Speaker seeks report on ‘encroachment’ by advocates

Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan has taken cognisance of an alleged encroachment attempt by a group of advocates at the newly inaugurated Sub-Divisional Court premises at Gharaunda. The action follows a news report published in The Tribune on May 3 titled ‘Encroachment bid foiled on court premises days after inauguration’.

The Speaker has directed Karnal DC Uttam Singh to submit a detailed report on the matter. The DC has further instructed Gharaunda SDM Rajesh Soni to file a ground report.

“The Speaker has sought a report on the issue, and I have asked the Gharaunda SDM to submit a report,” said the DC.

Days after the court’s establishment, allegations were made that certain advocates had begun setting up unauthorised sheds on the court premises, allegedly with the intent of constructing permanent chambers.

The building has not yet been officially handed over to the judiciary by the Public Works Department (Building and Roads), and no formal plan has been approved for the establishment of chambers for advocates.

Upon receiving information about the encroachment, the local authorities intervened and construction material and some sheds were removed from the site. Further activity was halted by the police. The prompt response prevented any permanent alterations from being made.

Sources revealed that this was the first time the Gharaunda SDM division has been accorded the status of a court, with the recent appointment of a judge.

The incident has not only raised concerns about unauthorised constructions but also about environmental damage, as a few trees were reportedly axed during the unauthorised activity.