The Delhi High Court today allowed Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to withdraw his petition with liberty to move the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Lawrence Bishnoi, who is presently in Tihar Jail, had approached the Delhi High Court, seeking a direction to Central Tihar Jail Authorities to give intimation to his Counsel before giving his custody to the police of any other state.

Lawrence Bishnoi is alleged to be involved in the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. He had claimed that he is apprehending an encounter by Punjab Police in connection with the killing.

Single Bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma today permitted his counsel to withdraw his plea.

Advocate Vishal Chopra appearing for Lawrence Bishnoi, submitted before the Court that the petitioner wants to withdraw the petition to move the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Lawrence Bishnoi had also prayed for directions to the Delhi Police and Tihar Jail Authorities, to ensure all the necessary security arrangements are made and that he should be shackled and videographed at the time of production of warrant as well as on transit remand, for safety of his life.

Bishnoi had stated in his petition that, "the role of the police is to be one for protection of life, liberty and property of citizens, that investigation of offences being one of its foremost duties. That the aim of investigation is ultimately to search for the truth and bring the offender to book."

Bishnoi had also submitted in his petition that, "The petitioners as being alleged accused is entitled to fair and true investigation and fair trial and the prosecution is expected to play a balanced role in the trial of a crime. The investigation should be judicious, fair, transparent and expeditious and the investigating authority shall ensure the safety of the life of any accused person."

Delhi High Court

Deepankar Malviya