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Law to nail fraud NRI grooms soon
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Submit status report in two months, HC to Chief Secy
Second phase of reforms initiated
MUNICIPAL POLL
Govt launches anti-cancer war
Any other house will do: Jakhar
Former Cong MLA joins SAD
long wait
Fake passport scandal
Mechanised transplantation comes to a halt
Help comes to injured player after 11 years’ wait
PSEB suspends exam controller for graft
Patiala tops in issuing anti-tobacco challans
Led by Cong MLA, border farmers meet Chidambaram
No leave during Budget session
Cabinet rank for Punjab Advocate-General
Litigant hurls graft charges against counsel
MLA evading summons, Sub Judge to HC
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Law to nail fraud NRI grooms soon
Jalandhar, May 30 Speaking at a seminar on "Overseas marriages" organised jointly by the Punjab Police and the National Commission for Women, Sukhbir said, "The law will check "holiday marriages" and marital frauds by NRIs. Punjab will not tolerate any fraud being committed with its daughters." Sukhbir said the law would stipulate complete verification of NRIs seeking to marry a Punjabi girl, compulsory registration of such marriages and getting details of NRI grooms from Indian consulates abroad. The Doaba region of Punjab has witnessed maximum frauds NRI marriages. About deserted brides, he said, "I have directed the police to conduct a census of such deserted wives who will be provided legal assistance. We will take help of the External Affairs Ministry to track the guilty grooms." Calling for pressurising NRIs who had deserted their wives in Punjab, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the photographs of offenders should be put on a website so that such grooms and their families could not defraud more people. The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that the government would recruit 2,000 women police inspectors and a few DSPs over the next six months. "We are in the process of raising an elite all-women based commando unit as part of the Special Services Group. They are going to be trained by Israeli sharp-shooters and would also be handling VVIP security," he said. Sukhbir also formally inaugurated a website (www.crimeagainstwomen.co.in) and a helpline 0181-2221645 for women in distress. Hitting out at Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh, Sukhbir Badal said the allegation of vendetta was a "desperate attempt by him to seek another extension" for his captaincy of the party after the MC polls. Former Union Minister Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Punjabi singer Shamina Shafique and Shiromani Akali Dal vice-president Hans Raj Hans also suggested remedial measures to check the malpractice. Jalandhar Zone IG Gurpreet Deo, incharge of Punjab Police's NRI wing, said 122 complaints had been received from deserted brides in 2011 and 59 cases had been registered so far this year.
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Submit status report in two months, HC to Chief Secy
Chandigarh, May 30 Taking up a petition filed by Mukesh Sharma and another petitioner, Acting Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Alok Singh set a two-month deadline for the purpose. The petitioners had alleged that Mittal started withdrawing the MC funds after getting approval from Kalia “under the garb that the grants were to be distributed in the area”. The petitioners said the grants were allocated to private institutions and clubs, which did not even fall within the territorial jurisdiction of the Nangal Municipal Council. They asked for an inquiry into the alleged issuing of grants and disbursement of MC funds by Mittal in favour of different clubs, societies and persons of the area. Taking up the matter, the Bench observed: “We have summoned the original record concerning this matter and to our dismay, we find that the action of the state government in practice is contrary to the stand taken in the written statement”. Referring to affidavits filed by the state and another respondent, the Bench observed that the respondents had claimed that the grants were to be released only to non-governmental organisations and other religious charitable institutions having no political affiliation. But the original record showed that, on the directions of the Local Self-Government Minister, the Local Government Director sent a list of organisations with the express direction to the Nangal Municipal Council to release the amount mentioned in the list against the names of the organisations. On the list were clubs and even school principals. The Bench concluded: “The Minister, Local Bodies, would not be empowered to issue any direction through the Director, Local Bodies, to the Municipal Council to disburse the municipal funds to a particular number of people on his whims and fancy… “The writ petition is disposed of with the direction that the municipal councils and Committees all over the state of Punjab shall be free to spend the municipal funds…. “The action of the state government in issuing directions to the Municipal Council, Nangal, is hereby quashed and direction is issued to the state government to put additional funds at the disposal of the municipal council."
