Introduction:

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Government to take strict disciplinary action against the police officers responsible for facilitating a televised interview of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. This interview, conducted from police custody at the Crime Intelligence Agency (CIA) premises in Kharar, allegedly glorified crime and criminals. The Court also urged the State to ensure that lower-level officers are not scapegoated in the matter while pursuing accountability for higher-ranking officials.

The controversy stems from an investigation that revealed Bishnoi’s interview was conducted with studio-like facilities during his custody in Punjab and later in a Jaipur jail. The Court’s intervention aims to address the lapse in law enforcement and ensure accountability at all levels.

Background:

In March 2023, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, while in police custody, gave a televised interview that reportedly glorified crime. This incident raised significant public concern about the misuse of official facilities and the lack of adequate oversight by law enforcement agencies.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry revealed that Bishnoi’s first interview was conducted at the CIA premises in Kharar, Punjab, with access to electronic devices and a studio-like setup. The second interview was reportedly conducted in Jaipur jail. This revelation led to widespread criticism of the Punjab Police for allegedly enabling the gangster to publicize his activities.

The Punjab Government has since initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officers involved. A retired High Court judge was initially tasked to oversee the inquiry, but the High Court suggested appointing a fresh panel due to the judge’s existing commitments.

Arguments:

Contentions by the Punjab Government:

• Assurance of Strict Action:

Punjab’s Advocate General (AG) Gurminder Singh assured the Court that strict action would be taken against delinquent officers. Disciplinary proceedings have already been initiated against the involved personnel.

• Appointment of Retired Judge:

The AG informed the Court that a retired High Court judge was appointed to conduct an independent inquiry. However, the Court requested a panel of officers for this task, as the judge is already engaged in another assignment.

• Lower-Level Officers Not to Be Scapegoated:

The AG stated that the government would ensure accountability across all ranks, not just at the constabulary level. This aligns with the Court’s suggestion to reinstate suspended lower-ranking officers if they were unfairly implicated.

Observations by the Court:

• Transcript of Press Conference:

The Court directed the Punjab Government to submit the transcript of the March 2023 press conference in which it was claimed that the interview did not take place in Punjab jails.

• Secretary of Home Department Presence:

The Secretary of the Home Department has been directed to remain present during the next hearing on December 2, 2024.

• Studio-Like Facilities in Custody:

The Court noted that Bishnoi was provided with facilities akin to a professional studio, complete with electronic devices, during his custody. It emphasized the need for systemic reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Judgment:

The Punjab & Haryana High Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the Punjab Police’s handling of the matter and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law. While deferring the case to December 2, 2024, the Court directed:

• Accountability at All Levels:

The State must ensure that accountability extends beyond lower-ranking officers, targeting higher-ranking officials who may have been complicit in the lapse.

• Fair Disciplinary Proceedings:

The Court asked the Punjab Government to consider reinstating suspended constables and head constables if they were unfairly targeted in the disciplinary proceedings.

• Inquiry Panel:

The State was instructed to propose a panel of officers to oversee the inquiry in place of the retired High Court judge initially appointed.

• Transparency Measures:

The government must submit a transcript of its 2023 press conference to clarify the discrepancies in its stance regarding the interview’s location.

The High Court’s directives aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and systemic improvements within Punjab’s law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion:

The Punjab & Haryana High Court’s firm stance on the Lawrence Bishnoi interview controversy sends a strong message about the sanctity of police custody and the rule of law. By demanding strict accountability and systemic reforms, the Court has sought to address the lapses that allowed a gangster to misuse law enforcement facilities for personal publicity.

While ensuring that justice is done, the Court also highlighted the need for balanced disciplinary actions, urging the government to avoid scapegoating lower-level officers. This case underscores the importance of maintaining ethical and procedural integrity in custodial settings.