Punjab

High Court slams Punjab government over failing to end Qaumi Insaf Morcha protest on Mohali-Chandigarh road

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court slammed the steps taken by Punjab government to end protest of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, terming it an attempt to “mere eye wash activities by the authorities”. 
    The court said that the government was asked to clear the blocked road, but the government and the police did not understand their responsibility. “It appears to be the result of the court’s liberal approach,” the court said. The court has now ordered the DGP to appear and file a reply in this matter.
    While filing the petition, The Arrival Safe Society Chandigarh had said that the Qaumi Insaf Morcha had blocked the Chandigarh-Mohali road for the release of Sikh prisoners. During the hearing, the Mohali SSP’s affidavit was submitted on behalf of the Punjab government. After seeing this, the court said that it seems that dust is being thrown in the eyes of the court without understanding its responsibility. 
      Necessary steps were required to be taken to clear the road blocked by the agitators which was not done. “This kind of inaction appears to be due to the liberal approach of this Court. After the court’s strong stand, the Punjab government assured the court that concrete steps would be taken by the next hearing and the progress made in this direction would be informed to the court. 
Expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s reply, the court said that now on the next hearing, the DGP will have to appear in person and explain why the order was not followed and how long and how the agitation will be ended.