Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday ordered the Centre and the Punjab govt to conduct a fresh threat assessment of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) functionary and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia. The court directed them to place their reports in a sealed cover on the next date of hearing on March 6.Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri passed the orders following submissions that Majithia continues to face a serious threat to his life even after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in a disproportionate assets case on Feb 2. “It is further directed that till the next date of hearing, the state of Punjab shall ensure that the petitioner is adequately protected,” the HC ordered, directing the Punjab chief secretary to file an affidavit in consultation with the DGP. Representing Majithia, senior advocates R S Cheema and D S Sobti, assisted by S S Sangha, pointed out that the ministry of home affairs had flagged potential risks to his life, leading to a coordinate bench of the HC directing the Punjab govt to ensure his adequate protection on May 2, 2025. They also cited a Jan 3 internal communication from the special director general of police (intelligence), Punjab, which conveyed intelligence inputs from central agencies about a terrorist plot to target Majithia while he was in custody. The defence argued that Majithia was a Z+ category protectee for years and his recent release necessitates a comprehensive review of his security arrangements. Representing the Punjab govt, additional advocate general Chanchal Singla said Majithia is adequately protected, with 15 security personnel, and did not object to forming a committee to reassess the threat perception. Similarly, additional solicitor general Satya Pal Jain submitted the Centre’s willingness to conduct a fresh evaluation.
