Punjab and Haryana High Court Refuses Relief to MLA Accused of Rape and Fraud

Chandigarh. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused to issue an order in the name of Sunam MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who is accused of rape and fraud.

The bench of Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya of the High Court on Friday refused to quash the arrest warrant issued against Singh and the order declaring him a proclaimed offender.

Delivering the verdict on February 12, 2026, Justice Dahiya's bench stated, 'The petitioner, facing serious criminal charges, has deliberately flouted the investigation process and is absconding. There are also allegations that he left the country through fraudulent means. In such a situation, issuing an arrest warrant against him cannot be considered harassment; rather, it is necessary to ensure his presence for the investigation.'

This case is related to an FIR registered at the Civil Lines Police Station in Patiala on September 1, 2025. A woman from Zirakpur had accused Pathanmajra of sexually exploiting her under the pretext of marriage. Cases were registered against him under rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation.

MLA Pathanmajra was initially arrested from Karnal, Haryana. However, he managed to escape from custody after attacking the police. Subsequently, it is reported that he left India using illegal means and is currently hiding in Australia. The court had declared him a 'proclaimed offender' on December 20, 2025.