BALAM SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner seeks grant of regular bail in case FIR No.168, dated 15.12.2004, registered under Sections 279/308/337/338/427 of the IPC, at Police Station Moonak, District Sangrur. Counsel for the petitioner contends that during investigation, the petitioner was found innocent and placed in column No.2. He has been summoned, pursuant to an order, passed under Section 319 of the Cr.P.C. All other co-accused have already been released on bail. Counsel for the respondent, on the other hand, contends that the mere fact that the petitioner was placed in column No.2 would not entitle him to the grant of bail.

(2.) I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record. The petitioner was found innocent and placed in column No.2. He has been summoned, pursuant to an order, passed under Section 319 of the Cr.P.C. All other co-accused have been released on bail. Charges have been framed and the trial is in progress. Counsel for the respondent has not expressed any apprehension that if released on bail, the petitioner would tamper with the prosecution evidence or in any manner subvert the process of trial. Bail to the satisfaction of Chief Judicial Magistrate/Duty Crl.Misc.No.28824.M of 2006 :: 2 :: Magistrate, Sangrur. Nothing, stated herein, shall be construed to be an expression of opinion, on the merits of the controversy.