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Punjab and Haryana HC ordered CBI probe into claims that an advocate took money to bribe a judge, highlighting threats and serious allegations affecting judicial integrity.
Justice Moudgil, in his August 22 order, underlined the seriousness of the allegations and the potential implications on the integrity of the judicial system.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into allegations that an advocate took over Rs 5 lakh from a client to bribe a judge and a government pleader.
The order was issued by Justice Sandeep Moudgil in a case involving lawyer Ankush Dhanerwal, who had initially approached the court seeking protection from a former client—an ex-sarpanch—who he claimed was threatening him for a refund after being dissatisfied with the outcome of a previous case.
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However, during the pendency of Dhanerwal’s plea, Chandigarh Police recorded a statement from the ex-sarpanch who alleged that the advocate had taken money from him under the pretext of paying off judicial authorities.
The payments were made in installments via Google Pay. While no names of the alleged government pleader or judge were mentioned, the High Court deemed the accusations grave and warranted further investigation.
Justice Moudgil, in his August 22 order, underlined the seriousness of the allegations and the potential implications on the integrity of the judicial system. He also noted a similar recent case involving another lawyer accused of accepting a bribe in the name of a judicial officer.
“The allegations made by Respondent No.6 against the petitioner [Dhanerwal] are of a serious nature, claiming that the petitioner demanded a sum to be paid to both the Government Pleader and the Judicial Officer. However, the names of the Government Pleader and the Judiciail Officer are not mentioned in the statement. It further indicates that the amount was actually paid in installments to the petitioner via Google Pay,” the Court noted.
It thus referred the matter to the CBI, directing it to conduct an impartial and thorough probe and submit a detailed report,
“Having considered the factual aspects and the serious nature of the allegations involved, this Court finds it appropriate to refer the entire matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an effective and thorough investigation. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues ranging not only from threats to the petitioner’s life to the serious charges of alleged misconduct against him as an advocate but raises questions of integrity of an important pillar of democracy i.e. judicial institution of which the Bench & Bar are two sides of a coin and indispensable companion, an independent agency’s involvement is necessary to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry,” the court ordered.
Advocate Jatinder Pal Singh appeared for Dhanerwal. The State of Punjab was represented by Deputy Advocate General JS Rattu, while Additional Public Prosecutor Ankur Bali appeared for UT Chandigarh.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Chandigarh, India, India
September 11, 2025, 18:10 IST
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