Sidhu Moosewala Murder: Lawrence Bishnoi Withdraws From Delhi High Court Plea Filed Over Apprehension Of Fake Encounter By Punjab Police

Lawrence Bishnoi has withdrawn from the Delhi High Court the plea filed by him in connection with the murder of renowned Punjabi Singer Sidhu Moosewala 29, seeking necessary security arrangements, apprehending a fake encounter by the Punjab Police

The counsel appearing for Bishnoi withdrew the plea while seeking liberty to file the same before Punjab and Haryana High Court. Accordingly, a single judge bench comprising of Justice Swarana Kanta Shama dismissed the plea as withdrawn.

Bishnoi is presently lodged in judicial custody in city's Tihar Jail in connection with a MCOCA case.

The plea stated that a press conference was done by the Punjab Police where it was alleged that Bishnoi had involvement in the murder, thereby arguing that the investigation agency was falsely implicating him in the murder case.

Accordingly, the plea had sought directions on the Tihar Jail authorities to make a prior intimation to Bishnoi's lawyers before giving his custody to any other state police on any production warrant.

It also sought direction to the Delhi police and Tihar Jail Authority to ensure all necessary security arrangements for Bishnoi shall be duly handcuffed, shackled and video-graphed during the production warrant and on transit remand if any warrant produced by the Punjab police for the safety of his life.

"In the humble submission of the petitioners it has to be uppermost kept in the mind that impartial and truthful investigation is imperative. It is that fair trial includes fair investigation as envisaged by Articles 20 'and 21 of the Constitution of India," the plea read.

The plea added further that it is the responsibility of the investigating agency to ensure that during the interrogation and investigation regarding the aforesaid incident, proper safeguards may be adopted by the police to ensure all necessary security of Bishnoi.

"The petitioners as being alleged accused is entitled to fair and true investigation and fair trial and the prosecution is expected to play a balanced role in the trial of a crime. The investigation should be judicious, fair, transparent and expeditious and the investigating authority shall ensure the safety ofthe life ofany accused person," the plea read.

Case Title: LAWRENCE BISHNOI v. STATE OF NCT OF DELHI