SANDEEP MOUDGIL, J. (ORAL)

1. Prayer

The jurisdiction of this Court has been invoked under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in FIR No.0071 dated 07.03.2026 under Sections 34/420/467/468/471 of IPC (now Sections 3(5)/318(4)/338/336(2)/340(2) of BNS, 2023) registered at Police Station City Mandi Dabwali, District Dabwali (Annexure P-1).

2. Contention

On behalf of the petitioner

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is contended that the FIR has been lodged at the instance of the complainant, who allegedly harbours personal animosity towards the petitioner and, while claiming to be a news reporter, is stated to have a history of intimidating and blackmailing individuals. Counsel further submits that there is no documentary evidence on record linking the petitioner to the alleged offence. It is also submitted that the petitioner is ready and willing to join the investigation and to cooperate with the investigating agency as and when required.

On behalf of the State

Learned State counsel vehemently opposes the prayer made by learned counsel for the petitioner by stat