IE Briefs

HC orders security for Bir Devinder
In immediate relief for Bir Devinder Singh,former Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker,the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to provide two security guards to him within 24 hours. Also,the High Court has issued notices to the Punjab government on a petition filed by Bir Devinder demanding restoration of security withdrawn by the Punjab government “without giving any cogent reason”. He has alleged political vendetta against the Parkash Singh Badal government. . Justice Surya Kant questioned the state as to whether any policy is being adhered to by it at the time of withdrawal or restoration of security. Bir Devinder has also annexed recent statements given by Deputy Chief Minister,Sukhbir Singh Badal,against him at public gatherings. Justice Surya Kant has directed the state to produce the record pertaining to withdrawal of security given to Bir Devinder in order to ascertain the actual reasons behind doing so.

Beant case witness seeks four-wheeler
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the UT Administration to decide a representation moved by Balwinder Singh,prime witness in the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. Balwinder moved the High Court on Tuesday,demanding a four-wheeler on account of threat to his security. Arguing on his behalf,Advocate Ranjan Lakhanpal contended that though Balwinder was provided four security guards,he “moves on a bicycle and the security guards on motorcycles”.

3 months’ jail for disobeying court orders
Taking strong note of willful disobedience of court directions,Justice Hemant Gupta of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has awarded three months’ imprisonment to seven residents of Abohar,Punjab. Rajinder Kumar,Dharmender Kumar,Baldev Singh Fauji,Jaswinder Singh,Gurvinder Singh,Rajbinder Singh and Baljit Kaur,member of Panchayat,Abohar,have been convicted for not vacating premises of their landlord despite repeated directions by the court. Justice Gupta has also slapped a penalty of Rs 2,000 each on the tenants. The imprisonment was awarded in a case pertaining to the possession of a house in Kundal village,Abohar that belongs to Amin Lal and Daulat Ram. Arguing on behalf of the petitioners,Advocate Saurabh Arora contended that a novel method was adopted by the legal representatives by giving the possession of the house to five other persons instead of giving it to the owner. “The accused demolished the wall and obstructed the execution of the decree despite the fact that they had no independent ownership,interest or title of the house.” Giving three months’ time to the guilty to file an appeal in a higher court,the High Court has directed these persons to surrender before the Chief Judicial Magistrate,Ferozepur.