Punjab & Haryana High Court: Police Must Protect, Not Intimidate — Dismisses Bail Plea of Cop Accused in Army Officer Assault Case

On May 24, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail application of a Punjab police official accused of assaulting an Army officer, stressing that the primary duty of the police is to instill a sense of security—not fear—among citizens.

Justice Anoop Chitkara, while refusing bail to the accused Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), remarked: “It is the prime duty of the police to instill a sense of security in the minds of people and not fear. What matters most in the civilized world is adherence to and respect for legal rights.”

The case stems from an incident in Patiala, where an Army officer alleged that he was dragged out of his car, beaten by police personnel in plain clothes, and illegally detained after he questioned the absence of number plates on their private vehicle. The accused police officials also allegedly made the officer strip and physically assaulted him in the police station.

The court noted that the FIR paints a disturbing picture of abuse of power and highlighted that granting anticipatory bail at this stage could hamper the investigation and set a wrong precedent. It emphasized that public trust in law enforcement is paramount, and such misconduct by police personnel undermines the rule of law.

Justice Chitkara also added that custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary to ascertain the truth of the allegations.

The decision reiterates the court’s stance on police accountability and the need to protect citizens—especially when uniformed personnel misuse their authority.