NEW DELHI, OCT 13: The Supreme Court on Tuesday instructed the Delhi Government to seek formal assessment from the Intelligence Bureau regarding a petition filed by Jagtar Singh Hawara seeking transfer from Tihar Jail to a prison facility in Punjab.
A Bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice PB Varale noted that the matter involves sensitive security considerations, affirming that the judiciary remains cautious against overriding executive assessments regarding high-risk convicts.
Hawara, a convicted operative associated with Babbar Khalsa, is currently serving a life sentence in connection with the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Representing the NCT administration, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati strongly opposed the transfer request, citing past prison escape attempts and security guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Law enforcement officials maintained that relocating Hawara could jeopardize law and order across the border state. Counsel for the convict submitted that Hawara has demonstrated good conduct during his incarceration and sought the transfer on humanitarian grounds, citing his mother’s declining health and family commitments in Punjab.
The top court observed that underlying ideological inclinations pose unpredictable risks, posting the hearing for further consideration after four weeks. Security agencies affirmed that comprehensive security reviews are being prepared to evaluate potential law enforcement ramifications before submitting reports to the Bench.
