Calling the charges “serious” and noting their implications on the integrity of the judicial system, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe allegations that an advocate received lakhs of rupees from a litigant on the pretext of paying a government pleader and a judge.
Advocate Ankush Dhanerwal had approached the Court seeking protection from alleged threats by an ex-sarpanch and his son. In response, the Court examined a detailed statement submitted by the ex-sarpanch, alleging that Dhanerwal had taken over Rs. 5 lakh in cash and through Google Pay transfers, assuring that a portion of the amount would be given “to the government pleader as well as the Judge.”
Justice Sandeep Moudgil observed, “The allegations made by Respondent No.6 against the petitioner 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 Judicial Officer are not mentioned in the statement. It further indicates that the amount was actually paid in installments to the petitioner via Google Pay.”
“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", added the Court.
The Court also referred to a recent case where the CBI had registered an FIR against another advocate, Jatin Salwan, for allegedly accepting a bribe in the name of a judicial officer.
Following the developments, the Court directed the CBI to take immediate cognizance of the complaints, conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects, and submit a detailed report within the stipulated timeframe. Authorities concerned have been asked to extend full cooperation to the agency.
Case Title: Ankush Dhanerwal Vs. State Of Punjab And Others
Case No: CRWP-8343-2025
Coram: Justice Sandeep Moudgil
Advocate for Appellant: Adv. Jatinder Pal Singh
Advocate for Respondent: DAG J.S. Rattu, Addl. PP Ankur Bali
Picture Source :
