Punjab and Haryana High Court Grants Bail to SAD Leader Noni Mann After Nearly Five Months
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted bail to senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Vardev Singh, widely known as Noni Mann, following nearly five months in judicial custody. This decision comes after a lower court in Fazilka rejected his bail plea in December 2025, prompting him to seek relief from the higher judiciary.
Background of the Case and Arrest
Noni Mann, a prominent political figure in Punjab and son of the late former Ferozepur MP Zora Singh Mann, was arrested in November 2025. The arrest was linked to a violent incident during the October 2024 panchayat elections in Fazilka. The clash between rival groups escalated into serious violence, involving allegations of stone-pelting and firing.
During the unrest, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Mandeep Singh Brar, who was contesting for the sarpanch post from Muhammad Wala village, sustained a bullet injury to his chest. This incident led to widespread concern and legal action.
Legal Charges and Proceedings
Following a complaint by Gurpreet Singh, another candidate for the sarpanch post from Chak Suhelewala village, the police registered a case against Noni Mann and others. The charges included attempt to murder, causing hurt, unlawful assembly, and rioting.
The case was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Sections 109, 115 (2), 351 (2), 193 (3), and 190, along with Section 25 of the Arms Act. Other accused individuals include Noni Mann's brother, Nardev Singh alias Bobby Mann, who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Ferozepur, Harpinder Singh Mann, and 15-20 unidentified persons.
Bail Rejection and High Court Intervention
Initially, a Fazilka court rejected Noni Mann's bail plea in December 2025, citing the seriousness of the charges. However, he subsequently approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, arguing for bail based on legal grounds and the duration of his custody.
The High Court's decision to grant bail marks a significant development in this high-profile case, potentially influencing ongoing legal proceedings and political dynamics in the region. The ruling underscores the judiciary's role in balancing legal scrutiny with individual rights during prolonged detentions.
This case highlights the intense political rivalries often seen during local elections in Punjab, with implications for future electoral conduct and law enforcement responses to election-related violence.
