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Note-for-vote scam
Rain elusive, BBMB may cut supply to partner states
Retreat: Seating capacity at Wagah to go up by 10,000
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Union Budget 2014—People’s Expectations
Furnace units on strike from today
State Cabinet may give sops to new steel units
Iraq imbroglio: Badal to meet Sushma again
BJP to name its new ministers by weekend
A rehab centre that craves for inmates
Yannick case
Area under basmati up
Labourers transplant paddy in a field near
Amritsar. PHOTO: RK SONI
Damanvir Singh quizzed again
SMS service for lawyers, litigants
2 labourers killed in accident
No land for wife of ‘missing’ Major
BSP demands land ownership rights for Dalits
Violations of building bylaws go unabated in Phagwara
PCS officer indicted for disrespect to martyr
Poll plea against Jakhar dismissed, with costs
Notice to CBI in Vidhu Jain case
Lok Adalat quashes PSPCL demand notice issued to widow
Undertrial alleges sale of drugs in jail; court orders probe
Ex-sarpanch’s kin shot over land row
4 booked for siphoning rice worth
Rs 1.6 cr
Rs 1.5 lakh looted at gunpoint
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Note-for-vote scam
Muktsar, July 7 The complainant in the case, Gurlal Singh, today recorded his statement before probing officer-cum-Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Rambir Singh. He stated, “The man shown in the video, wearing uniform, is Harbans Lal, Kauni's security guard. Kauni assisted in the distribution of money among voters.” An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) delegation and two other individuals, including Gurlal, had lodged separate complaints against some Akalis, including Kauni, for allegedly buying votes during the General Election on April 30. Two videos, nearly 11.30 minutes long, were uploaded by the AAP's Punjab unit on its official Facebook page, which had gone viral in the cyber space. The first video allegedly showed a few men interacting with some villagers, asking them to cast their votes in favour of ‘takaddi’(scale — SAD symbol) and get Rs 500 each in return. The other video showed a large number of residents of Kauni village standing somewhere; Gidderbaha Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Hardeep Singh Dhaliwal investigating the matter and Kauni handing over a phone to the SDM to speak to someone (probably his political bosses). Later, someone is heard saying, “Chaar-panj bandeya ton likha lo ke eithe naa kise ne paise vande te naa hi litte. (Get noted by four to five persons that no distribution of money took place here).” The complainants have also sought action against the SDM for allegedly hushing up the matter under political pressure. However, the SDM and SGPC member both have refuted the allegations as false. While submitting the inquiry report, the district election authorities had even recommended the Chief Electoral Officer to verify the authenticity of the videos by sending these to forensic experts as the SDM had claimed that one of the videos was stale. Harpal Singh, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, said, “We have not yet sent any video to forensic experts. The complainants are in the process of proving that the videos were not stale.” About the case * Navtej Singh Kauni, SGPC member, was accused of aiding the distribution of money among voters on the polling day (April 30) during the recent Lok Sabha elections *
An AAP delegation and two other individuals had complained separately against some Akalis, including Kauni, for allegedly buying votes *
The complainants had submitted two videos to corroborate their claims *
One of the complainants, Gurlal Singh, on Monday recorded his statement before the investigation officer and identified Kauni's security guard in the video *
The first video allegedly showed a few men asking villagers to cast votes in favour of ‘takaddi’ (scale — Akali Dal symbol) and get ~500 each *
The other video allegedly showed the Gidderbaha SDM investigating the matter and Kauni handing over a phone to the SDM to speak to someone (probably his political bosses)
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Rain elusive, BBMB may cut supply to partner states
Ropar, July 7 The weak monsoon has increased the demand for water of partner states, including Haryana and Rajasthan, which has worsened the situation for the Bhakra management board. In case the present situation continues and rain remains elusive, water cuts to the partner states would become inevitable in August. The quantum of cuts, though, would depend upon the then water level in the dams. At present, the demand of the partner states was being met completely, and there was no need to press the panic button as of now, said sources. Today, the level at Bhakra was recorded at 1,609.06 feet, 14.79 feet less than 1,623.85 feet last year. The inflow in the reservoir stood at 41,665 cusecs, far below than last year's figure of 70,532 cusecs. The only consolation for the authorities was the release of water: 25,569 cusecs against 37,168 cusecs on the same day last year. The situation is comparatively bad at Pong dam, where the inflow is mainly based on rains in catchment areas. The water level stood at 1,314.75 feet against 1,330.86 last year. The inflow in the reservoir was recorded over three times lesser at 13,889 cusecs, against 51,184 cusecs last year. The outflow stood at 17,002 cusecs, compared to 7,010 cusecs in 2013.
