Congress MLA and Punjab's Leader of Opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa, has filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking to quash the FIR registered against him. The case was filed in response to Bajwa's recent statement during a television interview, where he allegedly said that “50 bombs have reached Punjab.”
According to the FIR, Bajwa has been booked under Sections 353(2) and 197(1)(d) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections relate to the spreading of false and alarming information that could potentially harm national integration and disturb public peace.
“Section 353(2) of BNS deals with making, publishing, or circulating any false statement, rumour or alarming news intended to promote enmity or hatred among different communities. The punishment may extend to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.”
Section 197(1)(d) addresses imputations or assertions that are harmful to the unity and integrity of India.
As per Bajwa's petition, the TV show was aired on April 13, where he was asked about the recent spike in bomb blast incidents across Punjab. This includes blasts reported over the past six months, notably one targeting the house of a former BJP Cabinet Minister in Jalandhar Town.
In his response, Bajwa criticized the current Punjab government for failing to act on intelligence inputs and not tracing the grenades reportedly smuggled into India. His remarks were aimed at highlighting the poor law and order situation in the state.
“The present Government seems to be sleeping over the Intelligence, as they could not trace out the remaining grenades which are reported to have been smuggled to India,” the petition stated.
The plea emphasized that Bajwa’s statement was not meant to mislead or spread fear, but to warn the Government and alert security agencies to act before further damage occurs.
“The entire recording of the talk-show highlights that Bajwa only intended to bring the Government’s attention to growing anti-social activities. The aim was to prompt the Chief Minister to take action and wake up the Intelligence agencies,” the petition added.
Bajwa’s legal team has requested the High Court to quash the FIR and all related proceedings under Sections 353(2) and 197(1)(d) of the BNS.
Additionally, the petition seeks protection from any coercive action regarding his appearance under Notice issued under Section 35(3) of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita).
“A direction is sought to ensure no coercive steps are taken while he complies with the notice,” the plea stated.
This legal move comes amid growing political tensions in Punjab, with opposition leaders increasingly targeting the ruling government over security lapses and intelligence failures.
The matter is expected to be heard tomorrow.
The plea was filled by Advocate Himmat Deol, Senior Advocate APS Deol appearing for the petitioner.
Case Title: Pratap Singh Bajwa v. State of Punjab
