The Punjab and Haryana High Court has permitted real estate developer Roop Bansal to withdraw his petition challenging the FIR registered against him in an alleged conspiracy to bribe a trial court judge. While allowing the withdrawal, the High Court imposed a cost of ₹1 lakh on Bansal.
Roop Bansal is facing charges under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with criminal conspiracy. The FIR alleges that Bansal was involved in a plot to bribe a trial court judge in connection with a legal matter.
This was Bansal’s second attempt to withdraw his plea. His first petition seeking quashing of the FIR was withdrawn in February 2025 with liberty to refile with better particulars. Subsequently, a fresh petition was filed in April. However, Bansal again approached the court seeking permission to withdraw the second petition as well.
The matter witnessed significant procedural developments. The second withdrawal plea was initially listed before a division bench. Allegations of “bench hunting” were later raised, following which the case was placed before the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice recused himself from hearing the matter, after which two other judges also recused. Eventually, the case was listed before Justice Aman Chaudhary, who allowed the withdrawal subject to payment of costs.
The High Court’s order underscores judicial disapproval of repeated withdrawals and refilings of petitions, particularly in serious corruption-related matters, while allowing the criminal proceedings against the builder to continue in accordance with law.