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Retreat: Seating capacity at
Wagah to go up by 10,000
Jalandhar, July 7
Viewers, who otherwise have to jostle for seats, will soon be able to watch the Retreat ceremony at both these borders in a comfortable manner. Ashok Kumar, Inspector General, BSF, Punjab Frontier, said: “The seating capacity of the viewers’ gallery at Wagha is around 2,500. It will be increased to 13,000. The Hussainiwala border will have the capacity to seat 10,000 people, against 500 at present.” The IG said the work on the Rs 16 crore project at Hussainiwala was almost complete and it would be opened for the public in October. The blueprint of the Rs 25 crore project for the Wagah border was ready and its foundation stone was to be laid in September, he said, adding it would take two years to complete. Kumar said special programmes would be held at the borders to celebrate BSF’s golden jubilee on December 1 next year. BSF on Facebook
Considering the popularity of social networking sites, the IG said the BSF, Punjab Frontier, was planning to create a page on Facebook to generate awareness about the BSF’s role and its duties at the borders. “Generally, people think that the borders are guarded by the Army. People are least aware about the role of the BSF despite the fact that the entire border along Bangladesh and Pakistan is being guarded by BSF jawans,” he said.Wagah to go up by 10,000
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Union Budget 2014—People’s Expectations
Ludhiana, July 7 Level playing field The hosiery industry is facing intense competition from China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It is hoping that the Budget will ensure a level playing field. “These countries have a friendly tax policy. We, too, need such policies in India. For instance, the bank interest rates in these countries vary from 6 per cent to 9 per cent. But in India, these are 12 per cent-15 per cent,” said Vinod
Thapar, Chairman, Knitwear Club. A steady flow of goods from China is an area of concern and the industry in Ludhiana hopes that the Budget will address this concern. Imports from China have crossed Rs 2,70,000 crore, whereas India’s exports to China stand at Rs 80,000 crore. Badish Jindal, national president of the Federation of Associations of Small Industries of India (FASII), says that items reserved for manufacturing in the micro and small enterprises (MSE) sector and those reserved for procurement are flowing freely into the Indian markets, mainly from China. Hence an effective taxation policy is a must to arrest this trend. The revision of items reserved exclusively for manufacture in the micro small and medium enterprises
(MSME) sector is the need of the hour, say industrialists. The number of these reserved items has come down from 600 to less than 20. “After reviewing the list, an import duty of 10 per cent should be levied on the import of all reserved items,” says
Jindal. MGNREGA link Experts say that Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) should be reserved for elderly men and women whereas younger people should be trained in various skills needed in industries. “The industry is ready to join hands with the government. We are ready to pay 80 per cent wages to unskilled workers coming from villages. The government can contribute the remaining 20 per cent towards their social security,” suggests
Jindal. Special sops The Knitwear Club chairman is hoping for special incentives to combat “location disadvantage”. Other suggestions include simplification of the tax structure, abolition of the central sales tax (CST), setting up vigilance departments to root out corruption, implementation of goods and service tax (GST) and a two-year tax holiday for women-run enterprises in the MSME sector. The bicycle industry wants a technology upgradation fund (TUF), subsidy on used machines imported by small and micro units and doing away with 2 per cent central excise duty
on bicycles. “We want the import duty on bicycle and bicycle parts be increased by 50 per cent. “The original bill of entry should be sought while calculating the custom duty, as is done in African countries, so that the government does not lose revenue due to under-invoicing,” says Gurmeet Singh
Kular, president, Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation.
