The Supreme Court refused to grant bail to suspended Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a corruption case investigated by the CBI. However, the court allowed him to reapply for bail if the trial does not start within two months. Bhullar had challenged the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s rejection of his bail plea.
The High Court had described the allegations against Bhullar as serious and having implications for the criminal justice system’s integrity. It noted that the offense under the Prevention of Corruption Act, especially when involving a senior officer, could erode public confidence in the legal system. The court also highlighted concerns about potential witness influence and evidence tampering.
Justice Sumeet Goel of the High Court, in dismissing the plea, emphasized that Bhullar did not merit regular bail based on the case’s circumstances. The prosecution’s case alleged that Bhullar, while serving as DIG, demanded illegal gratification through an intermediary in a criminal case. A trap set in October 2025 led to the apprehension of a co-accused accepting part of the bribe.
The Supreme Court had previously declined Bhullar’s request to halt the CBI’s investigation into his alleged disproportionate assets cases, advising him to seek remedies from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
