IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH

206 CRM-M-249-2026 VIKASH RANA ....PETITIONER V/s STATE OF HARYANA AND ANOTHER ....RESPONDENT Date of decision:03.02.2026 Date of uploading:03.02.2026 CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Mr. Pankaj Bali, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Gurmeet Singh, AAG, Haryana.

Mr. DPS Bajwa, Advocate for the complainant.

*****

SUMEET GOEL , J .

1. Present petition has been filed under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023 for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in case bearing FIR No.690 dated 26.11.2025 registered for offences punishable under Sections

316(2), 318(4) of BNS 2023 at Police Station Assandh, District Karnal.

2. On 09.01.2026, the following order was passed:-

“Apprehending his arrest in FIR No.690 dated 26.11.2025 registered for offences punishable under Sections 316(2), 318(4) of BNS 2023 at Police Station Assandh, District Karnal; the petitioner has preferred this petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail.

Counsel for the petitioner, inter alia, contends that the genesis of the FIR in question is a loan/civil dispute, a civil suit already stands initiated between the parties in August, 2024 whereas the FIR in question was registered in November, 2025 & the petitioner is Notice of motion.

On the strength of advance notice; Ms. Mahima Yashpal Singla, Senior DAG, Haryana has entered appearance on behalf of the respondent- State of Haryana.

At this stage, Mr. DPS Bajwa, Advocate has entered appearance on behalf of respondent No.2 and filed his power of attorney.

Adjourned to 29.01.2026.

The petitioner is directed to appear before the Investigating Officer on 13.01.2026 at 11:00 A.M. in concerned Police Station and join investigation. In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail subject to his furnishing personal/surety bond(s) to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer. As and when further called by Investigating Officer, the petitioner shall join the investigation. He shall abide by the condition(s) enumerated under Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.”

3. Learned State counsel (on instructions) has submitted that the petitioner has joined investigation but his further custodial interrogation is required for effecting the recovery of money in question.

4. Learned counsel for the complainant has vehemently opposed the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner by arguing that the allegations raised against the petitioner are direct/serious in nature and hence he ought not to be extended the concession of anticipatory bail. He has further iterated that in case the petitioner is extended the concession of anticipatory bail, there is all the likelihood that he may interfere with the investigation as also intimidate the investigation/witnesses.

5. Having heard learned counsel for the rival parties and upon perusal of the record; especially keeping in view the factum of the petitioner interrogation being sought only for recovery of money in question; this Court is inclined to confirm the order dated 09.01.2026.

6. Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the order dated 09.01.2026, granting anticipatory bail to the petitioner is hereby made absolute, subject to the conditions as enumerated under Section 482(2) of BNSS..

7. This order should not be treated as “blanket” order. It will not be read granting petitioner indefinite protection from arrest. It shall be confined to the FIR mentioned ibid and will not operate in respect of any other incident that involves commission of an offence.

8. Liberty is reserved in favour of State/complainant to move for cancellation/recall of this order in case the petitioner violates any condition stipulated under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 or upon showing any other sufficient cause.

9. Needless to say that anything observed herein above shall not be construed to be an opinion on the merits of the case.

10. Pending application(s)