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Furnace units on strike from today
Ludhiana, July 7 Lal Chand Jindal, president of Mandi Gobindgharh Induction Furnace Association said that the High Court had already passed a verdict that no norms could be fixed on the consumption of electricity by induction furnaces. “The department should issue a notification in this regard. Only then will we comply with the orders,” said Gopal
Krishan, secretary, Mandi Gobindgarh Induction Furnace Association. A meeting of the All-India Steel Rolling Mills Association, Punjab, was also held today. Its president Venod Vashisht said the mills in Khanna and Mandi Gobindgarh were already on the brink of closure and could not take any more “harassment.”
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State Cabinet may give sops to new steel units
Chandigarh, July 7 On the agenda is the Rent Control Act, policy to regularise illegal colonies and the new industrial policy. The government also proposes to once again change the Rent Control Act. The appellate powers are likely to be taken away from the SDMs and given back to the judiciary. The Cabinet is also expected to extend the last date for regularising illegal plots in colonies for individual plot holders. Though the government has approved changes to be made in the industrial policy by reducing the state cancer and drug treatment infrastructure fund from 1 per cent of the total fixed capital investment to 0.25 per cent, it will be brought to the Cabinet tomorrow. Also on cards is removing steel industry from the negative list in the new industrial policy and granting concessions to those setting up new steel units. The Cabinet is expected to discus changes in its policy for mining of minerals to help lower the prices of sand and gravel. Sources say the Cabinet is expected to discuss an alternative system of allotting quarries. As of now, the quarries are allotted on the basis of an open e-auction and it is widely believed that politically well-connected people and those responsible for cartelisation of mining business get the rights by raising the bid amount. Since the bidders have paid a very high amount to get the quarry on lease, the minerals mined are also sold at higher prices. Sources say the allotment could be made on basis of draw of lots. The Cabinet will also decide on giving university status to two colleges in the state, besides okaying jobs on compassionate grounds.
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Iraq imbroglio: Badal to meet Sushma again
Chandigarh, July 7 The latter told the Chief Minister that they were in touch with the owner of a factory in Mosul where most of the Punjabi youths were employed and that efforts to get them evacuated were on. Badal met family members of some of the stranded youths here this afternoon. They were led by Public Relations Minister Bikramjit Singh
Majithia. The Chief Minister told the affected families that he would again meet Union Minister for External Affairs (MEA) Sushma Swaraj, urging her to expedite the process to bring back the Punjabis trapped in Mosul, Iraq. The Chief Minister said he was in regular touch with the Union Government, officers of the MEA and the special envoy to Iraq. Badal exhorted the distressed families not to lose faith in the Union Government which, he said, “was leaving no stone unturned for evacuating every single Indian from Iraq.” Among others present were Cabinet Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, former Union Minister Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister
KJS Cheema.
43 youths arrive at Delhi airport
New Delhi: Fortythree men from Punjab and one from Himachal
Pradesh, identified as Sikander Pal, a resident of Una, have been evacuated from the war-ravaged Iraq. Finally, back home While 26 of them, including Sikander, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport this evening, 18 youths from Punjab arrived at the airport yesterday. They were received by Punjab Government officials and members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DSGPC). Some of them paid obeisance at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Gurdwara to thank the almighty for their safe return. The Punjab Government has made arrangements for their transportation. Kulwinder Singh, who arrived yesterday, said he and 12 others from Punjab were part of a workforce at a private company in Irbil in Kurbistan. “I had given up all hope of returning home safely,” Kulwinder said. He said he and his associates had returned to India on a scheduled flight on their own with no help from the state or central governments.
