Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia has been granted bail by the Supreme Court of India. This major development comes after he spent seven months in jail in a disproportionate assets case. His release is seen as a significant political event in Punjab.
On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Supreme Court bench led by Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta gave relief to the former Punjab minister. The court noted that Majithia had already been in custody for a long time and the investigation reports were already filed.
The Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court heard the arguments from both sides before making the decision. Majithia’s lawyers argued that he had been in jail since June 2025 and that the police had already filed a detailed chargesheet. They stated that keeping him in jail longer was not necessary for the trial.
The bench agreed with these points. The judges observed that the trial would take time to complete. Since the chargesheet (investigation report) is already with the court, there is no need to keep him in custody indefinitely.
The court also mentioned that Majithia was granted bail in a related drugs case back in 2022. The state government had tried to challenge that bail earlier, but the Supreme Court had dismissed their plea in 2025.
What is the Disproportionate Assets Case?
This legal battle started when the Punjab Vigilance Bureau registered a case against Bikram Singh Majithia in June 2025. The case was filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Key Allegations:
- The police accused Majithia and his wife of gathering wealth that did not match their known sources of income.
- The FIR (First Information Report) claimed that they had accumulated assets worth over ₹540 crore.
- The authorities alleged that this money was linked to “drug money” and was laundered through various companies and fake entities.
Majithia was arrested on June 25, 2025, and was lodged in the Nabha jail in Patiala. The Vigilance Bureau later filed a massive 40,000-page chargesheet against him in a Mohali court in August 2025.
Political Reactions in Punjab
The news of the bail has triggered strong reactions from different political parties in Punjab.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD): The Akali Dal welcomed the decision. Senior leaders called it a “victory of truth.” They accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of using “political vendetta” to target Majithia. They claimed the case was fake and created just to harass their leader.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): The ruling AAP government maintained a strict stance. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that getting bail does not mean the person is innocent. He stated, “Bail is not an acquittal. He will still face trial, and we are confident he will be convicted.” The government also hinted that they might file a review petition against the bail order.
What Happens Next?
Following the Supreme Court’s order, Bikram Singh Majithia is expected to walk out of jail once all legal formalities are completed.
- Release: His family and supporters gathered outside the jail to welcome him.
- Trial Continues: While he is out on bail, the court case will continue. He will have to attend court hearings and cooperate with the law.
- Conditions: The Supreme Court allowed the lower court to set strict conditions for his bail to ensure he does not influence witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why was Bikram Singh Majithia in jail?
He was in jail because of a disproportionate assets case. The police alleged he had amassed wealth worth over ₹540 crore which he could not explain.
Q: When did he get bail?
The Supreme Court granted him bail on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Q: Is the case against him closed now?
No, the case is not closed. Bail means he can stay out of jail while the trial goes on. He still has to fight the case in court.
Q: Which jail was he lodged in?
He was lodged in the Nabha Jail in Patiala, Punjab.
Q: Who granted him bail?
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta granted him bail.