Justice Ranjit Singh raises human rights concerns over arrests of Lakha Sidhana, Mohanjeet Singh Sheron
At a Chandigarh press conference, former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge calls for impartial probe; protesting organisations announce plan to meet Punjab Governor
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 31, 2026: Former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Ranjit Singh has expressed concern over the arrests of social activists Lakha Sidhana and Mohanjeet Singh Sheron, saying the police action raises serious questions about democratic rights, constitutional freedoms and human rights.
Addressing a joint press conference organised by various social, farmers’, human rights and public-interest organisations at the Chandigarh Press Club on Saturday, Justice Ranjit Singh said that registering allegedly false cases against people raising their voices for justice and human rights undermines democratic values.
He said showing black flags to the government, questioning public authorities on issues of public interest and demanding justice for victims’ families were democratic rights. Instead of using police force or registering cases to silence such voices, every incident should be investigated impartially, he said.
Referring to Lakha Sidhana’s previous interventions in cases involving alleged injustice, Justice Ranjit Singh said he had supported the family of Ranjit Singh, a youth who allegedly died in a fake police encounter in Gurdaspur, and had worked to bring the report in the case into the public domain.
On the killing of Parminder Singh Jhota, he called for a thorough investigation into all aspects of the case, including possible links with the earlier murder of a drug inspector in Kharar. He also demanded a CBI probe to establish the facts.
Justice Ranjit Singh questioned the FIR registered against Sidhana, saying that action against a social activist supporting a victim’s family should not replace an impartial examination of the circumstances.
He also raised concern over reports that a minor had been taken into police custody and that the family had allegedly not been informed about the child’s whereabouts. He stressed that the safeguards and procedures prescribed under the Juvenile Justice Act must be followed in all cases involving minors.
The former judge said that while the government claimed to be fighting the drug menace, ensuring the safety of people raising their voices against drugs was also its responsibility.
Organisations pledge stronger support to Mansa protest
Misal Satluj Party president Ajaypal Singh Brar said the arrests of Sidhana and Sheron would not weaken the Mansa protest. He said all participating organisations, including his party, would continue to respond to every call issued by the protest platform.
“If we were contributing 100 per cent earlier, we will now work with 110 to 120 per cent commitment to strengthen the movement,” Brar said.
He announced that a delegation of protesting organisations would soon meet the Punjab Governor and submit a memorandum seeking the release of the two activists, an impartial investigation into the cases registered against them and the cancellation of cases found to be baseless.
The delegation would also seek an independent inquiry into the role of police officials involved in the action and any possible political interference, he said.
Brar added that the call already given for November 5 would remain unchanged.
Appeal for public support
The speakers appealed to Punjabis to stand with Lakha Sidhana, Mohanjeet Singh Sheron, Akashdeep Singh Phool, Parminder Singh Jhota and their families, and extend support to the Mansa protest.
They said the issue went beyond individuals and was linked to the future of Punjab’s youth and coming generations. They called for collective action against drugs and alleged injustice.
Lakha Sidhana’s mother, Harbans Kaur, expressed concern over the withdrawal of security provided to her family by the Punjab Government and sought its restoration. She said the family included young children and elderly members, making the situation particularly worrying. She also appealed to people to support the family during this period.
Roman Brar, who attended the press conference from Zira, referred to the death of Daljit Singh, a young man from Bhammakalan, allegedly due to a drug overdose. He said the family and villagers had decided to take the deceased’s body to the Mansa protest to draw attention to the drug problem and seek justice.
He demanded that the police provide transparent information about those arrested and ensure that they were allowed access to their families and lawyers in accordance with the law. He also sought answers from the government on drug-related deaths, monitoring of medical stores and the number of drug inspectors in the state.
Representatives of the International Human Rights Organisation, Sanjha Morcha Zira, Sri Chamkaur Sahib Morcha, Misal Satluj Party, Kale Pani Da Morcha, Team Lakhe Sidhane and the Public Action Committee Mattewara attended the press conference.
Among those present were Amandeep Singh Bains, Kuldeep Singh Khaira, Amarinder Singh Tur, Harjit Singh Khizrabad, Karanvir Singh Dhindsa, Satnam Singh and Bhinda.