Indu Malhotra Panel

January 13, 2022

On January 12, 2022, the Supreme Court appointed an inquiry committee headed by former judge Justice Indu Malhotra to probe the Prime Minister Narendra Modi security breach in Punjab on January 5.

Highlights

While setting up the inquiry committee, the bench headed by CJI and including Justices Surya Kant & Hima Kohli noted that, this matter cannot be left to one-sided enquiries.
The bench emphasised that, matter must be looked into by a judicially trained mind in a bid to submit a comprehensive report for court’s consideration.
Before that, SC had also ordered the Punjab and Haryana HC Registrar General to seize and secure all records related to the PM’s security on visit and keep them in safe custody. Now, all the records will be hand over to Justice Indu Malhotra.

About the Inquiry Committee

The Inquiry committee has been set by supreme court to look into who is responsible for the security breach. Committee will also suggest safeguards, which are necessary for security of the PM and Constitutional functionaries.

Members of the Committee

Inquiry Committee will be headed by Justice Indu Malhotra.
It will also include the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana Court.
Director General of National Investigation Agency or an officer nominated by him, who is not below the rank of Inspector General
ADGP (Security) of Punjab Police.

Background

The supreme court reserved orders on a plea by Delhi-based ‘Lawyer’s Voice’ on January 10. The plea sought a probe into PM security breach and action against the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Punjab for the security gap.

What was the security breach?

On January 5, 2022, PM and his convoy had remained stuck on a flyover while they were heading towards Hussainiwala for around 20 minutes because of protests during his visit.

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