Vimal Negi Case: Himachal High Court orders to remove ban imposed on suspended ASI Pankaj

August 21, 2025

Himachal Pradesh High Court, while hearing a petition filed against keeping suspended ASI Pankaj Sharma under 24-hour surveillance in the police guest house, has directed the state government to immediately remove the restrictions imposed on the freedom of the police personnel in the name of security.

The court has also ordered the state government to ensure that proper arrangements are made to ensure his safety, if necessary, without violating the fundamental rights of the person. Suspended ASI Pankaj Sharma was accused of disappearing the pen drive recovered near the body of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi.

The court of Judge Ajay Mohan Goyal took necessary action as soon as possible and ordered to allow the petitioner to meet his family. Said that in future any decision related to the security of the petitioner should be taken only after taking him into confidence.

During the hearing, Advocate General Anoop Ratan told the court that this security was provided to the petitioner in view of the possibility of danger in the case. However, he also said that since now the investigation is being done by the CBI instead of state agencies, the state is ready to review the security arrangements.

The CBI told the court that they have nothing to do with the case as the petitioner has not been detained at the behest of the CBI. The petition alleged that he has only been suspended and is not in any preventive custody, yet he has been forcibly kept in the police guest house. A CCTV camera has been installed inside his room and police guards are deployed 24 hours a day, so that his activities are constantly monitored.