A tactical silence loomed large on the face of former Director-general of Police P.S. Gill following the pro uncomments of the judgment sentencing him to rigorous imprisonment of three months. “I have not read the judgment…So it is not possible for me to comment on it,” Gill told reporters immediately after the court arose for the day. At the Gazetted Officers Mess, where Gill is putting up, it was a cool scene.
“Sir would not speak beyond what he has already stated as it might spoil the case,” said a close aide of the retired super cop.
In the court room anxious moments were spent by audience, mostly newsmen, till the pronouncement of the judgment. Apparently, unfazed by the conviction Gill did, however, show slight nervousness. He kept on switching off and on a table lamp placed on the table before him. Lawyers and select friends were closeted with him discussing the implications of the verdict. A few serving senior Punjab police officers appeared on the scene to show their solidarity. One of them said that the judgment was too harsh.
Alok Sen Gupta, who conducted the marathon proceedings in the much publicized posterior slapping case, said: “We will surely file an appeal in the court of District and Sessions Judge.” According to him the judgment of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) was faulty on a number of counts which would be challenged before the appellate court. Camera teams belonging to various agencies had to return after Gill declined to grant them an interview.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 6, 1996
