Punjab tells HC no fear of Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira’s arrest in vigilance inquiry ‘as of now’

The state of Punjab on Wednesday told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that there was no apprehension “as of now” of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s arrest in a vigilance inquiry into alleged disproportionate assets, and the Vigilance Bureau had not even issued him any notice to join the investigation.

Appearing before Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya’s bench, Punjab Additional Advocate-General Chanchal K Singla did not dispute that an inquiry was pending against petitioner-Khaira, but contended “there is no apprehension of his arrest as of now, nor has the Vigilance issued any notice to him to join investigation”.

The statement came in response to a petition filed by Khaira seeking anticipatory bail.

Khaira, through advocates PS Ahluwalia, Keerat Dhillon and Siddharth Sihag, contended that a vigilance inquiry regarding disproportionate assets was pending against the petitioner since February 12, 2024, and there was an apprehension that he would be arrested in the matter anytime now.

“The apprehension is evident on account of the fact that petitioner being an opposition MLA, has been opposing various acts of omission and commission on the part of the state government, and more particularly the Chief Minister,” the counsel added.

The bench was also told that the Vigilance Department was having jurisdiction all over the state and an FIR could be lodged against the petitioner in any district. As such, he has approached the high court straightway without approaching the Sessions Court.

In view of the state’s stand, Khaira’s counsel chose not to press the petition. The court accordingly disposed of the plea.