Satya Prakash
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 10
The Punjab Government on Monday demanded an independent probe into the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ferozepur last week, saying the state would not get a fair hearing in any probe carried out by the Centre.
During hearing on a petition seeking a thorough probe into the security lapse, Punjab Advocate General DS Patwalia took strong exception to seven showcause notices issued to the SSP concerned, chief secretary and senior officials of the state asking them to explain why action should not be taken against them.
“No opportunity of hearing has been given to me… where has this showcause notice come from when proceedings were halted by the court. I will not get justice from central government committee,” Patwalia told a three-judge Bench led by CJI NV Ramana.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta clarified to the Bench that the showcause notices were issued before the court’s order.
“If you have already made up your mind, then what’s the need for having an inquiry,” the Bench asked.
“There’s a lapse and it has to be found out who are responsible for it,” it added.
The Solicitor General said these were only showcause notices and not findings. He said it’s an admitted case of security lapse and the PM was exposed.
He said someone from the Cabinet Secretariat, DG, SPG and Intelligence Bureau officials can be there in the committee.
Noting that it was an issue of the security of the Prime Minister, Mehta said it can be examined by the senior officials of the Central Government. The report can be placed before the Bench and then “Your Lordships can take an appropriate decision,” Mehta said.
He said the committee of the Central Government can examine it and submit the report to the court and in the meantime no action will be taken against any officials.
Patwalia objected to it and reiterated his demand for an independent probe, saying the showcause notices issued to state government officials made it clear that the Central committee had already made up its mind.
Hearing is still on.
Punjab demands independent probe into PM security breach
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