The Punjab and Haryana High Court has rejected the bail plea of former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia in a corruption case involving alleged illegal accumulation of assets exceeding ₹540 crore, as revealed in a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report. The order was issued by Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya, who simultaneously directed the investigating agency to complete its probe within three months.
While declining bail at this stage, the Court emphasized the importance of balancing individual liberty with the need for a thorough investigation. “The court is conscious of the fact that he cannot be kept in custody for an indefinite period… Therefore, it is directed that the investigation be completed within three months. Thereafter, the petitioner can seek his release on bail,” Justice Dahiya stated.
The High Court noted that Majithia faces serious allegations of economic offences. The investigation has reportedly uncovered substantial unaccounted funds in his bank accounts and the creation of numerous companies allegedly used to conduct covert financial transactions. According to the Court, funds were purportedly routed through foreign entities based in Singapore and Cyprus, with Majithia and his immediate family members allegedly maintaining direct or indirect control over most of these entities.
The Court observed that investigators are actively pursuing leads to trace the money trail. The probe includes scrutiny of records from multiple banks, financial institutions, and other agencies. Investigators also flagged concerns regarding the potential influence on more than 20 material witnesses, who were described as “vulnerable.”
Given Majithia’s stature as a prominent political figure and former cabinet minister, the Bench expressed apprehension that his release at this stage could lead to interference with the investigation, manipulation of financial records, or influencing of witnesses.
Addressing the petitioner’s argument regarding the legality of a second FIR, the Court clarified that there is no absolute bar on registering a fresh case if new and distinct offences emerge during the course of an investigation.
The case stems from an FIR registered on June 25 under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station, FS-1, Mohali, following the SIT’s findings on the alleged illicit accumulation of wealth.
The State was represented by Punjab Advocate-General Maninderjit Singh Bedi and Additional Advocate-General Chanchal K. Singla, along with supporting law officers.