High Court Takes Up Jyoti Malhotra’s Bail Petition in Official Secrets Act Case

February 19, 2026

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court heard the bail plea of ​​YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra. The case was listed before Justice Surya Pratap Singh. The court is expected to deliver its verdict soon.

Investigating officer Nirmala appeared in court and presented documents related to the case, which were debated by lawyers from both sides. The defense had objected to the investigating officer’s absence at the previous hearing, stating that her presence was mandatory for the bail hearing. Following this, the court directed her to appear with all records on February 19th. The debate on Wednesday lasted for about half an hour.

Defense calls allegations baseless

Jyoti’s lawyer, Ravindra Singh Dhull, argued in court that his client did not send any anti-national material to Pakistan. He said the police filed the FIR without any solid basis.

The defense also argued that taking action under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 requires a complaint from a competent authority, such as the Union Home Ministry, which was not taken in this case.

Arrest on May 15

Hisar police arrested Jyoti Malhotra on May 15 on suspicion of spying for Pakistan. A case has been registered against her under Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. She is accused of compromising national security and sharing confidential information.

Investigative agencies’ attention on travel to Pakistan and China

Security agencies came to the attention of Jyoti when she traveled to Pakistan and China within two months in 2024. According to available information, she traveled to Pakistan on April 17, 2024, and stayed there until May 15.

She then traveled to China on June 10, and stayed there until July 9. On July 10, she arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal. During her visit to Pakistan, she entered through the Kartarpur Corridor and interviewed Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan, and daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The court’s decision is now awaited, which will be the next important step in this case.