M A I N   N E W S

4-month RI for ADC
From Chander Parkash
Tribune News Service

MANSA, Aug 11 — Mr Balwant Singh Shergill, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Sangrur, has been sentenced to four months’ rigorous imprisonment (RI) and fined Rs 2000 for breaching the award of a labour court announced on November 30, 1990, in favour of an employee of the Panchayat Samiti, Budhlada, Ms Narinderpal Kaur.

According to a copy of the judgement, Mr Sukhdev Singh, CJM, held that Mr Balwant Singh, while working as the Block Development Officer, Panchayat Samiti, Budhlada, had not honoured the award of the labour court. He said the accused did not allow Ms Narinderpal Kaur to join duty and she was forced to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

In the award given by the labour court, the officer concerned was directed to make arrangements for reinstating Ms Narinderpal Kaur.

When the accused did not appear in the court despite repeated reminders, he was declared a proclaimed offender. His presence in the court was secured only after non-bailable warrants of arrest were issued against him. The accused was released on bail.

The CJM delivered this judgement delivered on August 1. To meet the ends of justice, he was sentencing the accused under Section 29 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 to rigorous imprisonment for four months and fining him Rs 2000. In case of default of payment of the fine, the convict would have to undergo another month of RI.

The judge also awarded Rs 1000 to Ms Narinderpal Kaur as compensation.