Raghubir Singh vs State of Punjab

The petitioner is seeking anticipatory bail in FIR No.111 dated 08.05.2015 under Sections 420 / 465 / 467 / 468 / 471 / 120-B IPC, registered at Police Station Shimlapuri, District Ludhiana.

Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that FIR has been lodged by Assistant General Manager of the bank against Mohd. Akbar, who had obtained house building loan for a sum of Rs. 5,00,000/- by mortgaging his property which was later on found to be not in his possession. He further contends that the petitioner, who was manager of the bank, has not been named in the FIR and has been arraigned as an accused later on, as he was working as manager at the time of issuance of loan. He further contends that loan had been sanctioned on the basis of report of an advocate as well as valuation report of a government approved valuator. The Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana had also issued sanction for carrying out the construction in favour of the borrowers-Mohd. Akbar and Mohd. Afzal.

This Court, by the order dated 27.10.2017, had directed the petitioner to join investigation and in the event of his arrest, he was ordered to be released on ad-interim bail to the satisfaction of Arresting/Investigating Officer, subject to the conditions envisaged under Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.

Learned State counsel, upon instructions from HC Hardev Singh, states that in pursuance to the order dated 27.10.2017, the petitioner has joined investigation and is not required for custodial interrogation.

In view of the above and without expressing any opinion on the merits of case, the order dated 27.10.2017, granting ad-interim bail to the petitioner, is hereby made absolute. However, the petitioner shall abide by the conditions envisaged under Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.

The petition stands disposed of accordingly.