LUDHIANA — The Punjab and Haryana High Court has intervened in the brewing controversy surrounding Rajya Sabha MP and cricket legend Harbhajan Singh’s security. Following a petition filed by Singh seeking the immediate restoration of his security cover, the court has issued formal notices to both the Punjab Government and the Central Government, demanding a detailed explanation.

The court has explicitly directed the state administration to ensure the safety and security of Harbhajan Singh and his family until the next hearing. This legal intervention follows the Punjab Government’s decision last Saturday to withdraw his state security, a move that has triggered intense political debate.

Escalating Tensions and Vandalism at Residence

Harbhajan Singh’s petition brought to light a disturbing incident of vandalism at his property. According to the filing, a mob gathered outside his residence and defaced the walls by writing the word "Gaddar" (traitor). The cricketer has urged the court to order strict action against those responsible for the protest and the subsequent defamation.

The High Court expressed concern over the timing of the security withdrawal, particularly when public protests were targeting the MP. While the state police protection was removed, the Central Government has since stepped in to provide Singh with a CRPF security detail, currently stationed at his residence in Jalandhar.

The Political Undercurrent: AAP vs. Harbhajan?

The friction between Harbhajan Singh and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has become increasingly visible. Singh, who joined AAP in 2022 and was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha, has recently been the subject of rumors regarding a potential political shift.

Reports indicate that as speculation grew about certain MPs leaving the party, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attempted to contact Singh on April 24. However, sources suggest that despite multiple calls, Singh did not answer. The former spinner is currently in Mumbai for his professional commitments as a commentator for the IPL season.

5 Key Takeaways from the High Court Hearing

The court proceedings highlighted several critical points regarding the state’s responsibility:

  • Scrutiny of "Threat Perception": The High Court asked the Punjab Government to justify the sudden withdrawal of security, emphasizing that the state is duty-bound to protect individuals under threat.

  • Government’s "Routine" Defense: Counsel for the Punjab Government argued the move was part of a routine administrative review. However, the court questioned the timing, given the ongoing protests at Singh's home.

  • Central Protection Acknowledged: The court noted that the Centre has already provided CRPF cover to fill the gap left by the state police.

  • Vandalism Noted: The Bench took judicial notice of the "Gaddar" graffiti and the targeted protests by political workers on Singh’s property.

  • Detailed Affidavit Required: The Punjab Government must now file a comprehensive affidavit detailing the specific reports that led to the security downgrade.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 12, 2026, where both the state and central governments will be required to present their detailed findings.