[Farmers Protest] Punjab Protestor Was Shot Dead In Haryana: High Court Directs Govt To Send Post-Mortem Records To FSL To Ascertain Cause Of Death

The Judicial probe committee has submitted an interim report before the Punjab & Haryana High Court that deceased Subh Karan Singh who was hit by the pellets "in Haryana" during farmers' protest. However, regarding the cause of death and which type of weapon was used, the Committee has opined that it would be appropriate to direct the investigating agency to get a report from the Central Forensic Laboratory,  (CFSL) Chandigarh.

"The Committee thus is of the considered opinion that the place of occurrence was within the jurisdiction of the State of Haryana and nowhere else," noted the Court.

Singh lost his life on February 21 while protesting, inter-alia, for the demand of a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops on the Punjab-Haryana border. It is alleged that he died after being hit by a bullet fired by the Haryana police.

On March 7, the Court said that the investigation into the death of Singh, could not be handed over to Punjab or Haryana "for obvious reasons" "as both the States have several things to cover up", and constituted a three-member committee consisting of a retired High Court judge Justice Jaishree Thakur and two officers of ADGP rank from Haryana and Punjab.

Acting Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji said, "Accordingly, we...direct the State of Punjab to submit the record regarding the post-mortem report along with the pellets collected from the body of the deceased-Subh Karan to the Central Forensic Laboratory, Chandigarh so that opinion can come by the next date of hearing from the said Laboratory regarding the type of weapon and the bullet/pellets which it emanated."

The Court also noted that the judicial probe committee has sought an extension of time to submit its final report.

"It has further been mentioned that for examining the other issues and to comply with the directions issued, the statements of the farmers who were injured have to be recorded and the Committee would thereafter record the statements of the Police Personnel in-charge and present on the spot. The Committee thus seeks extension of time to give its report," it noted.

During the proceeding, petitioner Uday Pratap Singh pointed out that National Highways at the Shambhu Border continue to be blocked which is causing inconvenience to the commuters.

"Accordingly, both the States of Punjab and Haryana shall submit their affidavits regarding this aspect, by the next date of hearing, giving the details as to when it was closed and for how long the said position would continue," the Court directed.

While listing the matter for July 10, the Court directed Dheeraj Jain, Sr. Standing Counsel, for Union of India to ensure that "that the office of the CFSL, Chandigarh will give the necessary report to this Court through the Registrar General by the next date."

Title: Uday Pratap Singh Vs. UOI & others

Mr. Uday Pratap Singh, petitioner in person(in CWP-PIL-29-2024). Mr.Arvind Seth, Advocate, petitioner-in person (in CWP-PIL-30-2024).

Mr. Arun Kumar Goyat, Advocate, for Mr. Himmat Singh Deol, Advocate,for the petitioner (in CWP-PIL-36-2024).

Mr.R.S.Bains, Sr.Advocate with Mr.Gurmohan Preet Singh, Advocate for the petitioner in CRWP-1830-2024.

Mr.Pragbir S.Dhindsa, Advocate for the petitioner in CWP-PIL-42-2024.

Mr.Satya Pal Jain, Addl. Solicitor General of India with Mr. Dheeraj Jain, Sr. Standing Counsel, for Union of India.

Mr. Saurav Khurana, Addl. A.G., Punjab.

Mr. Deepak Sabherwal, Addl. A.G., Haryana. Mr. Jaiveer S. Chandel, Addl. Standing Counsel for U.T., Chandigarh.

Mr. Navjit Singh, Advocate for Mr. Manish Bansal, P.P., U.T., Chandigarh

Mr.H.S.Batth, Advocate, for the applicant (in CM-14-15-CWPIL-2024 in CWP-PIL-29-2024).

Mr. Pardeep Kumar Rapria, Advocate, for the applicant-intervener (in CM-22-23-CWPIL-2024 in CWP-PIL-29-2024)

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