Supreme Court declines interim bail to Majithia, issues notice to Punjab government

The Supreme Court of India has declined to grant interim bail to senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a disproportionate assets case, while issuing a notice to the Punjab government seeking its response to his bail plea.

A bench of the top court directed the state government to file its reply within four weeks. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 19, after the state submits its response.

Majithia is facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with investigators alleging he amassed assets worth more than Rs. 540 crore beyond his known sources of income. The court, at this stage, chose not to intervene by granting interim relief.

Earlier, Majithia had approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking bail, but his plea was rejected. The case has remained politically sensitive in Punjab, with the Shiromani Akali Dal alleging vendetta, while the state government maintains the investigation is being conducted as per law.

The Supreme Court proceedings are being closely watched, as the outcome could have broader implications for high-profile corruption cases involving political figures in the state.