Security breach: Supreme Court orders protection of all travel records in Punjab

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the protection of all travel records related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab that was an alleged security lapse leading to the Prime Minister’s returning to the airport without attending the events.

Also read: Ahead of Punjab elections, BJP and Congress muddy each other over PM Modi’s security lapse

While hearing a plea seeking a court-monitored probe into the security breach allegations, the top court directed the Punjab government to ensure that all records and materials pertaining to PM Modi’s movements in the state on Wednesday be immediately secured in the custody of the registrar-general of the Punjab and Haryana high court.

Also read: Supreme Court to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi security breach matter today

The Supreme Court also directed the Punjab Police, the Special Protection Group (SPG), and other central and state agencies to provide necessary assistance to the registrar-general.

Also read: Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi expresses ‘regret’ after PM Narendra Modi’s security lapse

“The director-general of police (DGP) of Chandigarh and an official of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will also act as nodal officers to coordinate with the registrar-general,” the apex court said.

Also read: Explained | How is PM Modi’s security planned and what happened in Punjab?

“Ask both the committees to hold their operations till Monday. This will not be in the order, but it’s understood,” a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana was quoted as saying by Bar & Bench.

Also read: Security breach: President Kovind expresses concern, to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had expressed regret over the incident but rejected allegations of any complicity. The Chief Minister claimed that his government had no information about the PM’s motorcade taking the road route.

Also read: What kind of security detail does Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have

According to the PIL, the state police failed in providing effective security for the PM and were allegedly complicit in jeopardising the security of the high constitutional office in the country.