Badal’s stand neither legal nor valid: Panel

Saurabh Malik

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 13

Just about a month after former CM Parkash Singh Badal refused to furnish information on incidents of sacrilege in the state during his tenure, Justice Ranjit Singh Commission has made it clear that the course adopted by him was “neither legal nor valid in any manner”.

The commission also turned down Badal’s prayer for withdrawing the notice issued to him for coming out with information. In his order, Justice Ranjit Singh asserted a communication was sent to Badal as he was in a position to furnish relevant information to the commission being the CM then.

But he declined to furnish information on the ground that his party has rejected the commission. Justice Ranjit Singh added question on power or authority of a person, required to furnish information, to reject a legally constituted commission may arise under the circumstances.

“If the discretion is left to an individual, the Commission of Inquiry Act would be rendered redundant,” Justice Ranjit Singh ruled. Referring to the provisions of the Act, Justice Ranjit Singh observed any person required by the commission to furnish information was deemed to be legally bound to do it.