Back
LAW

Chandigarh: Charges framed against advocate Salwan, his aide in bribery case

A special CBI court framed charges against Punjab and Haryana high court advocate Jatin Salwan and his associate Satnam Singh for allegedly accepting a ₹30 lakh bribe to influence a Bathinda judicial officer. The events trace back to an August 2025 bribe complaint and a trap on August 14, 2025; on May 4, 2026 charges were framed and both defendants pleaded not guilty and were remanded to judicial custody as the prosecution date was set for May 18.

Why It Matters

This development formalizes the charges in a high-profile bribery case involving a senior advocate and an aide, with potential implications for judicial accountability and anti-corruption enforcement in India.

Timeline

3 Events

Charges framed against Salwan and Satnam Singh; proceedings and custody

May 4, 2026

A Special CBI court, presided by Judge Bhawna Jain, framed charges against Jatin Salwan and his associate Satnam Singh under Section 61(2) of the BNSS (criminal conspiracy) and Section 7-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The accused were produced in court, served with the chargesheet, pleaded not guilty, and claimed trial. They were sent to judicial custody, and the matter was adjourned to May 18 for the start of prosecution evidence.

Satnam Singh caught in a trap during bribe case (August 14, 2025)

August 14, 2025

During a trap operation on August 14, 2025, Satnam Singh was allegedly caught accepting a portion of the bribe on Salwan’s behalf, marking a key development in the ongoing case.

CBI arrests Salwan in August 2025 after bribery complaint

August 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Punjab and Haryana high court advocate Jatin Salwan in August 2025 following a complaint that he was demanding a ₹30 lakh bribe to influence a judicial officer in Bathinda in a matrimonial dispute involving his cousin. The complaint was filed by Harsimranjit Singh, who alleged the funds were to secure a favourable order.