Day-to-day proceedings begin in Ashutosh case

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 16

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today virtually began day-to-day proceedings in the Ashutosh case. After hearing arguments, a Division Bench headed by Justice Mahesh Grover fixed the case for further hearing tomorrow.

The case saw Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan arguing that the Maharaj was still in samadhi. Its counsel claimed Ashutosh was a “snayasi” or a hermit. Customs were in prevalence where the body was kept in open. If it was not an act of disrespect, keeping the body in freezer too could not be termed as disregard. The example of Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was also quoted. The court was told that her mortal remains were buried, not cremated, as per the wish of her followers.

Speaking for the Bench, Justice Grover verbally observed that action could very well be initiated, but the eyes were on the vote bank and everyone was happy in status quo.

Justice Grover added that the matter would serve as a precedent with more and more people coming forward for adopting it. Every other village in Punjab had a dera and it would lead to mushrooming.

A Single Judge, in his December 1, 2014, verdict, had directed that the body would be cremated within 15 days of receiving the order’s copy by a committee.