CBI tells HC ASI Pankaj not needed; Court orders State cannot force him to stay at Police Lines

Shimla, Sept 10,

The Himachal Pradesh High Court directed that suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pankaj Sharma, who was produced in person earlier in the day following the court’s direction, be allowed to return to his government accommodation at Bharari and not be forced to remain at Police Lines, Kaithu.

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The Bench of Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma, while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Sharma’s wife, observed that since the officer is not in custody in any criminal case, the State cannot compel him to stay at the Police Lines. The court clarified that he is only required to mark his attendance at Kaithu as per his suspension order, after which he is free to return home.

The court’s order followed its earlier directive, passed before lunch, requiring the State to produce ASI Pankaj in person by 2 PM. After interacting with both the petitioner and the alleged detenue, the court noted that Sharma wished to reside with his wife in government accommodation.

Significantly, counsel for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the court that Sharma is not required for questioning in connection with FIR No. 9 of 2025, registered on March 19 at Police Station New Shimla under Sections 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which was later taken over by the agency as RC 3 of 2025.

The Bench also recorded that a Joint Security Review Committee had earlier found no specific threat perception to Sharma and had accordingly withdrawn his police security detail.

Directing the State to file its reply to the petition, the court listed the matter for further hearing on October 10, 2025.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.