“Do Installed Calling Systems Match Number Of Inmates, Has Illegal Mobile Phone Use In Jails Reduced?” HC Asks Punjab Govt For Affidavit

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has asked the Punjab Government to state on affidavit the number of calling system machines installed in jails across the state and whether there has been any reduction in the unauthorized use of the mobile phones by the inmates over the last three months.

A division bench of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda said, "It is directed that the affidavit shall state the number of prisoners calling system machines installed in the jails of the State (Punjab), jail wise. It shall also be stated in the affidavit as to whether there has been any reduction in the unauthorized use of the mobile phones by the inmates and the number of mobile phones which have been recovered over the last three months from various jails in the State of Punjab shall also be set out."

The Court was hearing its suo moto case taken against the use of mobile phones in the prisons in 2023. The Court had then also took note of the viral interview of the gangster Lawrence Bishnoi given from custody in prison.  "It is a matter of grave concern that a suspect in police or judicial custody has been allowed to conduct an interview at length. The officers who permitted or facilitated the interview, need to be identified and taken to task at the earliest", the Court observed.

Several orders were issued by the Court directing the Punjab Government to take preventive measures in the prison and strengthen the security.

In the present hearing, the State counsel submitted that "AI based CCTV surveillance facility has been installed in 8 jails in the State of Punjab while work is in progress at an advanced stage in six other jails and it is likely to be completed by 02.05.2025. V-kavach jammers has been installed in Central Jail, Bathinda and are being installed in 10 more 'sensitive' jails."

 After SIT was constituted by the High Court, it 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.

The SIT is now investigating the role of officials involved and who facilitated the interview. During the hearing, Prabodh Kumar, Special DGP (Retd.)-Head of the SIT submitted that the investigation is in progress and the status report shall be filed by the next date of hearing.

The matter is listed for March 19, for further consideration.

Ms. Tanu Bedi, Advocate as Amicus Curiae assisted by Mr. Pushp Jain,

Advocate. Mr. Satyapal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India with Mr. Arun Gosain, Senior Govt. Counsel for respondent/UOI.

Mr. Aftab Singh Khara, Senior DAG, Punjab and Mr. ADS Sukhija, Addl. AG, Punjab. Mr. Anant Kataria, DAG, Haryana.

Mr. Manish Bansal, Public Prosecutor, UT, Chandigarh and Mr. Rajiv Vij, Addl. PP, UT, Chandigarh. 

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

Click here to read/download the order