The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant ruling on Monday, granting bail to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab legislator Bikram Singh Majithia in a high-profile disproportionate assets investigation. This decision marks a pivotal development in a case that has drawn considerable political and legal attention across Punjab and beyond.
Judicial Bench's Rationale for Bail Approval
A judicial bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta presided over the case, providing clear reasoning for their verdict. The bench highlighted that Majithia had previously secured bail in a 2022 case registered under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Furthermore, they noted that the Punjab government's subsequent challenge against that bail was dismissed in 2025, reinforcing the petitioner's legal standing.
Timeline of Allegations and Detention Period
The bench observed that while the First Information Report (FIR) for the disproportionate assets case was officially filed in 2025, the allegations themselves span a considerable timeframe from 2006 to 2017. This extended period was a key factor in their assessment. Coupled with the fact that Majithia has been in detention for the past seven months, the Supreme Court found sufficient grounds to sanction his bail plea, emphasizing principles of justice and personal liberty.
Background of the Legal Proceedings
The litigation against Majithia was initiated under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, following serious accusations that he accumulated wealth exceeding ₹540 crore beyond his known sources of income. He was taken into custody by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on 25 June of the previous year and has been held at Nabha jail in Patiala since then, facing intense scrutiny.
Previous Court Decisions and Investigations
In December, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had turned down his bail application, citing concerns that he might exert undue influence over the ongoing inquiry. At that time, the high court instructed the Vigilance Bureau to conclude its investigation within a three-month window, suggesting Majithia could reapply for release afterwards. This timeline played a role in the Supreme Court's current deliberation.
Previously, the top court had consented to review an interim bail request from the SAD leader, indicating the complexity of the case. The current charges against him originated from a broader investigation by a Punjab Police special team into a 2021 narcotics case, linking multiple legal threads.
Political Context and Security Concerns
In January, SAD representatives met with the Punjab Governor in Chandigarh, voicing serious concerns about the state administration's failure to provide adequate protection for Majithia. They cited intelligence warnings of a security risk, alleging a "grave threat" to his safety and potential infringements on his constitutional rights.
The party urged Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to intervene, expressing a lack of confidence in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's ability to ensure the safety of the former minister. Senior party leaders highlighted in their formal submission that despite central intelligence inputs indicating Majithia was likely to be targeted for elimination by the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), no concrete measures were taken to safeguard him or his family members.
Family and Political Connections
Majithia is notably the brother-in-law of SAD chief and former Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, adding a layer of political significance to the case. This connection has often placed the proceedings under the spotlight, with implications for Punjab's political landscape and inter-party dynamics.
The Supreme Court's bail approval thus not only addresses legal parameters but also resonates within the broader context of Punjab's governance and security frameworks, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.
