P&H High Court Grants Bail in ₹55 Lakh Job Scam Case After 1.5 Years’ Custody

Case Name: Ravinder vs. State of Haryana
Date of Judgment: 10 November 2025
Citation: CRM-M-61565-2025
Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sumeet Goel

Held: The Punjab & Haryana High Court granted regular bail to the petitioner after noting that he had remained in custody for about one and a half years in a ₹55 lakh job fraud case. The Court found that the investigation was complete, the challan had been filed, and only two out of twelve witnesses had been examined. It held that continued detention was unnecessary and relied on the principles in Gudikanti Narasimhulu, Gurcharan Singh, and Sanjay Chandra, which emphasise liberty, necessity-based detention, and the presumption of innocence.

Summary: The FIR alleged that the petitioner and his co-accused collected ₹55 lakh from the complainant by promising a government job for the complainant’s son. Two cheques issued later by the petitioner for ₹27 lakh and ₹28 lakh were dishonoured. The petitioner argued false implication, long custody since 30.06.2024, and completion of investigation. The State opposed bail but confirmed the custody duration. The Court observed that the trial was moving slowly, the petitioner did not pose a flight risk, and the case involved debatable issues that would be tested only during trial. It held that prolonged incarceration before conviction violated Article 21 and that a second bail petition was maintainable due to change in circumstances.

Decision: The Court allowed the petition and granted regular bail on the petitioner furnishing bail and surety bonds to the satisfaction of the CJM/Duty Magistrate. He must not misuse his liberty, tamper with evidence, threaten witnesses, commit any offence, or change his mobile number without prior permission. He must appear on all trial dates and deposit his passport, if any. The State may seek cancellation of bail if he breaches any condition.