HC issues notice to CM Bhagwant Mann

Acting on a petition filed by Emaan Singh Mann – former MP Simranjit Singh Mann’s son — the Punjab and Haryana High Court has put Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and another respondent on notice. He had moved the court following the dismissal of his complaint alleging defamation.

“Despite having proved prime facie case of defamation, the criminal complaint has been dismissed without summoning the respondent/accused,” Mann contended through counsel Abhaypal Singh Gill and Bhagoti Singh.

Appearing before Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya’s Bench, the counsel contended that the petitioner, prima facie, established before the Magistrate that he did not own 125 acres said to have been encroached upon by him.

“Besides, the impugned order refers to a report said to have been prepared by the officials and read by the accused, whereas it is not a part of the record,” he added. Taking up the matter, the Bench also fixed the case for further hearing on May 3.