CRM-M-24070-2026 (O&M) -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 234 CRM-M-24070-2026 (O&M) Date of decision:08.07.2026 Arman @ Mandeep ... Petitioner Vs. State of Haryana ... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present: Mr. P.S. Sekhon, Senior Advocate with Mr. G.S. Dhillon, Advocate and Mr. Kaushal, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Neeraj Poswal, AAG, Haryana. ... Manisha Batra, J. (Oral). 1. The present petition has been filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’) by the petitioner seeking grant of regular bail in case bearing FIR No. 366 dated 28.11.2024 registered under Sections 15(c), 29 and 31 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short, ‘NDPS Act’) at Police Station Kalayat, District Kaithal. 2. As per the allegations, on 25.11.2024, the petitioner and co-accused Sachin were apprehended and 44 kgs 680 grams of poppy husk was recovered from the car of which they were the occupants. They were formally arrested. Some other accused were also arrested subsequently. Investigation now stands concluded. HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.09 13:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-24070-2026 (O&M) -2-

3. It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been falsely implicated in this case. A false recovery has been planted upon him. He is in custody since long. The trial will take considerable time to conclude. No useful purpose would be served by detaining him in custody anymore. Co-accused Sonu has already been extended benefit of bail by this Court. On parity, he too deserves to be given the same benefit. It is, hence, argued that the petition deserves to be allowed. 4. Per contra, learned State counsel has argued that there are serious allegations against the petitioner. He is a habitual offender being involved in 03 more cases of similar nature. There are chances of his absconding or committing similar offences, if extended benefit of bail. It is, hence, stressed that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. 5. This Court has heard the rival submissions made by learned counsel for the parties at considerable length.

6. The petitioner along with co-accused Sachin is alleged to have been found in conscious possession of 44 kgs and 680 grams of poppy husk which is of non-commercial quantity. The co-accused has been extended benefit of bail. The principle of parity weighs in his favour. The chances of conclusion of trial in near future are bleak as none out of 32 prosecution witnesses has been examined so far. No useful purpose would be served by continued detention of the petitioner. Taking into consideration the above discussed facts, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petitioner had made out a case for release on bail. Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail subject to his furnishing personal/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the learned Chief Judicial HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.09 13:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-24070-2026 (O&M) -3- Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned. 7. It is clarified that observations made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. 8. Since the main petition has already been disposed of, pending application, if any, is rendered infructuous. (MANISHA BATRA) 08.07.2026 JUDGE harjeet Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether reportable: Yes/No HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.09 13:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-M-24070-2026 (O&M) -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 234 CRM-M-24070-2026 (O&M) Date of decision:08.07.2026 Arman @ Mandeep ... Petitioner Vs. State of Haryana ... Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present: Mr. P.S. Sekhon, Senior Advocate with Mr. G.S. Dhillon, Advocate and Mr. Kaushal, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Neeraj Poswal, AAG, Haryana. ... Manisha Batra, J. (Oral). 1. The present petition has been filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’) by the petitioner seeking grant of regular bail in case bearing FIR No. 366 dated 28.11.2024 registered under Sections 15(c), 29 and 31 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short, ‘NDPS Act’) at Police Station Kalayat, District Kaithal. 2. As per the allegations, on 25.11.2024, the petitioner and co-accused Sachin were apprehended and 44 kgs 680 grams of poppy husk was recovered from the car of which they were the occupants. They were formally arrested. Some other accused were also arrested subsequently. Investigation now stands concluded. HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.09 13:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-24070-2026 (O&M) -2-

3. It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been falsely implicated in this case. A false recovery has been planted upon him. He is in custody since long. The trial will take considerable time to conclude. No useful purpose would be served by detaining him in custody anymore. Co-accused Sonu has already been extended benefit of bail by this Court. On parity, he too deserves to be given the same benefit. It is, hence, argued that the petition deserves to be allowed. 4. Per contra, learned State counsel has argued that there are serious allegations against the petitioner. He is a habitual offender being involved in 03 more cases of similar nature. There are chances of his absconding or committing similar offences, if extended benefit of bail. It is, hence, stressed that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. 5. This Court has heard the rival submissions made by learned counsel for the parties at considerable length.

6. The petitioner along with co-accused Sachin is alleged to have been found in conscious possession of 44 kgs and 680 grams of poppy husk which is of non-commercial quantity. The co-accused has been extended benefit of bail. The principle of parity weighs in his favour. The chances of conclusion of trial in near future are bleak as none out of 32 prosecution witnesses has been examined so far. No useful purpose would be served by continued detention of the petitioner. Taking into consideration the above discussed facts, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petitioner had made out a case for release on bail. Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail subject to his furnishing personal/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the learned Chief Judicial HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.09 13:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-24070-2026 (O&M) -3- Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned. 7. It is clarified that observations made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. 8. Since the main petition has already been disposed of, pending application, if any, is rendered infructuous. (MANISHA BATRA) 08.07.2026 JUDGE harjeet Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether reportable: Yes/No HARJEET KAUR 2026.07.09 13:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document