Mohali Court Grants Bail to Businessman in Vigilance Case Linked to Former Minister Majithia
A court in Mohali has granted regular bail to Jalandhar-based businessman Harpreet Singh Gulati, who was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in a corruption case connected to an alleged disproportionate assets probe against Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia.
Court's Rationale for Granting Bail
Additional Sessions Judge Hardip Singh allowed Gulati's bail application, emphasizing that the investigation against him was complete and the chargesheet had already been filed. The court noted that the conclusion of the trial would take considerable time, and no useful purpose would be served by keeping the 53-year-old in further custody.
The judge observed that prolonging Gulati's detention would not expedite the judicial process, given the procedural timelines involved in such complex financial cases.
Background of the Case and Arrest
Harpreet Singh Gulati was arrested on November 29, 2025, the same day he was formally nominated as an accused in the case against Bikram Singh Majithia. Interestingly, Gulati had previously been cited as a prosecution witness in the main chargesheet filed against Majithia on August 22, 2025.
This shift from witness to accused highlights the evolving nature of the investigation, which centers on allegations of financial misconduct and asset accumulation beyond known sources of income.
Arguments Presented by Defence and Prosecution
The defence counsel argued vigorously for bail, stating that Gulati had fully cooperated with the Vigilance Bureau and submitted all requested documents. They contended that he was falsely implicated after refusing to give a statement under pressure, which allegedly would have claimed that Majithia asked him to manage illicit funds.
In contrast, the prosecution described Gulati as a "core conspirator and financial conduit" in the case. They alleged that he routed over Rs 10 crore to entities linked to Majithia between 2008 and 2014. This included pre-licence transfers of approximately Rs 1.15 crore to SD Beverages Pvt. Ltd., a company associated with the former minister.
Bail Conditions Imposed by the Court
The court granted bail to Gulati under specific conditions designed to ensure his compliance with the legal process:
- Execution of a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with one surety of the same amount.
- Surrender of his passport to the court authorities.
- Prohibition from leaving India without prior permission from the court.
- Strict adherence to not tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
- Mandatory appearance on all scheduled court dates without fail.
Broader Legal Context and Recent Developments
This bail order comes shortly after the Supreme Court granted bail to Bikram Singh Majithia himself on February 2, 2026. The timing underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding the disproportionate assets case, which has attracted significant public and media attention.
The vigilance case continues to unfold, with both Gulati and Majithia now out on bail as the trial proceeds. Legal experts suggest that the court's decision reflects a balance between the rights of the accused and the necessities of judicial administration, particularly in cases where investigations are complete but trials are protracted.
As the proceedings move forward, all eyes will remain on the Mohali court for further developments in this high-profile corruption case linked to a prominent political figure.
