Plea seeking removal of encroachments around Mohali’s YPS Chowk: Force is ready… but there is indecision on part of authorities, says HC

During the resumed proceedings of the matter, a status report by way of an affidavit of the Superintendent of Police (City), Chandigarh, was filed before the HC.

Ravi Kamal Gupta, counsel for petitioner, brought to the notice of the court that an unfortunate death has taken place at the site of dharna. On it, the Advocate General, Punjab, informed the court that an FIR has been registered on that incident and the accused persons have been arrested and further process in accordance with law would be followed in that case.

As regards the issue involved in the main case, Advocate General, Punjab, and the public prosecutor for Chandigarh informed the court that efforts to amicably resolve the issue are in progress and they are quite hopeful that the matter would be settled and the agitation put to an end.

On the contentions of the state counsel, the division bench of Justices Augustine George Masih and Harpreet Singh Brar said, “On considering the submissions made by the learned counsel for the respondents, what transpires is that the force, which is required to take action, is ready and willing but there appears to be some indecision on the part of the authorities to take action. We hope and expect that the authorities succeed in the negotiations with the agitators but then there has to be an end to all this. It cannot be allowed to continue for all time to come.”

The Bench deferred the hearing of the case to May 17, 2023, and ordered for status report be filed before the next date of hearing.