RUPINDER SINGH MANKU Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The matter is taken up for hearing through video conference due to COVID-19 situation.

(2.) This is a petition seeking anticipatory bail in F.I.R. No. 6, dtd. 8/5/2021, under Ss. 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 477-A, 201 and 120-B of IPC and Sec. 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (Amended by the P.C. Amendment) Act, 2018 registered at Vigilance Bureau, Phase-1, Mohali.

(3.) As per F.I.R., in connivance with the revenue officials, revenue records of Village Majrian, District Mohali were tampered with. Till the year 1991, the land in dispute was Shamlat Deh Hasab Rasad Jar Khewat in the name of Gram Panchayat as owner which was changed and the land was distributed amongst private persons. Certain new co-sharers were added and shares of existing co-sharers was increased. Thereafter, creating a chain of Power of Attorney [hereinafter 'POA'], sale deeds were executed. The allegations against the petitioner are that he was posted as Joint Sub-Registrar for the period 24/2/2009 to 8/11/2010 and 21/7/2011 to 30/7/2012 at Majrian and he registered General POAs and POAs of non-existent persons without identification and obtaining required documents on record.