IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPEAL No. OF 2026 [arising out of SLP (Crl.) No. 173 OF 2026]

NAVIN PATHAK @ NAVEEN PATHAK APPELLANT VERSUS STATE OF PUNJAB RESPONDENT

O R D E R

1. Leave granted.

2. By the impugned judgment and order dated 22^nd December, 2025, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh has rejected the appellant’s prayer for bail in anticipation of arrest.

3. Appellant figures as an accused in FIR No. 94 dated 9th October, 2018 registered with Police Station-Khilchian, District- Rural Punjab, Amritsar. It is alleged in the FIR that the appellant has committed offences punishable under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

4. We have heard learned counsel appearing for the appellant as well as the respondents.

J D A a T te IN : 2 D 0 E 2 R 6 . K 03 A . U 12 R 5. It is not in dispute that the appellant, in terms of an earlier order Reason:

of this Court, has since joined the investigation. In such view of the matter and taking into account the nature of allegations, we are of the considered opinion that custodial interrogation of the appellant is not necessary and that there is sufficient ground for the appell