'Deplorable': Punjab & Haryana HC Seeks Justification From Vigilance Bureau Chief For Enquiring Into Corruption Case For 5 Yrs Without Lodging FIR

Observing that "the situation appears to be inexplicable nay deplorable," the Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought explanation from Punjab's Chief Director, State Vigilance Bureau for enquiring a corruption case for five years without registering FIR.

 Justice Sumeet Goel said, “the Chief Director, State Vigilance Bureau, Punjab is directed to look into the matter and file an affidavit delineating therein the cause for and justification behind continuation of an inquiry for a period of about 5 years without registration of an FIR.”

The Court was hearing anticipatory bail plea under Sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of IPC and Section 7-A of Prevention of Corruption Act.

It was contended that complaint which has culminated into the FIR in question was given in 2019 but the Vigilance Bureau continued to sit over the same for about 5 years, the petitioner had duly appeared before the concerned official as and when he was called upon before registration of the FIR i.e. during the course of inquiry by the Vigilance Bureau.

The Court granted the relief and asked to appear before the Investigating Officer on 21.4.2025 at 11:00 A.M. in concerned Police Station and join investigation. 

While disposing of the plea, Justice Goel highlighted that the complaint which resulted into registration of the FIR in question is stated to have been given in July, 2019 but, "for some cause, the Vigilance Bureau has chosen to sit over the complaint for about 5 years as the FIR on the basis thereof was registered only in March 2025."

Mr. S.K. Garg Narwana, Senior Advocate with Mr. RPS Jammu, Advocate, for the petitioner

Title: HARMEET SINGH SEHGAL V/S STATE OF PUNJAB

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