The Punjab and Haryana High Court has strongly criticized the Punjab Police, expressing serious concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The court has summoned the Director General of Police (DGP) to appear in person and explain the measures being taken to address organized crime and prevent future incidents.

The court's censure follows the recent murder of a kabaddi player in Mohali. The incident occurred during a match in Sector-79, SAS Nagar, in the presence of approximately a thousand spectators and numerous police officers. CCTV footage revealed that two armed assailants fired multiple shots before escaping, raising questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements and the response of law enforcement. The court noted that the assailants were able to enter the stadium, fire shots, and escape despite the presence of many spectators and police officials. This "free run" indicates a severe lapse in security and highlights the impunity with which criminals are operating in the state.

Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal's division bench has directed the DGP to explain why adequate security measures were not in place at the stadium and to submit the duty roster of the police officers who were deployed at the stadium on the day of the incident. The court has also demanded an explanation as to why the culprits managed to escape and have not yet been apprehended. While the state counsel has informed the court that the shooters have been identified and efforts are underway to arrest them, the court remains concerned about the apparent lack of immediate response and the overall state of law enforcement. So far, five other criminals associated with the crime have been arrested.

This is not the first time the Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised concerns about the functioning of the Punjab Police. In a separate case, the court admonished the Special DGP for acting in a "casual manner" and attempting to deflect responsibility in a case involving the reinstatement of a dismissed constable. The court has also previously imposed fines on the DGP and senior IAS officers for "deliberately disobeying" court orders. These instances highlight a pattern of negligence and non-compliance with judicial directives within the Punjab administration.

In another instance, the High Court criticized the Punjab Police for a 15-year delay in filing a cancellation report in a criminal case, imposing a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the state government. The court condemned the "lackadaisical" and "stolid conduct" of the investigating officials, emphasizing that such delays are an "antithesis to the rule of law".

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has also taken a strong stance against the practice of assigning public duty to police officers who have been convicted or face serious charges. The court has stated that such practices erode public confidence in the police administration and are an affront to the rule of law.

The repeated reprimands and directives from the High Court underscore the urgent need for सुधार in the Punjab Police and the state's law enforcement apparatus. The summoning of the DGP is a clear message that the court expects accountability and decisive action to restore public trust and ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Punjab.