Punjab and Haryana High Court inquires State Govt over security withdrawal/reduction order coming in public domain

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday inquired the Punjab State Government as to how its order dated May 11 withdrawing/reducing the security of several persons came into the public domain. The response of the State Government is to be submitted by June 2, i.e. today.

The security cover of renowned Punjabi singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moosewala was also reduced days before his murder on May 29.

A single bench of Justice Raj Mohan Singh ordered, “The relevant information as to whether the order has become public on account of any RTI information or leakage or in collusion of someone having access to the order in question be also brought on record by the adjourned date.”

The court was hearing a plea moved by Former Deputy Chief Minister of State, Om Prakash Soni challenging the de-categorization of the security provided to him. He had alleged that the de-categorization of his security was not on account of any individual assessment, made by the committee based on any inputs.

It was further contended that the de-categorization was done without issuing any show-cause notice to him and associating him in connection with any information.

Court directed, “The State to being relevant material in a sealed cover for the perusal of the Court to see whether withdrawal/down-gradation/de-categorization of security of beneficiaries has been done based on some objective data.”

Case Title: Om Prakash Soni v. State of Punjab and Ors.