CBI Court Grants Conditional Temporary Release of Seized Jewellery in Disproportionate Assets Case
A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Chandigarh has made a significant ruling in a high-profile disproportionate assets case, allowing the temporary release of seized jewellery for a limited period while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Court's Conditional Approval for Wedding Functions
The special CBI court presided over by Judge Bhawna Jain disposed of an application filed by Chandigarh Police Inspector Paramjeet Kaur Sekhon, who is an accused in the case. The court granted only temporary release of the jewellery from a bank locker for precisely 15 days, specifically for her nephew's wedding scheduled in February 2026.
However, the court made it unequivocally clear that the locker itself will remain frozen as the investigation is currently at a crucial stage. This decision represents a careful balancing act between the personal needs of the accused and the requirements of the ongoing probe.
Background of the Disproportionate Assets Case
The CBI had registered this disproportionate assets case in 2024 against Inspector Sekhon and his wife. The investigation agency alleged that the couple had amassed assets worth approximately Rs 1.47 crore during the check period between January 1, 2017, and February 28, 2021.
According to the CBI's findings, these assets represented about 80.30 percent disproportionate to their known sources of income. The agency claimed the accumulation occurred through abuse of their official positions.
Discovery and Seizure of the Jewellery
During a search conducted in connection with an earlier CBI trap case, investigators recovered a key to a State Bank of India locker in Sector 42, Chandigarh, registered in Paramjeet Kaur's name. When the locker was opened in October 2024, authorities discovered jewellery valued at over Rs 30 lakh, which was immediately frozen as part of the investigation.
Legal Arguments and Court's Reasoning
In her application, Inspector Sekhon argued that the jewellery constituted her istridhan (traditional women's property) and was essential for her nephew's upcoming wedding ceremonies. She sought complete de-freezing of the locker to access these items.
The CBI strongly opposed this plea, maintaining that:
- The jewellery represents material evidence in the case
- The items are alleged proceeds of crime
- Releasing them could prejudice the ongoing investigation
- The investigation involves complex financial transactions that are still being examined
The court observed several important legal principles in its ruling:
- Freezing or attachment of property does not automatically prohibit temporary access
- The jewellery had already been properly inventorised, valued, and clearly identified
- Limited use for a specific purpose would not prejudice the prosecution's case
- The ultimate determination of whether the jewellery is istridhan or proceeds of crime must await trial proceedings
Stringent Conditions Imposed by the Court
To ensure the jewellery's safekeeping and return, the court imposed multiple strict conditions:
- The release is permitted for exactly 15 days solely for wedding functions
- The accused must furnish a superdari bond of Rs 80 lakh
- An undertaking that the jewellery will not be sold, tampered with, or altered
- Mandatory re-deposit of all items by February 16, 2026
- The entire release and return process must be videographed
- All procedures must occur in the presence of the investigating officer and bank officials
This ruling demonstrates how courts navigate between upholding the rights of individuals and ensuring that ongoing investigations remain uncompromised. The case continues as the CBI proceeds with its examination of the complex financial transactions allegedly involved.
