“Tends to glorify crime…”: Punjab-Haryana High Court Comes Down Heavily on State Police Over Lawrence Bishnoi Jail Interview

The Punjab-Haryana High Court on Monday expressed strong disapproval of the Punjab Police for facilitating a controversial interview that was given by Lawrence Bishnoi to a private channel while he was in custody. The court highlighted that the police had allowed Bishnoi to use a senior officer's office as a makeshift studio, which contributed to the "glorification of crime."

In a suo moto hearing regarding the use of mobile phones and electronic devices by inmates, the court directed the formation of a new special investigation team (SIT) to further investigate the alleged conspiracy and collusion between police officers and Bishnoi. The court reprimanded the Punjab government for its failure to comply with an August 2024 order that mandated disciplinary action against senior officers involved in the interview.

“Police officers allowed the criminal to use (an) electronic device and provided a studio-like facility to conduct the interview, which tends to glorify crime and could facilitate further criminal activities,” remarked Justice Anupinder Singh and Justice Lapita Banerji. The court noted that the involvement of senior police personnel might indicate "receipt of illegal gratification from the criminal or his associates," underscoring the need for a thorough inquiry.

The newly formed SIT will be led by Prabodh Kumar, the Special Director-General of Police attached to the state's Human Rights Commission. The court ordered the team to investigate potential criminal conspiracy, abetment, and forgery, and to submit a report within six weeks.

The court’s sharp comments on Lawrence Bishnoi, who is linked to various criminal activities in Canada and is implicated in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, came in response to a closure report filed by the previous SIT. The court noted that Bishnoi is involved in 71 criminal cases in Punjab, four of which fall under the anti-terror law UAPA.

The High Court criticized the police for taking over eight months to provide an inconclusive report regarding the alleged security breach tied to Bishnoi’s interview. It had previously mandated action against senior officers and warned against scapegoating junior staff. Last week, seven police officers were suspended, including two Deputy Superintendents, Gursheer Singh and Sammer Vaneet, but the court expressed frustration that no action had been taken against higher-ranking officials.

The court also summoned the Punjab Police chief to explain a previous statement claiming the interview did not occur within a Punjab jail, despite evidence that it took place in SAS Nagar district. Furthermore, the court highlighted that the internet connection at the police station where Bishnoi was transferred for the interview had been utilized, indicating a "pointer towards criminal conspiracy" and a connection between the involved officers and criminals.

In addition, the court referenced Bishnoi's reiterated threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. It also expressed concern over copies of the interview resurfacing online, despite a December order to remove them from social media platforms. “These interviews are stated to have garnered over 12 million views and could have an adverse impact upon youngsters with impressionable minds,” the court noted, highlighting the potential risks to law and order in the border state of Punjab.​