Ecosystem of gangsters must be dealt with iron hand, says High Court

Saurabh Malik

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Chandigarh, February 3

Taking cognisance of the burgeoning network of gangsters in the state, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has called for an iron-handed approach in dealing with these elements, making it clear that leniency from the courts is not acceptable. The Bench also emphasised the necessity of strengthening law enforcement and addressing the disruptive culture that undermines the social fabric.

“This court cannot turn a blind eye to immediate societal concerns. The ecosystem of gangsters mushrooming in the State of Punjab must be dealt with an iron hand, and these elements do not deserve any lenient treatment from the court, as only then can the citizens live a fulfilling life and contribute to the growth of the nation,” Justice Harpreet Singh Brar asserted.

The Bench added that the State’s primary duty was to ensure security for all its citizens and create a violence and instability-free atmosphere, preventing them from living in a constant state of fear and harm. “The infestation of gang culture in Punjab is actively promoting disharmony by inflicting violence and enabling drug abuse. It is imperative that law enforcement is strengthened, and this disruptive culture eroding the social fabric is dealt with sternly,” the Bench added.

The ruling came on a petition filed against the State of Punjab by Gurpreet Singh for the grant of regular bail in a case registered on April 6, 2023, at Division No. 6 police station in Jalandhar district Police Commissionerate.

His counsel contended that the petitioner had been falsely implicated on the basis of a disclosure statement by a co-accused. The state counsel, on the other hand, submitted that ransom money, along with a weapon and a live cartridge, was recovered from the petitioner and his co-accused.

Dismissing the petition, the Bench added that the court was not inclined to grant him the concession of bail in view of the submissions made by the state counsel and considering the gravity of offences allegedly committed by the petitioner.