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Second phase of reforms initiated
Chandigarh, May 30 At a meeting, which was attended by Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries, Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, here today, Sukhbir said the government had laid a firm foundation for reforms under Phase I, making officialdom accountable under the Right to Service Act. It was now imperative to bring cohesion in approach and create a data centre. Chairman, Governance Reforms Commission, Dr Parmod Kumar, Chairman, Right to Service Commission, SC Aggarwal, and Chief Secretary Rakesh Singh were present at the meeting. Sukhbir said he had approved the creation of a data centre at Phase VIII, Mohali that would be connected to all government offices. Its disaster recovery would be located at NIC, Pune. Sukhbir said this Rs 50 crore data centre would be completed within six months. He asked the Chief Secretary to come out with a concept paper on reforms within a month and suggest its implementation, either through outsourcing or a government agency. The Chief Secretary was told to explore the possibility of a cohesion in the functioning of Suvidha Centres, Transport Department, Excise and Taxation Department, Revenue Department and Saanj Kendras. He said his aim was to bring 635 offices of 17 departments under a single umbrella. Meanwhile, the government has told Financial Commissioner (Development) Gurinderjit Singh Sandhu to prepare a report on farmers’ pension scheme at the earliest. The scheme is likely to be extended to poor sections and low income groups. Yogesh Aggarwal, Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulation and Development, today briefed Senior Secretary-level officers on the pension scheme launched by the Union Government for those working in non- government sectors, including farmers and low income groups.
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MUNICIPAL POLL
Patiala, May 30 Yesterday, the SAD replaced its candidate from ward number 39, Preetinder Singh, with his father and sitting councillor Jaspal Pradhan. Today, the party changed its nominee for ward number 46. Prabhjot Dicxy, considered close to Patiala Mayor Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, was given the SAD ticket from ward 46 earlier. But today, Jaswinder Chadda, a confidant of SAD general secretary Prem Singh Chandumajra, replaced him. The changes in ticket allocation hint at bickering within the SAD. While senior SAD leaders were reluctant to speak on the matter fearing disciplinary action, insiders say there was difference of opinion on the issue. A senior SAD leader claimed that Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra, SAD general secretary Prem Singh Chandumajra, Mayor Ajit Pal Singh Kohli and a few other leaders had tried to get the party ticket for their associates. SAD leaders say various "factions" have been trying to get the party ticket for their supporters as elected councillors would matter when the Mayor would be elected. In case the SAD-BJP coalition manages a second consecutive term in the Patiala MC House, there will be at least three main contenders, including incumbent Mayor Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, Harpal Juneja (considered close to Cabinet Minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia) and sitting councillor Jaspal Pradhan, for the Mayor's post. Whosoever has the maximum councillors on his side would grab the top post.
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Govt launches anti-cancer war
Talking to mediapersons at his residence here after flagging off a multi- specialty van to detect cancer, he said this was Roko Cancer’s fifth van. It would extensively cover the Malwa region. This van, equipped with ultra-modern facilities, would not only diagnose cancer but also create awareness among the people as cancer was curable, if detected in time. Badal said the NGO had already covered 70 per cent of the Doaba region for this purpose. The Chief Minister said apart from conducting mammography tests, the van would be used to conduct tests for detecting blood pressure, diabetes and heart ailments free of cost. Badal said it was the need of the hour to make people aware of cancer symptoms for which awareness drives would be launched. Reiterating the government’s commitment to eradicate this disease in the state, the Chief Minister said two new cancer hospitals would be opened shortly for this purpose. A special hospital would be opened by Roko Cancer in Moga district. Badal said the state government had already constituted a corpus fund of Rs 20 crore for helping cancer patients under which a patient was given a financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh for treatment. Lauding the efforts by the state government for curbing the menace of cancer, ‘Global Ambassador’ of Roko Cancer Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal said the NGO would soon launch a drive to distribute 80 lakh gloves especially designed for detecting breast cancer. Dr Dharminder Dhillon, project officer, Roko Cancer, said they had organised 363 camps in association with the Health Department in two years and screened more than 35,000 women, of which mammography test was performed on 5,790 women.
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Any other house will do: Jakhar
Jakhar has been allotted the residence currently occupied by Bhattal. He does not want to rock the boat by requesting the government to get the house vacated. “All I am asking is a house where I can move in immediately”, he said. He said he would request the CM to allocate him any other house in Sector 2,4,5 or 7. Bhattal was first allotted the house in 1992 when she became Cabinet Minister. She retained it as Leader of the Opposition (1997-2002) and then as Cabinet Minister ( 2002-2007). She continued to retain the house as CLP leader subsequently. Sources said Bhattal had claimed that being a former CM, she was entitled to continue to reside in the house which has a swimming pool and other features. Jakhar alleged that Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was trying to create a rift in the Congress leadership by stating that the issue was Congress’ internal matter. A senior officer said since Jakhar had been allotted the house earmarked for the CLP leader it was up to him to approach the government in case eviction proceedings under the Public Premises Eviction Act were to be initiated against Bhattal. The government view is that there is no blanket rule on alloting houses to former Chief Ministers.
