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Latest JudgementIndian Penal Code, 1860

Chhinder Kumar @ Chindi @ Shindi v. State of Punjab, 2026

The decision underscores judicial intolerance towards honour killing and crimes arising out of perceived family honour.

Punjab and Haryana High Court·27 February 2026
Chhinder Kumar @ Chindi @ Shindi v. State of Punjab, 2026
Indian Penal Code, 1860
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Judgement Details

Court

Punjab and Haryana High Court

Date of Decision

27 February 2026

Judges

Justice Sumeet Goel

Citation

Acts / Provisions

Section 13(1)(ia), Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

Section 25, Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

Facts of the Case

  • An FIR was registered in District Moga, Punjab for offences under Sections 302, 452, 364, 148 and 149 IPC.

  • The case relates to an alleged honour killing of a couple who had solemnised a court marriage against the wishes of the girl’s parents.

  • Apprehending danger, the couple took shelter at the house of the complainant in village Ronta.

  • On 17.10.2021, around noon, 15–16 persons allegedly arrived in three vehicles, forcibly entered the house, assaulted and abducted the couple.

  • Later, the bodies of the couple were found dumped in village Sappan Wali, Tehsil Abohar, District Fazilka.

  • The petitioner was arrested on 05.11.2021 and the challan was presented on 31.01.2022.

  • The petitioner’s earlier bail plea had been dismissed as withdrawn on 08.01.2024.

  • The present petition was filed seeking regular bail.

Issues

  1. Whether the petitioner was entitled to regular bail in a case involving alleged honour killing and double murder?

  2. Whether absence of a specific overt act attributed to the petitioner justified grant of bail?

  3. Whether prolonged custody and slow progress of trial constituted a substantial change in circumstances for entertaining a successive bail petition?

Held

  • The petitioner was not entitled to regular bail.

  • No substantial change in circumstances was made out.

  • The gravity of the offence outweighed considerations of custody period.

  • The bail petition was dismissed.

Analysis

  • The Court reaffirmed that in bail matters, gravity of offence and societal impact are key considerations.

  • It applied the principles laid down in Amarmani Tripathi regarding factors such as prima facie case, seriousness of offence and likelihood of witness tampering.

  • The decision underscores judicial intolerance towards honour killing and crimes arising out of perceived family honour.

  • By directing expeditious trial, the Court balanced the rights of the accused with the need for speedy justice.

  • The judgment clarifies that bail cannot be granted merely on the ground of delay in trial in cases of heinous crime.