Punjab & Haryana High Court Voices Alarm Over Police Inaction in High-Profile Cases
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday raised serious concerns regarding significant delays in law enforcement actions, particularly in two critical incidents involving public security and judicial integrity. A division bench, comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda, highlighted failures in arresting key suspects and addressing police misconduct, underscoring a troubling pattern of inaction.
Daylight Shooting Outside Mohali SSP Office: Shooters Remain at Large
During the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation along with connected matters, the court focused on a daylight firing incident that occurred outside the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Mohali. This violent event, which resulted in the tragic loss of one life, took place in what is considered a high-security area, yet the identified shooters have not been apprehended despite the passage of several months.
The bench observed that while two other accused individuals have been arrested, there has been no progress in securing the shooters, raising questions about police efficiency and urgency. The Director General of Police (DGP) requested additional time to investigate further and submit a detailed report, but the court emphasized the gravity of the delay, noting that such incidents erode public trust in law enforcement.
Police Assault Case at Mohali District Court: Six Months of Inaction
In a related development, the bench took serious note of another disturbing incident involving alleged police misconduct within the premises of the District Court in Mohali. According to the court order, on July 6, 2025, a police officer reportedly manhandled and assaulted a chowkidar, a court employee on duty, forcibly entered the court premises after snatching keys, and blatantly violated court security protocols. The entire episode was captured on CCTV footage, providing clear evidence of the transgression.
Despite a formal complaint being submitted by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) on July 11, 2025, no First Information Report (FIR) was registered initially. It was only after the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) intervened, ordering the registration of an FIR on July 30, 2025, that FIR No. 197 dated July 31, 2025, was finally lodged. However, the court pointed out that no substantive action has been taken in the matter even after six months, highlighting a systemic failure in addressing misconduct within the police force.
Judicial Scrutiny and Calls for Accountability
The High Court's observations underscore a broader issue of accountability and promptness in handling sensitive cases. The bench's remarks serve as a stern reminder to law enforcement agencies to prioritize public safety and uphold the rule of law. By linking the two incidents—the unarrested shooters and the unresolved police assault—the court has drawn attention to potential lapses in procedural diligence and enforcement rigor.
Key points from the hearing include:
- Concern over the delay in arresting identified shooters in a high-security area incident.
- Criticism of the lack of progress in the police assault case despite clear evidence and judicial orders.
- Emphasis on the need for timely investigations and actions to maintain public confidence.
As the cases proceed, the High Court's intervention is expected to catalyze more decisive steps from authorities, ensuring that justice is not further delayed in these matters of grave public concern.