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Former Cong MLA joins SAD
"I served the Congress for more than 29 years. But, I did not get any reward for my dedicated services. I didn't have any godfather in the party, but rose from the ranks due to my hard work at the grassroots level," Kataria said. Having won the Zira seat as a Congress nominee in 2007 by over 13,000 votes, he lost to SAD's Hari Singh Zira in the recent Assembly elections. "No Congress leader was ready to contest from Zira in 1997 due to terrorist threat. I was given the ticket and lost to the Akalis. In 2002, the Congress, instead of recognising my efforts, fielded "outsider" Kuldip Bhullar who lost the seat. For his recent defeat, Kataria blamed the late announcement of the party ticket by the Congress and "anti-party" activities by local leaders.
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Cotton export picks up through Attari border
Amritsar, May 30 Jaspal Singh, a clearing agent, said: “The export of cotton started around a fortnight ago and till date we have exported around 250 trucks of cotton to Pakistan”. Ashok Kapur, a former president of the North India Cotton Association, confirmed that cotton was being exported from Punjab, but said it was benefitting the traders who had kept cotton stock for exports. “The lifting of ban on cotton export has brought gains for the traders as they were not able to get good prices in the domestic market”. He said India had a surplus cotton of one crore bales and there was a huge potential in exporting the produce to Pakistan. However, imports from Pakistan in view of rupee fall continue to decline. “While the cement import has almost come to a halt, the import of dry fruits has come down drastically. At present, only gypsum is being primarily imported from Pakistan with 50 to 60 trucks arriving daily. However, this too is half of what was being imported earlier,” said Jaspal Singh. About exports, he said cotton and soyabean was being exported in 50 to 60 trucks daily.
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long wait
nThe file of Nihal Singh (95), also a murder convict, was sent to the Home Department 26 months ago. But, the jail authorities are yet to receive his release orders. nJatinder Singh (86) has been languishing in the jail for the last 20 years in a murder case. The file to release him was sent to the Home Department two years ago, but no communiqué has been received so far. nGurprasad Singh Mahant was convicted for murder 15 years ago. He has overstayed in the jail by 17 months. There are at least 20 such prisoners who, despite having reportedly completed their jail sentence, have been languishing at the Ferozepur Central Jail for the last two years. Officials say the state government’s was “dilly-dallying” over their release. Jail Superintendent Ramandeep Singh Sandhu admitted that a few of the convicts were languishing in the jail even after the completion of their sentence. But, he claimed there was no laxity on the part of the jail authorities. “We send case files of their release well in time to the Home Department through our senior authorities. It is up to the state government to decide on their release. We have even sent many reminders,” he said. Lok Sabha Member Sher Singh Ghubaya, local MLA Joginder Singh Jindu and District Magistrate S Karuna Raju together visited the jail yesterday and sought details about the convicts who had completed their punishment. “I will take up the matter with the authorities concerned to pave way for their release,” Ghubaya assured the convicts.
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Fake passport scandal
Invoking the powers under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India, the district police chief (SSP) dismissed Gurmit Singh, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI), and Gurmukh Singh, a constable in Faridkot police, from service. Since the crime committed by the police officials was rare and grave, and it was not reasonably pragmatic to conduct a departmental inquiry before dispensing with their services, so they were straightaway dismissed from service today invoking the powers under the Constitution of India, said Faridkot SSP Gurmit Singh
Chauhan. Chauhan said the duo helped a police official, who was already facing as many as four criminal cases for the offence of helping many criminals in escaping India by procuring them fake passports, to flee to the USA using a fake passport. The national security was at stake if the police officials themselves helped the accused in escaping the country. So their dismissal from the service without waiting for the outcome of an inquiry was necessary, said the
SSP. Gurmit Singh and Gurmukh Singh had allegedly helped Jaswinder Singh, a head constable in the police security branch in Moga and the kingpin of Moga fake passport scandal. Jaswinder is facing four criminal cases in the scandal but was released on bail. He allegedly made a plan to flee the country to escape the punishment. It is learnt that taking the 'services' of Gurmit Singh and Gurmukh Singh working in the security branch of the Faridkot police, Jaswinder obtained a fake passport some days ago. It was made on the faked identity of one Gurdit Singh of Malke village in Faridkot district. Interestingly, Gurdit had died two years ago. Later, Jaswinder reached the USA embassy in New Delhi to get a visa. During the verification of his passport, the embassy officials got suspicious. Eventually, it was learnt that Jaswinder Singh was faking Gurdit Singh. The matter was immediately reported to the Faridkot police, leading to the arrest of Jaswinder Singh, Gurmit Singh and Gurmukh Singh.
