SC grants protection from arrest to Bharat Inder Singh Chahal in disproportionate assets case

Chandigarh: Bharat Inder Singh Chahal, former advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, has received significant relief from the Supreme Court in an alleged disproportionate assets case. On Friday, the court granted Chahal full protection from arrest, staying further action against him.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau had initiated an investigation into Chahal in 2022, probing his properties and subsequently filing an FIR on August 2, 2023, under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Chahal, in his plea for anticipatory bail, alleged that the current Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government was targeting leaders and associates of the previous regime as part of a political vendetta.

He maintained that he had provided comprehensive details of his bank accounts, properties, and income but was being falsely implicated.

In a prior hearing on November 11, 2024, the Supreme Court had instructed authorities not to take penal action against Chahal, emphasizing the need for fair investigation.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta reiterated the directive, asking Chahal to cooperate fully with the inquiry.

The court’s decision is seen as a significant setback for the state Vigilance Bureau, which had intensified its efforts in the case.