SC Appointed Committee: Punjab SSP Fails to Carry Out his Duties in PM Security Breach

Tanisha Rana

Published on: 25th August, 2022 at 22:12 IST

The Supreme Court noted that as per the findings of the SC appointed committee, Ferozepur SSP, Harmandeep Singh Hans, failed to discharge his duty to maintain law and order and thus, ensuring the safety of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Punjab visit in January 2022.

The matter was heard by the bench led by CJI NV Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli. The bench noted the SC appointed committee had suggested various remedial measures that should be taken to safeguard and protect the Prime Minister.

“There are remedial measures and safeguards needed for PM security. It is suggested that an oversight committee be constituted, training of police officers as per blue book, security planning for VVIP visits…”

Examining the findings of appointed committee, the court stated,

“Ferozepur SSP failed to discharge his duty to maintain law and order. He failed to do this even though sufficient force was available and even though he was informed 2 hours before that PM Modi will enter that route.”

CJI Ramana said that report of the committee’s findings will be handed over to the central government so that appropriate steps can be taken.

The court was hearing a plea filed by an NGO called Lawyers Voice which sought the suspension of Punjab Chief Secretary Anirudh Tewari and Director General of Police Sidharth Chattopadhyaya.

The plea filed before the Supreme Court stated that the security lapse was done intentionally and blamed the Congress government in Punjab for the security breach. Further, the union government and the BJP also blamed the Congress government in Punjab for the same.

The Court had called for the preservation of travel records of the PM’s Punjab visit in January this year.

The bench had ordered the Punjab Police and the Special Protection (SPG) officers as well as asked for cooperation and assistance from other Central and State agencies to the Registrar General of the P&H High Court.

The court had further ordered the Registrar General of the P&H High Court to keep all records of this matter in his safe custody.

To probe the matter, a committee was formed which was headed by Justice Malhotra.

The court also stated in its order that there was “blame game” and “war of words” between the central government and the Punjab government.

Related Post