Jagroop Singh vs State Of Punjab

Sanjay Vashisth, J

Prayer in this petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:-

Name of Petitioner (s)

FIR No

Date

Section(s)

Police Station

District

Jagroop Singh

0147

14.08.2025

21, 25, 27(a) of NDPS Act (Sections 111, 132, 221, 117(2) of BNS were added later on)

Machhiwara, Khanna

Ludhiana

On 01.12.2025, following order was passed:-

"1. xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx

Learned counsel for the petitioner argues that petitioner is the owner of the car bearing registration No. PB-18AA-3703, and at the time of the recovery of 21.90 grams of heroin, the vehicle was being driven by his brother-in-law, Jasdev Singh @ Jassa. In fact, the contraband was recovered from the right pocket of the lower worn by coaccused Jasdev Singh @ Jassa, and therefore, no definite conclusion can be drawn that the car was being used for transporting the said contraband.

Counsel further submits that petitioner, aged 52 years, has never been involved in any similar activity previously. Merely because petitioner is the owner of the car, it cannot be inferred that petitioner was involved in any deal related to narcotic contraband. Moreover, petitioner is ready and willing to cooperate with the investigation, and, in these circumstances, prays for the grant of anticipatory bail.

Notice of motion.

Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab, appears on behalf of respondent/State. He seeks some time to file status report.

List on 16.02.2026.

Meanwhile, petitioner is directed to join the investigation as and when required to do so by the Investigating Agency. In the event of his arrest, petitioner shall be released on interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. Petitioner shall also abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.).

Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport.

It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court."

Continuing his submissions, learned counsel for the petitioner contends that in compliance of the order dated 01.12.2025, passed by this Court, petitioner has joined the investigation, and has fully co-operated. Therefore, he prays for confirmation of the said interim anticipatory bail order.

Learned State counsel on instructions, confirms the said averment made by counsel for the petitioner of joining the investigation by the petitioner, and submits that as of now, custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

Since, petitioner has already joined the investigation and custodial interrogation is no more required; ad-interim bail order dated 01.12.2025, passed by this Court is hereby made absolute. Accordingly, present petition is allowed.

However, petitioner shall continue to join the investigation as and when required to do so and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023.

Accordingly, petition stands disposed of.

However, present order would be subject to the submission of passport of the petitioner to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses, within a period of one week from today. Otherwise, he would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport.

It is clarified that in case, aforesaid condition is not complied with, this order would be considered as non est automatically.