Chandigarh, Feb. 19 -- The Punjab and Haryana high court has said that bribery allegation against an officer of the rank of suspended Punjab DIG HS Bhullar has serious ramifications for the integrity of the criminal justice system and erodes public confidence.

"A person who has held a senior position in the police hierarchy for decades is likely to retain professional relationships and institutional familiarity, which may have a bearing on witnesses and the course of investigation. In the corruption cases involving public servants holding high office, the court is required to exercise caution particularly when material witnesses are yet to be examined and possibility of influence is asserted on reasonable and prima facie tenable grounds,...