In a concerning development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has noted a visible rise in criminal activities, particularly extortion cases, following the broadcast of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s interview from inside jail premises. The Court, acting on its own motion, has asked the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the steps taken to address this alarming trend.
Court Expresses Alarm Over Rising Crime Post Interview
The division bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda observed that there has been an increase in crimes—especially extortion, ransom calls, and targeted killings—after the interview was made public.
“Affidavit had been filed by the Director General of Police and it had indicated an increase in crime after the telecast of the interview. There appears to be further increase in crime in the recent past,” the Court stated.
The judges directed that the DGP must file an affidavit providing month-wise details of registered cases related to extortion, threatening calls, ransom demands, and targeted killings from January 1, 2024, to July 15, 2025. This affidavit must also include the preventive measures initiated by the Punjab Police during this period.
Court Seeks Compliance on Anti-Gangster Measures
Referring to previous judicial directions issued to combat the spread of gangster culture, the Court insisted that the new affidavit must show compliance with those instructions. It is particularly concerned that criminal glorification through media content may have encouraged further unlawful acts.
The matter is connected to a larger suo motu case investigating the use of mobile phones inside prisons. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) had earlier revealed that Bishnoi's first interview took place in Punjab's Kharar CIA facility, while the second was conducted in a Jaipur jail.
“It is difficult to believe that the interview could have taken place without involvement of senior officers, especially when the place of interview could be established only after the intervention of this Court,” observed the Bench.
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SIT Directed to Examine Role of Senior Officers
The Court has emphasized that the SIT should scrutinize the involvement of senior police officers and not just lower-ranking personnel, ensuring accountability across ranks. Mr. Prabodh Kumar, IPS (Retd.), heading the SIT, has been asked to file a status report within a month. With consent from all parties, Mr. Dhruv Dahiya, A.I.G., Counter Intelligence, has been added as a new member of the SIT.
The Amicus Curiae, Ms. Tanu Bedi, pointed out the lack of proper infrastructure for the SIT office, which has led to interruptions in virtual court proceedings. The Advocate General of Punjab assured the Court that all necessary resources and Wi-Fi infrastructure would be provided without delay.
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Better Use of Video Conferencing Urged
The Court also addressed the issue of video conferencing facilities in jails. Principal Secretary (Jails), Ms. Bhawna Garg, stated that while around 159 such facilities exist, they are underutilized, particularly for high-risk prisoner appearances in court.
“We direct the trial Courts within Punjab to use this facility as much as possible, especially in the case of high-risk prisoners as it not only spares the police personnel... but saves sizeable public expenditure,” the Court stated.
Additionally, the Prison Inmate Calling System has seen an increase from 357 to 800 installations. However, the Court noted that this facility, too, remains underused.
The bench has listed the matter for the next hearing on August 18, 2025, and instructed that a fresh status report be submitted by then. The Court continues to monitor the situation closely and expects the State to implement its directions with urgency and responsibility.
Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS