Judiciously Managing Inmate Transfers Is Prudent Financial Decision: High Court On Transferring Alleged Lawrence Bishnoi Aide To Chandigarh Jail

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has allowed the plea to transfer of alleged aide of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Ravinder Singh from Bhatinda Jail to Chandigarh Modern Prison on medical grounds, observing that, judiciously managing inmate transfers proves to be a prudent financial decision for state.

Justice Manisha Batra said, "Although, learned Addl. P.P., U.T., Chandigarh has raised an objection but this Court cannot lose sight of the fact that the transfer of the petitioner to Chandigarh jail can yield significant savings for state funds. Judiciously managing inmate transfers proves to be a prudent financial and operational decision for state administrations."

The Court was hearing plea of Ravinder Singh @ Kali who is facing trial in multiple FIRs including under Arms Act and in attempt to murder case. Last year, a trial court had also awarded two years rigorous imprisonment to Singh under Section 225B IPC (resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension, or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for) , after he was arrested for helping gangster Lawrence Bishnoi escape police custody.

The counsel for Singh submitted that the petitioner is facing trial in six FIRs before the Courts at District SAS Nagar, Mohali and in two other FIRs, he is facing trial before the Courts at Chandigarh. Since the petitioner is in custody since long, the same has adversely affected his health.

He is suffering from hypertension, diabetes, Mellitus-2, Migraine, Piles and anal fissure, the course added.

It was brought to the notice of the Court that the petitioner is also facing trial in an FIR under the MCOCA Act before the Court at New Delhi and in order to get proper medical treatment, he had applied for grant of interim bail for a period of 60 days, which was allowed to him, keeping in view his medical condition.

No objection was raised by the Punjab Government, however UT Chandigarh had raised an objection with regard to transfer of the petitioner to Model Jail, Chandigarh "on the ground that the said jail is already overburdened with the convicts and undertrials, hence, the petitioner should not be transferred thereto. "

Considering the submissions, the Court noted, "He is not maintaining good health as he is suffering several diseases. He needs consistent medical attention for his diseases. His family is based at Mohali and in the event of his transfer to Chandigarh jail, it will be easier for them to take care of the petitioner in a proper manner and on their own expenses. While lodged in Chandigarh jail, the petitioner can easily visit hospitals as well as attend Court proceedings as and when required."

In the light of the above, the plea was allowed.

Suvir Sidhu, Harlove Singh Rajput, Gursher Singh Dhillon. Balraj Singh Sandhu Advocates for the petitioner.

Ruchika Sabherwal, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

Sumit Jain, Addl. P.P., U.T., Chandigarh.

Ravinder Singh @ Kali v. State of Punjab and others

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (PH) 251

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