CRM-M/34132/2026 of PRACHI GUPTA Vs STATE OF PUNJAB AND ANOTHER on 2 September 2026

1. Apprehending her arrest in FIR No.26 dated 01.02.2026 registered for the offences punishable under Sections 337, 318(4), 336(3), 340(2) of BNS 2023, at Police Station Civil Lines, Bathinda, District Bathinda, the petitioner has preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail.

2. On 19.06.2026 limited protection was afforded to the petitioner to the extent that it was directed that no coercive steps be taken against her. Thereafter, vide order dated 09.07.2026 the petitioner was afforded the concession of interim anticipatory bail, which reads thus:

“Office note indicates that notice could not be issued to respondent No.2 for want of process fee.

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Learned counsel for the petitioner seeks and is permitted time to do the needful. Upon doing so, notice be issued to respondent No.2 for the next date of hearing.

Reiterating submissions made by learned counsel for the petitioner as recorded in the order dated 19.06.2026, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is willing to join investigation and cooperate therein.

Put up on 04.08.2026.

The petitioner is directed to appear before the Investigating Officer on 14.07.2026 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.”

3. Learned State counsel (on instructions) has submitted that the petitioner has joined investigation and she is not required for custodial interrogation.

3.1. Learned counsel for the complainant has vehemently opposed the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner by arguing that allegations raised against the petitioner are serious in nature and in case the petitioner is extended the concession of anticipatory bail, there is all the likelihood that she may interfere with the investigation as also intimidate the witnesses as also the FIR-complainant.

4. Keeping in view the factual milieu of the case in hand, especially the factum of the petitioner having joined the investigation and she is not required for custodial interrogation, the petition is allowed and the order dated 09.07.2026 granting interim anticipatory bail to the

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petitioner is hereby 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.

6. 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.

8. Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed off.

(SUMEET GOEL) 02.09.2026

JUDGE Naveen Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No

Whether Reportable : Yes/No