PM Security Breach: SCBA writes letter to Justice Indu Malhotra requesting to enquire into threatening calls received by Advocates

Supreme Court Bar Association has written a letter to the (Retd.) Justice Indu Malhotra requesting her to enquire into the threatening call received by several Advocates on Records from international numbers in relation to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi security breach incident that occurred in Punjab.

The letter written by SCBA President, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh stated that it is very serious act as it relates to the safety and security of our lawyers and also impinges upon the independence of the justice delivery system.

Singh said that "I would request you to kindly enquire in the said incident also, the same being an incidental issue, while examining the issue of breach of security."

Earlier, certain Advocates on Record at the Supreme Court had revealed that they have received calls from a number of the United Kingdom (with the affix +44) yesterday morning, warning the Supreme Court judges to refrain from entertaining the ongoing case concerning the Prime Minister's security breach.

The person on the call stated that "they took responsibility" for blocking the Prime Minister's convoy in Punjab last week and that the Supreme Court did not do anything when many Sikhs lost their lives during the 1984 Anti-Sikh genocide.

"We take responsibility for blocking Modi in Punjab. Supreme Court Judges, you did nothing when thousands died during Anti Sikh Riots and you could not find one killer.. Remember the 1984 genocide when thousands died! You also toyed with the Farmer's demands, if you take stock of the PM Security issue, it will be the most disgraceful act that you have done" the caller said.

Today, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli today appointed Justice (Retired) Indu Malhotra as chairperson on the court-appointed committee to look into the Prime Minister’s security breach issue. The Committee shall also consist of DG of Police (Chandigarh), Additional DGP (Punjab) along with the  Registrar General (Punjab and Haryana High Court) and an NIA official.

Terms of reference of the committee:

According to the judgment of the court, the committee is to look into the following aspects

1. What were the causes for the security breach for the incident on 5th January 2022?

2. Who are responsible for such a breach, and to what extent?

3. What should be the remedial measures or safeguards necessary for the security of the Hon’ble Prime Minister or other Protectees?

4. Any suggestions or recommendations for improving the safety and security of other Constitutional functionaries.

5. Any other incidental issue that the Committee may deem fit and proper

The court has further directed the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court to hand over the records in three days. The court has further held that the State and Central committees not to proceed with their enquiry till the court appointed committee submits its conclusion. The matter will now be listed after the Committee files its report.