PRINCE Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Prince, the petitioner seeks pre-arrest bail in a case registered by way of FIR No. 71 dated 12.05.2012 at Police Station Division No.6 Industrial Area, Ludhiana City, for an offence punishable under sections 120-B, 186, 295-A, 307, 332, 353 and 420 IPC read with section 13-A of the Public Gambling Act, 1867.

(2.) Learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that Sonu, a co-accused of the petitioner against whom the allegations were same, has been granted bail by this court. According to him, the case in hand is an example of political vendetta unleashed by the people of the opposite party in order to take advantage in the coming municipal elections. He has further submitted that the only allegation against the petitioner is of catching hold of the hand of the complainant. He has added that the petitioner has joined the investigation and his custodial interrogation is not required.

(3.) Learned State counsel, on the other hand, has submitted that the case against Sonu was different from the case against Prince, the petitioner. According to her, the petitioner had caught hold of one hand of the complainant whereas his other hand was caught by Ashok and he was assaulted with iron rod by Bobby. According to her, the role of the petitioner is equal to the role of Bobby in causing injuries to the complainant, who had been a police official. She has further submitted that the fact that a police official, who was on duty has been assaulted in this manner, adds to the seriousness of the case.