High Court Issues Notice to Punjab Govt on Sukhbir Badal's Plea for CBI/NIA Probe into Attack

Punjab and Haryana High Court served notice to the Punjab government on the petition of Sukhbir Singh Badal for CBI or NIA probe into the attack on him on December 4, 2024, outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal escaped unhurt but said the investigation by the Punjab Police was "biased, unfair, and tainted with ulterior motives.".

Badal's petition criticizes the police investigation for delay on a non-eyewitness statement and omissions of essential evidence. He also attacked the bail release of the prime accused, Narain Singh Chaura, a history-sheeter with a previous attempt on Badal's life. The Punjab government has been directed by the High Court to respond by April 30, 2025.

Badal seeks an independent investigation to ensure fairness and impartiality, claiming political interference and investigative lapses. The court directive is a reaction to growing accusations of the bias of state-level investigations in sensitive cases.