Punjab govt pulled up for cops ‘entry’ into Golden Temple

In his petition, Nayak complained that by sending police to the Swarn Mandir before the November 12, 2002, SGPC elections, the government has violated religious rights of devotees. The Commission said in case of default the NHRC would proceed to take such action as it deemed proper. Just before the SGPC elections, Nayak said, Amritsar was converted into a fortress on the instruction of the Chief Minister and DGP Mahal Singh Bhullar and police entered the Golden Temple, which ‘‘reminded the people of Operation Blue Star’’.

‘‘Moreover, Punjab police illegally detained many members of the SGPC and several Akali leaders in various parts of the state. Some of them were indicted in false cases, violating their fundamental human rights.’’

The complainant charged that former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal’s car was damaged by an assistant sub inspector, who hit it with a Peter Rehra, even though plying this vehicle was illegal in the state.

Condemning the entry of police into golden temple and other illegal activities during SGPC election, Nayak has asked the NHRC to order a CBI probe.