Interim protection from arrest may be confirmed if the accused demonstrates full compliance with investigation conditions and does not interfere with witnesses or the legal process.

O R D E R

1. Leave granted.

2. The appellant challenges the judgment and order dated 06.03.2025 in CRM-M No.3584 of 2025, titled “Chirag Sharma Vs. State of Punjab”, passed by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh.

3. On 15.12.2025, this Court passed the following order:-

“1. The petitioner challenges the judgment and order dated 06.03.2025 in CRMM No. 3584/2025 passed by the High Court of Punjab & Haryana at Chandigarh titled “Chirag Sharma vs. State of Punjab”.

2. Delay condoned.

3. Let the prosecutrix/victim be impleaded in this petition as a party respondent by masking her name as ‘X’. Amended memo of party be filed within two weeks.

4. Issue notice, returnable on 19.01.2026.

Signature Not Verified

Digitally signed by

RAJNI MUKHI

Date: 2026.03.09

18:11:28 IST

Reason:

5. Mr. Karan Sharma, learned counsel for the State of Punjab appears and accepts notice on behalf of the State.

6. Notice to be served to the newly added respondent through the concerned Station House Officer (SHO).

7. Dasti service, in addition, is permitted. Let steps for service be taken within two weeks.

8. In the notice itself let it be mentioned that the respondent is required to file the counter affidavit and reply to the interlocutory application, if any before the next date of listing.

9. In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall not be arrested in connection with FIR No.364/2024 under Sections 70(1), 71 & 351(2) of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023 and Section 66 of Information Technology Act, registered at Police Station Sohana, District SAS Nagar, Punjab subject to the petitioner cooperating in the ongoing investigation.”

4. We have heard learned counsel for the parties and also perused the materials available on record.

5. It is not in dispute that the conditions stand fully complied with; the appellant has cooperated during the investigation; he has not threatened or intimidated any of the witnesses; or has tried to influence the investigation in any manner.

6. We have noticed the nature of crime and the manner in which it was allegedly committed.

7. We allow the present appeal by confirming the order dated 15.12.2025, passed by this Court, with a direction to the appellant to continue to cooperate during the investigation/trial and not to take any unnecessary adjournment. Also, the appellant shall report before the Investigating Officer every alternate Monday, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., till such time the investigation is complete in all respects.

8. If the Investigating Officer/Arresting Officer/Trial Court feels that the investigation/trial is delayed on account of the appellant’s conduct, it shall be open to the Investigating Officer/Arresting Officer/Trial Court to take appropriate steps in accordance with the law, including cancellation of bail.

9. The impugned judgment and order dated 06.03.2025 passed by the High court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh is set aside.

10. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.