Chandigarh, April 30
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday directed the Punjab government to safeguard Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh and his family from any physical harm while they are in the state. Passing an interim order, Justice Jagmohan Bansal’s Bench also issued notice of motion to the state and other respondents on Singh’s petition against the withdrawal of his security cover.
Harbhajan, who entered the Rajya Sabha in April 2022 on an AAP ticket and resides in Jalandhar, argued that the April 25 directive of the Punjab ADGP (Security) was issued without a fresh threat assessment or prior hearing. He urged the court to restore his security immediately, alleging the decision was “vindictive” and followed his departure from AAP along with six other MPs.
The petition recounted that soon after his exit was announced, a mob gathered outside his Jalandhar home, scrawled “traitor (gaddar)” on the boundary walls, and attempted to force open the main gate. Singh, who was in Mumbai at the time, said he was alerted to the incident by his brother‑in‑law.
Punjab Advocate‑General Maninderjit Bedi, however, maintained that Singh already enjoys Central security protection and is not ordinarily residing in Punjab.
After considering the submissions, the Bench issued notice of motion and scheduled the matter for May 12, to be heard along with a connected petition.
