Supreme Court Flags Absence Of Punjab Govt Lawyers, Shares Concerns With AG

Today, the Supreme Court called out the State of Punjab for the failure of the Punjab Government's panel advocates to appear in matters where notice has been served.

A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Aravind Kumar hearing an appeal filed by the Punjab Police against the order of the High Court granting regular bail to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia. On March 4, the Court passed an interim order directing Majithia to appear before the Punjab Police on March 17 for interrogation in a drugs case.

Today when Advocate General Gurminder Singh appeared, Justice Maheshwari at the outset said: "Mr. Advocate General of Punjab...in your State, even after service of notice, your panel advocates in the Supreme Court are not appearing. We have already referred in two orders. This is everyday drama...Everyday, we cannot go at your home and knock the doors. Then, you will say the Supreme Court is not allowing me to sleep...Notice has been served, summons has been served to your officers and what is your State doing?"

Justice Kumar also responded: "State of Punjab means absent. Not only in criminal cases, in civil cases also nobody is appearing...If its in one case, [inaudible]but not every next case."

Singh responded that this was the first time he was informed about this and that "he will take care" that this never happens again.

"This should not happen, Mylords. I will check. This is the first time it has come to my notice and I will make sure it never happens again," Singh responded.

Regarding the case of Majithia, the Court responded that since he is cooperating with the investigation, it will take up the matter after 2 weeks.

Appearing for Majithia, Senior Advocate S. Muralidhar submitted that Majithia has already answered 150 written questions given to him by the State police. He raised concern over the Police holding press conferences every day in this case. 

AG Gurminder Singh said that the investigation has revealed certain 'startling facts' and said that an affidavit would be filed.

"Everday, press conference is being held. It is disclosed to the press what answers are given, it cannot be misused," Muralidhar informed. Advocate General Singh denied holding a press conference. 

Case Details: THE STATE OF PUNJAB Vs BIKRAM SINGH MAJITHIA| SLP(Crl) No. 3650/2023