Today, On 25th April, The Supreme Court rejected the Punjab Government’s plea challenging the bail granted to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drugs case. It found no reason to interfere with the 2022 bail order and directed both sides not to make public statements.
The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal from the Punjab government challenging the bail granted to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drug-related case.
A bench consisting of Justices J.K. Maheswari and Aravind Kumar stated it would not entertain the Punjab government’s request against the bail given by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on August 10, 2022.
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The court instructed both Majithia and the state investigating agency not to comment on the investigation to the media. It also granted the anti-drug Special Task Force (STF) the authority to request the cancellation of Majithia’s bail if he attempts to influence witnesses or interfere with the trial.
The STF must seek prior approval from the court before making any public statements regarding the case.
Majithia was released on bail from Patiala jail on August 10, 2022, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court stating that there were “reasonable grounds to believe he was not guilty.“
He was charged based on a 2018 report from the STF concerning a drug racket in the state, which relied on confessions from several accused individuals, including Jagjit Singh Chahal, Jagdish Singh Bhola, and Maninder Singh Aulakh.
The case relates to a serious drug trafficking investigation. The Punjab Government, represented by its counsel, argued that Majithia’s release was affecting the fairness of the investigation. The counsel told the Supreme Court that this case should not be seen as a political vendetta.
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He explained that investigations had started as early as 2013, even when Majithia was holding power in the state.
The counsel said an FIR was filed in 2021. Initially, Majithia got anticipatory bail, but it was cancelled later because he was not cooperating with the investigation.
He was then taken into judicial custody. The state alleged that there was pressure on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) during that time.
Majithia was released after spending over five months in Patiala Jail in connection with the case. He is the brother-in-law of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and the brother of former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
Majithia was charged based on a 2018 report from the anti-drug special task force (STF), which was investigating a drug racket in the state.
This report based on confessions made by several accused individuals, including Jagjit Singh Chahal, Jagdish Singh Bhola, and Maninder Singh Aulakh, to the Enforcement Directorate.
Case Title: THE STATE OF PUNJAB v. BIKRAM SINGH MAJITHIA, SLP(Crl) No. 3650/2023