Jyoti Bhatia And Others v. State Of Punjab And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CRWP-4646-2026 Date of Decision:-22.04.2026 JYOTI BHATIA AND OTHERS ......PETITIONERS VS.

STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS .....RESPONDENTS CORAM:-HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JASJIT SINGH BEDI

Present:

Ms. Sapna Seth, Advocate, Mr. Chirag Salhotra, Advocate, Ms. Poonam, Advocate, Mr. Abhisar, Advocate, Mr. Sonesh, Advocate and Ms. Karishma, Advocate for the petitioner(s). Mr. Harkanwar Jeet Singh, AAG, Punjab.

**** JASJIT SINGH BEDI , J.(ORAL ) 1.

The prayer in the present petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is for issuance of directions to official respondents to ensure immediate and effective protection of the life and liberty of the petitioners and to issue a writ of mandamus directing transfer of the investigation of FIR No.0029 dated 15.04.2026 registered at Police Station Shahpur Kandi, District Pathankot to an independent agency or to a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

2.

The learned counsel for the petitioners contends that the investigating agency is not conducting the investigation in a fair and transparent manner. After the present incident, the petitioners have been attacked once again on 19.04.2026. Therefore, appropriate directions be KUSUM 2026.04.23 19:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC Chandigarh

CRWP-4646-2026 -2issued for a proper investigation and for the protection of life and liberty of the petitioners.

3.

The learned State counsel, on the other hand, contends that the instant FIR was registered only 05 days ago i.e. 15.04.2026. Regarding the second occurrence on 19.04.2026, the complaint has been filed and the contents thereof shall be examined after which appropriate action will be taken as per law. As regards protection, he contends that no such protection is required by the petitioners and the investigating agency is otherwise bound to protect the life and liberty of every citizen. 4.

I have heard learned counsels for the parties. 5.

Admittedly, FIR No.29 dated 15.04.2026 was registered only 05 days ago. The filing of the instant petition seeking a proper investigation is certainly premature. As regards the subsequent occurrence on 19.04.2026, the investigating agency shall examine the complaint, if any, and proceed in accordance with law. As regards protection, the investigating agency is bound to ensure the protection of every citizen of this country, and needless to say, would do so qua the petitioner as well. 6.

In view of the above, I find no merit in the present petition and the same stands dismissed.

7.

All the pending miscellaneous applications, if any, stand disposed of.

(JASJIT SINGH BEDI) 22.04.2026 JUDGE Kusum Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No KUSUM 2026.04.23 19:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC Chandigarh