HC raps Punjab over cases against lawmakers

Chandigarh, November 9

Just about eight months after the Punjab and Haryana High Court made clear its intent to fast-track the cases involving sitting and erstwhile parliamentarians and legislators of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, the Bench today rapped the two states and the CBI for acting in a “totally unacceptable” manner.

The admonition by the Bench of Justice Augustine George Masih and Justice Sandeep Moudgil came following delayed filing of reports in suo motu case ‘In Re: Special Courts for MPs/MLAs’ for monitoring the progress of matters pending against the MP/MLAs’.

As the case came up for resumed hearing, the Bench asserted the states of Punjab and Haryana, the Enforcement Directorate, as well as the CBI, were called upon to submit their reports. Even though a detailed order was passed on October 25 in this regard, it was unfortunate that the reports were not submitted prior to the date fixed.

“The same have been now received in the court giving no time for the amicus curiae to go through the same or the court. This conduct on the part of the officers and two states, as well as the CBI, is totally unacceptable. It is for the last time that the court is accommodating by taking these additional affidavits or reports on record today,” the Bench added, while fixing the case for consideration on November 11. The Bench on the previous date of hearing had directed Punjab to furnish status of 42 cases registered against MP/MLAs. — TNS

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