Punjab and Haryana High Court denies bail to DIG HS Bhullar in bribery case

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday denied bail to Punjab-cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a case of bribery last year [Harcharan Singh Bhullar v Central Bureau of Investigation]

Justice Sumeet Goel observed that the offence under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act), particularly when attributed to an officer of such rank, has serious ramifications for the integrity of the criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in the administration of law.

The Court added that Bhullar's argument of no recovery would not entitle him to bail as the prosecution has alleged that bribe amount was accepted through an intermediary.

"Having regard to ... the prima facie material collected during verification, trap laid by the police, the role attributed to the petitioner through an intermediary, the stage of the proceedings, the vulnerability of material witnesses, the continuing investigation under Section 193(9) BNSS and the potential influencing of the witnesses owing to the position of the petitioner, this Court is of the considered view that the petitioner does not deserve the concession of regular bail," the Court said.

In October 2025, CBI recovered ₹7.5 crore in cash, documents related to over 50 immovable properties and other items from Bhullar's Chandigarh residence.

He was allegedly caught demanding and accepting illegal gratification of ₹8 lakh from a businessman through his associate Krishanu Sharda for "settling" an FIR and for ensuring that no further coercive or adverse police action was taken against his business.

During the trap proceedings, a "controlled call" was allegedly made to Bhullar during which he is stated to have acknowledged the payment and directed the middleman and complainant to come to his office.

Sharda was later apprehended while allegedly accepting ₹5 lakh as part of the demanded bribe. It led to Bhullar's arrest.

A chargesheet was filed against him before a Chandigarh court. Meanwhile and he was suspended from service.

In the bail order, the High Court said the recorded conversations, the verification report and the trap proceedings prima facie indicate a demand for illegal gratification and the collection of part of the bribe amount through the co-accused.

"At this stage, this material cannot be ignored or brushed aside," the Bench said.

The Court also noted that charges are yet to be framed in the case and that crucial witnesses have not been examined so far.

Commenting on his influence, the Court said a person who has held a senior position in the police for decades is likely to retain professional relationships and institutional familiarity which may have a bearing on witnesses and the course of investigation.

"The apprehension expressed by the prosecution and the complainant regarding possible influence cannot be brushed aside lightly, particularly in view of the rank held by the petitioner and the fact that some of the witnesses are police personnel and government officials who had been within his administrative fold," it added.

However, while denying bail to Bhullar, the Court clarified that he can apply for regular bail again after the examination of the material witnesses.

Senior Advocate Bipin Ghai and advocate Nikhil Ghai appeared for the petitioner.

Special Public Prosecutors (SPP) Ravi Kamal Gupta and Akashdeep Singh represented the CBI.

Senior Advocate Puja Chopra with Advocates Palak Sharma, Gurminder Singh Salana and Tapish Gupta appeared for the complainant.

[Read Order]