PM Modi Security Lapse: SC Orders protection of all travel records in Punjab

The Supreme Court on Friday heard a petition seeking a thorough probe into the security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab on Wednesday. The plea was filed by the NGO Lawyers Voice. It sought action against those responsible for the security lapse and appropriate directions to the Punjab government to prevent the recurrence of such an incident in the future.

The apex court also the Punjab government to ensure that all records and materials pertaining to the Prime Minister's movements be immediately secured in the custody of the registrar-general of the Punjab & Haryana high court.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for NGO Lawyers Voice that filed the petition, told the Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, that "This is not a law and order issue but it falls under the Special Protection Group Act. It's just now about law and order in the state. Please see section 14 of SPG Act."

Maninder Singh says that it is the duty of the Centre and state or the UT and other local authority to act in aid of the director of any member of the SPG.

"The issue if the SPG Act and the duty to give assistance to the SPG came for your lordships consideration in a case regarding a former PM's trial in a corruption case. The court had held that PM security cannot be waived even if he wants to waive security," he said.

Senior Advocate Singh further said under the SPG act, it is not issue of state subject or law and order. The issue of PM's protection is a national security issue and comes under parliamentary purview. "In this trip there was an impermissible stoppage of PM Cavalcade and this is the highest breach.. this cannot happen," he said.

He continued, "Need of the hour is that all documents pertaining to the entire trip (of PM Modi) from Bathinda to Ferozepur and Hussainiwala be taken into custody by the district magistrate in cooperation with the NIA.