HC calls threat to Bikram Majithia’s life in Nabha jail a serious issue, seeks report by tomorrow morning

PTC Web Desk: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday took serious note of a plea raising concerns over the security of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia inside Nabha Jail, observing that the matter was “serious” and required urgent attention.

Majithia’s counsel informed the court that his client’s life was under threat in Nabha Jail and cited a report prepared by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Intelligence. According to the submission, the intelligence report warns that Majithia faces a potential threat from the banned terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International even while in judicial custody.

Taking note of the submissions, the High Court directed the Punjab Government to obtain instructions from the Inspector General (IG) of Police concerned and the Superintendent of Nabha Jail and apprise the court of the situation by Tuesday morning. The court further stated that the matter would be taken up immediately after the urgent matters list.

It was also pointed out that Majithia had filed the present petition even before his arrest in the disproportionate assets case, at a time when the Punjab Government had reduced his security cover. However, following his arrest, the petition was not taken up for hearing.

The issue resurfaced after a letter from the ADGP (Intelligence) came to light last week, indicating that Majithia continues to face a threat from Babbar Khalsa International despite being lodged in the jail. Based on this development, Majithia’s counsel sought permission to file a fresh application seeking urgent hearing, which was allowed by the court.

The High Court has now sought a detailed response from the state authorities before proceeding further in the matter.