The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed concern over remarks made by a senior advocate during the hearing of anticipatory bail pleas filed by Punjab Police DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu. Justice Sanjay Vashisth also directed the State to place the complete factual and legal position before the Court, including the role of the complainant, while staying the DSP’s arrest until the next hearing.
The Court clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case. The matter was deferred to allow the State to address the issues raised by the Court before the next hearing.
Background of the Case
The case traces back to a writ petition filed by Baljinder Singh, who had approached the High Court seeking protection of his life and liberty. Acting on the court's July 2024 direction, the DIG of Police, Range Rupnagar, conducted an inquiry that recommended registering an FIR against DSP Sandhu under sections dealing with forgery, cheating and corruption. A second FIR followed in June 2025, this time citing provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and criminal conspiracy.
According to the prosecution's version, Sandhu allegedly got Baljinder Singh to file false complaints against several people - over disputed plots, an unpaid token amount, and even a Tehsildar posting - and then used those complaints to pressure the victims into paying up. Investigators say they recovered WhatsApp chats and an audio recording said to be between the DSP and the complainant to support these claims.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, the court noted that although it had earlier expected the State to also examine the complainant's role in the matter, nothing had moved on that front. The bench remarked that this delay could only be attributed to the State itself, and asked the government's counsel to place the complete factual and legal position before it, "including the role of the complainant and any other person, if so warranted."
The proceedings saw a sharp moment when Senior Advocate G.K. Mann, appearing for the complainant, objected to the court's direction, suggesting it reflected bias since the complainant hadn't been heard yet. The judge chose not to respond to the remark directly but observed that such conduct was "never expected" from senior members of the Bar.
Decision
The court deferred the matter without expressing any opinion on the merits, directing that arrest of the petitioner shall remain stayed till the next date of hearing, listed for September 7, 2026.
Case Details:
- Case Title: Gursher Singh Sandhu v. State of Punjab
- Case Number: CRM-M-27263-2026 (O&M) and CRM-M-30808-2026
- Judge: Justice Sanjay Vashisth
- Decision Date: August 17, 2026
