"High Court Denies Interim Bail for Daughter's Wedding, Allows One-Day Attendance in Police Custody"

In a recent judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court denied the plea for interim regular bail for ten days to Balwant Singh, who is facing charges under Section 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. However, the court granted him permission to attend his daughter's wedding for one day, albeit in police custody.

Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul, presiding over the case, acknowledged the petitioner's plea, citing the significance of a father's presence during his daughter's wedding rituals and customs. In her oral observations, she stated, "This Court is not inclined to accept the prayer of the petitioner for grant of interim bail for 10 days. However, he is allowed to attend the marriage of his daughter only for 01 day... in police custody."

The petitioner's counsel argued for the necessity of his presence at the upcoming wedding, scheduled to take place on June 7, 2023, in Badshapur village, Kapurthala district. The court recognized the customary obligations but also took into consideration the concerns raised by the State counsel regarding the likelihood of the petitioner absconding.

As per the court's decision, Balwant Singh will be taken under police custody from the jail where he is presently lodged to the wedding venue at 7:00 a.m. on June 7, 2023. He must be escorted back to the jail by 4:00 p.m. on the same day. The petitioner will bear all the travel expenses incurred by the authorities concerned.

While the court denied the ten-day interim bail, this judgment provides a limited opportunity for the petitioner to be present on his daughter's special day, albeit under the supervision of the authorities. The decision strikes a balance between the petitioner's familial obligations and the concerns of absconding raised by the State counsel.

Date of Decision: 5th June, 2023

Balwant Singh @ Satta Vs  State of Punjab