HC seeks details on security cover beneficiaries, unofficial police deployment in Moga
(File Photo)The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Police to furnish details regarding the number of persons enjoying’ security cover in Moga district and the number of police personnel officially and unofficially attached to them. The directions came from the bench of Justice Jagmohan Bansal, while hearing petitions concerning the withdrawal of security cover, including that of former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh.Justice Bansal observed that police personnel appeared to have been deployed beyond officially sanctioned strength at public expense. During the hearing, counsel appearing for Harbhajan Singh submitted that he was having 23 security personnel, all belonging to the Punjab Police. Referring to the record, the court observed that “from the perusal of the paperbook, it appears that there are two orders whereby eight police personnel were deputed in the security of the petitioner. It prima facie shows that respondents (Punjab Police) have unofficially attached 15 police personnel at the cost of the public exchequer.” The bench further observed, “To avoid the aforesaid situation, this Court finds it appropriate to select District Moga to ascertain how many persons have security cover and how many police officials are officially and unofficially attached to those persons.” The court directed the Additional Director General of Police (Security) to file an affidavit in compliance with an earlier order dated April 22, 2026, passed in a connected matter. It also ordered that an affidavit be filed by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Moga, in terms of the present directions. The matter has now been adjourned to May 20. The bench clarified that “no further adjournment shall be granted”.Story continues below this ad The court also reiterated its earlier protection order, stating, “The respondent, as duty-bound, shall ensure that no physical injury is caused to petitioner and their family members.” Harbhajan Singh had earlier approached the High Court challenging the withdrawal of his security cover through an order dated April 25, 2026. In his petition, he alleged that the withdrawal was arbitrary and carried out without any fresh threat assessment or prior notice. He had further claimed that the security cover granted to him in May 2022 was withdrawn shortly after he announced his exit from the Aam Aadmi Party, alleging a political vendetta behind the move.
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