SC has ordered the Punjab government not to arrest Majithia

The Supreme Court has ruled that Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia cannot be arrested till Monday. The deadline for Mr. Majithia’s plea against his arrest set by the Punjab and Haryana High Court has passed. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case on Monday after the Akali leader approached them.

The panel led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana agreed to hear Majithia’s appeal against the Punjab and Haryana high court’s rejection of anticipatory relief, it advised the state to wait till Monday’s hearing.

Majithia’s lawyer, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, requested an urgent hearing before the bench of justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli.

“This is a political vendetta,” says the senior lawyer. “They want him arrested in the midst of election fever,” Rohatgi explained. “What election fever, Mr. Rohatgi?” This is a fever that has spread throughout the election season. The bench commented, “Everyone is rushing to the courts now.”

Rohatgi asked for a temporary restraining order to keep his client safe until the next court date. Majithia’s petition for anticipatory bail was denied on January 24  and he was only granted protection for three days, according to him. While seeking the protection, he mentioned that it was about to expire on Thursday.

Senior advocate P Chidambaram, who appeared for the Punjab government, alleged Majithia has been in hiding since he was refused the relief by the high court.

The bench informed Chidambaram that since the Supreme Court agreed to hear Majithia’s case, the state should not take any coercive measures against him. “Mr. Chidambaram, tell your state not to do anything until we hear him on Monday,” the bench said. Chidambaram stated that he will inform state officials of the court’s decision.

Majithia, who is charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, was granted temporary release by the high court earlier this month on the condition that he help with the inquiry. The state administration opposed the continuation of this relief in the high court, claiming Majithia had not cooperated fully during the investigation.

Majithia is to file his nomination papers from Majitha Assembly constituency in Amritsar district. Majithia stated the case was filed against him because of the upcoming elections. He went on to say that the main purpose of registering it was to arrest him and torture him.

Sukhbir Singh Badal backed his brother-in-law, stating that if the Charanjit Singh Channi government presents any evidence against Majithia, he will leave politics. Badal described the case as “fake” and “extremely politicized,” and warned that anyone who implicates “an innocent” person in a “false” lawsuit will suffer consequences. 

What exactly is the case of Bikram Singh Majithia? 

https://arthparkash.com/english/punjab-and-haryana-hc-dismisses-majithias-bail-plea/