The courtroom was fairly packed on Thursday morning when the Supreme Court took up Harjit Kaur’s plea against a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that had gone against her. The matter, listed before a two-judge Bench, moved swiftly, but not without drawing attention to the serious allegations involved and the immediate relief sought. After hearing both sides, the court passed an interim order that offers the petitioner temporary protection, at least for now.
Background
Harjit Kaur, also known as Harjeet Kaur, has challenged a November 21, 2025 order of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana. That order arose from a petition linked to an FIR registered in Ludhiana earlier this year.
The FIR, numbered 67 of 2025, accuses her of offences such as cheating, impersonation, criminal conspiracy and forgery under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. In simple terms, the police allege that documents were forged and used to cheat the complainant, Kamlesh, a resident of Ludhiana.
During Thursday’s hearing, the Supreme Court also allowed the complainant to be formally added as a respondent in the case, ensuring that all affected parties are heard before any final call is taken.
Court’s Observations
The Bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh did not go into the merits of the allegations at this stage. However, it made clear that the petitioner’s concerns deserved consideration. “Issue notice,” the Bench directed, fixing February 13, 2026 as the returnable date.
Importantly, the court granted interim protection from arrest. The order notes that if Harjit Kaur is arrested in connection with the Ludhiana FIR, she shall be released on bail by the arresting officer on conditions that are “just, fair and reasonable.” This, lawyers in the courtroom said, effectively works as a safety net until the matter is heard in detail.
The judges also underlined expected conduct, observing that the petitioner must maintain good behaviour and should not try to influence witnesses during the trial process.
Decision
With these directions, the Supreme Court of India issued notice to the State of Punjab and the newly added complainant, allowed time for filing counter affidavits, and granted interim bail protection to Harjit Kaur in the event of arrest, pending further hearing.
Case Title: Harjit Kaur @ Harjeet Kaur vs. State of Punjab
Case No.: Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No. 20390 of 2025
Case Type: Criminal – Special Leave Petition (against Punjab & Haryana High Court order)
Decision Date: 19 December 2025