HC seeks transcript of DGP’s ‘no interview in state jail’ remark in Lawrence Bishnoi case

Less than a month after the Punjab and Haryana High Court called for an explanation for a previous statement made by the Director General of Police (DGP) that “known criminal” Lawrence Bishnoi was not interviewed at any jail in Punjab, a Division Bench today made its intent clear to go deep into it. The Bench directed that the transcript of the DGP’s statement made in a press conference be placed before it.

The Bench of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Lapita Banerji also directed the Punjab Principal secretary, Department of Home Affairs and Justice, to be present before it on the next date of hearing in December first week.

The Bench also took note of the State’s submission that a retired HC Judge had been appointed to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

At the very onset, Punjab Advocate-General Gurminder Singh assured the court that strict action would be taken against the delinquent officers and disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the officers. The Bench was also told that the Department of Home Affairs and Justice was the competent authority for initiating action against the officers of DSP rank and above.

The Bench was assisted in the matter by amicus curiae Tanu Bedi, Additional Solicitor-General of India Satya Pal Jain and senior government counsel for the Union of India Arun Gosain. The Bench, on a previous date of hearing, had taken on record the state’s submission that seven Punjab police officers/officials had been placed under suspension and departmental proceedings had been initiated following the interview.