Pranav B Prem

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Government to submit an affidavit detailing the number of prisoner calling system machines installed in jails across the state and whether these installations have led to a reduction in unauthorized mobile phone usage by inmates over the past three months.

High Court’s Direction on Jail Security Measures

A division bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda observed: “It is directed that the affidavit shall state the number of prisoners calling system machines installed in the jails of the State (Punjab), jail wise. It shall also be stated in the affidavit as to whether there has been any reduction in the unauthorized use of the mobile phones by the inmates and the number of mobile phones which have been recovered over the last three months from various jails in the State of Punjab shall also be set out.”

The Court issued these directions while hearing a suo moto case initiated in 2023 concerning the rampant use of mobile phones inside prisons. The issue gained significant attention after an interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi from custody went viral. The Court had earlier remarked: “It is a matter of grave concern that a suspect in police or judicial custody has been allowed to conduct an interview at length. The officers who permitted or facilitated the interview, need to be identified and taken to task at the earliest.”

Preventive Measures and AI-Based Surveillance

During the hearing, the Punjab Government’s counsel apprised the Court of the security enhancements implemented in state prisons. “AI based CCTV surveillance facility has been installed in 8 jails in the State of Punjab while work is in progress at an advanced stage in six other jails and it is likely to be completed by 02.05.2025. V-kavach jammers have been installed in Central Jail, Bathinda and are being installed in 10 more ‘sensitive’ jails.”  The Court has sought a comprehensive report on these security upgrades and their effectiveness in curbing the unauthorized use of mobile phones by prisoners.

SIT Investigation on Lawrence Bishnoi’s Interview

The High Court had previously constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the viral interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The SIT’s preliminary findings indicated that the first interview was conducted while he was in CIA premises in Kharar, Punjab, and the second was recorded in a jail in Jaipur. The Court had then instructed the SIT to identify and take action against officials who facilitated the interview.

During the present hearing, Prabodh Kumar, Special DGP (Retd.) and Head of the SIT, informed the Court: “The investigation is in progress in terms of the order passed by this Court. He submits that the status report shall be filed by the next date of hearing.”

Next Steps

The High Court has listed the matter for further consideration on March 19, 2025, directing the State Government to submit a detailed affidavit regarding jail security measures, including:

1. The total number of prisoner calling system machines installed in each jail.

2. The extent to which these systems have reduced unauthorized mobile phone usage.

3. The number of mobile phones confiscated from inmates in the last three months.

4. The progress of AI-based CCTV surveillance and jammer installations.

Cause Title: Court on its own motion V. State of Punjab & Others

Case No: CWP-PIL-93-2023 and connected matters

Bench: Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal, Justice Deepak Manchanda

[Read/Download order]