(290) IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-61645-2025 Date of Decision: 20.07.2026 Raghbir Singh Behniwal ... Petitioner Versus Union of India and others ...Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JASJIT SINGH BEDI Present: Mr. Simrandeep S. Sandhu, Advocate and Ms. Isha Aggarwal, Advocate for the petitioner(s). Ms. Meghna Malik, Sr. Penal Counsel for respondents No.1 and 3. **** JASJIT SINGH BEDI, J. The prayer in the present petition under Section 528 BNSS is for issuance of directions to respondents No.1 to 3 to allow the petitioner to meet with his client Lawrence Bishnoi who has been confined in Sabarmati Jail, Ahmedabad, Gujarat with regard to the criminal cases registered against him. 2. The learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the petitioner is a counsel appearing for Lawrence Bishnoi in multiple cases. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently confined at Sabarmati Jail, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The petitioner wishes to meet his client as the various Trials against Lawrence Bishnoi are underway. A similar application had been moved by the petitioner before the Trial Court which was disposed of vide an order dated 17.12.2025 passed in SC-141-2022 by the learned ASJ/JSC/Bathinda. Certain directions were issued to the petitioner therein that he has to move an application in VISHAL SETHI 2026.07.21 16:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document accordance with the jail manual seeking an interview. However, the petitioner approached the Superintendent, Sabarmati Central Jail (Old Jail) Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 14.04.2026 but was denied permission to meet with Lawrence Bishnoi. He contends that the instant petition has been filed in October 2025 prior to the moving of the application before the Trial Court but the relief claimed is the same. As per Rule 2 of the Gujarat Prisons (Facilities of interviews, communications etc.) to Prisoners Rules, 1973, near relatives, friends and legal advisors of the prisoner can meet with the prisoner. He, therefore, prays that appropriate directions be issued enabling the petitioner to meet with his client at Sabarmati Jail, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 3. The learned counsel for the Union of India, on the other hand, contends that the petitioner had moved an application before the Trial Court which was not disclosed by him when the instant petition was filed. He, states that though the petitioner is entitled to meet his client, he ought to move the Courts in Gujarat for the said purpose. 4. I have heard the learned counsel for the parties. 5. Rule 3 of the Gujarat Prisons (Facilities of interviews, communications etc.) to Prisoners Rules, 1973 is reproduced below:- “List of relatives:- (1) Every prisoner on admission shall submit a list of persons who are likely to seek interviews with him. This list shall be kept on record with Jailor detailed for conducting interviews, for scrutiny as and when required. (2) Interview shall be granted only to near relatives, friends and legal advisor of the prisoner. VISHAL SETHI 2026.07.21 16:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document (3) Interviews between prisoners (including those released on parole or furlough) shall not be allowed unless they are members of their families, that is to say, spouse, children, father, mother, brother and sister.” 6. There is no doubt, whatsoever, that Lawrence Bishnoi is an accused in FIR No.64/2021 under Sections 307, 436, 506, 148 and 149 IPC and Section 25 of the Arms Act, PS Bathindha and FIR No.103 dated 29.05.2022 under Sections 302, 307, 323, 148 and 149 of IPC and Section 25 of the Arms Act, PS Mansa, in which the petitioner is representing him as a counsel. It is also not in doubt that the said cases have been registered within the jurisdiction of this Court i.e. State of Punjab. Rule 3 of the Gujarat Prisons (Facilities of interviews, communications etc.) to Prisoners Rules, 1973 (supra) clearly permit relatives, friends and legal advisors of the prisoner to meet the prisoner. For reasons best known to the respondents, that permission has not been accorded to the petitioner, though, without any formal order having been passed declining the permission. 7. In view of the above, the present petition is accepted. The respondents are directed to permit the petitioner to meet with Mr. Lawrence Bishnoi, subject to the Gujarat Prisons (Facilities of interviews, communications etc.) to Prisoners Rules, 1973 (supra) immediately. 8. This petition stands disposed of. (JASJIT SINGH BEDI) JUDGE July 20, 2026 vishal Whether speaking/reasoned:- Yes/No Whether reportable :- Yes/No VISHAL SETHI 2026.07.21 16:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document