The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted anticipatory bail to Kanchanpreet Kaur on Tuesday, triggering sharp political reactions in the state. The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted anticipatory bail in two FIRs registered during the election period, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) quickly described the development as a “major moral victory.”
The relief covers FIR numbers 261 and 240. During the hearing, the state government informed the court that it did not intend to arrest Kanchanpreet Kaur in connection with FIR No. 261. Senior advocate Arshdeep Singh Kler and advocate Damanbir Singh Sobti appeared on her behalf and pressed for protection from arrest. After hearing submissions from both sides, the court allowed her plea for anticipatory bail.
With this order, Kanchanpreet Kaur has secured bail protection in all cases registered against her during the election period. The decision brings significant legal relief and ensures that she will not face immediate arrest in connection with the two FIRs.
Reacting strongly, the Shiromani Akali Dal alleged political vendetta and accused the state government of misusing legal provisions to target opposition voices. The party claimed authorities deliberately filed the FIRs because Kanchanpreet Kaur’s mother, Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, contested the Tarn Taran by-election as a SAD candidate.
SAD leaders argued that the government’s statement in court—that it did not seek her arrest—highlighted the weakness of the allegations. They maintained that the High Court’s decision strengthens their stand that political rivalry influenced the cases.
The ruling has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing political debate in Punjab, especially amid heightened tensions during the election season.
