Gurpreet Singh Alias Gurpreet Khanna v. State Of Punjab

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH 115-1 Decided on : 18.03.2026 Gurpreet Singh alias Gurpreet Khanna . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab . . . Respondent(s)

CORAM:

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

Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

**** 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 Gurpreet Singh alias Gurpreet Khanna, aged about 28 years 23.11.2025 61-1-14 of Punjab Excise Act and Section 318(4) of BNS, Sujanpur Pathankot 2.

In the present case, on 26.12.2025, following order was passed by this Court:- "2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that FIR in the present case has been got registered at the instance of one Parminder Gupta, Excise Inspector by alleging that one secret information was received, and thereupon, when he was present along with Police Party vehicle No.PB-35-Z-0675 Mahindra Pickup was intercepted from which black horn 40 boxes and Mc-Dowell 19 bottles (21 bottles as mentioned in impugned order dated 02.12.2025) (total 40 boxes and 19 bottles) were recovered. Accused Rajan Gupta was apprehended on the spot, whereas driver of the vehicle was succeeded in running away. Counsel for the petitioner argues that petitioner's name is not mentioned in FIR. His name has been involved on the next day i.e. on 24.11.2025, projecting him as driver of the said vehicle.

- 2 - Further argues that a false case has been planted against the petitioner. Except the disclosure statement, there is no other connecting evidence available with the prosecution against the petitioner and the liquor in question has already been recovered, therefore, custodial interrogation of petitioner would not serve any meaningful purpose. Moreover, petitioner is ready to join the investigation and fully cooperate, if protected from arrest by this Court. 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. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, puts in appearance on behalf of the respondent - State, and seeks some time to file status report in the matter.

6.

Adjourned to 18.03.2026.

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 his arrest, the petitioner shall be released on ad-interim bail, subject to his 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 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." 2.

Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 26.12.2025, 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.

3.

Learned State counsel on instructions, confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation by the petitioner on 23.01.2026, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation.

4.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

5.

Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 26.12.2025, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute.

- 3 - 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.

6.

Accordingly, petition stands disposed of, accordingly. 7.

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. Pending misc. application(s), if any, also stand disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE March 18, 2026 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No