Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court will resume on Thursday to hear the matter concerning jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s controversial interview. The case came up before the division bench of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda.
During the earlier proceedings, senior advocate and amicus curiae Tanu Bedi, who joined via video conferencing, sought additional time to examine the sealed report filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the matter. The bench subsequently directed SIT chief Prabodh Kumar and Bedi to remain present in court for the September 18 hearing, where the contents of the report would be taken up for detailed discussion before deciding the next steps.
The SIT had handed over its findings in a sealed envelope on August 18. At that time, the Punjab government had urged the court for access to the report to initiate action against those responsible. However, the bench expressed concern over the state’s lack of concrete measures and raised questions about the government’s handling of the issue.
Observing that Punjab has witnessed a spike in crime following the broadcast of Bishnoi’s interview, the court remarked that the situation demanded close scrutiny. It made clear that any directives would only follow after the bench had thoroughly studied the SIT’s submissions.
The matter continues to be under active judicial monitoring, with the High Court emphasizing its concern over law and order in Punjab.