Petitioner applied for pre-arrest bail in an extortion case alleging impersonation as a news correspondent. The High Court denied bail noting repeated alleged misuse of press identity for extortion, leaving the petitioner free to seek regular bail. (September 9, 2023)TSM
Petitioner denied pre-arrest bail; instructed to surrender for regular bail.
This page shows the compact analysis of this judgement. The full analysis — procedural history, issue-by-issue holdings with ratio and obiter, advocates, and paragraph-level evidence for every claim — is being added to the record in batches and will appear here when this judgement has been through it.
Cr.Misc. M 17578 of 2011
1
IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH.
Cr.Misc. M 17578 of 2011 Date of decision: 19.8.2011
Sanjay Kumar
petitioner
vs
State of Punjab
respondent
Present:Mr. Puneet Garg, Advocate Mr. Kirat Singh, DAG, Pb
M.M.S.BEDI, J.
The petitioner seeks the concession of pre-arrest bail in a case, registered at the instance of Kuljit Singh Sodhi alleging that he is an Eye Specialist practicing at Sangrur. The petitioner along with two other persons Rajinder Kumar and Rajan Kumar had allegedly approached him to extract money with a threat that they being Press Reporters would make his life miserable. The petitioner had allegedly shown his visiting card representing himself to be a correspondent for various TV news channels without specifying the particulars.
Learned counsel for the petitioner has contended that the petitioner is a Press Reporter having been issued a press identity card (Annexure P2) by the Information and Public Relations Department, Govt. of Punjab and that he has been falsely implicated in the case. He has also submitted that the co-accused of the petitioner after having been arrested, has been granted the concession of bail.
Learned State counsel has opposed the petition for pre-arrest
Cr.Misc. M 17578 of 2011
2
bail on the ground that the petitioner has been booked in another case of extortion on 2.11.2010 registered at the instant of Motor Vehicle Inspector.
I have considered the facts and circumstances of this case. The allegations against the petitioner clearly indicate the misuse of his authority as a Press Reporter. It appears that he is repeatedly indulging in the activities of extortion using his Press Identity Card. No extra ordinary exceptional circumstances exist for the grant of pre-arrest bail to the petitioner.
Dismissed. However, this order will not prejudice his right to seek regular bail by surrendering before the Illaqa Magistrate.
August 19 , 2011 TSM
(M.M.S.BEDI ) JUDGE
1 issue framed by the court
Whether pre-arrest bail can be granted in a case alleging misuse of press credentials for extortion.
Sanjay Kumar
State of Punjab
M.M.S.BEDI
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
