Punjab Haryana High Court gangster culture.
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On April 25, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at curbing the growing menace of gangster culture in the region. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar emphasized that the judiciary must send a strong message that criminal activities will not be tolerated, thereby restoring public confidence and protecting the foundations of a law-abiding society.
The court outlined several key measures to be included in the SOP:
- Formation of Dedicated Anti-Gang Units: These units should be equipped with adequate training and technological support to effectively combat gang-related activities.
- Surveillance and Financial Monitoring: Implement digital forensic tools to monitor known gangsters and track their financial transactions in collaboration with financial institutions.
- Cross-Border Intelligence Sharing: Establish mechanisms for sharing intelligence between Punjab, Haryana, and central agencies to assist in crime detection, as gang operations often span multiple states.
- Encouraging Public Participation: Create an environment of trust to encourage citizens to report incidents, possibly through an anonymous reporting service.
- Witness Protection Program: Implement a program to protect witnesses, thereby fostering greater public cooperation in legal proceedings.
- Establishment of Fast-Track Courts: Set up specialized courts to expedite the judicial process in gangster-related cases, minimizing the risk of evidence tampering.
- Review of Existing Legal Frameworks: State counsels are directed to inform the court about the pre-existing legal frameworks to address gangster-related issues.
This directive comes in the wake of a protection plea where the petitioner alleged threats from a gangster affiliated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The court noted the psychological burden on the petitioner and highlighted the broader societal impact of gangster culture, including extortion rackets and the erosion of public trust in the justice system.
The case has been deferred to May 14 for further consideration.
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