High Court issues bailable warrant against Hoshiarpur SSP
Kuljinder Sra
Chandigarh, July 11, 2025: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a bailable warrant of ₹5,000 against the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Hoshiarpur for failing to comply with court orders in a habeas corpus petition related to the alleged illegal detention of a woman, Jaswant Kaur.
The warrant was issued in the matter where the petitioner sought the release of Jaswant Kaur, allegedly unlawfully detained by police officials. Despite the court's clear directive on June 17, 2025, to produce the detenue on July 7, 2025, neither the detenue was presented, nor did the SSP appear in person or submit any explanation, as required.
Expressing strong disapproval of the disregard for judicial orders, the court observed:“A writ of habeas corpus stands at the highest pedestal as it safeguards one of the most precious fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. Non-compliance by state officials in such matters is not just contemptuous—it perpetuates illegality and is a serious affront to the rule of law.”
The court termed the conduct of the police officials as “inexplicable and odious” and emphasized that judicial orders under habeas corpus writs must be scrupulously and faithfully implemented by all state authorities.
Taking serious note of the continued non-compliance, the court ordered:
- Bailable warrants to be issued against the SSP, Hoshiarpur, directing him to personally appear and explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated.
- The Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the concerned jurisdiction was directed to ensure service of the warrants.
- The Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab was instructed to ensure the production of the detenue before the court on the next hearing date (July 14, 2025), failing which the DGP himself must appear and submit an explanation.
The court's decision underscores the judiciary's firm stance on enforcing fundamental rights and holding senior police officials accountable for violations of liberty and due process.