CRM-M/33705/2026 of MANPREET SINGH ALIAS MANNU Vs STATE OF PUNJAB on 27 August 2026

1. This petition has been filed under section 483 B.N.S.S. (earlier 439 Cr.P.C.) for grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 47 dated 26.03.2026 under Sections 21-B, 27-A, 29,61 and 85 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Bajakhana, District Faridkot.

2. As per the prosecution, co-accused Sukhwinder Singh @ Babbal was found in conscious possession of 209 grams of heroin, along with ₹5,380/- in cash, allegedly being drug money. Subsequently, on the basis of the disclosure statement of co-accused Sukhwinder Singh @ Babbal, the present applicant Manpreet Singh @ Mannu was nominated as an accused vide DDR No. 31 dated 27.03.2026.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner was neither named in the FIR nor apprehended at the spot, and no contraband or incriminating article was recovered from him. The recovery of 209 grams RENU RAWAT

Chandigarh heroin and ₹5,380/- allegedly being drug money is attributed solely to co- accused Sukhwinder Singh @ Babbal. The petitioner was nominated only on the basis of the co-accused’s disclosure statement, without any independent or corroborative evidence. The recovered quantity is non-commercial, and no money trail, CDR, electronic evidence or independent witness connects the petitioner with the offence. It is further submitted that there is no material to attract Section 27-A NDPS Act, as no evidence shows that the petitioner financed illicit traffic or harboured any offender.

4. Notice of motion.

5. Mr. Sandeep Kumar, DAG, Punjab accepts notice on behalf of the respondent–State and has vehemently opposed the prayer for grant of regular bail on the ground that the allegations against the petitioner are serious in nature. He has filed the custody certificate of the petitioner in Court today, which is taken on record. As per the custody certificate, the petitioner is in custody for the last 04 months and 26 days.

6. I have heard the submissions made by the parties and gone through the record.

7. After hearing the rival contentions and considering the fact that in the case in hand, the petitioner is in custody for the last 04 months and 26 days and apart from the disclosure statement there is no other evidence to connect the petitioner with the alleged offence coupled with the fact that the trial is likely to take considerable time, this Court is of the view that no useful purpose would be served by further incarceration of the petitioner. Accordingly, the RENU RAWAT

Chandigarh petitioner is granted the concession of regular bail during the pendency of the trial.

8. Therefore, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the instant petition is allowed. The petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail on his furnishing requisite bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate concerned.

9. Nothing discussed hereinabove shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case.

10. It is clarified that if while on bail so granted through the instant order, the petitioner is found indulged in any other criminal case/activity, it shall be open to the State to seek cancellation of his bail. 27.08.2026

(H.S.GREWAL) renu

JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable: Yes/No RENU RAWAT

Chandigarh