MANJARI NEHRU KAUL, J. (ORAL)

Petitioner is seeking the concession of anticipatory bail in FIR No.143 dated 23.10.2024 under Sections 7, 13(2) of The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Sections 18 and 59 of the NDPS Act, 1985, registered at Police Station Kot Ise Khan, District Moga.

2. While issuing notice of motion on 26.11.2024, following submissions of learned counsel for the petitioner were recorded:-

“Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that petitioner, Manpreet Singh, and his nephew, Gurpreet Singh, have been falsely implicated in the present case. Being private persons, none of the offences alleged against them are substantiated. It is further contended that the prosecution has not alleged that they either offered a bribe or made any payment pursuant to such an offer to any police officials. Consequently, it is asserted that no offence under The Prevention of Corruption Act is made out against them.

Moreover, it is argued that Section 59 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act is applicable only to public officials and not to private persons like the petitioner. As regards Section 18 of the NDPS Act, it is submitted that an FIR dated 1st October,