SC hearing on BSF jurisdiction in Punjab, SC to examine validity of Centre’s notification

Chandigarh: The Supreme Court has agreed to scrutinize the validity of the central government’s notification, which extends the Border Security Force (BSF)’s jurisdiction in Punjab. In the 2021 notification, the Centre decided to expand the BSF’s authority for search, seizure, and arrest from the existing 15 km to 50 km.

On Monday, the bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud outlined seven major legal questions to be addressed in the original suit challenging the notification. The bench, including Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra, will address issues related to the constitutionality of the BSF Act 1968 under Section 139(1) and the local boundaries of areas adjacent to India’s borders, as specified in the October 11, 2021 notification.

Advocate General Gurminder Singh and Assistant AG General Shadan Farasat represented the Punjab government, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of the Government of India.

The Court framed these seven issues based on joint suggestions from the counsel for the State of Punjab and the Government of India.