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Punjab & Haryana High Court Sets 3-Month Deadline to Complete Probe
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday dismissed the plea for regular bail filed by former Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia in a high-profile corruption case linked to an alleged Rs 540 crore illegal wealth accumulation, even as it directed the investigating agency to complete the probe within three months.
Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya, while declining relief to Majithia at this stage, made it clear that prolonged incarceration without the investigation being completed would be impermissible and therefore fixed a strict time frame for the Vigilance Bureau to wrap up the investigation. “The court is conscious of the fact that the petitioner cannot be kept in custody for an indefinite period, as that would infringe his right to liberty… The investigating agency owes a duty to the State to complete the investigation within a reasonable time. Therefore, it is directed that the investigation be completed within three months. Thereafter, the petitioner can seek his release on bail,” Justice Dahiya observed.
Court Flags Serious Economic Offences, Unaccounted Wealth
Rejecting the bail request, the court underscored that Majithia is accused of serious economic offences, and the investigation so far has revealed huge unaccounted money allegedly parked in his bank accounts.
The Bench noted that a large number of shell companies were created to route financial transactions surreptitiously for his benefit, pointing to a well-orchestrated financial network allegedly under his direct or indirect control.
Justice Dahiya further recorded that funds were routed through foreign entities based in Singapore and Cyprus, and that the investigation indicated that the petitioner, along with his immediate family members, appeared to be the principal beneficiary.
Money Trail Still Being Traced, Close Associates Under Scanner
The court observed that the money trail is still being tracked and that the investigation into the roles of Majithia’s close associates, financial experts, and connected entities is at a crucial stage. Investigators are in the process of retrieving critical records linked to questionable financial transactions from multiple banks, financial institutions and regulatory agencies, the order noted.
Apprehension of Influence if Released
Highlighting Majithia’s political stature, the court described him as “one of the prominent political figures of Punjab” who had served as a cabinet minister for over seven years. It also took note of the prosecution’s submission that around 20 material witnesses are “vulnerable” at this stage of the probe.
The Bench held that the risk of influencing witnesses, tampering with evidence, manipulating financial records, and obstructing the investigation cannot be ruled out if the petitioner is released at this juncture.
Second FIR Valid, Court Rejects Defence Objection
The High Court also rejected Majithia’s argument challenging the validity of a separate FIR. Justice Dahiya clarified that there is no absolute legal bar on registration of a fresh FIR if separate offences surface during the course of investigation.“There is no absolute prohibition on registering a new case based on fresh material coming to light while investigating an earlier case,” the court ruled.
Case Origin
The case traces its origin to an FIR registered on June 25 at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station, FS-1, Mohali, under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, based on a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report that flagged the alleged accumulation of over Rs 540 crore through illegal entities. Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi and Additional Advocate General Chanchal K. Singla appeared for the State, assisted by other law officers.
