Raman Anand v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Decided on: 19.02.2026 RAMAN ANAND ......Petitioner

Versus

STATE OF PUNJAB ......Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH

Present:

Mr. S.S. Rangi, Senior Advocate, with Mr. Didar Singh, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

**** SANJAY VASHISTH, J.

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 hereunder:- Name of Petitioner (s) FIR No.

Date Section(s) Police Station District Raman Anand 20.09.2025 61/1/14 of Excise Act A Division Amritsar 2.

On 05.12.2025, following order was passed:- "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 hereunder:- Name of Petitioner (s) FIR No.

Date Section(s) Police Station District Raman Anand 20.09.2025 61/1/14 of Excise Act A Division Amritsar

ii) Learned senior counsel for the petitioner argues that at the time petitioner's house was raided, no one was present inside; rather, petitioner and his family members were away on a pilgrimage. Counsel further submits that the alleged recovery of 468 bottles has been falsely planted upon the petitioner. Moreover, once the recovery has already been effected, there is no purpose in seeking custodial interrogation. Petitioner is otherwise ready and willing to join the investigation, provided he is protected from arrest. Thus, learned counsel prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

iii) Notice of motion. On advance notice, Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent - State. He seeks some time to file reply.

iv) Adjourned to 19.02.2026.

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

vi) Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he 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 05.12.2025, 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.

On the other hand, learned State counsel has filed status report dated 19.02.2026 in the Court today and the same is taken on record.

5.

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. 6.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

7.

Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 05.12.2025, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed.

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. 8.

Accordingly, petition stands disposed of.

However, present order would be subject to the submission of passport of the petitioner to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses, within a period of one week from today. Otherwise, he would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he 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. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 19.02.2026 Lavisha Whether Speaking/Reasoned:

YES/NO Whether Reportable:

YES/NO