New Delhi, March 13 — The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to two accused, Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh, in connection with the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, marking a significant development in one of India’s most high-profile criminal cases in recent years.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the order after hearing appeals filed by the two men challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s earlier decision denying them bail. The High Court had ruled that bail should be considered only after key eyewitness testimonies were recorded during the trial.
The Supreme Court, however, noted the long duration of custody and the slow pace of the trial proceedings. Both accused had been in jail for more than three years while the case continues before a trial court in Punjab.
Allegations Against the Accused
Investigators had alleged that Pawan Bishnoi helped arrange a Mahindra Bolero vehicle used during the attack on the singer. Prosecutors linked the vehicle to individuals allegedly associated with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, who later claimed responsibility for the killing.
Bishnoi’s counsel argued before the court that his client had been implicated primarily on the basis of statements recorded during custody in another case and that he had no direct connection with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, despite sharing the same surname.
The second accused, Jagtar Singh, was accused of aiding the conspirators by allegedly passing information about the singer’s movements. His legal team contended that he was merely a neighbour of Moose Wala and denied any role in reconnaissance or planning related to the crime.
Background of the Case
Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, was shot dead on May 29, 2022, in Jawaharke village of Punjab’s Mansa district. The 28-year-old artist was attacked by gunmen while driving his vehicle, with dozens of bullets reportedly fired during the assault.
The killing sparked widespread public outrage and prompted a large-scale investigation by Punjab Police and central agencies. Authorities later linked the attack to an alleged gang rivalry involving members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, while Goldy Brar publicly claimed responsibility for orchestrating the murder from abroad.
Trial Progress and Legal Developments
The murder case involves a large number of accused and witnesses. According to court submissions, the prosecution has listed around 180 witnesses, and the trial has been moving slowly as evidence is examined and statements are recorded.
Lawyers for the accused argued that the extended period of custody without conclusion of the trial warranted bail. The Supreme Court accepted this argument while allowing their release subject to conditions imposed by the court.
Continuing Investigation
Despite the bail order, the criminal trial in the Moose Wala murder case will continue in the trial court. Several other accused remain in custody, and law enforcement agencies are still pursuing suspects believed to have links with organized crime networks connected to the killing.
Legal experts say the Supreme Court’s decision highlights concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention while also underscoring that the final determination of guilt or innocence will be made during the ongoing judicial proceedings.
