Sangrur: Order appointing Duty Magistrates withdrawn by SDM

Sangrur, August 27

The Sub-Division Magistrate (SDM), Sangrur, today deputed seven officials as Duty Magistrates in the city, for a period of one week. The orders were, however, withdrawn after the move created ripples in the civil administration.

Two school principals, three school masters, Deputy Director (Horticulture) and District Language Officer were “appointed” Duty Magistrates. They had to perform their duties on different dates from August 28 to September 3.

As per the authorities, these officials were deputed as Duty Magistrate to maintain law and order in Sangrur city as dharnas and demonstrations are often held here and “the Chief Minister/VVIPs also often visit the city”. Vaneet Kumar, Bhawanigarh SDM who has been holding the additional charge of Sangrur SDM, later withdrew the orders after objections were raised.

He said he received an objection from the employees late in the evening on Tuesday after which the orders were withdrawn. He, however, also said that employees had performed duties of Duty Magistrate during past two months, but no one had ever raised objections earlier.