IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH (109) CRM-M-23084-2025(O&M)

Date of Decision:- 23.03.2026 HIMANSHU JOHAR ……Petitioner Versus STATE OF PUNJAB ……Respondent CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE ALOK JAIN ****

Present: Mr. Shubham Aggarwal, Advocate for the petitioner.

(through VC).

Mr. Amandeep Singh Samra, AAG, Punjab.

Ms. Sanchi Bindra, Advocate for the complainant.

****

ALOK JAIN, J. (Oral)

1. The present petition has been filed seeking the grant of anticipatory bail under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 to the petitioner in FIR No. 14 dated 04.03.2025, registered under Sections 316(2) and 85 of the BNS, 2023 at Police Station Women Police Commissionerate, Ludhiana.

2. Vide order dated 10.03.2026, this Court, while granting the concession of interim anticipatory bail, directed the petitioner to join the investigation.

3. Learned State counsel submits that the petitioner has joined the investigation and that his custodial interrogation is no longer required.

4. However, learned counsel for the complainant submits that despite being granted multiple opportunities, the petitioner has failed to cooperate in the recovery of the dowry articles.

5. Per contra, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the list of dowry articles and istridhan is vague and unnecessarily exaggerated. It is further submitted that all articles in his possession have already been returned, except for the car, which is registered in the petitioner’s name.

6. In response, learned counsel for the complainant submits that the complainant was paying the EMIs of the said car, though it is not disputed that the registration of the vehicle is in the name of the petitioner.

It is also not denied that the loan for the said vehicle was secured jointly.

7. In light of the above, even if certain EMIs were paid by the complainant, the same would not fall within the ambit of demand of dowry, much less constitute harassment on account of non-fulfilment of dowry demands.

8. Considering the aforesaid facts and circumstances, and taking into account that the dispute emanates from matrimonial discord, the present petition is allowed. The order dated 10.03.2026 granting interim anticipatory bail to the petitioner is hereby made absolute. However, the petitioner shall join the investigation as and when called upon to do so by the Investigating Agency and shall abide by the conditions of Section 482 of the BNSS.

9. It is clarified that nothing stated herein shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case.

10. It is further made clear that, in the event the petitioner is found involved in any such activity in the future, the concession granted by way of this order shall be liable to be withdrawn.

11. It is also clarified that this order shall not be construed as granting parity to any other co-accused.

12. Pending application(s), if any, stands disposed of.

(ALOK JAIN)

March 23, 2026 JUDGE manju Whether speaking/reasoned:- Yes/No Whether Reportable:- Yes/No