Punjab and Haryana High Court Criticizes Punjab Government Over Lawrence Bishnoi Jail Interview
In a landmark ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday heavily criticized the Punjab government for its handling of a controversial September 2022 jail interview given by Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious mafia boss, while in police custody. The interview, which was broadcast by a private channel, featured Bishnoi in what the court described as a “studio-like setup,” a situation that, according to the judges, contributed to the “glorification of crime.” This criticism came during a suo motu hearing that addressed the issue of prisoners’ misuse of mobile phones and electronic devices within the prison system.
Court’s Criticism of Punjab Police’s Laxity
Justices Anupinder Singh and Lapita Banerji were particularly scathing in their remarks about how the Punjab Police allowed Bishnoi access to electronic devices in a controlled, media-friendly environment. The court expressed concern that this setup, which appeared to be deliberately designed to give Bishnoi a platform, undermined law enforcement efforts and posed a risk of encouraging further criminal activity. The judges noted that such an environment could embolden other criminals to seek similar media exposure, further tarnishing the integrity of the justice system.
The court suggested that there may have been illegal benefits involved, hinting at possible corruption within the police ranks. The judges pointed out the involvement of senior officials in permitting this interview, raising serious questions about whether they were complicit in criminal conspiracy, abetment, or forgery to facilitate the event. The court’s words indicated a growing concern about the growing nexus between organized crime and some segments of law enforcement.
Inquiry and Investigation Ordered
In response to the court’s criticism, the Punjab government was ordered to initiate a fresh inquiry into the events surrounding Bishnoi’s interview. The inquiry will be led by Prabodh Kumar, the Special Director-General of Police in the state’s Human Rights Commission. Despite initial resistance from Kumar regarding the investigation’s scope, the court firmly directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with investigating the criminal conspiracy and forgery surrounding the incident. The court demanded that the SIT provide a report within six weeks, ensuring accountability and transparency in the investigation.
Alleged Gaps in the Investigation and Security Breach
The court’s dissatisfaction with the investigation extended to concerns over gaps in the report filed by the Punjab Police. The judges were particularly troubled by the delays in the investigation and the apparent lack of accountability for higher-ranking officials, despite the suspension of seven officers, including two Deputy Superintendents. While the court acknowledged action had been taken against lower-ranking officers, it criticized the lack of consequences for senior officers who were complicit in the breach. The court also directed the Punjab Police Chief to provide an explanation for this discrepancy, signaling that the matter of senior official accountability would be closely monitored.
Further compounding the problem, it was revealed that the interview was conducted in SAS Nagar (Mohali district) rather than a jail, as was initially claimed by the police. This revelation added to the security breach concerns, raising questions about how such an incident could have occurred without proper oversight or intervention by higher authorities.
Social Media Impact and Security Concerns
Beyond the immediate ramifications of the interview itself, the court expressed deep concern over the long-term impact of the interview’s resurgence on social media. Despite an earlier court order for the removal of the content, the interview continued to circulate widely online, potentially influencing young viewers. The court pointed out that such content could glamorize criminal behavior and promote the idea that engaging in illegal activities can lead to publicity and media attention. Given Punjab’s strategic position as a border state, the court also highlighted the security implications of Bishnoi’s influence, which could affect both public order and national security.
Further Actions and Future Directions
This case has set a critical precedent for how high-profile criminals should be managed in prison and how their activities should be regulated in the media. The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s firm stance on disciplinary action and security protocols is expected to have wide-reaching consequences for how such cases are handled in the future. The court emphasized the urgent need for prison reforms, stricter oversight of prisoners’ access to media, and greater accountability for law enforcement officials who fail in their duties.
The court’s ruling also stresses the need for a holistic approach to combat the influence of organized crime, with particular focus on preventing the glorification of criminals through media channels. Given the rise in organized crime and the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism and cross-border militancy, the court’s decision will likely lead to more stringent guidelines on how prisoners are handled in custody, and how they are allowed to communicate with the outside world.
With the fresh inquiry underway and further actions likely to follow, the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling has set the stage for important reforms in both the criminal justice system and the management of high-profile prisoners in the state. How the Punjab government and law enforcement agencies respond will determine whether they can regain public confidence and ensure that such security breaches and media exploitation do not occur again.
