The Punjab & Haryana High Court has taken decisive measures in response to the lax attitude of police witnesses by ordering the detention of a Sub Inspector (SI) in jail under "protective custody" until the completion of his examination and cross-examination.

In the context of handling a bail plea under the NDPS Act, the Court observed that Punjab SI Paramjeet Singh failed to appear before the trial court as a witness despite being summoned and served twice through bailable warrants.

"The petitioner cannot kept in custody only for default of the police officials in not appearing as a witness before the trial Court. Hence, the coercive action against this witness has become imperative," said Justice Rajbir Sehrawat.

"SI Paramjeet Singh be taken into protective custody within a period of one week from today and be kept in Central Jail, Kapurthala so as to produce him before the trial Court on the next date fixed before that court. It is further ordered that till his examination and cross-examination is completed, he shall remain in custody."

In scheduling the matter for April 24, Justice Sehrawat specified that the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala, must guarantee the apprehension of SI Paramjeet Singh and submit a report to the Court confirming the action taken.

It's noteworthy to highlight that the High Court recently issued a set of directives aimed at preventing delays in trials under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act caused by the non-appearance of police or official witnesses.

Previously, the Court had expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of police officials to appear as witnesses in cases under the NDPS Act. Justice Manjri Nahru Kaul had remarked that such non-appearance frequently resulted in protracted trials.

Ruhani Chadha, Advocate for the petitioner.

Jasleen Kaur Sidhu, DAG, Punjab.