The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acquitted three police officers—Baljinder Singh, Darbara Singh, and Daljit Singh—of negligence charges stemming from the escape of an under-trial prisoner, Sandeep Kumar, in February 2010. The court ruled that the officers could not be held accountable due to the lack of necessary resources, such as handcuffs and firearms, which were essential for maintaining custody. The incident occurred while the officers were transporting Kumar to court for another accused, Satnam Singh. The trial court initially acquitted the officers, but an appellate court later found them guilty under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses negligence in custody. The High Court noted that the investigating officer acknowledged the absence of handcuffs as a significant factor in the escape, which occurred while Kumar was allowed to answer nature's call. The court concluded that the police administration bore the primary responsibility for ensuring secure custody and providing the necessary means to prevent such incidents.