Promoting Crime : High Court Criticizes Punjab Over Lawrence Bishnoi’s Jail Interview

You are currently viewing Promoting Crime : High Court Criticizes Punjab Over Lawrence Bishnoi’s Jail Interview

Punjab and Haryana High Court Criticizes Punjab Government Over Lawrence Bishnoi Jail Interview

In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday expressed strong disapproval of the Punjab government’s handling of a controversial September 2022 jail interview given by notorious mafia boss Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in police custody. The court condemned the “studio-like setup” used during the interview, arguing that it contributed to the “glorification of crime.” This remark came during a suo motu hearing that focused on prisoners’ misuse of mobile phones and electronic devices.

Court’s Criticism of Punjab Police’s Laxity

The judges, Justices Anupinder Singh and Lapita Banerji, were particularly critical of how the Punjab police provided Bishnoi access to electronic devices in a studio-like environment, which they argued allowed the criminal to present himself in a manner that could embolden further criminal activities. The court observed that this act was a serious breach of security protocols and could encourage other criminals to follow in Bishnoi’s footsteps.

The court also suggested that there might have been potential illegal benefits received by the police officers involved, possibly from Bishnoi or his associates. They highlighted the involvement of senior officials in facilitating the interview, which raised questions about whether they were involved in criminal conspiracy, abetment, and forgery.

Inquiry and Investigation Ordered

In light of the court’s strong condemnation, a fresh inquiry was ordered by the court, led by Prabodh Kumar, the Special Director-General of Police in the state’s Human Rights Commission. Although Kumar initially objected to the mandate, the court stood firm and directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the matter further. The SIT has been tasked with investigating the criminal conspiracy surrounding the incident, and the forgery involved in allowing Bishnoi to appear on a private channel despite being in custody. The court has demanded a report within six weeks.

Alleged Gaps in the Investigation and Security Breach

The court’s reprimand followed concerns regarding the Punjab Police’s inefficiency in investigating the case, including delays and gaps in the investigative report. The judges specifically questioned the lack of accountability for senior officers who were involved in facilitating Bishnoi’s interview, despite the suspension of seven officers, including two Deputy Superintendents, last week. The court expressed disappointment that no action had been taken against higher-ranking officials. It called on Punjab’s Police Chief to explain why this discrepancy existed and urged for accountability at the top level.

Further, the court raised alarms about a security breach, as it was revealed that the interview was conducted in Punjab’s SAS Nagar district, despite previous claims from the police chief that the interview had not taken place inside a Punjab jail. This contradiction sparked concerns about how such a breach was allowed to occur without proper oversight.

Social Media Impact and Security Concerns

In addition to the security implications, the court expressed concern over the resurgence of the interview on social media platforms despite earlier orders for its removal. The court noted that such content could have a negative influence on younger audiences, potentially glamorizing criminal behavior. Given Punjab’s strategic position as a border state, the court also pointed out the security implications of such content becoming widely available, particularly in light of ongoing law enforcement efforts to curb criminal activity and terrorism in the region.

Further Actions and Future Directions

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has emphasized the need for greater vigilance and disciplinary action in the management of high-profile prisoners like Lawrence Bishnoi. The court warned that such incidents could undermine the credibility of the law enforcement system and public trust in the criminal justice process. It remains to be seen how the state government and police officials respond to these directives and whether the investigation will bring further revelations about potential corruption or misconduct within the police force.

The court’s decision to focus on the larger issue of prison reforms, use of mobile phones by prisoners, and the glorification of crime via media coverage sets a significant precedent in how criminal activities and their portrayal should be managed moving forward. The developments in this case are likely to lead to stricter regulations and greater scrutiny over prisoners’ media appearances in the future.

Leave a Reply