by the petitioner is allowed and the order dated 07.11.2025 granting interim bail to him, is hereby made absolute, subject to compliance of conditions as specified under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023.

6.

However, it is made clear that if the petitioner fails to join and cooperate with the investigating agency as and when required, the State would be at liberty to move an application for cancellation of the present anticipatory bail granted to him.

(AMAN CHAUDHARY) 25.03.2026 JUDGE ashok Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No ASHOK KUMAR 2026.03.25 19:47 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document