High court rejects bail plea of Akali leader Bikram Majithia in drugs case

Chandigarh, January 24

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today dismissed anticipatory bail plea of senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia.

The order was passed by Justice Lisa Gill after hearing final arguments on his bail plea. Majithia was earlier granted interim anticipatory bail and directed to join investigation.The setback for Majithia came a day before the process of filing nomination papers was to commence. 

Punjab government's stand before Justice Gill on the previous date of hearing was that he had not extended full cooperation during the investigation. His counsel asked for a week to surrender. Justice Gill observed the Court would consider it.

Majithia now has the option to move the Supreme Court, following the dismissal of his plea. Else, he can surrender.

Among other things, Majithia was -- at the time of being granted interim anticipatory bail -- asked to keep his mobile phone constantly on and share with the investigating agency his live location through WhatsApp. He was also directed to fully cooperate in the investigation and abide by the conditions, including appearance before the investigating agency as and when required.

He was further directed not leave the country till the next date of hearing and provide his mobile number to the investigating agency. He was also asked not to directly or indirectly try contacting any of the witnesses or anyone connected with the case in any manner.

Majithia was apprehending arrest after a case under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act was registered at Mohali on December 20, last year. He moved the High Court after a Mohali Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition. The case had attained political proportions, with Majithia claiming that the registration of the FIR was vitiated by political and ulterior motives.

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