Punjab & Haryana High Court orders CBI probe into lawyer’s alleged bribery scheme, stating it raises questions of the integrity of democracy and judicial accountability in India.
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Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe allegations that an advocate, Ankush Dhanerwal, took over ₹5 lakh from a litigant on the pretext of bribing a government pleader and a judge. The case was decided on August 22, 2025, by Justice Sandeep Moudgil.
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Background of the Case
Dhanerwal had approached the High Court seeking protection from an ex-sarpanch (Respondent No.5) and his son (Respondent No.6), alleging threats to his life after they pressured him to refund professional fees. According to him, the outcome of their earlier petition was unsatisfactory, and the clients allegedly resorted to intimidation and even entered the High Court premises with threats.
However, during the pendency of his plea, Chandigarh Police recorded the ex-sarpanch’s statement, which turned the case on its head. The ex-sarpanch alleged that Dhanerwal had accepted large sums of money, partly in cash and partly through Google Pay transfers, claiming it would be passed on as a bribe to a government pleader and a judge for favourable orders.
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Allegations Raised
- The ex-sarpanch stated that ₹4.5 lakh was initially paid as professional fees.
- Later, ₹5.45 lakh was allegedly demanded to be given to the government pleader and a judge.
- Payments were made in installments via Google Pay and cash, but no favourable orders materialised.
- When asked for a refund, Dhanerwal allegedly threatened the complainants instead of returning the money.
Although the names of the government pleader and judge were not disclosed, the Court observed that the allegations were extremely serious, as they directly questioned the integrity of the judicial system.
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Court’s Observations
Justice Moudgil highlighted that:
- Such allegations, if true, undermine the credibility of the judiciary, which is “an important pillar of democracy.”
- The situation demanded investigation by an independent agency to ensure impartiality.
- Notably, the Court referenced a similar case where another advocate, Jatin Salwan, had been booked by the CBI for allegedly accepting bribes in the name of a judicial officer just days earlier.
The Court issued notice to the CBI and directed it to:
- Take immediate cognizance of the complaint.
- Investigate all aspects diligently and file a detailed report within a stipulated time.
- Conduct the probe fairly and transparently, given the sensitivity of the allegations.
Appearance:
Advocate Ankush Dhanerwal: Advocate Jatinder Pal Singh
State of Punjab: Deputy Advocate General JS Rattu
UT Chandigarh: Additional Public Prosecutor Ankur Bali
Case Title:
Ankush Dhanerwal v State of Punjab and Others
CRWP-8343-2025
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