Portrayal Of Hardened Criminals By Popular Media Led To Distorted Sense Of Power & Impunity Among Youth: Punjab & Haryana HC Denies Bail To Bishnoi’s Gang Member

The Court said that the menace of unchecked gang activities must be dealt with decisively and swiftly.

The Court was hearing the Second Petition filed under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 seeking regular bail in case under Sections 302, 307, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Sections 25 & 27 of Arms Act, 1959.

The bench of Justice Harpreet Singh Brar observed, “The way, these hardened criminals are portrayed by popular media, has led to a distorted sense of power and impunity, particularly among the youth. The implications of unchecked gang activities are far- reaching, from rising violent crime rates to economic instability in affected communities and regions. This menace must be dealt with decisively and swiftly.”

Advocate Vijay Kumar Sheoran appeared for the Appellant and Addl. AG Jasdeep Singh Gill appeared for the Respondent.

Brief Facts-

The present FIR was registered at the instance of Jacky Kumar, on the allegations that he and Manpreet Singh were running a car business and liquor business. One day Manpreet Singh left for the gym and the complainant along with another also went there, but did not exercise where 4 young persons came in a cherry-coloured Brezza car and fired upon Manpreet and the complainant, who sustained an injury on his left leg. Thereafter, the complainant and Manpreet Singh were admitted to the hospital, where Manpreet Singh succumbed to his injuries.

The Court perused the custody certificate and noted that the Petitioner is already facing trial in nine other cases also he has already been convicted in two cases and acquitted in four.

The Court observed, “Gangster culture, particularly in the form of extortion rackets, has emerged as a significant threat to the social order in today’s time, fostering an environment of fear and lawlessness. The glorification of violence, the normalization of criminal behavior, and the recruitment of vulnerable youth into gangs not only perpetuate crime but erode public trust in justice system.”

“Extortion, a hallmark of their operations, forces individuals and businesses to pay for "protection" or face dire consequences, perpetuating a cycle of fear and lawlessness. Such criminal activities not only stifle entrepreneurship, but also create a parallel economy, fostering corruption and subverting the rule of law.”, the Court added.

Accordingly, the Court dismissed the Petition.