Punjab & Haryana HC Directs Police Not to Harass Elderly Man Amidst FIR Against Grandson; Investigation to Proceed Lawfully: CRWP 3746/2025 - 2025-04-16

Punjab & Haryana High Court Steps In to Protect Elderly Man from Alleged Police Harassment

Chandigarh : The High Court of Punjab and Haryana recently disposed of a criminal writ petition filed by a 77-year-old man, Ujagar Singh , who alleged harassment by the Punjab police due to political rivalry and an FIR lodged against his grandson. The Court, presided over by Justice Harpreet Singh Brar , took on record the State's assurance that the petitioner would not be unduly troubled.

Background of the Plea

The petitioner, Ujagar Singh , in CRWP 3746 of 2025, sought directions against police officials to prevent unnecessary harassment, false implication, and damage to his life, liberty, and property, which includes a stud farm with numerous animals. He also initially sought the release of seven of his workers allegedly under illegal detention.

Singh, described as a man with no prior criminal record, manages a stud farm housing approximately 17 horses and various other animals. He contended that the harassment stemmed from an FIR registered against his grandson, Sukhraj Singh , the Sarpanch of their village, concerning the alleged embezzlement of Panchayat funds.

Petitioner's Contentions: Political Vendetta Alleged

Ujagar Singh 's counsel argued that the petitioner and his family are affiliated with the Shiromani Akali Dal, an opposition party in Punjab. He alleged that political opponents from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, in connivance with police and Panchayat department officials, were orchestrating the harassment.

The petitioner asserted his non-involvement in the offense for which his grandson was booked and highlighted that he was not named in the said FIR. Despite this, he claimed his stud farm had been raided by the police 10 to 12 times, causing distress and potential harm to the animals. He also reported that one of his expensive breed dogs had gone missing during these raids and that his workers were being harassed and beaten. The plea emphasized that these actions were intended to unlawfully pressure him in connection with the case against his grandson.

The petitioner urged the Court to direct the police to refrain from harassing him and to protect his life, liberty, and property, including his animals and workers. He maintained that while the police could lawfully investigate his grandson, they should not resort to pressurizing the petitioner.

State's Assurance to the Court

Representing the State of Punjab and other respondents, Mr. Pardeep Singh , Deputy Advocate General, Punjab, acknowledged the petition. Based on instructions from Inspector Arshdeep Singh , SHO Sirhind , the State Counsel made several key submissions:

Ujagar Singh is not an accused in the FIR lodged against his grandson.

The petitioner will not be harassed by the police or any other official.

No damage will be caused to the animals or workers at the petitioner's stud farm.

The investigation into the offense involving the petitioner's grandson will proceed strictly in accordance with the law.

Court's Order and Disposal

In light of the categorical assurances provided by the State Counsel, the learned counsel for Ujagar Singh submitted that the petition could be disposed of.

Accepting these submissions, Justice Harpreet Singh Brar ordered: "Disposed of accordingly."

The judgment, marked as "speaking/reasoned" and "reportable," underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding citizens from potential misuse of power, even as lawful investigations proceed. While the initial plea mentioned the release of detained workers, the disposal was based on the broader assurances of non-harassment and protection for the petitioner, his workers, and his property, alongside the commitment to lawful investigation against the grandson.