Baldev Singh Bhatti v. State Of Punjab And ORS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CRWP-4605 of 2020 (O&M) DATE OF DECISION : 04.08.2020 Baldev Singh Bhatti

...Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab and others

...Respondents

CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ARUN MONGA Present :

Mr. Sapan Dhir, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Mr. A.A. Pathak, Addl. AG Punjab.

(Presence marked through video conference) *** ARUN MONGA, J. (ORAL) 1.

Petitioner is before this Court seeking appropriate directions/ order qua protection of his life and liberty and providing security allegedly being under threat from certain unknown persons who are stated to be involved in the business of drug paddling in his locality, who were stopped by the petitioner from indulging in such criminal activities. 2.

Mr. Sapan Dhir, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner argues that petitioner is a public figure and has been Member of Legislative Assembly in Punjab in past and is currently the National President of Scheduled Castes wing of political party, namely, Shiromani Akali Dal(Badal). His request to provide the security has been ignored despite the fact that

petitioner gave a written application dated 25.04.2020 to Senior Superintendent of Police, Moga-Respondent No.4 and also filed an application before the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. He argues that National Commission for Scheduled Castes vide its letter dated 06.05.2020 recommended for taking appropriate steps qua the petitioner's request, yet no action has been taken pursuant thereto.

3.

While on the other hand, learned State counsel submits that an appropriate enquiry was conducted pursuant to the application of the petitioner dated 25.04.2020 and it turned out that petitioner is currently just sitting at home due to restricted movement being caused by Covid-19 pandemic and there is no threat to him from any corner.

4.

Be that as it may, it is expected of the State to take appropriate steps in case any threat perception is indeed existent, as claimed by the petitioner. Personal police protection cannot be provided to the petitioner merely on his asking, that too at the cost of State. However, respondent No.4SSP Moga is requested that he shall provide the petitioner with telephone numbers of atleast two police officials within the jurisdiction where the petitioner is currently resident of. These numbers shall be kept operational at all times, so that in the event of any exigency, petitioner is able to immediately intimate on either of the numbers with regard to any alleged threats which he may receive.

SSP is requested to ensure that any phone call or message received on any two mobile numbers of the police officials are responded immediately by the concerned police officials. Additionally, Beat Constable of the area shall be directed by respondent No.4/SSP to regularly visit the residence of the petitioner on alternate days and make enteries of his visit in the Roznamcha(Daily Diary Report).

Officer of the concerned jurisdiction on fortnightly basis by making due endorsement of his views in the Roznamcha.

5.

With these observations, the petition stands disposed of. (ARUN MONGA) August 4, 2020 JUDGE Jiten Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No