IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH

214 CRM-M-32646-2025 Decided on:-13.01.2026 Ajay Kumar ....Petitioner Versus State of Punjab and Anr.

....Respondents CORAM:- HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE AMARJOT BHATTI Present:- Mr. Ram Kumar Saini, Advocate for the petitioner.

Ms. Amrit Kaur Mahir, AAG, Punjab.

Mr. M.S.Dua, Advocate For respondent No.2 (through video conferencing).

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AMARJOT BHATTI, J.(Oral)

1. Petitioner Ajay Kumar has filed petition under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of anticipatory bail in case FIR No.99 dated 29.04.2025, under Section 85, 316(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, registered at Police Station Sadar Fazilka, District Fazilka (Punjab).

2. As per the facts of case, complainant Sonia Rani filed written complaint against her husband Ajay Kumar and other members of in-laws family with the allegations of maltreatment on account of demand for dowry. Her marriage was solemnized with Ajay Kumar on 27.03.2022. Her parents had spent approximately Rs.10 lakhs on her marriage. She was given dowry articles consisting of costly items as her istridhan, as detailed in the FIR. After few days of marriage, maltreatment started. They were unhappy with the dowry articles and there was demand for a car. The complainant has given detail of several incidents which took place in the matrimonial home. All efforts to settle the dispute failed and finally, the complaint was filed on the basis of which present FIR has been registered.

3. Learned counsel for petitioner argued that allegations levelled against him are false. The matter is already settled with the intervention of Mediation and Conciliation Centre and all the terms and conditions are detailed in settlement/agreement dated 20.08.2025. The petitioner will remain bound by the terms and conditions of said agreement.

4. Bail petition is not opposed by learned counsel representing respondent No.2 in terms of aforesaid settlement/agreement.

5. Learned counsel representing State confirmed that in pursuance of interim relief granted by this Court vide order dated 03.07.2025, petitioner has joined investigation and he is not required for any other purpose. In pursuance of compromise arrived at between the parties, anticipatory bail petition is not opposed.

6. Since the dispute has arisen on account of matrimonial dispute and the same has been settled before Mediation and Conciliation Centre, both the parties are ready to abide by the terms and conditions detailed in the settlement dated 20.08.2025. No purpose would be served by sending the petitioner behind the bars. He is ready to join the investigation as and when required. Therefore, without expressing my mind on merits of the case, anticipatory bail petition filed by petitioner Ajay Kumar is allowed. He be not arrested. In case of his arrest, he be released on bail to the satisfaction of Arresting/Investigating Officer concerned, subject to condition that petitioner will join investigation as and when required. He will not tamper with or interfere with investigation and will not leave country without prior permission as provided under Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

7. Pending application(s), if any, also stands disposed of accordingly.

13.01.2026 (AMARJOT BHATTI)

Sunil Devi JUDGE