CRM-M/33187/2026 of MOHIT KHAN Vs STATE OF PUNJAB on 27 July 2026

201 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH

CRM-M No.33187 of 2026 Date of Decision:-27.07.2026

Mohit Khan …..Petitioner. Versus State of Punjab .....Respondent.

CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE VIKRAM AGGARWAL ***** Present:- Mr. Gursahib Singh Hundal, Advocate and

Mr. Arshdeep Singh, Advocate

for the petitioner.

Mr. Rahul Jindal, AAG, Punjab.

VIKRAM AGGARWAL, J. (ORAL)

Prayer in the present petition preferred under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short, ‘the BNSS’) is for the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case FIR No.0158 dated 12.11.2024 registered under Sections 318(4), 336(3), 340(2) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Section 13 of the Punjab Travel Professionals (Regulation) Act, 2014, at Police Station Nangal, District Rupnagar.

2. On 09.06.2026, the following order was passed by a Coordinate Bench:- “Present petition has been filed by the petitioner under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.) in case FIR No.0158 dated 12.11.2024, Police Station Nangal, District Rupnagar, registered under sections 318(4), 336(3), YAG DUTT

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340(2), 61 of BNS, 2023 (earlier sections 420, 468, 471, 120-B IPC) and section 13 of the Punjab Travel Professionals (Regulation) Act, 2014, seeking relief of pre-arrest bail.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner inter alia contends that the petitioner has been falsely implicated in the matter and he is only working as an employee in the travel agency being run by the other co-accused. It is further contended that no recovery is to be made from the present petitioner and already an amount of Rs.80,000/- stands returned. It is urged that no useful purpose would be served by the custodial interrogation of the petitioner, who has no prior criminal antecedents.

3. Notice of motion.

4. On the asking of the Court, Mr. Gorav Kathuria, DAG, Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of State and prays for a short accommodation to seek instructions and to file status report/reply, if required.

5. Let the same be done before the next date fixed in the matter, with an advance copy to the counsel opposite.

6. List on 27.07.2026.

7. In the meantime, the petitioner is directed to appear before the SHO/Investigating Officer on 16.06.2026 at 11:30 am, and to join investigation as and when required. In the event of his arrest, the Investigating/Arresting Officer shall release the petitioner on interim bail on furnishing personal/surety bonds to his satisfaction. The petitioner shall also abide by the conditions as envisaged under Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.”

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance of the aforesaid order dated 09.06.2026, the petitioner has duly joined investigation. YAG DUTT

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4. Learned counsel representing the State of Punjab, on instructions from ASI Ram Kumar, P.S. Anandpur Sahib, who is present in the Court, submits that in compliance of the order dated 09.06.2026, the petitioner has duly joined investigation and his custodial interrogation is not required.

5. In view of the fact that the petitioner has duly joined investigation and keeping in view the statement given by learned counsel representing the State of Punjab, the present petition is allowed. The order dated 09.06.2026 is made absolute, subject to compliance of the provisions as envisaged under Section 482(2) of the BNSS.

(VIKRAM AGGARWAL) July 27, 2026

JUDGE Yag Dutt

Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No

Whether Reportable: Yes/No YAG DUTT