"Have Appointed Nodal Officers For Review Of Criminal Cases Against MPs/MLAs": Punjab, Haryana Inform P&H High Court

Punjab and Haryana states on Tuesday informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that they have appointed nodal officers to review the pending criminal cases against MPs and MLAs (sitting and former both) of their state.

The Bench of Justice Rajan Gupta and Justice Karamjit Singh had, during the course of law hearing, directed its registrar-general to examine whether the Supreme Court directions regarding pending criminal cases against MP/MLAs were being complied with by all concerned.

Perusing the report filed by the state of Punjab, the Court said:

"In case this court finds that there is any unnecessary delay, it shall have no option but to seek an explanation of the concerned investigating officers"

Punjab State's report 

The State of Punjab informed the Court that in compliance with the order passed by the Supreme court, an affidavit of Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police, Litigation, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab was filed giving the compilation of date regarding criminal cases registered against MPS and MLAs (sitting or erstwhile) in the State of Punjab.

It was further submitted that in furtherance to the direction of the court, Inspector General of Police, Crime-II, Bureau of Investigation had been nominated as Nodal Officer for fortnightly review of criminal cases registered against MPS/MLAs (sitting or erstwhile) which are under investigation of the Police and sincere efforts are being made to ensure compliance of the directions issued by Hon'ble Supreme court as well as this court.

Haryana State's report 

The State of Haryana submitted that in those cases where the investigation is pending, same are being reviewed by the Nodal Officer Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Law & Order (Administration).

It was also stated that it was being examined whether there had been any undue delay in investigation and reasons thereof. 

Further, the Addl. Solicitor General of India submitted that one criminal case instituted by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (Income Tax Department) against the sitting Punjab Chief  Minister is pending before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Ludhiana.

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