CRM-M/46698/2026 of MANDEEP SINGH Vs STATE OF PUNJAB on 21 August 2026

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH

CRM-M No.46698 of 2026 Date of Decision:-21.08.2026

Mandeep Singh …..Petitioner. Versus State of Punjab .....Respondent.

CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE VIKRAM AGGARWAL ***** Present:- Mr. Japjit Singh Johal, Advocate

for the petitioner.

VIKRAM AGGARWAL, J. (ORAL)

Prayer in the present petition preferred by the petitioner under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short, the ‘BNSS’), is for the grant of anticipatory bail in case FIR No.187 dated 24.12.2025 under Section 223 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short, ‘the BNS’) and Sections 22 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short ‘the NDPS Act’), registered at Police Station Garhshankar, District Hoshiarpur.

2. The petitioner was facing trial in the FIR in question, but during the course of trial, he did not appear on 01.05.2026, as a result of which his bail was cancelled, bonds were forfeited and his presence was ordered to be procured through non-bailable warrants. YAG DUTT

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3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that during the pendency of trial, the petitioner was implicated in another case, i.e. FIR No.40 dated 19.03.2026 registered under Sections 22 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Garhshankar, District Hoshiarpur and the petitioner was arrested on 19.03.2026. Learned counsel submits that he was released on regular bail vide order dated 08.05.2026 passed by the Court of Special Judge, Hoshiarpur (Annexure P-4) in the said FIR.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner further submits that the petitioner is willing to surrender before the trial Court and face trial, but apprehends that the moment he surrenders, he shall be taken into custody since non-bailable warrants have been issued against him. Learned counsel submits that trial is still at the stage of issuance of warrants of arrest.

5. Notice of motion.

6. On the asking of the Court, Mr. Rahul Jindal, AAG, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the respondent-State and opposes the application for setting aside of the impugned order. He submits that while on bail, the petitioner committed another offence under the NDPS Act and, therefore, he does not deserve any relief.

7. I have considered the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties.

8. Concededly, the petitioner was facing trial in the FIR in question. On account of non-appearance on 01.05.2026, his bail was cancelled, bonds were forfeited and warrants of arrest were issued to procure his presence. Order dated 08.05.2026 passed by the Court of Special Judge, Hoshiarpur (Annexure P-4) shows that the petitioner had YAG DUTT

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been arrested on 19.03.2026 in FIR No.40 dated 19.03.2026 registered under Sections 22 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Garhshankar, District Hoshiarpur and was ordered to be released on bail on 08.05.2026. The absence from trial was, therefore, not wilful. It is another matter that while being on bail, the petitioner committed another offence.

9. Keeping in view the totality of the facts and circumstances, the present petition is disposed of with a direction that in case the petitioner surrenders before the trial Court within a period of 10 days from today and files an application for bail, the same be decided expeditiously in accordance with law.

10. For a period of 10 days from today, the petitioner shall not be arrested.

(VIKRAM AGGARWAL) August 21, 2026

JUDGE Yag Dutt

Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No

Whether Reportable: Yes/No YAG DUTT