TNR News Network
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to immediately withdraw restrictions imposed on Shimla Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pankaj Sharma, who was suspended and being kept under constant surveillance at the police guest house in connection with the high-profile Vimal Negi case.
The high court ruled that security concerns could not justify curtailing an individual’s fundamental rights.
Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, while hearing Pankaj Sharma’s plea, instructed the government to ensure his safety through appropriate measures, but without infringing upon his liberty. The bench also allowed him to meet his family and ordered that any future decisions regarding his security must be taken in consultation with him.
Pankaj Sharma had alleged before the high court that despite being only suspended, he was forcibly confined in the guest house with CCTV cameras installed inside his room and guards posted outside round-the-clock, amounting to “illegal custody” without judicial sanction. He requested permission to stay at his official residence in Bharari with his family.
Pankaj Sharma is facing allegations of tampering with a pen drive that was recovered on the body of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, whose mysterious death had sparked a political storm in the state.
Vimal Negi’s body was recovered from the Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur, eight days after he went missing from Shimla under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary reports had suggested suicide but his family had alleged that he was harassed by his seniors and on their demand, the case was handed over to the CBI.
The matter soon became controversial after questions were raised about missing electronic evidence, including the pen drive, and possible lapses in the early stages of investigation.
During the hearing, Advocate General Anoop Rattan argued that the state had provided Pankaj Sharma security due to potential threats in the sensitive case. However, he conceded that since the probe has now been handed over to the CBI, the government was open to reviewing the security cover.
The CBI clarified that Pankaj Sharma’s surveillance had nothing to do with its investigation and that he was not in its custody.
After hearing all sides, the High Court ordered the government to remove restrictions on Pankaj Sharma while ensuring his protection through lawful means, thereby disposing of the petition.
