Supreme Court Rejects Punjab Govt's Request To Access Witness Statements Before Enquiry Committee On Security Lapses During PM's Visit

The Supreme Court has rejected the Punjab government’s request for access to witness statements before the Justice Indu Malhotra Committee, which investigated security lapses during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab in January 2022. The Punjab government sought the statements to conduct its own enquiry against officers responsible for the lapses. The court ruled that the state could conduct its investigation independently without relying on the committee’s witness statements. The security lapse occurred when protesters blocked the PM’s cavalcade, leading to the Supreme Court appointing Justice Malhotra to head the enquiry. The committee’s report found lapses on the part of the Punjab Police. This ruling emphasizes the independence of state investigations and the limitations on accessing enquiry committee materials. The case highlights the legal and procedural challenges in addressing security lapses involving high-profile individuals.