As of May 10, 2025, the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) are facing contempt proceedings for allegedly defying the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s orders concerning the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

The controversy stems from a water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana. The BBMB had directed Punjab to release an additional 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. However, Punjab reportedly obstructed this directive, leading to the alleged confinement of the BBMB chairman by protesters .

The High Court had previously ordered that Punjab should not interfere with the functioning of the BBMB. A division bench, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, observed that there appeared to be a violation of this order and issued contempt notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP .

The High Court has directed the Punjab government to file a response by Monday, May 12, 2025. If Punjab fails to comply, the court may proceed with contempt proceedings .

This development adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Punjab officials. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to the Punjab Chief Secretary for not implementing a pension scheme from 1996 .

The ongoing legal scrutiny highlights the tensions between state authorities and judicial directives in Punjab.

Sources