Since Bhagwant Mann assumed office as the Chief Minister of Punjab, the state has witnessed a series of controversial incidents involving law enforcement agencies that have raised serious questions about police conduct and respect for civil liberties. While the government has emphasized its commitment to maintaining law and order, critics argue that this has sometimes come at the cost of fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens under the constitution.
In early 2023, a protest by farmers in Bathinda district turned violent when police reportedly used water cannons and batons against demonstrators without adequate warning. According to eyewitness accounts, several elderly protesters sustained injuries requiring hospitalization. Human rights activists documented these cases, pointing to what they described as disproportionate force used against largely peaceful demonstrators who were advocating for better minimum support prices for their crops.
The controversial arrest of political activist Jaspreet Singh in Amritsar created further tension when his family alleged he was detained without proper warrant and held incommunicado for over 24 hours. His legal representatives claimed this violated established procedural norms and represented a case of political targeting. While authorities eventually cited security concerns as justification, the Punjab and Haryana High Court later questioned the procedural irregularities in his detention.
In Ludhiana, reports emerged of police conducting late-night raids in predominantly working-class neighborhoods, allegedly as part of anti-drug operations. Residents complained of property damage, intimidation, and detention of young men without sufficient evidence. Community leaders argued that these sweeping actions unfairly targeted entire localities based on suspicion rather than evidence, creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust between citizens and law enforcement.
The treatment of detainees in police custody has also attracted scrutiny following allegations of mistreatment. In a particularly troubling case from Jalandhar, the family of a suspect in a theft case claimed he was subjected to physical abuse during interrogation. Medical reports later confirmed injuries consistent with their allegations, prompting an internal investigation that resulted in the suspension of two officers pending inquiry.
Civil society organizations across Punjab have documented these and other incidents, compiling reports that suggest a pattern of concerning behavior rather than isolated incidents. Organizations like the People’s Union for Civil Liberties have called for comprehensive police reforms, including better training, stronger oversight mechanisms, and stricter enforcement of existing guidelines on arrests, detention, and the use of force.
State officials have generally defended police actions as necessary measures to combat serious challenges facing Punjab, particularly drug trafficking and organized crime. The Chief Minister himself has occasionally addressed these concerns in public statements, emphasizing that his government remains committed to both public safety and proper procedure. “We cannot allow Punjab to be overtaken by criminal elements,” Mann stated at a press conference in Chandigarh, “but we are equally committed to ensuring that every action taken by law enforcement adheres to the letter of the law.”
The judiciary has played an increasingly important role in addressing these tensions. In several notable cases, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has intervened to establish inquiry committees or issue guidelines to law enforcement agencies. In one significant judgment, the court emphasized that “the fight against crime cannot become a war against citizens’ constitutional rights” and ordered compensation for individuals whose rights had been violated during a particular police operation.
Media coverage of these incidents has been extensive, with local newspapers and television channels documenting testimonies from affected communities. This has helped bring greater transparency to police operations but has also sometimes created polarized narratives about law enforcement in the state.
Religious and community leaders have attempted to mediate in some situations, particularly in cases involving protests or community tensions. Their involvement has occasionally helped de-escalate situations and create channels of communication between authorities and affected groups, though with varying degrees of success depending on the specific circumstances.
The situation remains complex, reflecting the genuine challenges of governance in a state with its own unique security concerns. Finding the right balance between effective policing and respect for civil liberties continues to be a challenge for the Mann administration, as it has been for previous governments. What distinguishes the current period is perhaps the growing public expectation for transparency and accountability, facilitated by greater media coverage and civil society engagement.
As Punjab moves forward, the resolution of these tensions will depend not only on policy decisions at the highest levels but also on structural reforms within the police force, greater community involvement in security planning, and continued vigilance from independent institutions like the judiciary and human rights commissions. The way these issues evolve will significantly impact public trust in institutions and the quality of democracy in Punjab.