Lawrence Bishnoi interview: HC asks SIT to probe role of seniors
The court noted that the Prison Inmate Calling System had been significantly upgraded, with the number of calling facilities increasing from 357 to 800. 'Inmates are allowed 10-minute calls. This facility is adequate but under-utilised in several jails,' the court observed.
However, it raised concern over the poor use of video conferencing systems, particularly for the production of high-risk inmates before trial courts. Citing a submission by Punjab's Principal Secretary (Jails), Bhawna Garg, the court noted that while 159 video conferencing setups are available across jails, they are not being used adequately. The bench directed trial courts across Punjab to make maximum use of this facility, observing that it not only reduces the need for police deployment but also cuts down significantly on public expenditure.
The court also flagged a rise in cases of extortion, threats, ransom demands, and targeted killings, especially after an interview that 'glorified crime and had garnered millions of views.' On August 7, 2024, the court had directed the Punjab DGP to submit data on such crimes between March and December 2023. The affidavit filed then showed an uptick in criminal activity following the broadcast.
Now noting a 'further increase in crime in the recent past,' the court directed the DGP to file a fresh affidavit covering the period from January 1, 2024, to July 15, 2025, along with details of preventive steps taken. The affidavit is also to mention compliance with directions issued earlier.
The bench also reviewed the ongoing probe being conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by retired IPS officer Prabodh Kumar. It inducted Dhruv Dahiya, IPS, AIG (Counter Intelligence), as a new member of the SIT and reiterated that the team must examine the role of senior officers in enabling the controversial interview of Lawrence Bishnoi.
'It is difficult to believe that the interview could have taken place without the involvement of senior officers, especially when the location of the interview was established only after this Court's intervention,' the bench remarked. The SIT has been directed to submit a status report within one month.
Amicus Curiae Tanu Bedi raised concerns over poor infrastructure for the SIT, pointing out that weak Wi-Fi at the SIT head's office was disrupting video proceedings. The Advocate General for Punjab assured the court that necessary infrastructure would be provided immediately.
The court was also informed that recruitment for 500 posts of Assistant Superintendents and Wardens has been initiated through the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board, while recruitment for Deputy Superintendent (Jail) is underway via the Punjab Public Service Commission. Additional personnel are also being engaged from PESCO and Punjab Police (868 to 189 officers) and CRPF (180 to 280 personnel), with the process expected to be completed by next month.
The matter is listed for further hearing on August 18, with the State directed to file an updated status report by then.
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