High Court Asks Punjab Govt To Consider Representation Seeking Free Access To 'Jang-E-Azaadi' Memorial At Kartarpur

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has disposed of a PIL seeking directions to the Punjab government to provide free of cost access to Indian citizens for visiting Jang-E- Azadi Memorial at Kartarpur, Jalandhar.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Nidhi Gupta directed the State government to consider the representation. It ordered, "Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this petition is being disposed of by giving direction to respondent No. 1 to decide representations dated 28.11.2023 (Annexures P-3 to P-5) by passing a speaking order in accordance with law."

The site has been developed in memory of contributions and sacrifices made by the Punjabi community in Indian independence movement.

The plea stated that it is the duty of State to provide such information which reflects the history and culture free of cost but the same has not been done so far and due to such act of the management the person who does not have financial capacity could not visit the place reflecting history Punjab and India.

Reference was also made to  Jalianwala Bagh, Bhagat Singh memorial at Banga stating that there are no entry fees due to which citizens visit those areas in much higher number than Jang E Azadi.

A representation was filed in November, 2023 but no action has been taken, the plea added.

Appearance: Advocate Nitin Mitto, petitioner in person.

Anu Pal, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (PH) 33

Title: Nitin Mitto v. State of Punjab and others

Click here to read/download the order