Jammu & Kashmir High Court Stays FIR Lodged In Punjab Against Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has stayed an investigation being conducted by the Punjab Police into an FIR filed against Anshul Garg, an IAS cadre officer and the chief executive officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

Garg's estranged wife had filed the impugned FIR at a women's police station in Patiala, accusing him of various offences including demanding dowry, forcefully aborting a child without consent, and cheating.

Aggrieved, Garg approached the Jammu bench of the High Court with a quashing petition citing reasons such as his wife's influential background being the daughter of a prominent figure in Punjab holding a cabinet rank. He also alleged that his wife had been dealing with infertility issues which led to difficulties in conceiving. He claims this resulted in marital discord and he sought judicial separation; as a counter-measure to which his estranged wife lodged the aforementioned FIR.

A bench comprising Justice MA Chowdhary after hearing the counsel observed that since most of the allegations levelled against Garg relate to incidents in Jammu & Kashmir, therefore, it has the jurisdiction to entertain this petition.

"‘Cause of action’ though not wholly but major part of that has arisen, within the territorial limits of this court. Moreover, the petitioners who are accused in the case are also residing within the territorial jurisdiction of this court."

In view of the same the court admitted the petition and issued a post-admission notice to the estranged wife and other respondents to file counter affidavits within four weeks. Meanwhile, it stayed the FIR and listed the matter on July 19.

Case Title: Anshul Garg Vs State of Punjab & Ors.

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