“Better we don’t open our mouths,” bench tells petitioner while declining relief in DA cases
New Delhi, December 20, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – The Supreme Court on Friday firmly refused to grant any relief to suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, declining to stay the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) probe into corruption case and disproportionate assets (DA) case registered against him and delivering a pointed warning to his counsel against pressing the court for interim indulgence.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi made it clear that it was not inclined to interfere in the ongoing investigation, noting that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has already seized of the matter. When Bhullar’s counsel urged the court to at least issue directions on interim relief, the CJI responded sharply: “It’s better we don’t open our mouths. Don’t invite harsh observations from us.”
The remark effectively signalled the court’s disinclination to entertain the plea any further.
Challenge to CBI jurisdiction rejected
Bhullar had approached the apex court challenging the December 4 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which had refused to stay the CBI proceedings and adjourned his petition for hearing in January. A senior advocate appearing for Bhullar, argued that the high court erred in postponing the matter without deciding his request for interim protection.
He further contended that the CBI had illegally assumed jurisdiction in Punjab despite withdrawal of the state government’s general consent, alleging a violation of Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act. He claimed the agency had “surreptitiously entered Punjab” to register FIRs without mandatory consent.
The bench, however, showed little inclination to examine the merits at this stage. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, informed the court that Bhullar had already been denied regular bail and that the investigation was progressing strictly in accordance with law.
Petition withdrawn after court’s stance
Sensing the court’s mood, Bhullar’s counsel sought permission to withdraw the petition and pursue remedies before the high court. Accepting the request, the Supreme Court disposed of the matter, effectively leaving the CBI investigation untouched and reinforcing the high court’s authority to hear the case.
Multiple setbacks for suspended DIG
The Supreme Court’s refusal came a day after a special CBI court rejected Bhullar’s default bail application in the DA case, marking another legal setback for the suspended officer.
Bhullar was arrested on October 16 along with his alleged conduit in an Rs 8 lakh bribery case, following a complaint by a Mandi Gobindgarh-based scrap dealer who accused him of demanding recurring payments to “settle” a 2023 FIR and prevent further police action against his business.
During subsequent raids, the CBI claimed to have recovered crores of rupees in cash, gold jewellery, luxury watches, imported liquor, firearms, documents of immovable properties and keys of high-end vehicles from Bhullar’s residence, triggering multiple investigations by central and state agencies.
With the apex court now refusing to step in and issuing a stern caution from the bench, Bhullar’s legal options have narrowed considerably, even as the corruption case, DA case, income tax and money laundering probes against him continue to deepen.