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Mechanised transplantation comes to a halt
Chandigarh, May 30 The agriculture department has been demonstrating this technology at various platforms for the past four years. This year, too, the technology will be demonstrated even though reports from the field indicate farmers are refusing to adopt it. Against 449 transplanters imported in 2009, the last two years have seen an increase of 47 and 43 transplanters, respectively. The main reason for the failure of the drive, sources said, was the lack of interest in developing special mat-type nurseries needed for mechanised transplantation. With very few of these special nurseries coming up this year too, mechanised transplantation is expected to remain a demonstration activity alone. Tarn Taran Chief Agricultural Officer Manohar Singh said the problem was twofold. He said Chinese machines imported in the first year failed to display the best of results due to which there was a lack of enthusiasm among farmers. Though this problem was solved with the import of heavy duty Japanese machines that had a capacity of transplanting 8-10 acres against 4-5 acres by Chinese machines, these were also not accepted. The sources said the Japanese machines cost Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh and it was not possible for farmers to purchase these without subsidy. State Farmers Commission member PS Rangi said it was up to the Agriculture Department to offer subsidy on the machines. Agriculture Department Director Mangal Singh refused to comment on the matter. Agriculture adviser to the Chief Minister BS Sidhu said more could be done to encourage mechanised transplantations, including creating a market for the development of specialised nurseries. With mechanised transplantation not taking off, farmers will be dependent on migrant labour to transplant paddy over around 26 lakh acres. The per acre rate for manual transplantation which was between Rs 1,400 and Rs 1,500 last year, is expected to be around Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,800. Farmers are already scouting for labour, with many paying in advance through contractors here as well as those based in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Few farmers are scouting for labour as far away as Assam, with labour from Bihar not very keen to come to Punjab due to the success of NREGA scheme in that state.
What’s wrong
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Provide roofed space to stack rice: Centre told
Chandigarh, May 30 "We have to supply rice to the Central pool by June 30, but adequate roofed space is not available in the state," a senior official said, adding that mills in the state had the capacity to prepare 35 lakh tonnes of rice from paddy. Rice was to be delivered to the central pool by March end. "We have told the Centre if roofed space cannot be provided in Punjab, then it should be made available in Haryana or Rajasthan," said the official. "It is learnt that space is available in Haryana. We had stacked rice in that state earlier as well." DS Grewal, Secretary, Food and Supplies, said there was a wheat glut in state with about 129 lakh tonne already procured. "We also have a huge stock of paddy from which rice is to be prepared and handed over the Centre by June 30," he said. The other issue bothering the state is the settlement of the food account. The state government has claimed reimbursement of about Rs 7,400 crore as incidental expenses from the Centre for foodgrain which remained in its custody during the past about eight years before its delivery to the central pool. However, the Centre is offering an amount far less as incidental expenses. Meanwhile, depot holders have urged the state government to release the foodgrain stock under the atta-dal scheme of the period during which they remained on a strike. They had been protesting against a cut in the state kerosene quota by the Centre. State claims Rs 7,400 cr as incidental charges The government has claimed reimbursement of about Rs 7,400 crore as incidental expenses from the Centre for foodgrain that remained in its custody before its delivery to the central pool
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Help comes to injured player after 11 years’ wait
On instructions from Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal,, Faridkot Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat today meet the wheelchair-bound girl at her house in Killa Nau village and offered her a government job as well as funds for the locality where she lives. Jaspreet, who was known for her iron clasp, earned a goal for her team and won the National Kabbadi Championship held at Patiala on November 25, 2001. But she suffered a cervical injury that left her physically challenged. Daughter of a soldier who died five years ago, Jaspreet lives with her mother and a widowed sister. “As I was discarded by the authorities after the accident, five of my disenchanted teammates stopped playing kabaddi,”she says. Now, with hope rekindled, a jubilant Jaspreet said she had talked to the CM on the DC’s cell phone. “Badal Sahib assured me every kind of helps, including a government job,” she said with excitement in her voice. “Many believe that kabaddi is dangerous for teenagers. I can’t say I disagree with them. But the game should go on,”Jaspreet said. The DC said the administration planned to construct a concrete road to Jaspreet’s house. Work on the proposal had already begun, he added.
