The Punjab and Haryana High Court has introduced a major reform in the bail process. Lawyers can now submit downloaded copies of bail orders, once attested, instead of certified copies. This move will help speed up the release of people already granted bail.
The court said people in judicial custody must not face delays after bail or suspension of sentence. Justices Anoop Chitkara and Mandeep Pannu explained that the change removes hold-ups caused when the court registry or public prosecutors fail to send orders quickly.
The judges directed that if the Registry, computer systems, or Public Prosecutor do not send bail or suspension orders on time, courts should accept downloaded copies. Officials will still verify them. Lawyers representing the accused can attest these copies as true, ending the need for certified versions.
The ruling came during a case involving Amit Rana, also known as Meeta. He kidnapped Pardeep Singh in Gurgaon in 2018 and received a life sentence in 2019 under Section 364A for kidnapping for ransom. The court also gave him sentences under Section 307 for attempt to murder and Section 397 for robbery with grievous hurt. By August 2, 2025, Rana had served more than eight years, including remission.
The kidnapping happened on May 17, 2018. That morning, the kidnappers demanded Rs 50,000. Pardeep’s uncle, Upendra, got ransom calls from Pardeep’s phone. He delivered Rs 20,000 at Hero Honda Chowk. Later, the kidnappers claimed they had shot Pardeep in the foot and abandoned him near Bhondsi Jail Road. Police soon found him near Sector 62 and took him to the hospital.
Investigators later arrested Rana and his co-accused Ajay. Both were already facing a weapons case. They admitted their roles in the kidnapping. Police recovered Rs 8,000 from Rana and Rs 7,500 from Ajay.
The court noted that the facts met the conditions of Section 364A. Still, it found no evidence linking the crime to a government or foreign entity. The judges weighed the modest ransom, the non-fatal injury, and Rana’s eight years in custody. They concluded that these factors justified suspending his sentence.
Rana will walk free if no other case requires his custody. He must provide bonds to ensure his court appearances.
This ruling marks a key step in reforming bail procedure. It removes needless delays and protects the right to liberty. The Amit Rana case shows how the change will work in practice.
