Punjab & Haryana High Court Grants Interim Pre-Arrest Bail In Cheating Case On Condition Of Planting Ten Saplings Of Indigenous Plants

The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted interim anticipatory bail in a cheating case, subject to the condition of planting 10 saplings of indigenous plants in a public place. It stated further, that if the condition is not complied with, the order will be recalled.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu said, "The petitioner shall plant 10 saplings of indigenous plants at a public place and submit proof in that regard by way of photographs before the Registry before the next date of hearing, failing which the Registry is directed to place the matter before the appropriate Bench where the Bench may consider recall of the order."

The Court was hearing the anticipatory bail plea of a 45-year-old woman in a fraud case under Sections 34, 420, 447, 506, 511, 467, 468, 471 IPC.

Counsel for the petitioner argued that the offences of cheating, forgery and house trespass as alleged against the petitioner have arisen out of a controversy centred around a Will which is subject matter of challenge in civil litigation.

"Though the report of Forensic Science Laboratory is against the petitioner but the report of Handwriting Expert is in favour of the petitioner," he added.

The counsel also informed the Court that, the petitioner has no criminal antecedents and therefore, the possibility of the petitioner fleeing may not arise and her arrest may entail serious adverse consequences to her personal life and dignity of a woman.

After hearing the submissions, the Court allowed the interim-anticipatory bail plea subject to her furnishing personal bonds for a sum of Rs.50,000 with two sureties of the like amount each to the satisfaction of Arresting/Investigating Officer.

The Court also directed the petitioner to join the investigation as and when called upon to do so and cooperate with the Arresting/Investigating Officer and shall abide by the conditions as provided under Section 482(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

While listing the matter for October 15, the Court said the order is subject to the condition of planting 10 saplings of Indigenous plants in a public place.

Mr. Kunal Dawar, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Mr. Deepak Balyan, Addl. Advocate General, Haryana.

 Title: Anita Chaudhary v. State of Haryana

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