Leader of Opposition in Punjab and senior Congress MLA Pratap Singh Bajwa has approached the Punjab & Haryana High Court, urging it to dismiss an FIR lodged against him for making a controversial statement on national security during a TV appearance.
Bajwa is facing charges under Sections 353(2) and 197(1)(d) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to spreading false information that could incite disharmony and assertions detrimental to national integration.
The controversy erupted following Bajwa’s comment on a televised debate aired on April 13, where he stated that “50 bombs have reached Punjab.” The FIR claims this statement could potentially mislead the public and threaten the country’s unity and security.
In his petition, Bajwa argues that his comment was made in the context of ongoing concerns regarding Punjab’s deteriorating law and order situation, which has seen multiple bomb blasts over the last six months-including one targeting a former BJP minister’s residence in Jalandhar.
He asserted that his remarks were aimed at holding the current government accountable for intelligence lapses and to urge authorities to take stronger action against such threats. The plea emphasizes that the show’s full recording supports his intention to alert the government-not provoke unrest.
The petition also requests protection from any coercive action while responding to a Notice issued under Section 35(3) of BNSS. Bajwa is represented by Advocate Himmat Deol and Senior Advocate APS Deol. The High Court is scheduled to hear the matter tomorrow.
