Chandigarh Police viral video leak: Punjab and Haryana High Court summons Chandigarh DGP over unclear police reply in viral video leak case. Concerns raised over misuse of official WhatsApp groups for sensitive content.
In a sharp reprimand to the Chandigarh Police, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has summoned the Director General of Police (DGP) to appear in person on May 22, following what it called a “vague and evasive“ response in a sensitive case involving the leak of a videographed incident on social media.
The case revolves around a viral video, recorded by a police official during duty hours, which was later uploaded on various social platforms. The petitioner argued that this act violated the right to privacy and dignity, while also breaching the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Court Slams Vague Reply from Chandigarh SSP
Justice Kuldeep Tiwari, presiding over the matter, expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavit submitted by SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, stating that it failed to address key queries raised in the court’s April 3 directives.
“A survey of the reply coaxes this court to record that the reply is totally vague and does not embody answers to the queries,” said Justice Tiwari.
Despite being asked to clarify who uploaded the video, whether it was part of official duty, and whether any internal guidelines existed regarding such actions, the reply lacked concrete answers.
WhatsApp Group Under Scrutiny
The court was particularly disturbed by the revelation that the video was circulated via an official WhatsApp group by Constable Yogesh, and that the source of the leak remained unidentified.
“Strangely enough, as of today, the SSP could not lay hands on any material as to who had uploaded the video clip in question on social media platform(s),” Justice Tiwari observed.
The use of WhatsApp to share sensitive investigative content also came under fire, with the judge questioning the legal basis and official mandate for creating such groups.
“The reply does not disclose under which official guidelines an official WhatsApp group has been created, especially when sensitive information is being shared,” the court stated.
Forensic Negligence Raises Alarm
The court’s concerns were further heightened when the Additional Public Prosecutor admitted that Constable Yogesh’s mobile phone had not been confiscated or sent for forensic analysis, despite the seriousness of the leak.
“Despite specific directions passed by this court, a totally vague and silent reply has been furnished,” the court noted.
Chandigarh DGP to Appear in Court
In light of the continued non-compliance and lack of accountability, the High Court has now directed the UT DGP to appear personally on May 22 at 10 AM. The court also made it clear that no adjournments will be entertained.
“The case at hand involves serious concern regarding the functioning of the Chandigarh Police,” remarked Justice Tiwari.
Key Takeaways:
- Chandigarh Police under fire for failing to identify how a sensitive video was leaked.
- WhatsApp group usage for sharing investigation details deemed questionable.
- No forensic analysis conducted on constable’s phone, despite serious implications.
- DGP summoned to explain lapses in handling of viral video leak case.
As the issue continues to unfold, it has cast a shadow on the internal protocols and digital practices of the Chandigarh Police, raising questions about data privacy, accountability, and operational transparency in law enforcement agencies.