The Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh on August 22, 2025, before Justice Sandeep Moudgil, disposed of a criminal writ petition filed under Article 226 seeking protection of life and liberty, while also referring serious allegations of professional misconduct against the petitioner to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for probe.
The case arose when the petitioner, an Advocate, alleged that Respondents No. 5 and 6 (an ex-Sarpanch and his son) had repeatedly threatened him and his family with weapons, demanding refund of professional fees after being dissatisfied with the outcome of their election-related litigation. He pointed to incidents between May and July 2025, including threats made inside the High Court premises, and claimed that despite multiple complaints to police authorities, no effective action had been taken.During inquiry, however, Respondents 5 and 6 countered that they had paid the petitioner about ₹4,50,000 as legal fees , partly in cash and partly through Google Pay, and further alleged that the petitioner demanded ₹5,45,000, purportedly for payment to a Government Pleader and a Judge, in order to secure a favourable order for recounting of the panchayat election results.
The Court, taking note of the petitioner’s plea for security, directed the Senior Superintendents of Police, Mohali and Chandigarh, to assess the threat perception and provide protection as necessary. But given the counter-allegations suggesting corruption and misconduct by the petitioner himself, the Court deemed it appropriate to refer the entire matter to the CBI for an independent and impartial investigation. The Notice for CBI probe was accepted in Court, which was directed to take immediate cognizance and submit a detailed report. Accordingly, the writ petition was disposed of with directions for both protection and investigation.
Appearances:
For the Petitioner – Adv. Mr. Jatinder Pal Singh
For the Respondents – Mr. J.S. Rattu, DAG, Punjab; Mr. Ankur Bali, Addl. PP for Respondents 3 & 4; Mr. Prateek Gupta, Advocate for CBI.
