Majithia Seeks Separation in Jail, Alleges Threat to Life; Court Orders Security Review

A Mohali court has directed the Additional Director General of Police (Prisons), Punjab, to assess the security arrangements provided to former Punjab minister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is currently lodged in judicial custody at the New District Jail, Nabha.

Majithia is seeking to be kept in a separate cell, alleging that two other undertrial inmates had been deliberately placed in his barrack in violation of jail rules and despite a heightened threat perception to his life.

In his application, Majithia submitted that during a phone call to his counsel on July 9, he had informed that two additional prisoners had been lodged in his cell. His lawyers argued that the move was contrary to Chapter 20 of the Punjab Prison Rules, 2022, which governs the treatment of inmates categorised as high-risk or requiring special protection. They also referred to previous security communications issued by the ADGP (Security) during Majithia’s earlier custody in Patiala Jail in 2022.

The prosecution, relying on a report submitted by the jail superintendent, said that Majithia was being provided extra security, including a dedicated guard stationed in his ward. The superintendent also stated that only inmates with good conduct had been placed in the barrack with Majithia, and their presence was necessary to assist during emergencies. The report also noted that Majithia had not raised any grievance regarding the issue before the jail authorities.

Taking note of the contentions, the court directed that a copy of the application and the court’s order be sent to the ADGP (Prisons), Punjab, who has been asked to personally examine the matter and submit a report by July 25. Court said the ADGP should assess whether the jail is complying with the applicable provisions of the Punjab Prison Rules.

Majithia, a former MLA and cabinet minister, was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on June 25 in a disproportionate assets case. The agency has alleged that he accumulated assets worth over Rs. 540 crore that are not in proportion to his known sources of income. The case is being linked by the state to alleged proceeds from narcotics trade.

Majithia has denied all allegations and termed the action against him as politically motivated. The Akali Dal is accusing the AAP-led government of using the Vigilance Bureau to settle scores.

On July 22, the court also disposed of a separate application moved by Majithia seeking a copy of the grounds of arrest. The prosecution told the court that a signed copy had already been provided to both Majithia and his wife, and that this was recorded in the earlier remand order. The court again handed over a copy of the arrest grounds in court.

Majithia’s regular bail application is also pending and is listed for hearing on July 25, the same day the ADGP’s report is expected.

Majithia was previously arrested in December 2021 under the NDPS Act and spent over five months in judicial custody before being granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in August 2022. The Supreme Court later upheld the bail, observing that he had cooperated with the investigation.

His current arrest comes amid a renewed crackdown by the Punjab government on alleged drug-linked financial offences. The court had earlier restrained the Vigilance Bureau from conducting further searches of Majithia’s properties without prior notice, citing procedural concerns.

Court has extended Majithia’s judicial custody till August 2.

Case Title: State of Punjab Vs Bikramjit Singh Majithia

Order Date: July 22, 2025

Judge: ASJ Hardip Singh, SAS Nagar