Punjab Government gets green signal to install ‘V-Kavach’ jammers in jails
The Punjab Government has received green signal to proceed with the installation of ‘V-Kavach’ jammers in various jails across the state. The go-ahead comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that prior approval for the project had already been granted in August and September, negating the need for further clearance.
As the matter came up for resumed hearing before the bench of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Lapita Banerji, Additional Solicitor-General of India Satya Pal Jain informed the court that the Ministry of Home Affairs had conveyed the grant of prior approval vide letters dated August 23 and September 26. Separate approval was not required and the Punjab Government could proceed further and purchase them from the manufacturer for installation in jails.
The development is significant as ‘V-Kavach’ jammers, designed to prevent the misuse of mobile phones within jail premises, are expected to enhance security and curb illegal activities within Punjab’s correctional facilities.
Available information suggests V-Kavach jammers can be used for anti-IED, anti-drone, anti-cellular system, and electronics jamming. They create an electromagnetic bubble preventing IEDs or bombs from sending and receiving radio signals. This cuts off the bomb’s main communication line.
The bench was hearing a “court on its own motion” or suo motu case after “known criminal” Lawrence Bishnoi’s in-custody interview “glorifying crime and criminals” was flagged as a matter of grave concern. At the onset, special investigation team, led by Special DGP Prabodh Kumar submitted an affidavit and status report in a sealed cover. He informed the court that some progress had been made and additional information had been sought from various state departments, which would require time for compilation and analysis. The court reviewed the status report before ordering it to be resealed.
The bench, on a previous date of hearing, had taken on record the state’s submission that 7 Punjab Police officers/officials had been placed under suspension and departmental proceedings had been initiated following the interview. “This court, by order dated August 7 had specifically directed that action should be taken against the senior officers who had facilitated the interview and the lower level officers should not be made scapegoats. No action appears to have been taken against the senior officers of the district,” the bench asserted in response to the submission.
