Authority: High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh

Order Date: 15 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioner – Sonia Shai; Respondents – State of Punjab and another (identified as Prem Singh).
  • Case Number: CRM‑M‑28594‑2026.
  • FIR Details: FIR registered on 01‑04‑2025 under Section 318(4) of the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) and Section 13 of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2014.
  • Allegations: The petitioner operated an immigration consultancy named "Sahi Immigration" and assured the complainant that she could obtain United Kingdom work‑permit visas for the complainant’s son and daughter‑in‑law. In reliance, the complainant paid ₹28,40,000.
  • Financial Transactions: The petitioner issued several cheques towards repayment; only one cheque was honoured, the remaining cheques were dishonoured.
  • Licensing Issue: Investigation revealed the petitioner did not possess a valid licence required under the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act to provide overseas visa and immigration services.
  • Nature of Offence: The State counsel framed the conduct as cheating under the relevant provisions, emphasizing the substantial amount involved and the absence of any legitimate licence.
  • Legal Submissions: Petitioner's counsel argued the matter was essentially civil, lacking dishonest intent, and sought anticipatory bail. The State counsel countered that the allegations constitute a serious criminal offence warranting custodial interrogation.
  • Court’s Observations: The Court noted the seriousness of the allegations, the pattern of similar past conduct, and the necessity of custodial interrogation to uncover further information. Reference was made to State v. Anil Sharma (1997) regarding anticipatory bail considerations.

Final Outcome

  • The Court dismissed the anticipatory bail petition, finding it devoid of merit and emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.
  • Custodial interrogation was ordered to facilitate a thorough investigation.
  • All pending applications related to the petition were also disposed of.

Topics: Anticipatory Bail, Immigration Fraud