PM Security Breach: Vikas Singh President SCBA Writes to Justice Indu Malhotra Over Threat Calls to Lawyers
(Judicial Quest News Network)
The Supreme Court Bar Association president Mr. Vikas Singh has requested (Retired) Justice Indu Malhotra to enquire into the threat calls received by advocates.
Justice Indu Malhotra has been appointed to chair the enquiry committee into the Prime Minister’s Security breach case during his recent visit to Punjab.
The Association through its letter has urged the committee to enquire into the said incident while examining the issue of breach of PM’s security as it’s an incidental issue.
In view of the incident on 5th January, 2022 in relation to the breach of Security of the PM in Punjab, the Supreme Court vide order dated 12.01-2022 in WP © no.13 of 2022 has appointed your good self as the Chairperson of the Enquiry Committee to enquire into the said incident.
The letter further stated that on 10th January,2022 Supreme Court heard the PIL by NGO Lawyer’s Voice seeking probe into the incident several Advocates-on-Record practicing in Supreme Court had received threat calls from an unknown international number. The caller also warned the Judges of the Supreme Court to refrain from hearing the case on the grounds that the Supreme Court has not punished the culprits of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
The letter mentions that this is a very serious action as it relates to the safety and security of lawyers and also impinges upon the independence of the Justice Delivery System.
A bench of Chief Justice of India N.V Ramana, Justice Surya Kant, Justice Hima Kohli on Wednesday ordered to probe the alleged security lapse and
appointed a 5- member judicial committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra.
The other members of the committee would be.
Director General of Police Chandigarh
Additional Director General of Police (Security) State of Punjab
Registrar General, Punjab and Haryana High Court (as member-cum-co-ordinator)
The SC ordered to enquire
What are the causes for security breach? For the incident on 5th January 2022?
The court opined that the “question cannot be left to one-sided enquire” and a judicially trained mind needs to oversee the probe.
1.Who are responsible for such a breach?
2.What should be the remedial measures or safeguards necessary for the security of PM or other protectees?
3.Any suggestions or recommendations for improving the safety and security of other constitutional functionaries?
4.Any other incidental issue that committee may deem fit and proper.
In his letter SCBA president Singh pointed out that a similar call was received by some lawyers from an unknown number, calling it a serious act.
Singh requested Justice Indu Malhotra to enquire into those incidents as well while examining the issue of breach of security.
