The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted regular bail to Sukhdev Singh alias Rinku, an accused in a case linked to alleged pro-Khalistan "Referendum 2020" activities, observing that his continued incarceration for more than four years without conclusion of trial would amount to grave injustice.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anoop Chitkara and Justice Sukhvinder Kaur set aside the Special Court's order refusing bail and directed his release subject to stringent conditions.
Background of the Case
The case arose from an FIR registered in September 2021 by the State Special Operation Cell, SAS Nagar, Punjab. According to the prosecution, several persons were allegedly involved in putting up posters and circulating material supporting "Punjab Referendum 2020" in different districts of Punjab.
Investigators claimed that large quantities of printed material, flags, posters, printing equipment, and related items were recovered during the investigation. The prosecution alleged that the campaign sought to promote a separatist narrative and that the accused were part of a larger conspiracy.
Sukhdev Singh was arrested in connection with offences under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
While examining the record, the High Court noted that the appellant had remained in custody for about four years and eight months and had no criminal antecedents.
The Bench also took note of the prosecution's own affidavit stating that no incriminating material was recovered from Sukhdev Singh's mobile phone. The Court further observed that no direct recovery had been made from him and that the case against him primarily rested on material collected during investigation and statements attributed to co-accused persons.
Referring to several Supreme Court judgments on personal liberty and prolonged pre-trial detention, the Court emphasized that constitutional courts retain the power to grant bail even in UAPA cases where continued incarceration infringes the right to speedy trial.
The Bench observed:
"Continued incarceration of the appellant during the pendency of the present trial would occasion grave injustice."
The Court further remarked that personal liberty remains a valuable constitutional right and that delay in concluding criminal trials is an important factor while deciding bail applications.
Allowing the appeal, the Punjab and Haryana High Court set aside the Special Court's order rejecting bail and directed the release of Sukhdev Singh on furnishing the prescribed bonds and complying with detailed conditions.
The Court imposed restrictions including regular appearance before the trial court, non-interference with evidence or witnesses, disclosure of address and contact details, surrender of any licensed firearms, and abstention from publishing or circulating material relating to the case during the pendency of the trial.
The Bench clarified that its observations were only for deciding the bail plea and would not influence the trial on merits. The appeal was accordingly allowed.
Case Details
Case Title: Sukhdev Singh @ Rinku v. State of Punjab
Case Number: CRA-D-616-2026
Judges: Justice Anoop Chitkara and Justice Sukhvinder Kaur
Decision Date: 29 May 2026
