HC puts Haryana on notice on plea alleging 'political interference' in matrimonial case

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday put the State of Haryana on notice on a petition alleging “political interference” in a matrimonial case. Among other things, the petitioner-husband alleged that the conclusion of an inquiry was changed “undue pressure” from the Superintendent of Police “at the behest of Minister-respondent”.

Appearing on the behalf of the husband and other petitioners before Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya’s Bench, counsel Nikhil Ghai and Armaan Singh contended that an inquiry into the complaint made by the respondent-wife was not carried out in a fair and transparent manner.

The parties were called for mediation, and an inquiry into the allegations was conducted by the Investigating Officer. Initially, she reached the conclusion that the alleged offences -- as per the allegations -- were made out only against the brother-in-law and the husband.

“However, due to undue pressure from the Superintendent of Police at the behest of concerned Minister-respondent (Anil Vij), the conclusions were changed, and the complainant’s father-in-law as well as mother-in-law, were also nominated as accused only to harass and humiliate them,” Ghai contended.

The Bench was also told that these facts were made out from the conversation between the Investigating Officer and a senior functionary placed on record by in form of CDs. Taking up the matter, Justice Dahiya issued notice of motion to the State and some other respondents, but not the Minister. The case will now come up on October 13.