High Court Demands Swift Action in Punjab Audio Clip Investigation
The Punjab and Haryana High Court delivered a stern rebuke to the State Election Commission of Punjab on Thursday. The court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the commission's prolonged delay in completing an investigation into a controversial audio clip. This recording allegedly features the Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police giving directions to DSPs during recent civic body elections.
"Will You Wait Till Eternity?" Questions Chief Justice
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry heard a public interest litigation filed by Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema. The bench questioned why the Special Investigation Team had failed to submit its report more than a month after the court's December 10 order.
During extensive exchanges with the SEC counsel, Chief Justice Nagu repeatedly sought clear timelines. "How long will you wait?" he demanded at one point. The Chief Justice pressed further with a pointed question: "Will you wait till eternity?"
The SEC counsel explained that the SIT was attempting to identify the original source of the audio clip. He stated the team had written to a social media platform to obtain the IP address of the device used for uploading the recording. "Then the forensic analysis will be complete," he added.
Court Rejects Open-Ended Investigation Approach
When Chief Justice Nagu asked what would happen if the data remained unavailable, the counsel said the SIT would proceed with whatever material was accessible. The bench remained unconvinced by this explanation.
The court observed that investigations cannot remain open-ended indefinitely. "You have to complete the investigation," Chief Justice Nagu stated firmly. He emphasized that the court should not wait indefinitely for forensic reports.
At this juncture, Cheema's counsel pointed out that Punjab Police had completed forensic analysis of an audio clip in Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi's case within days. Chief Justice Nagu clarified he was not concerned with that particular case.
Poll Panel's Oversight Role Highlighted
The SEC counsel acknowledged that the SIT had been constituted by the Director General of Police upon the Election Commission's request. He confirmed the poll panel was overseeing the entire probe.
The court remarked that the Election Commission served as the "ultimate authority" during election processes. The counsel agreed with this assessment. Following this agreement, Chief Justice Nagu stated clearly: "We will hold you responsible."
Punjab Advocate General Blames Akali Leader
Punjab Advocate General MS Bedi sought to intervene at this stage. He submitted that the delay occurred because Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal had not submitted the mobile phone that allegedly received the audio clip.
The Chief Justice declined to hear this submission. He observed that the state government had no role in the matter since the SEC supervised the inquiry. The bench further noted that individual non-cooperation could not justify indefinite investigation delays.
"We are not supposed to wait till eternity," Chief Justice Nagu reiterated. He directed that the probe must reach its logical conclusion without further postponement.
Three-Week Deadline Established
Recording the SEC counsel's assurance that the SIT report would be filed within three weeks, the court listed the matter for hearing in February's first week. This directive creates a clear timeline for resolving the long-pending investigation.
The court's strong stance underscores judicial impatience with procedural delays in sensitive electoral matters. The audio clip investigation has attracted significant public attention amid concerns about election integrity and police conduct during civic polls.
