HC dismisses anticipatory bail plea of Akali leader Majithia in drugs case-Andhravilas

HC dismisses anticipatory bail plea of Akali leader Majithia in drugs case

Chandigarh, Jan 24 - In the run-up to the Punjab polls, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday dismissed anticipatory bail plea in the alleged drugs case of Akali leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who is in fray from Majitha, near Amritsar.

The order was passed by Justice Lisa Gill after hearing arguments of both the counsel. Majithia was granted interim anticipatory bail on January 10 and directed to join investigation.

Now sitting legislator Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, has the option either to move the Supreme Court or he can surrender before the police.

"Before the HC, we have sought for interim bail period extension to file an appeal before the apex court or three days' time to surrender before the police so as to file his nomination for elections. We are yet to get the order copy," said Majithia's counsel Arshdeep Singh Cheema.

Majithia had moved the high court after a Mohali court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act registered on December 20.

In a 49-page FIR filed by the state police Crime Branch at the Mohali police station, the SAD leader has been booked under sections 25, 27A and 29 of the NDPS Act.

Majithia's case was argued by senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, while the Punjab government's case was represented by former Union Minister P. Chidambaram.

"It is more than apparent that the present FIR has been registered against the petitioner keeping an eye on the forthcoming elections. The petitioner's fundamental rights are at stake," said the petition.

--IANS

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(IANS)

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