Punjab Govt Opposes Journalist Rattandeep Dhaliwal's Plea Against Complaints By AAP MLAs, Calls It 'Premature'

In the plea filed by journalist and YouTuber Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal challenging multiple complaints lodged against him by AAP MLAs, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today was informed by the Punjab Government that the petition is premature and not maintainable.

On May 21, Dhaliwal in his podcast said that about 32 sitting MLAs might not be considered as party candidates for the upcoming Punjab assembly elections. Following this, various MLAs filed police complaints against him and various notices were issued to him by the police of different districts in Punjab.

At the outset, the Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi apprised the Court that as per the previous order, the petitioner was required to file an affidavit substantiating his claims. While the petitioner submitted that the affidavit was being filed, it was noted that a copy had not been supplied to the office of the Advocate General, following which the matter was adjourned.

Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj said it would consider the issues raised and adjourned the matter for July 02.

Dhaliwal operates online platforms under the names “Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal” and “Talk with Rattan". In the present case, the controversy arose from a podcast aired by him in May 2026, wherein he discussed the upcoming 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

The plea seeks stay of proceeding in all complaints arising out of the podcast and challenges the multiple inquiries and summons.

During the hearing, the Bench enquired whether the petitioner was the same person in whose matter another Bench had stayed proceedings. Responding to this, the Advocate General clarified that the present case arises out of entirely different facts and issues, and therefore, the petitioner cannot derive any benefit from the earlier stay order. The Court recorded the submission and agreed with the State's position.

The petitioner sought an oral assurance from the Court that no coercive action would be taken against him. Opposing this request, the Advocate General submitted that the petition itself is premature and not maintainable, as the petitioner has only been asked to appear in connection with certain complaints and the police authorities are acting strictly in accordance with law.

No case for grant of protection is made out at this stage, the AG said. He added that mere issuance of notices or summons in the course of investigation cannot be a ground to invoke writ jurisdiction.

Senior Adv RS Bains appeared for the petitioner

AG Maninderjit Singh Bedi appeared for the State

Title: RATTANDEEP SINGH DHALIWAL V/S STATE OF PUNJAB