The court of Additional District Sessions Judge, Chandigarh, on Tuesday allowed an application from former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal to travel abroad. Badal is an accused in the 2015 Kotkapura police firing incident.
Travel Permission Details
Badal sought permission to travel abroad from July 7 to July 11, 2026. In his application, he cited personal engagements and family commitments as the reason for the trip. He assured the court that he would return before the next date of hearing.
This is not the first time Badal has been allowed to travel abroad while the case is pending. Earlier, when the proceedings were before the Additional Sessions Judge in Faridkot, he had also been granted similar permission.
Background of the Kotkapura Firing Case
The Kotkapura police firing incident took place on October 14, 2015, following sacrilege incidents at gurdwaras in Bargari and Burj Jawahar Singh Wala villages in June and September 2015. Protesters demonstrating against the sacrilege gathered, and police reportedly opened fire. The firing at nearby Behbal Kalan resulted in two deaths, while the Kotkapura incident left several people injured.
Badal was named in the case registered under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act at the Kotkapura police station on August 7, 2018. The Punjab and Haryana High Court later transferred the cases from the Faridkot court to the Chandigarh court.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
The court's decision to allow Badal to travel abroad underscores the ongoing legal proceedings in a high-profile case that has drawn significant public attention. The former Deputy Chief Minister's travel permission is subject to his return before the next hearing date, ensuring continued compliance with the court's directives.
