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New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Friday refused to grant bail to suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who was arrested by the CBI in a corruption case, upholding the earlier denial of relief by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that key witnesses in the case were yet to be examined, indicating that granting bail at this stage could impact the trial. “To that extent, the high court appears to be correct,” the Bench remarked while declining the plea.

However, the court provided limited relief, allowing Bhullar to approach the High Court again if the trial does not commence within two months, and directing that any such application be considered on its merits.

Arguments by Defence

Appearing for Bhullar, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that:

• The investigation was complete, and both the charge sheet and supplementary charge sheet had been filed
• Continued custody would serve no further purpose
• As a senior police officer under suspension, Bhullar was not a flight risk and had no capacity to influence the probe

He also contended that the case was not based on a direct trap but on indirect allegations, including claims that money was received on Bhullar’s behalf and communicated digitally.

Court’s Reasoning

The Bench, however, was not convinced, noting that:

• Material witnesses are yet to be examined
• The trial process is at a crucial stage
• Granting bail could potentially affect the course of proceedings

Accordingly, the court declined to interfere with the High Court’s earlier order rejecting bail.

Background of the Case

Bhullar was arrested on October 17, 2025, in a corruption case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years. The High Court had earlier rejected his bail plea on February 16.

Before the High Court, Bhullar had argued that:

• Most witnesses were official witnesses, and the complainant
• His suspension eliminated any risk of tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses
• He had already spent substantial time in custody

Despite these submissions, both the High Court and now the Supreme Court have found insufficient grounds for granting bail at this stage, signalling a cautious judicial approach in corruption cases involving senior officials. The matter will now hinge on the progress of the trial, with the possibility of renewed bail consideration if proceedings are delayed.