S.S. Saron, J.@mdashHeard learned Counsel for the parties.
2. The Petitioner seeks regular bail in a case registered against him on 21.7.2008 for the offences under Sections 419, 420, 467, 468, 471 and
120-B IPC; besides, Section 12(b) of the Passport Act.
3. The FIR in the case has been registered after recording a joint statement of Amrik Singh Panch and Kulwant Singh, Panch residents of Village
Ibrahimwal. It is stated by them stated that they knew Manjit Singh son of Avtar Singh. His name, father''s name, caste were correct. He was not
taking part in any terrorist or political activities and was doing house-hold work. He was getting his passport prepared for the first time and the
photo affixed on the form was his photograph. It was stated that he (Manjit Singh) bears good moral character and that they authenticate the same.
It is during the verification of the passport file of Manjit Singh the Police went to Village Ibrahimwal where Manjit Singh was called by Amrik Singh
Panch and Kulwant Singh Panch. They got their said statement recorded before Balwinder Singh Constable. However, from secret inquiry, it was
found that Manjit Singh had prepared a false document for getting the passport prepared and that his real name was Ranjit Singh (Petitioner). A
photo copy of the voter list and copy of identity card of Election Commission was procured; besides, Ranjit Singh had taken loan from Co-
operative Bank, Kapurthala (Branch Ibrahimwal) where he had given an affidavit in the said Bank in the name of Ranjit Singh. Therefore, the
Petitioner was getting his passport made in the name of Manjit Singh.
4. The case is triable by the Magistrate of the Ist Class. The offence u/s 12(b) of the Passport Act, 1967 provides for punishment with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to Rs. 5,000/-or with both. The Petitioner was arrested in
the case on 21.2.2011 and since then he is in custody. The prosecution is to establish its case by leading evidence. The trial in the case is likely to
take time.
5. In the facts and circumstances, the Petitioner on his furnishing personal bond and surety to the satisfaction of the learned trial Court shall be
admitted to bail.
6. The criminal miscellaneous petition stands disposed of.
