Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Jan10: The Supreme Court, on Monday, agreed to set up an independent committee, to be headed by a former Supreme Court judge to probe Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security breach in Ferozepur, Punjab.
The Supreme Court also proposed to include DGP Chandigarh, IG National Investigation Agency, Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court, and ADGP (security) of Punjab, in the independent committee.
Meanwhile, the apex court asked both Centre and Punjab government not to go ahead with their inquires in the matter.
Earlier today, a SC bench led by CJI Ramana began hearing a petition seeking a court-monitored investigation into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security breakdown during his visit to Ferozepur, Punjab. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana and including Justice Surya Kanta and Justice Hima Kohli, heard a plea submitted by Lawyers’ Voice.
The Supreme Court cautioned the Centre that the notices it had given to Punjab officials were self-contradictory after being informed that the Centre had issued show-cause notes to them. The court went on to say that by forming the Committee, the Centre is attempting to determine whether there was a violation of the SPG Act and, if so, to investigate the matter further.
“There is a breach and the Punjab government has admitted as well. The question is if an inquiry is held, what will be its scope. If you want to take disciplinary action against officers what remains for this court to look into?” the Court asked.
During Monday’s hearing, senior advocate DS Patwalia, the Punjab government’s Advocate General, told the Supreme Court that the records had been reviewed by the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The Punjab government has also sent seven show-cause notices to state personnel, asking them to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. The state administration responded, “Please appoint an independent committee and give us a fair hearing.”
The Centre’s Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that show-cause notices were given to the DG and Punjab Chief Secretary before the Central Government Committee’s proceedings were halted. According to him, the appointed committee did not hold a hearing.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioners’ lawyers Voice, senior advocate Maninder Singh had earlier told the court on Friday that the breach of PM Modi’s security in Punjab is not merely a law and order problem, but a matter under the Special Protection Groups (SPG) Act.
“The matter of Prime Minister protection is a national security issue and comes under parliamentary purview,” Singh said in the court.
