Simarjit Singh Bains case: HC raps Punjab over failure to complete inquiry

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 28

Virtually rapping the state of Punjab for its failure to complete the probe in the rape case against MLA Simarjeet Singh Bains, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused to grant time extension for the purpose.

As the matter came up for resumed hearing, an application was placed before the Bench of Justice Ajay Tewari and Justice Alka Sarin for extension of time to comply with earlier order dated September 15, vide which a direction was issued to complete within four weeks the investigation of FIR registered on July 10 for rape and other offences under Sections 376, 354A, 354, 506 and 120B of the IPC at Division No. 6 police station in Ludhiana.

“Frankly, we are not impressed. However, without saying anything much, we do not deem it appropriate to grant this request, but in the interest of justice adjourn the matter with the expectation that by then the final report will be submitted to the court. Punjab Additional Advocate-General SPS Tinna has assured us that it will be done so. He is being cautioned that any infraction of his statement would not be met with any kind of leniency,” the Bench observed.

In its detailed order, the Bench also directed the state of Punjab to file a fresh report on 42 cases under investigation against sitting and erstwhile MPs and MLAs. It was also asked to specify further the progress in the 32 cases against them in which challans had been filed. “Details may also be furnished about the eight cases wherein cancellation/untraced reports have been presented,” the Bench added.

The direction came after an affidavit dated September 14 was placed before the Bench. Among other things, it said investigation has been completed in 40 of the 82 cases registered against sitting and erstwhile MPs and MLAs. Out of the total, cancellation or untraced reports has been presented to court in eight cases, whereas challan has been presented in 32.

Before parting with the order, the Bench directed CBI senior counsel Sumeet Goel to file a detailed affidavit after observing that he had, on the previous date of hearing, assured the court that applications would be moved for vacating stay order in cases where stay on further proceedings had been ordered.

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