Punjab LoP Bajwa seeks to quash FIR over bomb remarks, High Court to hear plea

A fresh legal battle over controversial remarks made by Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa is set to unfold in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday, where the senior Congress leader has challenged the criminal case registered against him over his claims relating to alleged bomb threats in the state.

Bajwa has asked the High Court to set aside the FIR lodged by the Punjab Police, arguing that the prosecution lacks legal merit and should not be allowed to continue. The petition will also test the continuation of the interim protection from arrest that the court granted him during the previous hearing.

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The High Court had earlier issued notice to the Punjab government, seeking its response to Bajwa’s plea, while directing that no coercive action be taken against him until further orders. At the same time, the court advised the Congress legislator not to make any public comments on the issue while the matter remains under judicial consideration.

The controversy arose after Bajwa, during a television interview, claimed that around 50 bombs had reached Punjab, alleging that 18 had already exploded while several others were yet to go off. These statements have sparked discussion in political circles. The police state that such statements, made without evidence, can create panic and disrupt law and order; for this reason, the Punjab Police have initiated criminal proceedings.

Based on the complaint, the Cyber Crime Police Station in Mohali registered an FIR against the Congress leader under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges relating to the alleged circulation of false information affecting national security and public harmony.

As part of the investigation, Bajwa appeared before the Mohali police after being summoned and was questioned for nearly six hours. Emerging from the interrogation, he said he had fully cooperated with investigators and answered all questions put to him.

The Congress veteran has consistently denied any wrongdoing, contending that the criminal case was initiated for political reasons. He has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government of attempting to target opposition voices through legal action, an allegation the ruling party has dismissed.

On the other hand, the Punjab government has stated that statements concerning public security especially those linked to alleged terror threats carry serious implications and therefore require verification.