The Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused to grant bail to Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who is accused of passing sensitive information to operatives linked with Pakistani intelligence agencies.
Justice Surya Pratap Singh observed that the allegations involve serious offences affecting national security and that the prosecution has collected sufficient preliminary evidence against the accused.
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Background of the Case
Jyoti Malhotra, a travel influencer who runs a YouTube channel titled “Travel-with-Jo,” was arrested on May 16, 2025. The case was registered at Civil Lines Police Station in Hisar under provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
According to the prosecution, Malhotra allegedly came into contact with an official of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi while planning visits to Pakistan. During two trips to the country, her travel and stay were reportedly arranged by individuals connected to Pakistan’s intelligence network.
Investigators claimed that after returning to India, she stayed in touch with these contacts through WhatsApp, Telegram and other social media platforms.
Malhotra’s counsel argued that the prosecution story was “imaginary” and that the accused had been falsely implicated.
The defence also claimed that photographs allegedly taken by Malhotra at Pandoh Dam were not illegal because the location is not classified as a prohibited area and images of it are already publicly available.
However, the State opposed the bail plea, stating that forensic analysis of Malhotra’s electronic devices revealed frequent communication with foreign operatives. Prosecutors further alleged that she had attempted to delete chats and other digital evidence.
The Court noted that the investigation had uncovered electronic evidence and statements indicating communication with individuals linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.
The bench said, “Once prima facie evidence has been collected by the prosecution, the presumption under Section 4 of the Official Secrets Act comes into play.”
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It also observed that the accusations involve passing sensitive information and engaging in anti-national activities.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations and the material placed on record, the Court held that the accused was not entitled to bail and dismissed the plea.
Case Title: Jyoti Rani alias Jyoti Malhotra v. State of Haryana
Decision Date: March 7, 2026
