The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised concerns about private security agencies calling their workers “bouncers.” The court said this word is meant to create fear and anxiety in people, which is not acceptable in a civilised society. The court also said that the main job of security guards or security agencies is to provide safety and maintain peace. But when these guards or their employers start acting like they are above the law, using threats and force, it becomes a serious problem for society.
While hearing a bail request from a man who runs such an agency, Justice Anoop Chitkara said that calling security guards “bouncers” creates fear among people, which is not right in a civilised society. The judge pointed out a growing problem where some people working as “bouncers” misuse their role. Instead of just doing their duty, they act in a threatening way, using force and aggression. The court said this kind of behaviour is dangerous, as these people act like they are above the law and treat others with disrespect.
The judge also said that the government knows how the word “bouncer” is being used to show power, but still does nothing about it. The court criticised this lack of action and said the government is being careless and ignoring the issue. Overall, the court said that security staff should make people feel safe, not scared. Using fear and force goes against their role and is not acceptable.
The court said that the word “bouncer” is usually used for people who remove troublemakers from bars or nightclubs, as defined by major dictionaries. However, the court said that India’s Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, and Punjab’s 2007 rules do not use the term “bouncer”-they only refer to “security guards.” The court stressed that the role of security guards is to ensure safety and respect, not to create fear. They are trained to stay alert, report threats to authorities, and calm tense situations to keep everyone safe.
However, the court raised concerns when some of these workers acted like they were above the law, using threats, aggression, and force. It said that calling them “bouncers” is often done to create fear and intimidate people, which is wrong in a civilised and democratic society. Such behaviour strips away empathy and turns them into harsh enforcers rather than protectors