Bikram Majithia (File photo) CHANDIGARH: Refusing bail to Shiromani Akali Dal veteran Bikram Singh Majithia in a disproportionate assets case, Punjab and Haryana HC said material unearthed so far indicates “serious economic offences” and his release may hamper the probe.“Majithia is one of the prominent political figures of the state… In case he is released at this stage, possibility of his influencing investigation or manipulating records cannot be ruled out,” HC observed.Rejecting Majithia’s argument that the vigilance bureau had not followed correct procedure in lodging the FIR, Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya ruled there is no bar on registering a fresh case if new facts point to a larger conspiracy involving disproportionate assets and use of ill-gotten money. It cannot be termed mala fide or sheer political vendetta, the court said.HC noted that economic offences form a separate class and require stricter scrutiny at the bail stage. However, it directed the agency to complete the probe within three months, after which Majithia may seek bail.About the AuthorAjay SuraAjay Sura is Senior Assistant Editor with The Times of India Chandigarh. He covers news concerning the State of Haryana, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Defence & Military Affairs. He likes to analyse political developments and decoding judicial pronouncements. His hobbies include travelling, mountaineering and trekking.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Never Going With RJD Again” Nitish Kumar’s Sharp Swipe At RJD Bloc In AssemblyPM Modi Welcomes President Putin With Warm Hug Ahead Of India-Russia SummitHugs, Handshakes & High Diplomacy: Modi-Putin Bond Defines India-Russia SummitShashi Tharoor Says Strengthening Russia Ties Won’t Affect Relations With US, China‘Light Of My Life’ Swaraj Kaushal Passes Away At 73; Daughter Bansuri Pays Heartfelt TributePM Modi Breaks Protocol, Receives Vladimir Putin With A Hug, Shares Car In Big India-Russia MomentPutin Visit To Boost India-Russia Trade To New Highs, Says WTC ChairmanPiyush Goyal Hails Russia As India’s Trusted Friend, Urges Removal Of Trade BarriersIndia And Russia Boost Military Ties As Rajnath Singh Highlights Strategic Tech PartnershipAfghanistan FM Muttaqi Defends India Ties, Slams Pakistan Over Deoband Row And Shifting Accusations123PhotostoriesVijayashanti, Pratighatana and Karthavyam; Fearless women taking on corrupt power in fiery Telugu classicsVikrant Massey on underdog stories and complex heroes; Nuanced characters that highlight his versatile talentNutrition fact of the day: How much protein do I need to consume in a day?6 types of winter Halwas from the bylanes of Purani DilliWhat Déjà Vu really means in spirituality; some interpretations will leave you shocked5 workouts proven to boost heart health and longevityNature’s rainbow feathered wonders: 5 colourful birds that paint the sky as they fly5 love quotes from Jane Austen that feel like a warm hug on a winter evening5 foods you should not cook in an iron kadhaiThe Spiritual Meaning of Angel Numbers You Keep Seeing123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingStephen Curry WifeNBA Trade RumorsRaKai Walmart IncidentCandace OwensNHL Trade RumorDak PrescottTravis KelceKobe BryantLuka DoncicGolden State Warriors vs Philadelphia 76ers
CHANDIGARH: Refusing bail to Shiromani Akali Dal veteran Bikram Singh Majithia in a disproportionate assets case, Punjab and Haryana HC said material unearthed so far indicates “serious economic offences” and his release may hamper the probe.“Majithia is one of the prominent political figures of the state… In case he is released at this stage, possibility of his influencing investigation or manipulating records cannot be ruled out,” HC observed.Rejecting Majithia’s argument that the vigilance bureau had not followed correct procedure in lodging the FIR, Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya ruled there is no bar on registering a fresh case if new facts point to a larger conspiracy involving disproportionate assets and use of ill-gotten money. It cannot be termed mala fide or sheer political vendetta, the court said.HC noted that economic offences form a separate class and require stricter scrutiny at the bail stage. However, it directed the agency to complete the probe within three months, after which Majithia may seek bail.