The Punjab & Haryana High Court has strongly criticized the State Vigilance Bureau of Punjab for sitting on a corruption complaint for nearly five years without filing a First Information Report (FIR). The court described the delay as "inexplicable nay deplorable" and directed the Chief Director of the State Vigilance Bureau to provide a proper explanation for such an extended inquiry.
"The situation appears to be inexplicable nay deplorable," observed Justice Sumeet Goel, while dealing with an anticipatory bail plea filed by the accused in the case.
Background of the Case
The matter came up before the High Court through a petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, by Harmeet Singh Sehgal, who was apprehending arrest in a corruption case registered at the Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Patiala, Punjab.
The case was registered under:
- Sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code
- Section 7-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act
The petitioner contended that the original complaint leading to the FIR was lodged as far back as July 11, 2019, yet the FIR was registered only on March 10, 2025—almost five years later.
Despite the delay, the petitioner stated that he had cooperated fully during the inquiry and appeared before the concerned officials whenever summoned. He also submitted his willingness to join the ongoing investigation.
While hearing the petition, Justice Sumeet Goel took serious note of the delay:
“The complaint which resulted into registration of the FIR in question is stated to have been given on 11.7.2019 but, for some cause, the Vigilance Bureau has chosen to sit over the complaint for about 5 years as the FIR on the basis thereof was registered only in March 2025.”
The court highlighted the lack of justification for such a prolonged inquiry and directed the Chief Director of the State Vigilance Bureau to file an affidavit explaining the cause behind the delay and providing justification for conducting an inquiry for nearly five years without lodging an FIR.
In the meantime, the High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to the petitioner. The court ordered him to appear before the Investigating Officer at 11:00 AM on April 21, 2025, at the concerned police station and to join the investigation.
"In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail subject to his furnishing personal/surety bond(s) to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer/Investigating Officer," the court ordered.
The petitioner was also directed to follow the conditions listed under Section 482(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and to cooperate fully whenever summoned by the investigating authorities.
The matter has been adjourned to May 8, 2025, and the court has sought a detailed affidavit from the Chief Director before the next hearing.
This ruling from the Punjab & Haryana High Court throws light on concerns regarding bureaucratic delay in corruption investigations and reiterates the need for timely action by vigilance authorities.
"Ergo; the Chief Director, State Vigilance Bureau, Punjab is directed to look into the matter and file an affidavit delineating therein the cause for and justification behind continuation of an inquiry for a period of about 5 years without registration of an FIR," concluded the Court.
Mr. S.K. Garg Narwana, Senior Advocate with Mr. RPS Jammu, Advocate, for the petitioner
Title: HARMEET SINGH SEHGAL V/S STATE OF PUNJAB
