Prime Minister’s Security Breach in Punjab: Supreme Court Orders Independent Inquiry
The Supreme Court of India recently addressed a crucial case involving the security lapse during the Prime Minister’s visit to Punjab on January 5, 2022. The case was filed by Lawyers Voice, an NGO advocating public interest causes, seeking accountability for the breach that resulted in the Prime Minister’s convoy being stranded on a flyover for about 20 minutes.
Background of the Case
The incident occurred in Firozpur, Punjab, where the Prime Minister was scheduled to visit. His convoy, en route to Hussainiwala, was unexpectedly halted due to a blockade by protesters, raising serious concerns about security failures. The petitioner alleged a “serious and deliberate lapse” by the Punjab government and police authorities.
The petition sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to:
- Investigate the security lapse and fix responsibility on officials.
- Direct the District Judge of Bhatinda to collect and produce all official records related to the security arrangements.
- Initiate disciplinary action against responsible officers.
- Establish mechanisms to prevent such security breaches in the future.
Supreme Court’s Initial Response
Recognizing the gravity of the matter, the Supreme Court took immediate action on January 7, 2022. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Hima Kohli, passed an order directing the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to secure and preserve all relevant records related to the Prime Minister’s visit.
The Court also instructed:
- The Director General of Police, Chandigarh, and an officer from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to assist in securing the records.
- The Punjab government and Central security agencies to provide full cooperation.
Government Responses and Show-Cause Notices
The Punjab government had already constituted an inquiry committee led by a former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge. However, the petitioner argued that allowing the state government to investigate its own potential lapses was inappropriate.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued show-cause notices to senior Punjab officials, including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, questioning their handling of security protocols and asking them to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.
Supreme Court’s Final Verdict
On January 12, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that the matter required an independent inquiry by a judicially trained authority. The Court emphasized that:
“Not only are the Officer(s)/Authority responsible for the above-stated lapse liable to be identified, but there is also a greater urgency to evolve new measures that may ensure there is no recurrence of such lapses in the future.”
Formation of an Independent Inquiry Committee
The Supreme Court appointed a high-level Inquiry Committee comprising:
- Justice Indu Malhotra, former Supreme Court judge (Chairperson)
- Director General or an Inspector General-rank officer from the National Investigation Agency
- Director General of Police, Chandigarh
- Additional Director General of Police (Security), Punjab
- Registrar General, Punjab and Haryana High Court
Committee’s Terms of Reference
The committee was tasked with:
- Identifying the reasons for the security breach.
- Fixing responsibility on officials.
- Recommending safeguards to ensure the security of the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.
- Providing suggestions for improving security protocols for constitutional functionaries.
The Court also directed that all ongoing investigations by the Central and Punjab governments be put on hold until the Committee submitted its findings.
Significance of the Judgment
This ruling has far-reaching implications for national security and governance:
- It ensures independent oversight of security lapses involving high-profile leaders.
- It reinforces judicial intervention in matters of public safety.
- It sets a precedent for addressing political blame games with factual, evidence-based inquiries.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to appoint an independent inquiry committee underscores the critical importance of security for national leaders. The ruling not only seeks accountability but also aims to improve protocols to prevent future lapses. By ensuring an impartial investigation, the Court has taken a firm stance on upholding institutional responsibility and public safety.
Petitioner Name: Lawyers Voice.Respondent Name: State of Punjab and Others.Judgment By: Justice N.V. Ramana, Justice Surya Kant, Justice Hima Kohli.Place Of Incident: Firozpur, Punjab.Judgment Date: 12-01-2022.
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