No coercive action against Punjab LoP Partap Bajwa till April 22, HC tells Punjab

In a relief to Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday directed the Punjab Government not to initiate any coercive action against him till April 22 in connection with an FIR lodged over his “50 bombs have reached Punjab” remarks.

Justice Deepak Gupta's Bench issued a notice to the state government on Bajwa’s plea seeking quashing of the FIR, while directing the Congress leader to cooperate with the investigation. The case will next be heard on April 22.

The controversy stems from Bajwa’s TV interview where he claimed “50 bombs have reached Punjab, out of which 18 were used”. Following a complaint by a cybercell constable alleging the statement aimed at disturbing peace, an FIR was registered against the Congress leader.

The court specifically barred Bajwa from making any press statements about the case until the next hearing. Bajwa's counsel, APS Deol pointed out that the FIR was politically motivated and violated free speech rights, noting no preliminary inquiry was conducted as required. “My client was merely highlighting Punjab’s law and order situation. This is a political vendetta by the AAP government,” he contended.

The state countered that preliminary inquiries weren't mandatory before lodging an FIR for cognisable offenses. A detailed court order is awaited.

Bajwa maintains he’s being targeted by the ruling AAP, while the authorities insist the remark risked creating communal tension.