IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH Kulwinder Singh alias Chhotu ….Petitioner Versus State of Punjab …Respondent Date of Decision: February 16, 2026 Date of Uploading: February 16, 2026 CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present:- Mr. Mohinder Singh, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Adhiraj Singh Thind, AAG Punjab.

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SUMEET GOEL, J. (ORAL)

Present second petition has been filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’) for grant of regular bail to the petitioner, in case bearing FIR No.365 dated 18.12.2022, registered for the offences punishable under Sections 302, 379-B, 34 and 411 of the IPC, 1860, at Police Station Tripuri, Patiala.

2. The gravamen of the FIR in question is that the complainant, namely, Manjit Kaur stated that on 13.12.2022, her son, Khushpreet Singh, left home at approximately 7:30 A.M. with his e-rickshaw as part of his usual daily routine. However, he did not return home thereafter. The complainant expressed suspicion that her son may have been illegally detained by unknown person(s).

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner has argued that the petitioner is in custody since 16.01.2023. Learned couns