Punjab and Haryana High Court seeks enhanced security for judge after Golden Temple shooting

The Punjab and Haryana High Court Wednesday asked the authorities in Chandigarh to beef up the security of a High Court judge whose personal security officer (PSO)'s weapon was recently snatched by a person to shoot himself dead at Amritsar's Golden Temple.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal also directed the Punjab Police to submit a status report on the investigation undertaken after the incident.

The report has been ordered to be submitted in a sealed cover.

"Please beef up the security of the concerned judge," Justice Nagu said while calling it a serious matter.

The Court also suggested that personnel from Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) could be put on the judge's security.

"The report in this regard be also filed on the next date," it ordered.

The matter will be heard on Friday.

According to a report carried by the Hindustan Times, the gun with which the unidentified man shot himself belonged to an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) who was accompanying a judge who had come to pay respects at the Golden Temple.

“The bullets pierced into his head and he died on the spot. The police took the body to a hospital,” a police officer told the daily.

The Court on Tuesday had taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and initiated a Public Interest Litigation.

Calling it a security lapse, the Court had directed the Director General of Police, Punjab to remain present before it via video conferencing.

In compliance with the order, the DGP was present virtually.

The Court was informed that security review meeting was scheduled on Thursday. It was also submitted that identity of the suicide victim was still being ascertained.