Majithia Moves High Court
Former Punjab minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia has filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging his arrest by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in a disproportionate assets case. Majithia alleges that his arrest was illegal and part of a politically motivated witch-hunt launched by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
The FIR, registered on June 25 under the Prevention of Corruption Act, accuses Majithia of laundering approximately ₹540 crore in drug money through illegal means. He was arrested the same day from his Amritsar residence and remanded to seven days of vigilance custody by a Mohali court on June 26.
Allegations of Illegal Detention and Procedural Lapses
According to The Tribune, Majithia’s petition claims that he was detained from 9 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. before being formally arrested, which he says amounts to illegal custody and violates Article 22(2) of the Constitution. This article mandates that any arrested person must be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours.
He also alleges that the remand order was passed without proper application of judicial mind, calling the process legally flawed. According to Majithia, the remand application was built on speculative claims and failed to cite substantial grounds for custody, instead referencing his political influence and foreign connections. He invoked Article 20(3), asserting that the custodial interrogation aimed to extract a confession, violating his right against self-incrimination.
The petition further cites a Supreme Court order dated March 4 in a related drug case, which had denied the need for custodial interrogation. Majithia argues that despite his cooperation with authorities, the vigilance team resumed custody efforts while withholding critical information from the magistrate.
Political Vendetta Alleged
Majithia has branded the FIR and subsequent legal action a political vendetta orchestrated by the AAP leadership to tarnish his image. The petition argues that no preliminary inquiry was conducted prior to the filing of the FIR, a step he claims is essential in such cases.
The SAD has also questioned the timing and intent behind the arrest, stating that the properties listed in the complaint have long been owned by Majithia’s family—some even before his birth—challenging the credibility of the “disproportionate assets” claim.
Broader Political Implications
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the arrest, asserting that the AAP government is determined to crack down on powerful individuals involved in drug-related offenses, regardless of their political background. Mann claimed the raid on Majithia’s residence yielded key evidence including hawala transaction records, mobile phones, and laptops.
He also alleged that a nexus exists between traditional political parties and drug cartels and warned that further action would be taken against others involved. The state government has hinted at potential seizures and demolitions of assets linked to illicit activities, with enforcement support expected from national agencies.
Opposition Response and Protests
Majithia’s arrest has sparked political uproar, with SAD workers and leaders staging protests across Punjab. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the AAP government of imposing an undeclared emergency in the state and detaining party workers who attempted to show solidarity with Majithia during his court appearances.
What Lies Ahead
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is expected to take up Majithia’s plea challenging the legality of his arrest and the process followed for his remand. The petition also seeks directions to ensure safeguards against procedural violations in similar cases in the future.
Meanwhile, the vigilance probe continues, with further investigations likely to touch on broader political and financial networks. Majithia remains in custody pending court deliberations, as the political and legal drama surrounding his arrest continues to unfold.
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