The Punjab and Haryana High Court, presiding over the issue of jail security and in-custody interviews of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, issued directives regarding inmates making extortion or threatening calls from within prison premises. The division bench of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Kirti Singh emphasized the urgent need to sanitize high-security zones to prevent such activities.
In response to the court’s order, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh were instructed to provide data on the recovery and seizure of mobile phones from prisons over the past three months. Amicus Curiae Tanu Bedi highlighted instances of extortion or threat calls by inmates, prompting the bench to underscore the seriousness of the matter.
The Punjab government acknowledged an instance where a threatening call was made on behalf of an accused individual who was out on bail. The bench expressed grave concern over the possibility of inmates, whether undertrials or convicts, engaging in such illicit activities from within jail premises.
Emphasizing the need for immediate action, the bench ordered authorities to sanitize areas housing high-security inmates, including those involved in heinous crimes like extortion. The Punjab government requested time to provide details on reported extortion or threat calls and the corresponding actions taken.
The court’s proactive stance underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative to safeguard against criminal activities within prison confines.