Punjab & Haryana High Court on Tuesday summoned AGDP Prison on the next hearing in the case pertaining to the interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi by a news channel. As per reports, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought an in-person explanation on why the Committee constituted in March 2023 is yet to file investigation details of Lawrence Bishnoi's media interview from inside the jail. The court had reportedly taken suo moto cognizance over the use of mobile phones and electronic gadgets inside prison.
In its order, the High Court reportedly observed, "It is a matter of grave concern that a suspect in police or judicial custody has been allowed to conduct an interview at length. The officers who permitted or facilitated the interview, need to be identified and taken to task at the earliest".
Reports suggest that an affidavit was filed in the High Court on behalf of ADGP Jail on Tuesday. However, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction over this. The next hearing of the case will be on December 14. ADGP Prison was asked why the investigation report did not come even after 8 months.
As soon as the hearing started, ADGP's affidavit stated that efforts are being made to stop the smuggling and use of mobile phones in jails. The investigation committee needs some more time to investigate and submit the report on Lawrence Bishnoi's interview case. The ADGP in his affidavit pointed out that the committee has found out that the gangster's second interview was recorded between 26 February 2023 and 17 March 2023. Therefore, it will not be difficult for the committee to decide the date, time, and place of recording of the interview.
However, the High Court was not satisfied with the answers given by the ADGP Prison in the affidavit. Therefore, the HC asked ADGP Jail to appear in person in the next hearing and explain why the investigation report is being delayed. Furthermore, the High Court asked the ADGP Prison to tell what efforts are being made to stop prisoners from using mobile phones in jail and making ransom calls from there.