'Interference In Judicial Process': P&H HC Calls For DGP's Report Over 'Drunk Policemen' Who Misbehaved With State Counsel Seeking Instructions

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought action taken report against policemen who allegedly misbehaved with the State counsel in a drunken condition when called to seek instruction in a case.

Justice Gurbir Singh said, "The matter is quite serious. Misbehaving with a State counsel, who is an officer of the Court, and who was just asking for instructions in the above said matter to assist this Court, amounts to interference in the judicial process."

The development came while hearing a bail plea in a murder case, when Rajiv Sidhu, DAG Haryana, appearing on behalf of the State informed the Court that instruction could not be sought in the matter despite the advance notice because when he called the concerned Investigating Officer (IO) he misbehaved with him in drunken condition.

Thereafter, said IO handed over his mobile phone to Head Constable Ashok, who was also in a drunken condition and also misbehaved with him. Then, he (State counsel) made a call to the Superintendent of Police, Sirsa Shri Vikrant Bhushan, IPS, and narrated the entire incident but he, instead of taking action against the above-mentioned police officials, also misbehaved, alleged the State counsel.

However, the SHO present in the Court submitted that "neither he has been called by the Court nor by the State counsel. Since there are instructions by the Government of Haryana that personal appearance of the police officials is not required unless it is required by the Court."

While directing the DGP Haryana to enquire into the matter and file the action taken report, the Court deferred the matter to September 27.

Title: SANTOKH SINGH V. STATE OF HARYANA

Mr. Charnjit Singh Bahia, Advocate, for the petitioner.

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