High court directs Punjab to provide FIR data on threat from ‘gangsters’

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed Punjab to provide details regarding the number of FIRs registered across the state based on complaints by individuals alleging threat perceptions from ‘gangsters.’ The state has also been asked to furnish information about any specialised anti-gangster task force constituted for dealing with such cases.

The direction by Justice Harkesh Manuja of the high court came on a contempt petition filed against Additional Director-General of Police (Security) Sudhanshu S Srivastava by Simarjit Singh through counsel Onkar Singh Batalvi.

Taking up the matter, Justice Manuja called for an affidavit detailing these aspects. The court also sought information on the present status of the Punjab Control of Organised Crime Act and the steps taken to expedite investigations in cases registered under it.

Justice Manuja also granted the government time to clarify whether any separate legislation had been enacted in Punjab specifically addressing organised crime. “Counsel for the respondent prays for time to apprise this court as to whether any separate legislation has been promulgated by the Government of Punjab in relation to the organised crimes,” the bench observed, while fixing the case for April 3.

Before parting with the case, Justice Manuja asserted the official concerned would personally bear litigation costs of Rs 50,000 for causing a delay in the proceedings, if the affidavit or compliance report was not filed, or if the writ court’s order remained unimplemented before the next hearing.

The case pertains to the restoration of security cover, with the petitioner alleging non-compliance with previous court orders. Batalvi told the court that the writ petition was disposed of in November last year with a direction to the Additional Director-General of Police (Security) to look into the threat perception. In case a real threat to the petitioner’s life and liberty from a gangster or any other influential persons was found, necessary action was directed to be taken in accordance with the law and proper security was to be provided in accordance with the rules framed by the state government in this regard. The entire exercise was to be completed within three weeks from receiving the order.