Bikram Majithia gets three-day protection from arrest

Tribune News Service

Saurabh Malik

Chandigarh, January 25

The matter calls for in-depth investigation without being coloured by political overtones, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has asserted in its detailed order dismissing Bikram Singh Majithia’s anticipatory bail in a drugs-related case.

Also read: Will quit politics if Bikram Singh Majithia's role in drug case proved: Sukhbir Badal

The order, released today, makes it clear that the state has made out a case for the senior Akali leader’s custodial interrogation, but was being granted three-day protection against arrest for enabling him to approach the Supreme Court for challenging the order dismissing his plea.

Justice Lisa Gill asserted the protection would remain in force only for three days from January 24 and was being granted keeping in view the peculiar circumstances of the case. Justice Gill made it clear that the court did not find any ground to afford a week’s time for the purpose, as prayed for in view of Assembly elections in the state.

Justice Gill added: “In case an effort is now being made by the state to break the nexus between the state machinery and drug traffickers, I find no ground to scuttle the same at this stage.… It is further relevant to note that in this political slugfest, a complete and thorough investigation should not be the casualty, especially keeping in view the grave and serious charges levelled under the NDPS Act.”

Justice Gill said it was vehemently argued that the petitioner joined the investigation pursuant to the interim order dated January 10 and was fully cooperating with the investigating agency. But, it was denied and opposed by counsel for the state. He argued the petitioner was non-cooperative and refused to hand over photographs/videos of his wedding, “necessary in view of the allegations of the co-accused having close relations with the petitioner and some of them having been introduced to each other on the occasion”. Justice Gill also took note of the counsel’s submission that the petitioner gave evasive replies by terming some questions as outrageous and claiming some matters to be personal.

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