Today, On 22nd November, The Supreme Court dismissed the Punjab government’s plea to access witness statements related to the security lapse involving the Prime Minister. The incident, which occurred during a visit to Punjab, raised concerns about safety protocols. The state sought these statements as part of its investigation. However, the court’s rejection maintains confidentiality surrounding the inquiry.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court rejected the Punjab government’s request for witness statements from those who testified before former Supreme Court judge Indu Malhotra in the investigation of a security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state in January 2022.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan directed the state government to carry out its own inquiry into the actions of negligent officers without relying on these witness statements.
The Supreme Court had established a committee led by Justice Indu Malhotra on January 12, 2022, to investigate the incident.
The bench noted,
“After receiving the committee’s report, the matter was reviewed on August 25, 2022. A copy of the report was ordered to be provided to both the Centre and the state government, and it was directed that the report be kept in a sealed cover under the safe custody of the Secretary General of this court,”
The bench added,
“It appears that the Punjab government has now sent a letter requesting witness statements to pursue further action against negligent officers,”
The Court concluded,
“We see no reason to entertain the request made by the Punjab government. The state may proceed with its inquiry against the delinquent officers without the benefit of the statements provided to the inquiry committee.”
The committee established by the Supreme Court to investigate the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab found that the Ferozepur SSP failed to fulfill his duties, despite having adequate forces at his disposal.
The committee also recommended to the Supreme Court that an oversight body be created for the periodic review and updating of the ‘Blue Book,’ as well as sensitization courses for police officers responsible for the Prime Minister’s security. The Blue Book outlines clear and detailed procedures that state authorities and the Special Protection Force must follow to ensure the Prime Minister’s safety during state visits.
The five-member panel reported that the SSP had ample time to act after being informed by Punjab’s ADGP G. Nageshwar Rao that the Prime Minister would be using a contingency route.
However, the SSP failed to take any action.
On August 25, 2022, the Supreme Court stated it would forward the report from the five-member committee, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Indu Malhotra, to the Centre for appropriate action.
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The Court noted,
“Ferozepur SSP Avneet Hans did not fulfill his responsibility to maintain law and order or deploy forces to secure the route, despite being aware of large hostile groups along the way. He failed to act even though sufficient force was available and he was informed two hours prior that the Prime Minister would be taking that route.”
On January 5, 2022, Modi’s convoy became stranded on a flyover due to a blockade by protesters in Ferozepur, leading him to return from Punjab without attending any scheduled events.