Proceedings against MP Saini quashed

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 21

Just about a year after Kurukshetra MP Raj Kumar Saini moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the summoning orders issued by a local court in an alleged case of promoting enmity among different groups, Justice Hari Pal Verma today allowed his plea. Justice Verma quashed the summoning orders and all consequential proceedings. The High Court had in August last had stayed the proceedings.

The MP had moved the High Court after the Kurukshetra Judicial Magistrate (First Class) issued bailable warrants against him after he failed to appear before the court in connection with a complaint pending against him.

The Kurukshetra court had ordered his presence in connection with the case. In his petition before the High Court, Saini through counsel Jasjit Singh Bedi and Diya Sodhi had sought directions to quash the Kurukshetra court orders.

The matter was pending before the Kurukshetra court following a complaint filed by social activist Santosh Dahiya of Kurukshetra. The complainant was seeking action against Saini under Section 153-A, IPC, dealing with allegations of promoting enmity among different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony. Action was also sought under Section 153-B dealing with imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration.