(N.V. Ramana, C.J. and Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, JJ.)
Writ Petition(s) (Civil) No(s). 13/2022, decided on January 7, 2022
Lawyers Voice ____________________________________ Petitioner;
v.
State of Punjab and Others _______________________ Respondent(s).
(For Admission and IA No. 2927/2022-Exemption From Filing Affidavit [To be Taken up as First Item])
Writ Petition(s) (Civil) No(s). 13/2022 and IA No. 2927/2022
The Order of the court was delivered by
Order
1. Heard learned senior counsel Mr. Maninder Singh on behalf of the Petitioner, the learned Solicitor General, Mr. Tushar Mehta, and the learned Advocate General for the State of Punjab, Mr. D.S. Patwalia.
2. Taking into consideration the arguments advanced by the parties with respect to the issues relating to the security of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and other related issues raised by them, we deem it appropriate for the time being to direct the Registrar General, Punjab and Haryana High Court to secure and preserve the records relating to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s scheduled tour of Punjab on 05th January 2022.
3. We direct the Director General of Police, Union Territory of Chandigarh and an officer of the National Investigation Agency, not below the rank of Inspector General, to be nominated by the Director General, National Investigation Agency to assist the Registrar General, Punjab and Haryana High Court to forthwith secure and seize the records from the State police as well as Central agencies.
4. We further direct the State Government of Punjab, including the police authorities, the Special Protection Group and any other Central/State agencies to cooperate and to provide necessary assistance in securing and seizing the records.
5. We direct the Registrar General, Punjab and Haryana High Court to keep the records in his safe custody for the time being.
6. The Registry is directed to forward a copy of this order electronically, forthwith, to the Registrar General, Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Director General of Police, Union Territory of Chandigarh, the Director General, National Investigation Agency and the Principal Secretary Home, State of Punjab.
7. List on 10.01.2022.
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