Mann asks for time to reply

CHANDIGARH, Dec 23: UT Civil Judge senior division B.C. Gupta today ordered exparte proceedings against Bhai Ranjit Singh, one of the respondents in the World Sikh Council case which resumed after being deferred on December 18 on account of strike in the courts.

Plaintiff Baldev Singh Brar brought on record the court8217;s order dated November 14 whereby summons were to be served to Bhai Ranjit Singh and two other respondents 8212; H.K. Manmohan Singh and R.S. Narula. Summons were issued to the said respondents on November 17. While Ranjit Singh has been proceeded exparte after waiting for 30 days, the other two respondents were deemed to be served by the court.

J.S. Mann today asked for more time to collect documents to rebutt to the issue of two resolutions, both dated January 5, empowering Mann to appear on behalf of the WSC.

Disputing the authenticity of the original constitution, the plaintiffs, in their reply, maintained that there was no original constitution, adding that Mann would be considered to have joined hands with Justice Kuldeep Singh, World Sikh Council and Brig Gurdeep Singh if it8217;s proved that he had got the original constitution published.

Meanwhile, G.S. Tohra8217;s counsel asked for more time to file the reply. The case will now come up for hearing on January 11.