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PSEB suspends exam controller for graft
Chandigarh, May 30 "After a preliminary inquiry indicted her, we have suspended her and started a regular inquiry against her. It was feared that she might disturb the inquiry process if she remained in the office," said Dr Dhillon. Incidentally, the suspension has come after a few days of the chairman accusing the official of trying to frame him in a case of sexual harassment after she was issued a chargesheet. On May 16, the controller of examination, in a complaint to the police, had alleged harassment at the hands of the chairman. The suspension and various controversies revolving around the two officials have surfaced at a time when the board authorities are gearing up to declare the results of classes X and XII for the academic session 2011-12. On March 16, the board authorities had withdrawn the additional charge of Controller of Examination from Sukhwinder Kaur Saroya. The Board of Directors had given the charge to board secretary Balwinder Singh. Sukhwinder Kaur, however, went to the court and got stay orders on her removal. Chairman charge given to Education Secy The state government has given the charge of Chairman, Punjab School Education Board, to Secretary, Education, after the completion of the term of the present incumbent, Dr Dhillon, who will retire on June 1. Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka said the Chief Minster had given approval to give the charge of PSEB chairman to SS Channi, Principal Secretary, Education, who was holding the additional charge of Secretary, Education.
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Patiala tops in issuing anti-tobacco challans
Dr AP Kansal of the local TB Hospital, said Patiala had been successful in curbing this menace to a great extent. For the past three years, it is the leading district in Punjab in terms of issuing challans and fine collection for violating the Tobacco Control Act, 2003. Sources said Patiala had issued the maximum number of challans in the state and collected a total of Rs 60,880 as fine. Highlighting the importance of celebrating the World No Tobacco Day on May 31 every year, he said this day was promoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with an objective to reducing tobacco consumption which could lead to deadly diseases like cancer and early death. "The day primarily focuses on encouraging users to refrain from tobacco consumption and its related products for a period of at least 24 hours". He said: "Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known cancer-causing (carcinogenic) compounds and 400 other toxins, including nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, as well as formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and DDT. Nicotine is highly addictive. Smoke containing nicotine is inhaled into lungs and the nicotine reaches your brain in just six seconds. Smoking has effects from head to toe and therefore, quitting smoking is a big single step a person can take to improve their health".
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Led by Cong MLA, border farmers meet Chidambaram
Ferozepur, May 30 An assurance in this regard was given by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to a delegation of farmers led by Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, MLA from Guruharsahai. The farmers are allowed to go to their fields located between Zero Line and the border fence from 10 am to 5 pm. They want that the gates be opened for at least 12 hours from 7 am to 7 pm everday. Sodhi also took up the issue of compensation to border farmers with fields across the fence, which is Rs 2,500 per acre as of now. The delegation demanded that this be enhanced to at least Rs 15,000 per acre and arrears pending since 2001 be released. Sodhi demanded that the Hussainiwala border should be re-opened for trade and transit. The MLA said the minister had assured them that he would take up the matter with his counterpart in Pakistan and that the matter was under active consideration of the Centre.
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No leave during Budget session
Chandigarh, May 30 An official spokesman said the government had issued written instructions to all department heads, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and the Registrar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court not to grant leave to officers during the assembly session. The official said the department head could sanction leave only in case of an emergency and
that too by appointing a substitute. — TNS
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Cabinet rank for Punjab Advocate-General
Chandigarh , May 30 A spokesperson today said a notification had been issued in this regard. Earlier this month, the government had withdrawn its order downgrading the post of its top law officer.
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Litigant hurls graft charges against counsel
Chandigarh, May 30 Taking exception to the assertion, Justice Rajive Bhalla of the High Court issued a show-cause notice to advocate Chouhan Satvinder Singh Sisodia, asking him to explain why proceedings under provisions of the Contempt of Court proceedings not be initiated against him for the alleged act. It was just another day at the court today till the Bench took up a petition filed by Darshan Singh of Tajalpur village in Patiala. It all began when the Bench objected to an adjournment slip by Sisodia, which read that a senior lawyer representing the respondent was pressurising him to give a no objection for adjournment. Taking exception to such an adjournment slip, the High Court orally remarked that the case deserved to be dismissed. Reacting to this, Darshan Singh from Patiala, stood up and said he had paid Rs 36 lakh to the lawyer in October 2009 for getting the case favorably decided. This amount in addition to the fee of Rs 2 lakhs charged by the lawyer, he alleged. The Bench comprising Justice Rajive Bhalla and Justice R K Jain then issued the notice and fixed it for hearing on June 1. Statements of Darshan Singh were also recorded by the court, in which he reiterated the allegations.
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MLA evading summons, Sub Judge to HC
The Sub Judge, asked to get summons served,
also cited a Central government notification which exempts the Secretary from serving summons to MLAs and MPs. The court then ordered publication of the summons in as many as six newspapers, one in Urdu, one in English, two Hindi and two Punjabi.
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