Mukhtiar Singh v. State Of Punjab

CRM-M No.4 of 2026 -1IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH ***** CRM-M No.4 of 2026 Date of decision : 19.2.2026 Date of uploading : 19.2.2026 Mukhtiar Singh .............Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab .......Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Mr. Kamal Gupta, Advocate, for the petitioner Mr. Baljinder Singh Sra, Addl. AG, Punjab --- SUMEET GOEL, J. (ORAL) 1.

Apprehending his arrest in FIR No.284 dated 16.12.2024 For the commission of offences under Sections 115(2), 118(2), 304, 191(3) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short 'BNS') (Section 117(2) of BNS added vide Rapat No.18 dated 29.12.2024 and Sections 304, 118(2) of BNS deleted vide Rapat No.29 dated 13.3.2025 (Section 118(2) of BNS again added vide Rapat No.18 dated 18.12.2025), registered at Police Station Mamdot, District Ferozepur, the petitioner has preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail.

2.

On 12.1.2026, the following order was passed: 'Learned counsel submits that the petitioner is the Sarpanch of the village and has been falsely implicated in the present case. Be that as it may, offences under Sections 304 and 118(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was

CRM-M No.4 of 2026 -2deleted on approval of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ferozepur as per GD No.029 dated04.04.2025, Annexure P-5, however, the same has been again added only on account of political rivalry and even otherwise the injury is over the non-vital part, it being elbow and the petitioner is ready and willing to join the investigation as and when required by the investigating agency and will cooperate.

Notice of motion.

At the asking of the Court, Mr. Manipal Singh Atwal, DAG, Punjab accepts notice on behalf of respondent-State and has filed reply by way of an affidavit of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Rural) District Ferozepur, which is taken on record.

Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join the investigation on or before 19.01.2026. 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 19.02.2026.'

3.

Learned State counsel (on instructions) submits that pursuant to the order dated 12.1.2026, the petitioner has joined investigation and is no longer required for custodial interrogation.

4.

In view of the above, this Court is inclined to confirm the order dated 12.1.2026. Accordingly, the instant petition is allowed. The interim order dated 12.1.2026, passed by this Court is made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS. 5.

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.

CRM-M No.4 of 2026 -36. 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.

7.

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 19.2.2026 Ashwanii Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No