BackLAW
HC fines Punjab DSP ₹50,000 for not impleading PSHRC in plea
The Punjab and Haryana High Court fined DSP Ramandeep Singh ₹50,000 for failing to implead the Punjab State Human Rights Commission in his petition challenging its order. The court allowed amendment to the petition by May 15, with a ₹50,000 payment to a PGIMER welfare fund within a week, while the stay on proceedings remains. The case traces to a 2023 PSHRC inquiry into police conduct and alleged abduction, with CCTV footage not produced.
Why It Matters
This ruling underscores procedural accountability in cases involving rights commissions and police officials, and illustrates how commissions' recommendations are treated in high court petitions. It also highlights ongoing stay on proceedings and the conditions attached to amendments.
Timeline
7 Events
HC fines DSP Ramandeep Singh ₹50,000; allows amendment by May 15 with payment condition
May 5, 2026
In the latest hearing, the bench observed that PSHRC’s recommendations are advisory and had not been impleaded in the case. It fined DSP Ramandeep Singh ₹50,000 for not impleading PSHRC and allowed him to amend the petition by May 15, subject to payment of ₹50,000 to the Poor Patients Welfare Fund of PGIMER, Chandigarh within a week. The stay on proceedings remains.
HC stays proceedings against Singh in April 2024
April 2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed proceedings against Singh in April 2024, and the stay continued thereafter.
Singh approaches HC in April 2024 challenging PSHRC order
April 2024
Singh filed a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in April 2024 challenging the March 18, 2024 PSHRC order.
PSHRC order dated March 18, 2024 recommending FIR
March 18, 2024
The PSHRC recommended registration of a criminal case against Ramandeep Singh and other police officials.
Alleged abduction of Dheeraj Kumar Batta by police personnel
May 12, 2023
Varsha Batta, wife of Dheeraj Kumar Batta, alleged that Ramandeep Singh and 15 other police personnel abducted her husband from the Patiala highway on May 12, 2023, and tortured him while extorting money.
PSHRC CCTV footage not produced during May 2023 inquiry
May 11, 2023
PSHRC observed that CCTV footage from May 11 to May 17, 2023 at CIA Sirhind was not produced despite repeated directions, and noted that inquiry officer Satish Kumar Nanda and others appeared to have tried to destroy evidence by deleting footage from the DVR.
May 2023 PSHRC complaint before the commission
May 2023
PSHRC was hearing a May 2023 complaint alleging criminal trespass, extortion, bribery and destruction of evidence by police officials.