Notice to UT on appeal seeking damages

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24

A local court today issued notices to the Government of India and the Union Territory of Chandigarh and Delhi acting on an appeal filed by Navjot Singh who was acquitted in the Beant Singh assassination case in 2007. Navjot had filed an appeal challenging the dismissal of his suit in which he had sought damages of over Rs 43 lakh from the government.

The case has been adjourned for February 18, 2015, seeking replies from the respondents. Navjot’s plaint was dismissed by a lower court on November 27.

In 2006, Navjot had moved court seeking recovery for Rs.43,60,245 or of any other amount by way of damages with interest at the rate of 18 per cent per annum and costs for the mental harassment, torture and malicious prosecution he faced. The suit was dismissed by the court of Civil Judge Junior Division Shifa last month on November 27.

It has been stated in the petition that the plaintiff must get relief. His entire life has been spoiled. He remained in jail for 12 years for a crime he did not commit. He lost his job, his family suffered and so did his married life.

Navjot had alleged that a false case was initiated against him by the CBI, implicating him in Beant Singh’s assassination. Navjot Singh in his petition alleged that he was tortured when he did not agree to become an approver in the case.

The court of Civil Judge Junior Division, Shifa, had held that “The prosecution was indeed wrong since the plaintiff was confined to custody for a long period which led to loss of his valuable years but this wrong was not malicious”, and his plaint was dismissed.