The Supreme Court on April 25 dismissed the Punjab Government’s petition against the bail granted to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drug-related case under the NDPS Act.
The bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Aravind Kumar chose not to interfere with the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s decision granting regular bail to Majithia. While upholding the bail, the Court directed both the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Majithia to refrain from making any public statements related to the case.
"Neither side shall come forward on the issue of investigation or court proceedings to make any statement in the media," the Court ordered.
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During the hearing, Punjab’s counsel alleged that Majithia had been influencing witnesses and making public statements aimed at discrediting SIT members. He pointed to instances where Majithia held press conferences and made personal remarks about individual investigators.
"He makes statements pointing out each SIT member, suggesting who supports him and who is against him," the counsel said.
"Such actions, done in public, disrupt the investigation and create a hostile environment."
Justice Maheshwari asked the Punjab Government to explain specific incidents where Majithia allegedly influenced witnesses. In response, the counsel cited an example where search warrants were issued for 56 locations, but Majithia allegedly revealed the operation on social media the night before, compromising the investigation.
"He has prior access to every step of the investigation. Surprise is lost. The entire purpose of the operation fails," the counsel emphasized.
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The Court also raised concerns about police officers holding press conferences. When asked whether such media interactions were necessary, Justice Maheshwari remarked:
"Are officers required to hold press conferences? No need. We will observe this."
Senior Advocate Dr. S. Muralidhar, representing Majithia, denied the allegations and countered that it was the police, not his client, who were addressing the media.
"I have stated in my affidavit that I am not inviting the press. It is the officers who hold press conferences after each interrogation," he said.
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The Supreme Court concluded that it would not interfere with the High Court’s bail order and advised both parties against media discussions.
"The Respondent shall file an affidavit stating he will not make any public statement. Any violation will allow prosecution to take action," the bench stated.
The case, titled State of Punjab v. Bikram Singh Majithia (SLP(Crl) No. 3650/2023), remains significant in the backdrop of high-profile allegations of drug trafficking in Punjab. The Court’s firm stand on preventing public discourse around ongoing investigations is intended to protect the integrity of the legal process.
