Punjab & Haryana High Court Directs CBI Probe Against Lawyer Accused Of Bribing Judge

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed CBI probe into allegations that an advocate took Rs. 5 lakh from a litigant for allegedly bribing a judicial officer and a government pleader.

Justice Sandeep Moudgil said, “Having considered the factual aspects and the serious nature of the allegations involved, this Court finds it appropriate to refer the entire matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an effective and thorough investigation. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues ranging not only from threats to the petitioner's life to the serious charges of alleged misconduct against him as an advocate but raises questions of integrity of an important pillar of democracy i.e. judicial institution of which the Bench & Bar are two sides of a coin and indispensable companion, an independent agency's involvement is necessary to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry.”

The advocate had filed a protection plea alleging the ex-Sarpanch who had approached him for filing a writ petition was threatening him for refund of the professional fees, since outcome of the case was unsatisfactory.

During the proceedings, the Chandigarh Police recorded a statement of the ex-sarpanch who alleged the advocate had taken money from him to give it to the government pleader and a judicial officer.

The Court said, “The allegations made by Respondent No.6 against the petitioner are of a serious nature, claiming that the petitioner demanded a sum to be paid to both the Government Pleader and the Judicial Officer. However, the names of the Government Pleader and the Judiciail Officer are not mentioned in the statement. It further indicates that the amount was actually paid in installments.”

Hence, the Court directed CBI to take immediate cognizance of the complaints and allegations, investigate all aspects diligently, and submit a detailed report within a stipulated timeframe.

Mr. Jatinder Pal Singh, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. J.S. Rattu, DAG, Punjab.

Mr. Ankur Bali, Addl. PP, for respondents No.3 and 4.

Title: ANKUSH DHANERWAL v. STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS

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