The ongoing disproportionate assets case against former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia has taken another turn after his brother-in-law, Gajpat Singh Grewal, failed to appear before the vigilance bureau on Monday. Officials confirmed that Grewal ignored the earlier summons without giving any explanation, leading investigators to issue him a fresh notice.
Under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the bureau has now directed him to appear before the officers on Tuesday at 11 am for questioning. His absence has raised more attention around the already high-profile case, which continues to involve multiple layers of legal proceedings and scrutiny.
The vigilance bureau had summoned Grewal as part of its ongoing probe into alleged disproportionate assets linked to Majithia. According to officials, he was expected to cooperate with investigators and provide necessary clarifications on Monday. However, when he failed to appear, no official reason or request for postponement was submitted on his behalf.
In response, the bureau quickly issued a fresh summons requiring his presence the very next day. Sources within the bureau say that such repeated non-cooperation can lead to stronger legal action if ignored again. The summons under Section 179 BNS clearly state that appearing before investigators is mandatory when directed in such cases.
Meanwhile, the vigilance case itself remains a major point of political and legal interest in Punjab. Bikram Singh Majithia, a senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister, has been under investigation for alleged disproportionate assets. The matter has been closely watched not only by law enforcement agencies but also by the public and political circles in the state.
While Grewal faces summons, Bikram Singh Majithia continues to stay in Nabha jail. He is lodged with other undertrial prisoners and hardened criminals. Recently, he had requested a separate cell for security reasons, but his plea was dismissed by a local court last Wednesday.
The court stated that while his request for a separate cell could not be accepted, the Punjab government and jail authorities must strictly follow high court guidelines and prison rules to ensure his safety. This direction was meant to balance both his security concerns and prison regulations.
At the same time, Majithia received some partial relief from the court. He has been allowed to meet his family members and lawyers twice a week. These meetings are to take place in a separate room, offering him some privacy and comfort compared to the general barracks.
His counsel, Arshdeep Singh Kaler, explained that up to 10 approved individuals, including his legal team, will be permitted for these face-to-face meetings. This will give Majithia a chance to stay in touch with his family and work with his lawyers more effectively while his case continues.
Earlier, Majithia’s bail plea was rejected by the district court. This means he must remain in jail while the investigation and trial process carry on. For now, he is one of many high-profile political figures facing legal challenges in the state.
The vigilance case against Majithia and his family connections continues to draw attention because of his status in Punjab politics. As a senior leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, his legal troubles not only affect him personally but also have political implications for his party.
For investigators, questioning relatives such as Gajpat Singh Grewal is a necessary step in piecing together the financial details under review. Non-appearance by such individuals delays the probe and raises questions about cooperation with law enforcement. If Grewal continues to skip summons, legal experts suggest the bureau may take firmer measures, which could include warrants or other legal steps.
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For Majithia, life inside Nabha jail remains difficult. Being lodged with hardened criminals adds to his challenges, and while the court has tried to ensure his safety, his request for a separate cell was turned down. Still, the permission to meet family and lawyers in a more private setting is considered a small but important relief for him.
As the investigation continues, both the vigilance bureau and the courts are expected to play critical roles in how the case develops. Fresh summons to Grewal signal that the authorities are keen to move the process forward without further delay. On the other hand, Majithia’s legal team is likely to keep pressing for more relief as he continues to remain in custody.
For now, the situation reflects the intersection of law, politics, and public interest in Punjab. Every development — whether a court order, a missed summons, or a legal ruling — is being closely watched and reported. The coming days will show whether Grewal complies with the latest summons and how the court responds to Majithia’s continuing requests for better conditions and relief.
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