Punjab & Haryana HC asks Gurdas Maan to join investigation within five weeks while making grant of interim bail absolute

Read Order: Gurdas Maan vs. State of Punjab

Tulip Kanth

Chandigarh , October 1, 2021: In a case pertaining to an FIR wherein the petitioner,Gurdas Maan, a renowned Punjabi singer, was alleged to have to hurt religious sentiments, the Punjab and Haryana HC has made absolute the interim bail granted on September 15,2021 while asking him to join investigation within five weeks.

In this case it was alleged that while performing at the premises of Dera Baba Murad Shah Ji Trust, the petitioner had made certain comments which hurt the religious sentiments of a community. 

On September 15,2021,the High Court had granted interim bail to the petitioner subject to his joining investigation within a week. 

Now when this matter was taken up on September 30,2021, the counsel for the petitioner stated that the petitioner had been tested for Corona positive. It was further submitted that the petitioner would join the investigation as soon as he recovers from Covid-19.

The counsel also submitted that in the meantime, the petitioner volunteers to join the investigation through video conference if investigating agency so desires. It was also stated that the petitioner was seeking four weeks time for physically joining the investigation. Further submission was that no recovery is to be made from the petitioner even as per the stand taken by the State

Furthermore, it was not disputed by the counsel for the State that the petitioner had tested Corona positive and it was reiterated that custody is not required.

However, the counsel for the complainant vehemently opposed the prayer for confirmation of interim bail.

The Bench Of Justice Avneesh Jhingan stated that as no custodial interrogation of the petitioner is required, the interim bail granted on September 15,2021, is made absolute.

The Court also ordered the petitioner to join the investigation within five weeks  and in meantime Investigating Officer may join petitioner through video conference.

“In case of failure of the petitioner to join the investigation within five weeks, the State would be at liberty to move an application for re-calling the order”, added the Bench.