Lok Adalat issues arrest warrant against former Bathinda DC for plot dispute
The Permanent Lok Adalat in Mohali has issued an arrest warrant against Parneet Bhardwaj, the former Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda and chairman of Sherwood Officer Society, for failing to transfer possession of a plot or refund a complainant’s money, despite a court order.
Rajinder Singh, a resident of Tapa, Barnala, had lodged a complaint with the Lok Adalat, claiming he had reserved a plot in Sherwood Officer Society, Sector 91, Mohali, in 2012 for Rs 22.5 lakh. Rajinder alleged Bhardwaj, who was the chairman at the time, neither transferred the plot to him nor reimbursed his payment. The Lok Adalat ruled in Singh’s favour, directing Bhardwaj to refund the amount with 12 per cent interest, raising the total sum owed to Rs 57.88 lakh.
However, Bhardwaj failed to comply with the ruling, prompting the Lok Adalat to take stern action. An arrest warrant was issued, directing the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Mohali, to arrest Bhardwaj unless he deposits the decretal amount by February 5, 2025. If he does not make the payment or provide bail, he will be detained, according to the order.
