HC questions Punjab DGP for adopting differential transfer policy for cops

The Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed dismay at the differential transfer policy adopted by the Punjab police on Tuesday. The court asked the Punjab DGP, Gaurav Yadav (IPS:1992:PB), whether the transfer norms applicable to lower-rank police officers would be applied to higher-ranking officials as well.

The court directed the DGP to consider transferring police officers of the rank of inspector and above who have stayed in a particular district for three years at a stretch to other places.

The court said it is strange that such a policy is applicable to only lower-rank police officials, not to higher ranks. The court directed the DGP to file an affidavit in this regard.

The DGP informed the High Court that security arrangements for individuals currently being provided protection had been reviewed to ensure optimal deployment of personnel.

The court also examined developments related to the Mohali Court Complex incident. The Punjab Police informed the bench that a charge sheet had been filed against the accused on February 7, 2026. In an attempt to enforce transparency in the investigation, the court directed authorities to produce the case diary to reflect the progress made from the registration of the FIR to the filing of the charge sheet.

The court did not stop here and went on to direct the principal secretary of the prison to submit a status report on steps taken to strengthen prison security in compliance with earlier judicial directions.

The matter is listed for further hearing on February 18, 2026, with the court expecting detailed compliance reports from the concerned authorities.

The bench also took note of disciplinary action pending against the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in connection with the 2022 security lapse during the Prime Minister’s visit to Punjab. The bench asked the state government to update it on the status of the disciplinary proceedings.

The High Court also inquired about the action taken in extortion complaints filed on the Punjab police helpline number. The DGP informed the High Court that the police had received 279 calls related to extortion and threats, on which the court directed him to provide details regarding the action taken in that regard and also to confirm whether any complainants faced physical harm after reporting such threats.