Haven't Finalised Gallantry Award To Haryana Police Officers Posted At Shambhu Border During Farmers Protest: Centre Tells High Court

The Central Government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that gallantry award recommended by the Haryana Government for the police officers who were posted at the Shambhu border during the farmers agitation, has not been announced yet.

The development came after a PIL was filed challenging the alleged Haryana Government notification awarding gallantry award to six police officers who were allegedly involved in atrocities and seen hitting farmers during the protest.

A bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Khsetarpal noted that the award has not yet been announced and permitted the petitioner to withdraw the plea, with the liberty "to re-visit the Court as and when cause arises."

In the plea filed by an organisation Lawyers for Humanity, it was stated that "the officers involved in inflicting atrocities and in human behaviour where they are seen misusing their powers against the innocent citizens of the country and the Haryana Government have decided to award such police officers with gallantry awards."

The petition further stated that, it is pertinent to mention that the gallantry awards are awarded to soldiers and police officials who have fought for the nation and against the anti-national powers but killing inflicting injuries upon "innocent people is obviously not a ground to award such police official with them gallantry award whereas on the other hand such atrocities which is nothing but shameful act of Govt of Haryana."

ASG Satya Pal Jain informed the Court that, "the recommendations made to the Central Government by the Government of Haryana for grant of Gallantry Award to the police personnel posted at Shambu Border have been remanded for obtaining further opinion."

The Court also noted that, "the Gallantry Award to any of the police personnel has not yet been announced."

Consequently, the plea was dismissed as withdrawn.

Mr. H.P.S. Rahi, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India, with Mr. Sushant Kareer, Central Government Counsel, for respondent No. 1 - Union of India.

Mr. Deepak Balyan, Additional Advocate General, Haryana.

Title: Lawyers for Humanity v. Lawyers for Humanity

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