Punjab & Haryana High Court Refuses Bail to Advocate Implicated in ₹30 Lakh Bribery Scandal Involving Judicial Manipulation
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has delivered a significant judgment reinforcing the judiciary's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, particularly when it involves legal practitioners attempting to manipulate judicial outcomes. In the matter of Jatin Salwan Vs Central Bureau of Investigation, the High Court dismissed the regular bail application of an advocate accused of soliciting a bribe to influence a court order.
The Court observed that allegations regarding the solicitation of illegal gratification to sway judicial proceedings constitute a direct attack on the sanctity of the justice delivery system.
Case Background and Factual Matrix
The controversy centers around an FIR registered on 14.08.2025. The legal proceedings were initiated under specific provisions of the new criminal laws and anti-corruption statutes. Specifically, the case was booked under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, read in conjunction with Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The Allegations
The genesis of the prosecution's case lies in a complaint filed against the petitioner, a practicing advocate. The core allegation involves a demand for a substantial bribe amounting to ₹30 lakh.
- Purpose of Bribe: The illegal gratification was allegedly demanded to secure a favorable judicial order in a divorce petition that was pending adjudication before the courts in Bathinda.
- CBI Verification: Upon receiving the complaint, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a verification process. The agency recorded telephonic conversations which, according to the prosecution, provided prima facie substantiation of the demand for the bribe.