'He Was Injured': Haryana Police Denies Allegations Of Detaining Youth Farmer; High Court Pulls Up State For Failure To File His Medical Report

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today pulled up the Haryana government for not filing the medical report of a youth protestor, allegedly detained by the Police during the agitation led by farmers on February 21 in demand of MSP.

"Where is the opinion of the medical superintendent, I have specifically asked for the medical report...are they self inflicted injuries? In habeas corpus petition if the direction is not followed then it will be contempt of court..." orally observed Justice Harkesh Manuja.

The youth's father has moved a habeas corpus petition alleging the Haryana Police picked up his son from within the boundaries of Punjab for being part of "peaceful farmers agitation".

An affidavit denying these allegations was filed by the Haryana government today. It claims the youth was found severely injured in the fields adjoining the barricades installed at the borders of the two states. Considering his health condition, Preetpal was immediately sent to be admitted to the Civil Hospital, the government said.

Haryana govt's counsel said court's previous order asking for the protestor's medical report was not uploaded on the High Court's website and thus could not be complied. Vide the same order, the Court had also appointed a warrant officer to accompany the petitioner to PGI Rohtak or any other place pointed out by the petitioner to find out the alleged detenue.

Haryana government said Preetpal was never detained by the local police. It also informed the Court that he has been shifted to PGI, Chandigarh. With this, the Court said only issue left for its consideration is the medical report. However, on Petitioner's request to expand the scope of the petition to determine legality of Haryana Police's action and grant of compensation, Court has directed the counsel for petitioner to bring cases or find out the law to buttress his contention.

The matter is now listed on February 28.

Counsel for the petitioner Advocate Ish Puneet Singh 

Counsel for the State of Haryana Ad AG Deepak Sabharwal

Title: Devender Singh v. State of Haryana & others