Notice to petitioner against Kalia

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 21

A local court today issued a notice to Harish Chhabra, the petitioner against Mayor Rajesh Kalia in the cheque-bounce case. The new Mayor had moved an application in the District Courts seeking a stay on the court order to attach one-third of his salary till he repaid Rs 10 lakh, along with Rs 2.71 lakh as interest, which was reportedly borrowed from Harish.

The court has fixed the next date of hearing on January 31.

The court had earlier directed the MC Commissioner to deduct money from Kalia’s salary in monthly instalments and remit it to the court.

In the order, the court had observed that Kalia, a BJP leader, had requested Chhabra for a friendly loan of Rs 10 lakh on the promise of repaying it within a week. Acceding to his request, the plaintiff withdrew a sum of Rs 10 lakh from his account and advanced it to Kalia. As they were friends, the loan was given without any interest or documentation.

However, Kalia failed to keep the promise and defaulted on repayment. After a number of requests, Kalia issued a cheque dated June 14, 2014, for Rs 10 lakh to Chhabra. When presented, the cheque was dishonoured.