Pronouncing the orders in the open court, Justice R.L. Anand of the High Court also directed the petitioner to surrender his passport, if any.

Justice Anand directed him against tampering with the prosecution evidence, directly or indirectly, besides asking him to appear before the investigating officer on May 21 at the Police Station.

The petitioner was booked by the Punjab Police on April 6 under Section 418, 451, 497, 498, 420, 109, besides Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.

Seeking his release on bail, the defence counsel had stated that "no cognizable offence was disclosed even prima facie so far as the petitioner was concerned".

The counsel said the subordinate officers had registered the case "in order to oblige" him. After hearing the arguments, Justice Anand observed: "I do not see any merit in the contention of the State as well as the counsel for the complainant. In this case, the wife of the complainant has already got divorce on May 3, 1999. The custodial investigation of the petitioner is not necessary in public interest".