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CHANDIGARH: A Special Court of the Central Bureau of Investigation in Chandigarh has declined to issue directions for immediate day-to-day trial proceedings in the corruption case involving suspended Harcharan Singh Bhullar and his associate Kirshanu Sharda, observing that such relief was “not practical” at the present stage of the proceedings.

The Special Judge disposed of an application filed by the CBI under Section 4 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, seeking the expeditious commencement and day-to-day hearing of the trial.

The court says day-to-day proceedings are impractical at the present stage

In its order, the court observed that proceedings in the matter were already being regulated carefully to avoid unnecessary delay because the accused were in custody.

“A perusal of the file suggests that the court has been regulating the proceedings to avoid delay in view of the fact that the accused are in custody by fixing the tight schedule, but to insist upon a day-to-day schedule at this stage by the prosecution is impracticable,” the court observed.

The judge further clarified that the provisions under Section 4 of the Prevention of Corruption Act primarily relate to the conduct of the trial after cognisance and particularly after the commencement of evidence.

“Formal directions for day-to-day trial, if any, may be given after framing of charge and at the commencement of the prosecution’s evidence,” the order stated.

The court ultimately concluded that the relief sought in the CBI application could not be granted in practice at this stage.

CBI cites High Court and Supreme Court observations

In its plea, the CBI submitted that it had completed the investigation in the case and filed a chargesheet on December 3, 2025.

The agency stated that the court had subsequently taken cognisance of the offences by an order dated March 13, 2026.

The CBI further relied upon earlier observations made by the Punjab and Haryana High Court while rejecting Bhullar’s bail plea.

The High Court had observed that the case was still at a nascent stage and that crucial witnesses — including the complainant and shadow witness — were yet to be examined. The court had also expressed apprehension that the accused could influence witnesses if released on bail.

The agency also referred to the Supreme Court of India’s order dated April 10, 2026, by which Bhullar’s bail application was dismissed.

However, the Supreme Court had observed that if the trial did not commence within two months, the accused would be at liberty to approach the High Court again for appropriate relief.

According to the CBI, these judicial observations underscored the necessity for expeditious commencement and progression of the trial.

Defence opposes plea, calls it an attempt to prolong custody

Senior Advocate Sartej Singh Narula, along with Advocate SPS Bhullar, appearing on behalf of accused Harcharan Singh Bhullar, opposed the CBI’s application.

The defence argued that the plea was frivolous and effectively amounted to an attempt by the investigating agency to secure the accused’s prolonged and indefinite incarceration.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed the application while reiterating that day-to-day trial directions were not practical at this stage.

Case relates to an alleged Rs 5 lakh bribe demand

The CBI registered the corruption case on October 16, 2025, based on a complaint filed by Akash Batta on October 11, 2025.

According to the agency, both accused were allegedly caught while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh.

The case had created significant attention within Punjab’s law enforcement circles because Bhullar was serving as a senior police officer at the time of the allegations.

Trial proceedings to continue

With the court declining the request for immediate day-to-day hearings, the case will continue according to the existing schedule fixed by the Special Court.

However, the Supreme Court’s observations on the commencement of trial are likely to remain significant in future bail proceedings if delays persist.

The matter is expected to proceed toward the framing of charges and the commencement of prosecution evidence in the coming weeks.