JUDGMENT

Anupinder Singh Grewal, J. - Heard through video conferencing.

2. The petitioner is seeking anticipatory bail in FIR No. 58 dated 30.03.2020, under Sections 307, 323, 186, 353, 188, 269, 270, 341, 148, 149 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, registered at Police Station Dharamkot, District Moga.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that it is alleged that an altercation took place between the villagers and the police with regard to setting up barricade to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. He, however, contends that simple injuries were caused on both sides. He also contends that the petitioner had earlier been granted ad interim bail and had joined investigation. The petitioner was declared innocent by the police and consequently the previous application, i.e. CRM-M No.30412 of 2020, for anticipatory bail had been withdrawn on 13.01.2021. He further contends that co-accused, Satpal Singh @ Satta Singh, Gurdev Singh and Bagicha Singh have been granted anticipatory bail by the Coordinate Bench of this Court.

4. This Court, by order dated 28.04.2021 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.

5. Learned State counsel, upon instructions from SI Major Singh, states that the petitioner has been declared innocent after investigation and is not required for custodial interrogation.

6. In view of the above, the order dated 28.04.2021 granting interim bail to the petitioner is made absolute.

7. 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.

8. The petition stands disposed of.