HP High Court ends ‘Illegal’ surveillance of suspended ASI in Vimal Negi death case
Photo source: Internet
Shimla, Aug 22,
Five months after the mysterious death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has provided major relief to suspended ASI Pankaj Kumar, who had been kept under round-the-clock surveillance by the state police.
On August 20, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel disposed of Kumar’s civil writ petition (CWP No. 11859 of 2025), terming the coercive measures against him a violation of his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Kumar, placed under suspension following allegations of tampering with a Pen drive recovered from Negi, had been forcibly lodged at the Police Guest House in Kaithu, Shimla, under continuous police watch and CCTV monitoring.
He was not allowed to reside in his government accommodation at Bharari, where his family stays. In his petition, Kumar described the surveillance as “illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional,” contending that no rule allowed custodial confinement of a suspended officer.
Advocate General Anup Rattan, appearing for the state, told the court that the surveillance was imposed based on threat perception after Negi’s death.
However, he admitted that since the investigation was no longer with the state police but with the CBI, the arrangement could be reviewed.
Counsel for the CBI, Janesh Mahajan, clarified that the agency had “nothing to do” with Kumar’s confinement and raised no objection if the state withdrew the measures.
Taking note of these submissions, the court directed the state to review the present arrangement “forthwith,” ensuring that while Kumar could be given security if required, his personal liberty could not be curtailed in the name of protection.
The judge also ordered that Kumar be allowed to meet his family immediately.
The petition was accordingly disposed of, with the court emphasizing that any decision on security should be taken in consultation with Kumar himself.
The order is being seen as a significant relief for the suspended ASI, who had spent nearly three months under 24×7 guard after the high-profile Negi case was handed over to the CBI.
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