Monu vs State Of Punjab

Arvind Singh Sangwan, J

Prayer in this petition is for setting-aside the order dated 22.07.2022, passed by the trial Court vide which the petitioner has been declared as proclaimed offender.

Counsel for the petitioner has argued that the petitioner was granted regular bail on 04.12.2020 and thereafter, he was appearing before the trial Court, however, the challan was presented on 22.07.2022 in the absence of the petitioner due to COVID-19 situation and thereafter, the petitioner could not appear before the trial Court as he has met with an accident and is on wheel chair and in the meantime, the trial Court vide impugned order dated 22.07.2022, cancelled the bail/surety bonds of the petitioner and further declared him as a proclaimed offender. It is further submitted that the petitioner will surrender before the trial Court and apply for fresh bail.

Notice of motion.

Mr. Navneet Singh, DAG, Punjab, who is present in the Court accepts notice on behalf of the respondent – State and has not raised any serious objection to the submissions made by counsel for the petitioner.

After hearing the counsel for the parties, considering the fact that on account of non-appearance of the petitioner, the trial has come to stand-still and it will be in the interest of justice that the petitioner be directed to appear before the trial Court so as to enable the trial Court to conclude trial.

Accordingly, the present petition is disposed of with a direction that in case the petitioner appear before the trial Court within a period of 15 days from today and apply for fresh bail, then, he may be granted bail subject to his furnishing fresh bail/surety bonds.