The deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab has become a matter of grave concern for its citizens. Once known for its resilience and vibrant culture, the state today finds itself grappling with rising crime rates, increasing public unrest, and a growing list of serious cases that remain unresolved for months—if not years. This crisis of governance is now casting a long shadow over the state’s police force, judicial responsiveness, and overall administrative accountability.
A glaring example of systemic failure is the shocking case involving Colonel (Retd.) S.S. Bath is currently serving as Deputy Secretary at the Cabinet Secretariat in New Delhi. On the night of March 13–14, 2025, Col. Bath and his son were allegedly assaulted near a dhaba on the Patiala-Samana Road by personnel from the Punjab Police. According to Col. Bath, he was left in a semi-conscious state after being brutally beaten, while repeated distress calls made by his wife and brother-in-law to the police went unanswered. Not even an FIR was registered immediately—an omission that reflects a deeply troubling breakdown in protocol.
What followed added insult to injury. It took intervention from the Governor of Punjab for the FIR (No. 69, dated March 22) to be filed at the Civil Lines Police Station in Patiala. Even more concerning is the existence of an earlier FIR (No. 65, dated March 15) registered on the complaint of the dhaba owner—allegedly to counter or dilute Col. Bath’s version of events. This kind of manipulation not only damages public trust but also emboldens corrupt elements within the system.
This is not an isolated case. Punjab is witnessing an alarming surge in serious crimes—ranging from contract killings and gang violence to drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking. The recent rise in high-profile murders, shootouts in daylight, and growing gangster activity has led many to question whether the police have lost control or simply lack the will to act decisively.
Worse, the list of pending investigations continues to grow. Families of victims are left in limbo, waiting for justice that never arrives. In cases involving political figures, influential individuals, or police officers themselves, delays appear to be the norm rather than the exception. Accusations of selective investigation, political shielding, and suppression of key evidence have become disturbingly common.
Civil society activists, retired judges, and human rights groups have raised alarm bells repeatedly. Many believe that political interference is one of the biggest hurdles in fair policing. The police, which is supposed to serve the public impartially, often finds itself answerable more to ruling political leaders than to the Constitution. Transfers, suspensions, and promotions are often guided more by political allegiance than merit or integrity.
Public confidence in the justice delivery mechanism is rapidly declining. Citizens are left feeling vulnerable and voiceless, particularly when even decorated officers like Col. Bath are not safe from lawless behavior—and when the police itself becomes the accused. The youth of Punjab, already disillusioned by unemployment and drug abuse, are now witnessing a system that is unable—or unwilling—to protect them.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has often promised police reform, transparency, and accountability. However, critics argue that ground realities tell a very different story. Key posts in the police force are often occupied by officers seen as politically favorable, and despite repeated incidents of custodial violence, fake encounters, and unresolved crimes, there is little progress on meaningful reform.
It is essential now, more than ever, for the Government of Punjab to take bold and immediate steps. These should include time-bound investigations of all serious and pending cases, independent inquiries into police misconduct, de-politicization of the police force, strengthening of citizen oversight mechanisms, and protection for whistleblowers and victims alike.
The case of Col. Bath is a litmus test for the state’s commitment to justice and law. If such high-handedness can be exercised against a senior government officer, one can only imagine the plight of the common man. For Punjab to regain the faith of its people, justice must not only be done—but be seen to be done, swiftly and without prejudice.