The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed serious concern over the conduct of the Chandigarh Police and has summoned the Director-General of Police (DGP), Chandigarh. This action follows a petition filed by advocate Prakash Singh Marwah, who alleged that a viral video featuring him was leaked by police officials, violating his right to privacy.
The video in question shows Marwah arguing with traffic police officers after being stopped for covering his vehicle’s number plate with a cloth. In the footage, he allegedly claimed to be a Judicial Magistrate and fled the scene. He was later arrested for impersonating a judge but was granted bail.
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"This Court deems it appropriate to direct the Director General of Police, Chandigarh, to cause his personal appearance before this Court on 22.05.2025, at 10:00 a.m.,"
— Justice Kuldeep Tiwari
The petitioner sought removal of the video from all social media platforms and requested de-indexing and dereferencing from search engines, arguing that its circulation was a violation of his right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.
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In a previous hearing, the Court had directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to file an affidavit answering:
- Who uploaded the video on social media?
- If a police official uploaded it, was it part of their official duty?
- Were any guidelines in place for handling such sensitive material?
However, in the latest hearing, the reply filed by the SSP, Ms. Kanwardeep Kaur, IPS, was found to be vague and unsatisfactory. The Court noted that the response failed to answer the core questions.
"Strangely enough, as of today, the Senior Superintendent of Police could not lay hands on any material as to who had uploaded the video clip in question,"
— Justice Kuldeep Tiwari
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Instead, the affidavit stated that the video had been shared by Constable Yogesh in an official WhatsApp group, and the source of the leak was still being investigated. The Court criticized the use of official groups for circulating sensitive investigation-related content, questioning the lack of guidelines and formal protocol.
"Even if the stand is considered, the reply does not disclose under what authority an official WhatsApp group has been created for sharing investigation details,"
— Punjab & Haryana High Court
The Court further inquired whether Constable Yogesh's mobile had been confiscated and sent for forensic examination. The Additional Public Prosecutor admitted that no such step had been taken.
Due to the lack of clarity and accountability, the Court ordered the personal appearance of the DGP on May 22, 2025, and clarified that no adjournment would be allowed on the next date of hearing.
This case, titled Prakash Singh Marwah vs. Union of India and Others, has raised significant concerns regarding the functioning, transparency, and privacy protocols followed by the Chandigarh Police.
"This issue raises serious concern about the functioning of the Chandigarh Police."
— Punjab & Haryana High Court
