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Today(on 30th July), The Supreme Court dismissed Lawrence Bishnoi’s plea challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order for an SIT formation and FIR registration related to his TV interview while in jail. The high court had mandated these actions in response to the interview.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 30th July), the Supreme Court dismissed a plea by the jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order. The high court had mandated the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) and the registration of FIRs over an interview Bishnoi conducted with a TV channel while incarcerated.
A bench comprising Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice S C Sharma stated that they were not inclined to interfere with the high court’s decision.
“Let it be investigated; it’s a matter for investigation. There are 73 cases filed against you.”
-the bench remarked, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The counsel representing Bishnoi argued that the gangster was not given an opportunity to be heard before the high court passed its order. He highlighted that multiple witnesses had been examined, yet nothing substantial had been found against Bishnoi. However, the Supreme Court advised Bishnoi to take his grievances back to the high court for further deliberation.
In December of the previous year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the registration of FIRs and a probe by an SIT led by IPS officer Prabodh Kumar. This order was in response to a suo motu case concerning the use of mobile phones by inmates within jail premises.
Lawrence Bishnoi has been a prominent figure in several high-profile cases, including the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. In March last year, a private news channel aired two interviews with Bishnoi, raising serious concerns about the security and oversight within jail facilities.
The high court’s decision to order an investigation into the interviews was part of its broader effort to address the issue of unauthorized mobile phone usage by prisoners. This case has drawn significant attention due to the implications it has for prison security and the potential influence of incarcerated individuals on criminal activities outside prison walls.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to quash the high court’s order underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring thorough investigations into such serious allegations. By allowing the high court’s order to stand, the Supreme Court has reinforced the need for accountability and transparency within the prison system.
ALSO READ: Charges Filed Against Lawrence Bishnoi and 26 Others| Sidhu Moosewala Murder Case
As this case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what further developments will arise from the ongoing investigations. The involvement of a special investigation team, particularly one headed by a seasoned officer like Prabodh Kumar, suggests that the authorities are taking these allegations seriously and are committed to uncovering the truth.
The broader implications of this case highlight the challenges faced by the prison system in preventing unauthorized communications and maintaining order. The outcome of this investigation could lead to significant reforms aimed at strengthening the oversight and security of jail facilities across the country.