SC denies bail to suspended Punjab DIG Harcharan Bhullar in corruption case
A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant, however, said Bhullar can approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court again for bail if the trial doesn’t commence in two months
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant bail to suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, arrested by the CBI in a corruption case.
A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, said, “To that extent, the high court appears to be correct (in denying bail) that some material witnesses are required to be examined.”
The Bench, however, said Bhullar was free to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court again for grant of bail if the trial didn’t commence in two months.
Bhullar had challenged the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s February 16 order dismissing his bail plea.
On behalf of the suspended DIG, senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the investigation was over and a charge sheet had already been filed. In such a situation, keeping the accused in jail would not serve any purpose. Rohatgi sought to emphasise that being a DIG, the accused was not at flight risk.
“It’s not a case of a trap My Lords…Somebody received money on my behalf and he is supposed to have sent a WhatsApp message during the time that he was in custody… This is a very flimsy kind of situation. I am under suspension also My Lords… Six months have gone by…The Complainant has been given police protection pursuant to a high court order,” Rohatgi told the Bench.
“At the end of the day what purpose will be served… Investigation is complete and a charge sheet has been filed… Supplementary charge sheet has also been filed. Things are not as clear… they are murky,” Rohatgi pointed out.
However, the Bench wasn’t convinced. “We are not inclined to entertain the prayer for bail at this stage. However, we grant liberty to the petitioner that in case the trial does not commence within two months, he may again approach the high court for grant of bail. Such an application shall be considered by the high court on merits,” the CJI said.
Bhullar had claimed before the high court that the prosecution proposed to examine predominantly then official witnesses and the complainant in the case. His suspension from service eliminated any plausible apprehension of influencing witnesses or tampering with the evidence, the suspended DIG contended.
The alleged offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act carried a maximum sentence of seven years, and he had already undergone substantial custody since October 17, 2025, Bhullar submitted.
