Chandigarh — The bail proceedings of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia will resume on Monday, August 11, after today’s hearing concluded without a verdict following two-and-a-half hours of arguments.
The case, which has drawn significant political and public attention, is being heard in connection with Majithia’s arrest by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on June 25, 2025. His arrest followed coordinated raids across approximately 25 locations, including his residence in Amritsar. He stands accused of accumulating assets disproportionate to his declared income, with alleged links to a ₹540 crore drug-money laundering network.
Following his arrest, Majithia was placed under police remand before being moved to judicial custody in New Nabha Jail for an initial 14-day period, which was subsequently extended multiple times. His legal team has been actively contesting the charges, challenging the legality of both the arrest and the remand process. The Punjab & Haryana High Court has already granted him an extension until August 26 to amend a separate plea in the matter.
The case has widened over time, with an additional FIR alleging that Majithia obstructed vigilance officials during one of the raids. Former Enforcement Directorate official Niranjan Singh has publicly stated that convicted individuals in a ₹6,000 crore drug-money laundering case had earlier named Majithia, but claimed political pressure delayed investigations.
The SAD leadership has strongly condemned the proceedings, calling them politically motivated “witch hunting.” Party leaders argue that the assets in question have been in the Majithia family’s possession for years and allege procedural lapses in the inquiry.
Majithia has also sought live-streaming of court proceedings to promote transparency and has requested separate jail barracks citing security concerns.
Today’s bail hearing saw both defence and prosecution presenting their arguments in detail, but the session ended without a conclusion. The court will reconvene in the afternoon session on August 11, when the final submissions are expected before a decision on the bail plea is made.
