Satwinder Singh @ Nikka vs State Of Punjab

Anupinder Singh Grewal, J

Heard through video conferencing.

The petitioner is seeking anticipatory bail in FIR No.6 dated 09.01.2021, under Sections 365, 342, 323, 341, 506, 427, 148 and 149 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, registered at Police Station Anaj Mandi, District Patiala.

Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that it is alleged in the FIR that the petitioner along with co-accused had abducted the complainant and caused him superficial injuries. He, however, contends that the sister of co-accused, namely, Gurpinder Singh @ Gurpinder Singh Deol was allegedly in a relationship with the complainant for over 7-8 years, as stated in the FIR. He also contends that the complainant is married with children which he had concealed from the sister of co-accused Gurpinder Singh @ Gurpinder Singh Deol, who is seeking recourse to criminal remedy against the complainant and the FIR is an attempt to pre-empt such action. He further contends that co-accused Gurpinder Singh @ Gurpinder Singh Deol and others have been granted anticipatory bail by this Court in CRM-M No.5615 of 2021 on 08.02.2021.

This Court, by order dated 10.03.2021 had directed the petitioner to appear before the Investigating Officer and join the investigation and in the event of his arrest, he was ordered to be released on ad-interim bail to the satisfaction of the Investigating/Arresting Officer, subject to the conditions envisaged under Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.

Learned State counsel, upon instructions from ASI Mandeep Singh, states that the petitioner has joined investigation.

In view of the above and the petitioner having joined investigation, the Covid-19 Pandemic, the order dated 10.03.2021 granting interim bail to the petitioner is made absolute.

However, the petitioner shall abide by the conditions stipulated under Section 438(2) Cr.P.C. He shall also join investigation as and when called upon to do so.

The petition stands disposed of.