'Quite Alarming': P&H High Court Flags Increasing Number Of Proclaimed Offenders, Asks Punjab DGP To Ensure Detailed Report Is Submitted
The Punjab & Haryana High Court has asked Director General of Police, Punjab to ensure that a complete information on number of proclaimed offenders in the State is submitted by way of an affidavit of a responsible officer.The Court noted that there are total 4329 proclaimed offenders only in one District, Jalandhar.Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu said, "As number of cases, where accused...
The Punjab & Haryana High Court has asked Director General of Police, Punjab to ensure that a complete information on number of proclaimed offenders in the State is submitted by way of an affidavit of a responsible officer.
The Court noted that there are total 4329 proclaimed offenders only in one District, Jalandhar.
Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu said, "As number of cases, where accused have been successfully evading the process of law are quite alarming; therefore, it would be appropriate to seek detailed report regarding such persons in the State of Punjab."
The development came while hearing of a plea challenging the proclamation of the offender under Section 82 of the CrPC. It was alleged that the accused was declared a proclaimed person without following the proper procedure in a complaint under Negotiable Instrument Act, and no affixation, as required under Section 82(2)(i) of the CrPC, was ever made.
It was submitted that the petitioner was declared as the proclaimed person on "next day i.e. 15-02-2024" whereas the date for appearance as per the order of Magistrate was "14-02-2024."
In the previous proceeding, the Court had sought an affidavit from Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, on complete details of proclaimed offenders/proclaimed persons within District Jalandhar as on February 17.
In pursuance of the direction, it was submitted that in District Jalandhar, there are total 4329 proclaimed offenders/persons (2440 in Urban and 1889 in Rural).
While listing the matter for April 22, the Court said, "Director General of Police, Punjab shall ensure that complete information be provided by way of an affidavit of some responsible officer regarding total number of proclaimed offenders/proclaimed persons in the entire State of Punjab as on 28.02.2025."
Mr. Robin Dutt, Advocate for the petitioner.
Mr. Kunwarbir Singh, AAG, Punjab.
Title: GURWINDER SINGH VS. STATE OF PUNJAB AND ANR.