Action against MC officials stayed

CHANDIGARH, Oct 8: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed further action against the president and executive officer of the Mohali ...

CHANDIGARH, Oct 8: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed further action against the president and executive officer of the Mohali Municipal Council, as directed by an order of a division bench of the court on August 17 to initiate appropriate action against them for their failure to perform duties in accordance with law.

A division bench of the court comprising Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta and Justice N C Khichi, while granting stay on the review petition of the president and the executive officer of the Mohali MC, has given a notice returnable for December 9 to the Secretary and Director of Local Government department, Punjab, besides the petitioners.The court has also directed the Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, to stay any final orders that may be passed against the petitioners. The court had earlier directed the Secretary to inform the High Court about any final action in the matter.

The same bench had earlier recommended action against the president and executive officer of the MC, while disposing of a matter pertaining to delayed payment by the Council due to harassment.

The bench had earlier directed that such action be taken within six months. It had also imposed the costs of the case on the Executive Officer, which had to be borne by the EO personally. The judges had awarded costs to the tune of Rs 10,000 in the case to theparty, Rattan and Rattan Associates. However, the court held that the officials be given opportunity before the final decision was taken.

The bench had also directed them to make the claimed payment of Rs 69,863 to the party along with 18 per cent interest for executing certain works in the Council in June, 1997. It was alleged that the payment was not made inspite of reminders, personal appearances and submission of affidavits to the officials, even after the cheques were ready.

It was also alleged that the payment was not made since the party was instrumental in getting a vigilance raid in the Council premises for harassing the public and against officials seeking bribe.