The Punjab & Haryana High Court has summoned the Punjab Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), and Additional Chief Secretary (Jails) to explain why the crucial security measures recommended by senior state officials to enhance jail security have not been implemented even after a year.
A bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda expressed strong dissatisfaction over the lack of progress.
"We...are not satisfied with the measures taken by the State Government for strengthening the jail security. Many affidavits have been filed on behalf of the State, but there has been a lack of progress in the areas enumerated," the Court observed.
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Court's Continuous Monitoring
The case came up as a suo moto PIL, where the Court has been overseeing the improvements in jail security for over a year. Despite multiple opportunities, the Punjab Government has failed to implement the recommended measures.
During the hearing, Amicus Curiae Tanu Bedi pointed out that while some initiatives were taken, several critical areas remain neglected. Affidavits submitted by senior officials highlighted the need for these security upgrades and set timelines for their implementation, yet no significant progress has been made.
Procurement Delays and Policy Failures
One key issue raised in court was the delay in procuring 438 walkie-talkie sets for prison security. In an affidavit dated January 25, 2024, the government committed to procuring these within 2-3 months. However, subsequent affidavits stated that work would only proceed after the release of funds. Shockingly, the affidavit dated January 16, 2025, revealed that the tender for the equipment was cancelled.
"It is manifest that the walkie-talkie sets were required for proper patrolling of the vulnerable areas in the jails and without any justifiable reason, the process for procuring the walkie-talkie sets has been shelved for the reasons best known to the authorities," the Court remarked.
Other Critical Measures Ignored
Apart from the walkie-talkie sets, several other essential security measures were suggested by senior officials, including:
- Nylon mesh and iron mesh installations
- Procurement of motorcycles for patrolling
- Installation of searchlights and floodlights
- High mass poles for enhanced security
Despite these recommendations, no progress has been made, raising serious concerns about the government's commitment to jail security.
"There has been no progress whatsoever toward these aspects although these measures were suggested by the Senior Officers themselves as being essential to augment jail security," the Court added.
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Next Hearing Scheduled
With the Punjab Government failing to act on its own recommendations, the High Court has now sought direct explanations from the top officials. The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 24, 2025.
Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION VIS STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS
Present: Ms. Tanu Bedi, Advocate as Amicus Curiae and Ms. Simran, Advocate.
Mr. Arun Gosain, Senior Govt. Counsel for the respondent/UOI.
Mr. ADS Sukhija, Addl. A.G., Punjab and Mr. Aftab Singh Khara, Senior DAG, Punjab.
Mr. Anant Kataria, DAG, Haryana.
Mr. Munish Bansal, Public Prosecutor, UT, Chandigarh and Mr. Rajiv Vij, Additional Public Prosecutor for UT, Chandigarh.
Mr. Hitesh Verma, Advocate and Mr. Gourave Bhayyia Gilhotra, Advocate for the applicant in CM-85-CWPIL-2023.