In a strong message underscoring that the judiciary will not tolerate corruption from its own officers of the court, the Special CBI Court in Chandigarh has rejected the bail plea of advocate Jatin Salwan, who was arrested for allegedly demanding a hefty bribe of ₹30 lakh to secure a favorable order in a divorce case.
Salwan, along with his aide Satnam Singh, is facing prosecution under charges of criminal misconduct and bribery.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR alleging that the accused duo approached a woman, the petitioner in a divorce matter pending before a Bathinda court, and demanded the exorbitant sum, claiming to wield influence over judicial officers.
A Crime Striking at the Heart of Justice
Rejecting the bail plea, the court emphasized that this was not a mere case of corruption involving a minor sum or routine irregularities, but a direct attack on the sanctity of the judicial system.
CBI prosecutor Narender Singh argued that the case is “disturbing” not only because of the significant bribe demand but because an advocate—an officer of the court entrusted with upholding justice—resorted to exploiting the very system he serves.
The prosecutor pointed out that Salwan invoked the names of three separate judicial officers to lend credibility to his claims of influence, showing “a brazen attempt to misuse the judiciary’s integrity for illegal monetary gain.”
Defense Claims of ‘Legal Fee’ Rejected
Appearing through counsel Sartej Singh Narula, Salwan argued that he had been falsely implicated and that the ₹30 lakh demand was merely a quote for his professional fees to handle the entire divorce case. He also alleged manipulation in the story presented by the complainant.
However, the CBI dismissed this as “misleading and false”, stating that Salwan failed to produce any documentation, such as a power of attorney, to establish a legitimate attorney-client relationship with the woman.
The agency further stressed that the alleged demand had no connection to formal legal representation but was a clear-cut case of soliciting a bribe under pretenses.
Court’s Stern Observations: Advocates Cannot Be Above the Law
Presiding Judge Alka Malik, Additional District and Sessions Judge, after reviewing the arguments, said that the defense’s claim of false implication or mere fee negotiation is a matter for trial, not grounds for bail.
The court observed that the nature of the allegations and evidence collected during the investigation demonstrated the applicant’s complicity in the offence.
Judge Malik remarked that the offense was particularly grave because it involved a lawyer—a person expected to safeguard the dignity of the judicial process—misusing his position of trust.
By denying bail, the court sent a clear signal that advocates, who act as “officers of the court,” will face zero tolerance for corruption, misconduct, and attempts to erode public faith in the justice system.
A Message to the Legal Fraternity
The case has sparked discussions in legal circles, with many highlighting the importance of judicial accountability, especially among legal practitioners.
Courts have repeatedly emphasized that lawyers are not just professionals but integral pillars of the justice delivery system, and any misconduct by them undermines public trust in the judiciary.
The Chandigarh CBI Court’s stern stand reinforces that no individual—regardless of their status in the legal profession—can misuse the courts or their reputation to exploit litigants.
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