SC appointed panel to probe PM security lapse in Punjab

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to set up a panel to probe the alleged breach of security during Prime Minister's Punjab visit last week. A former SC judge will head the panel, according to the top court's order. It will also include the DGP Chandigarh, National Investigation Agency (NIA) IG, Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana high courts. The Top Court will name the retired judge and other officers in its order. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice NV Ramana, and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, were hearing a petition against the incident in Ferozepur on January 5 filed by an organisation named 'Lawyers Voice'.

The Supreme Court asked the BJP-ruled centre and the Congress government in Punjab to hold the ongoing probes they had ordered. During the hearing, the court asserted that there was "a breach and the Punjab government has admitted as well". "The question is if an inquiry is held, what will be its scope. If you want to take disciplinary action against officers what remains for this court to look into?" it said.