The petitioner, Saurav Gupta, sought regular bail before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in connection with FIR No. 48 dated 27.02.2026, registered at Police Station City-1, Malerkotla, for offences of cheating, criminal conspiracy, causing disappearance of evidence, and violation of the Punjab Travel Professional Regulation Act, 2014, arising from allegations that he cheated the complainant and his wife of Rs. 24 lakhs on the pretext of sending them abroad on a work permit. The petitioner had been in custody since 03.03.2026, the challan had been filed, charges were yet to be framed, and 22 prosecution witnesses remained unexamined, making it clear that trial conclusion would take considerable time. The State and complainant opposed bail, citing serious allegations, non-recovery of the full amount, the petitioner's alleged status as a habitual offender, and risks of absconding and evidence tampering. The Court, relying on settled Supreme Court precedents on the purpose of bail and personal liberty under Article 21, found no tangible material to indicate risk of absconding or interference with evidence, and held that continued detention as an undertrial was not warranted. The petition was accordingly allowed and the petitioner was directed to be released on regular bail subject to several conditions.