Lawrence Bishnoi Interview Row | 'Lower Rank Officers Shouldn't Be Scapegoated': Punjab & Haryana HC Seeks Action Against Delinquent Officials

The Punjab & Haryana High Court today asked the Punjab Government to take strict action against the delinquent officer of Punjab Police who helped the jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in giving the TV interview from police custody in Kharar's Crime Intelligence Agency (CIA), which tends to glorify crime.

The bench of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Lapita Banerji orally asked the Punjab Government to consider reinstating the head constables and constables suspended in the matter and to ensure that "lower level officers are not made scape goat."

The AG Punjab Gurminder Singh submitted that disciplinary proceedings have initiated against the officers. He assured the Court that "strict action will be taken against delinquent officers and disciplinary proceedings were taken against the officer."

Singh also apprised the Court that a retired High Court judge has been appointed to enquiry against the delinquent officers involved in the matter. However, the High Court asked to suggest a panel of officers because the named judge is already appointed in other assignment by the Punjab Government.

The Court also directed the Punjab Government to place on record the transcript of the Press Conference given in March 2023, wherein he reportedly denied that the interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi is from any jail in Punjab.

While deferring the matter for December 02 for further consideration, the Court directed the Secretary of home department to remain present.

Previously, the High Court remarked that the Punjab Police Officers allowed Lawrence Bishnoi to use electronic device and provided a studio like facility to conduct the TV interview.

The development came after the SIT constituted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court revealed that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's first interview "glorifying crime and criminals" was conducted when he was in CIA premises in Punjab's Kharar and the second interview was in a Jaipur jail.

Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS