Pritpal Singh vs State of Punjab

H.S.GREWAL,J. (ORAL)

The present petition has been filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking the concession of anticipatory bail in FIR No.07 dated 09.05.2026 registered under Sections 420, 465, 466, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B IPC (corresponding provisions under the BNS), at Police Station Economic Offence Wing (ECO Wing), Vigilance Bureau, District Ludhiana.

This Court, vide order dated 04.08.2026, had directed the petitioner to appear before the SHO/Investigating Officer and join investigation and in the event of his arrest, he was ordered to be released on interim bail to the satisfaction of the SHO/Investigating Officer, subject to the conditions envisaged under Section 482(2) of the BNSS (erstwhile Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.).

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in compliance of the order dated 04.08.2026, passed by this Court, the petitioner has joined and cooperated with the investigation.

Learned State counsel states that the petitioner has joined the investigation and is not required for further custodial interrogation.

In view of the statement made by learned State counsel, the petition is allowed and the interim order dated 04.08.2026 is made absolute. The petitioner shall continue to join investigation, as and when called by the Investigating Officer and shall also abide by the conditions as provided under Section 482(2) of the BNSS.

However, it is clarified that the investigating authority on addition of an offence or offences may not proceed to arrest the accused/petitioner, but for arresting the accused/petitioner on such addition of offence or offences it needs to obtain an order to arrest the accused/petitioners from the Court which had granted the bail in view of the judgment passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Sumit Vs State of U.P. and Another, Criminal Appeal No. 830 of 2026, decided on 09.02.2026.

Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of.