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Punjab playing hide and seek: MP Sandeep Pathak to HC
The Punjab and Haryana High Court extended its interim protection for Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak until May 22, restraining Punjab from taking coercive action without court's permission, while the government failed to confirm whether any cognisable offence has been registered against him. Pathak, who defected from AAP to BJP on April 24, sought copies of purported FIRs in early May, leading to two hearings in the High Court on May 8 and May 11. The court also reiterated security directions for Rajinder Gupta in a related petition and asked Punjab to respond by May 22.
Why It Matters
The case highlights government transparency about potential criminal cases involving MPs, judicial safeguards against coercive action, and the interplay between party defections and legal scrutiny for elected representatives.
Timeline
6 Events
Security directions for Rajinder Gupta reiterated
May 15, 2026
While hearing Rajinder Gupta's petition challenging the withdrawal of his police security, the court reiterated May 8 directions to ensure security for Gupta and his family, and posted the matter for May 22.
HC extends interim protection till May 22; maintainability objections noted
May 15, 2026
The High Court extended interim protection for Pathak till May 22, restraining Punjab from taking coercive action without prior court permission. The court observed the state had not informed whether any cognisable offence had been registered and noted Punjab's objection regarding maintainability of the petition.
Second HC hearing on FIRs; maintainability debated
May 11, 2026
The court conducted a second hearing. The government counsel said he had no instructions and urged arguments on the petition's maintainability, while Pathak's advocate pressed the right to know about any FIR if it exists.
Pathak seeks copies of purported FIRs; first HC hearing
May 8, 2026
Pathak approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking copies of purported FIRs. The state counsel argued maintainability concerns and that providing the information could effectively grant the relief Pathak sought; the court heard the petition.
Media reports on potential FIRs against Pathak
May 7, 2026
Media reports in the first week of May claimed two criminal cases had been registered against Pathak; authorities had not confirmed these reports.
Pathak defected from AAP to BJP in New Delhi
April 24, 2026
Sandeep Pathak, along with six other MPs, defected from the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in New Delhi.