CRM-M/30777/2026 of BHARAT Vs STATE OF PUNJAB AND ANR on 21 August 2026

1. On 26.5.2026, the following order was passed: ‘Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the allegations of making video of the complainant is against the other co-accused and the petitioner was nominated on the disclosure of the said co-accused. It is contended that the petitioner is a young boy of 23 years and has no criminal antecedents and even nothing is to be recovered from him. He further submits that the petitioner is ready and willing to join the investigation as and when called for and to extend all cooperation to the Investigating Agency. Notice of motion. Mr. Mohit Kapoor, Sr. DAG Punjab accepts notice on behalf of respondent-State and prays for some time to complete instructions and file reply, if so advised. Reply, if any, be filed on or before the adjourned date with copy in advance to the learned counsel opposite. Adjourned to 31.07.2026.

Notice to remaining respondent(s) be issued for the date fixed on filing of process fee etc. In the meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to join investigation as and when so required by the Investigating Agency. In the event of the petitioner joining investigation, he shall be admitted to interim bail by the arresting officer/investigating officer on his furnishing of bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the arresting officer/investigating officer. The petitioner(s) shall also abide by the conditions as specified under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) of 2023.’

2. On 7.8.2026, the following order was passed: ‘Office note indicates that notice to respondent No.2 could not be issued for want of process fee. The concerned SHO (through learned State Counsel) is directed to inform respondent No.2 about the pendency of the present petition as also the next date of hearing fixed in the matter. The said SHO shall also file a compliance report to this Court in this regard. List on 19.08.2026. Interim order to continue.’

3. Pursuant to the order of the preceding date, i.e. 7.8.2026, learned State counsel has filed compliance report in Court today, which is taken on record. 3.1 Learned State counsel, on the strength of the said compliance report, has submitted that respondent no.2 stands informed. However, none has caused appearance on behalf of the said respondent.

4. Learned State counsel (on instructions) submits that pursuant to the orders dated 26.5.2026, the petitioner has joined investigation and is no longer required for custodial interrogation.

5. In view of the above, the instant petition is allowed. Interim order dated 26.5.2026, passed by this Court is made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS.

6. This order should not be treated as “blanket” order. It will not be read as 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 21.8.2026 Ashwanii

Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No

Whether reportable:

Yes/No