HC seeks Punjab reply in Harbhajan security case

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday sought a detailed response from the Punjab government regarding the withdrawal of security provided to Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, while granting the state three weeks to file its reply in the matter.

During the hearing, the Punjab government requested additional time to submit its response, which was accepted by the court. The bench directed the state to place its reply on record before the next hearing scheduled for next Wednesday.

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The High Court also asked the Punjab government to explain the policy and criteria under which Punjab Police security is provided to political leaders, officials, and other individuals both within and outside the state. The court directed the state to furnish complete details regarding the norms governing such security arrangements.

The matter relates to the withdrawal of Punjab Police security from Harbhajan Singh after he resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party earlier this year and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Following the withdrawal, nearly 10 police personnel deployed outside his residence in Jalandhar were reportedly recalled.

According to the petition, protests later took place outside the cricketer-turned-politician’s residence, where members of an agitated crowd allegedly raised slogans and wrote “gaddar” on the walls of his house.

Soon after the state security cover was withdrawn, the Central government provided Harbhajan Singh with security by CRPF commandos. Thereafter, the Rajya Sabha MP approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, challenging the withdrawal of his security cover and seeking protection for himself and his family.

At an earlier hearing, the High Court had directed the Punjab government to ensure that no physical harm came to Harbhajan Singh or his family members until further orders in the case. The court had also indicated concern over the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of security.

The matter will now come up for further hearing after the Punjab government files its detailed response regarding the security policy and the specific reasons behind the withdrawal of protection granted to the former Indian spinner.