The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a decisive step to counter the growing threat of gangster culture in the region. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar, while hearing a plea concerning threats from a known gangster, directed the Governments of Punjab and Haryana to draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to combat organized crime effectively.

“The judiciary must ensure that those who engage in such nefarious activities face the full brunt of the law, sending a strong message that such criminality will not be tolerated,” said Justice Brar, underlining the importance of restoring public trust in law and order.

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The Court’s direction came while hearing a protection plea filed by Raj Veer, who alleged life-threatening intimidation by Rohit Godara, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The petitioner reported receiving extortion threats demanding up to ₹5 crore and expressed serious concern over the safety of his family.

The Court expressed dismay over the lack of FIR registration despite repeated representations to authorities. Noting that the petitioner had been under psychological pressure since April 2024, the judge remarked:

“It is hard to imagine the petitioner getting a good night’s sleep in the last year, owing to the immense psychological burden he has been put under.”

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Justice Brar emphasized that the petitioner’s case was not isolated, pointing out the growing threat posed by gangster networks through extortion rackets and fear-mongering. This undermines public safety and erodes trust in governance and justice.

1. Anti-Gang Units: Establishment of specially trained anti-gang units equipped with advanced technology.
2. Surveillance and Financial Monitoring: Use of digital forensics and collaboration with financial institutions to monitor gangsters.
3. Cross-Border Intelligence Sharing: Coordination between Punjab, Haryana, and central agencies to track interstate criminal operations.
4. Public Participation: Promoting anonymous reporting and informant networks to boost citizen involvement.
5. Witness Protection Program: Ensuring safety for those who come forward to help law enforcement.
6. Fast-Track Courts: Speedy trials to avoid evidence tampering and deliver swift justice.
7. Review of Legal Frameworks: State counsels must report existing legal mechanisms already in place to tackle such issues.

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“The State owes a duty to its citizens to ensure their safety. Only in an environment free from fear can people truly thrive and contribute to society,” said the judge.

The Advocate Generals of both states and the Additional Solicitor General were present and asked to assist the Court in developing a unified policy. The matter has been adjourned to May 14, 2025, with directions to submit detailed affidavits by the respective ADGPs (Intelligence).

“A firm hand, with stringent law enforcement and legal measures, is essential to dismantling extortion rackets and safeguarding the moral fabric of society,” added the Court.

Advocate Preetinder Singh Ahluwalia was also appointed as Amicus Curiae to provide legal assistance in the case.

Mr. Gourav Verma, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Parvindra Singh Chauhan, Advocate General, Haryana with Mr. Sukhdeep Parmar, Sr. DAG, Haryana and Ms. Geeta Sharma, DAG, Haryana.

Mr. M.S. Bedi, Advocate General, Punjab with Mr. Subhash Godara, Addl. A.G., Punjab.

Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India with Ms. Sangeeta Srivastava, Advocate for respondent No.6- UOI.