'You Want Dismissal Now or Later?': SC to Bhullar's Counsel on Bail Plea

The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated that it was unlikely to grant bail to suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who was arrested by the CBI in connection with a corruption case.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana posted Bhullar's plea for hearing after four weeks. The court also indicated that it would consider the bail application after certain material witnesses in the case are examined.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice told Bhullar's counsel, “It's 100 per cent case of dismissal! You want dismissal now or later?”

Bhullar's lawyer submitted that the complainant and some material witnesses were yet to be examined, although statements of some witnesses had already been recorded.

Bhullar has challenged the Punjab and Haryana High Court's August 10 order rejecting his bail plea. The Supreme Court had earlier, on April 10, declined to entertain his bail plea but granted him liberty to approach the High Court if the trial did not commence within two months.

The corruption case stems from a complaint filed in October last year, alleging that Bhullar, who was then posted as DIG of Ropar range, demanded illegal gratification through a private intermediary in return for favourable treatment in an FIR registered at Sirhind police station.

Following the complaint, the CBI registered an FIR and laid a trap in Chandigarh on October 16. During the operation, a co-accused was allegedly caught while accepting ₹5 lakh, said to be part of the demanded bribe.

Bhullar was subsequently arrested in the case. His bail plea was later rejected by a special CBI court in Chandigarh in January.

The latest hearing comes as the investigation and trial proceedings continue, with the Supreme Court indicating that the examination of key witnesses would be relevant to its consideration of Bhullar's bail request.