Jatin Salwan Vs Central Bureau of Investigation (Punjab and Haryana High Court)
The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a petition seeking regular bail in a corruption case, holding that allegations involving solicitation of illegal gratification to influence judicial outcomes strike at the very foundation of the justice delivery system. The petitioner, a practising advocate, was arrested pursuant to an FIR registered on 14.08.2025 under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 read with Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The case originated from a complaint alleging demand of ₹30 lakh for securing a favourable judicial order in a divorce matter pending before courts at Bathinda.
The complaint was verified by the CBI through recorded telephonic conversations, which prima facie substantiated the demand. A trap was laid on the same day, during which a co-accused allegedly accepted ₹4 lakh as part payment of the demanded bribe, purportedly at the petitioner’s behest. The petitioner was arrested and remanded to judicial custody. His earlier bail application had already been rejected by the Special Judge, CBI.
Before the High Court, the petitioner contended that he was falsely implicated, that the alleged demand was misconstrued professional fees, and that the essential ingredients of Section 7A were not satisfied as he was neither a public servant nor competent to influence the concerned judicial officer. Age, medical ailments, completion of investigation, and prolonged custody were also cited in support of bail. The CBI opposed bail, arguing that the allegations were grave, supported by verification material, recorded conversations, and recovery of tainted money, and that such conduct by an advocate erodes public confidence in the judiciary.
