Speed up probe against lawmakers, Punjab and Haryana High Court tells IOs

Chandigarh, July 27

Just about five months after the Punjab and Haryana High Court made clear its intent to fast lane cases involving sitting and erstwhile parliamentarians and legislators of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, the Bench on Tuesday warned the investigation officers (IOs) of action for unwarranted delay.

The pendency of cases against CM Capt Amarinder Singh, MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Haryana former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda was also brought to the notice of the Bench.

Taking up the suo motu case “In Re: Special Courts for MPs/MLAs” for monitoring the progress of matters pending against them, the Bench asserted it had impressed upon the investigating agencies of Punjab to ensure expeditious completion of investigation in all such cases. “In case this court finds that there is any unnecessary delay, it shall have no option but to seek explanation of the investigation officers concerned,” the Bench added.

Appearing for the State of Punjab, Additional Advocate-General SPS Tinna submitted that Inspector General of Police (IG), Crime-II, Bureau of Investigation, had been nominated as the nodal officer for fortnightly review of criminal cases under the police investigation registered against sitting or erstwhile MPs/MLAs.

Claiming sincere efforts to ensure the compliance of directions issued by the Supreme Court and the High Court, Tinna added a letter had already been written to the field units in the state in this regard. Additional Solicitor General of India Satya Pal Jain said he would apprise the court of further progress in the matters against Capt Amarinder, Khaira and Hooda on the next date of hearing. — TNS

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