P&H High Court Grants Interim Protection from Arrest to Congress Leader Partap Singh Bajwa in ‘50 Bombs’ Remark Case

In a politically significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted interim relief to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, in connection with an FIR registered over his controversial public statement claiming that “50 bombs have reached Punjab” — of which 18 had already exploded and 32 were yet to go off.

The FIR was lodged at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Mohali, invoking non-bailable offences under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing charges of spreading false information likely to disturb public order and obstructing public servants in discharge of their duties.

Bajwa moved the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR, asserting that his statement was meant to highlight rising concerns over law and order in Punjab and was neither provocative nor intended to incite unrest. He alleged that the case was politically motivated and aimed at stifling his criticism of the state administration.

After hearing arguments, the High Court directed the State of Punjab not to take coercive action against Bajwa till the next date of hearing, which is scheduled for April 22, 2025. The Court issued notice to the state government and sought its reply on the plea for quashing the FIR.

While granting the interim protection, the Court also directed Bajwa to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The matter continues to attract significant political and legal attention, given Bajwa’s stature and the sensitivity of his remarks amid heightened public security concerns.