Punjab Newsline | Punjab
Punjab Police's suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar has suffered a major legal setback after a Special CBI Court in Chandigarh dismissed his petition challenging the sanction granted for his prosecution in a corruption case.
The court upheld the validity of the prosecution sanction, clearing the way for trial proceedings against the suspended officer. With the plea now rejected, the case will move to the next stage, where charges are expected to be framed before the formal trial begins.
The development marks another setback for Bhullar, who has already failed to secure relief from higher courts. Earlier, both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court rejected his bail applications in connection with the same case.
According to court proceedings, Bhullar had sought to challenge the legal approval granted for initiating prosecution against him, arguing that the sanction was not valid. However, the Special CBI Court found no grounds to interfere with the sanction order and dismissed his application.
While the court rejected Bhullar’s plea, it had earlier also declined a request made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking day-to-day hearings in the matter. The case will therefore continue as per the normal court schedule.
The corruption case dates back to October 2025, when the CBI arrested Bhullar over allegations of demanding a bribe of ₹8 lakh. Following his arrest, investigative agencies conducted searches at his residence and other locations.
During the searches, officials reportedly recovered a substantial amount of cash and assets allegedly disproportionate to his known sources of income. The findings strengthened the agency’s case and led to further investigation into his financial dealings.
With the prosecution sanction now upheld by the Special CBI Court, the legal proceedings against the suspended DIG are set to advance. The next hearing is expected to focus on framing of charges, after which the trial will formally commence.