Those evacuated
* From Jalandhar: Gurpreet Singh, Balwinder Kumar and Ashok *
From Hoshiarpur: Omkar Singh, Harish Kumar, Aman Deep Singh, Rajiv Kumar, Amrik Singh, Narinder Singh, Chaman Lal, Jaspal Singh, Kulveer Singh, Sohan Singh, Pawan Kumar, Maninder Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Swaroop Singh, Harkamaljeet Singh and Jagtar Singh *
From Kapurthala: Kulwinder Singh, Harjowan Preet Singh, Jaspal Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Baljit Ram, Paramjit, Malkeet Singh, Sukvinder, Dalwinder Singh and Sukhdev Singh *
From SBS Nagar: Vijay Kumar and Balwinder * From Gurdaspur: Jasbeer Singh, Amandeep, Surender Singh and Gurbaksh *
From Amritsar: Amrik Singh, Avtar Singh, Victor, Vijay Kumar and Sahib Singh; Sarvajeet Singh (Taran Taran) and Ganesh (Pathankot) Badal meets distressed families *
They were led by Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia *
The Chief Minister told the families that he would again meet Union Minister for External Affairs *
He said he would urge Sushma Swaraj to expedite the process to bring back the Punjabis
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BJP to name its new ministers by weekend
Chandigarh, July 7 Sources in the BJP said the central party leadership had conveyed to party’s state president Kamal Sharma that the change in BJP ministers would be effected only after the new national president of the party was elected. With the Railway Budget tomorrow and the General Budget on July 10, the change of guard in the state BJP was expected only by the end of this week. The sources said it was proposed to replace all BJP ministers, Chunni Lal Bhagat, Anil Joshi, Madan Mohan Mittal and Surjit Kumar Jiyani. While Manoranjan Kalia is expected to be re-inducted, other likely nominees are Ashwani Sharma, KD Bhandari and Som
Prakash.
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A rehab centre that craves for inmates
Gurdaspur, July 7 The centre, which was supposed to run round the clock, is locked at 5 pm, the time when the nurses and the only doctor decide to leave the premises citing security concerns. On the day of the Chief Minister’s visit, the officials reportedly admitted a few addicts to appease their political boss. These addicts have now left the centre. Principal Secretary (Health) Vinni Mahajan dispelled any negative notions about the smooth running of the centre: “The centre has just been established and may have been facing teething problems. Give us some time, things will fall in place.” The centre was inaugurated more than a month ago by local MLA GS Babbehali. Immediately after its inauguration, it hit a roadblock when it was learnt that the centre was being given power supply from a rural feeder, which meant it could not get more than 8 hours of electricity. On the intervention of Deputy Commissioner Dr Abhinav Trikha, the power supply was diverted from an urban feeder, which ensured 24-hour supply. While other de-addiction centres, including the one being run by the Red Cross, just 4 km from the city, on the Gurdaspur-Sri-Hargobindpur road, are overflowing with addicts in the aftermath of the anti-drug drive launched by the police, this one is devoid of inmates. Statistics paint a gloomy picture. Since June 27 when the centre started getting 24 hour power supply, just 10 inmates have been treated. Yesterday, there were just two persons undergoing treatment and both walked away to their homes once the staff decided to leave at 5 pm.
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Yannick case
Jalandhar, July 7 “During investigation, it has come to light that Rommy’s passport was confiscated after his arrest. Hence, it is clear that Rommy may have used a fake passport to flee the country,” Jalandhar Police Commissioner Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh said. The police will now inquire who had helped Rommy to get a fake passport. — TNS
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Area under basmati up
Amritsar, July 7 The farmers are banking on three basmati varieties; PUSA 1121, PUSA 1509 and the traditional 386. Nirmal Singh of Guru Ki Wadalli village said: “The farmers have discarded the non-basmati varieties in the hope of high returns.” The PUSA varieties with an average yield of 16-18 quintal per acre were sold last year for Rs 3,000-Rs 4,200 per quintal. The price of the traditional basmati variety is even higher than that of PUSA varieties because of its characteristic aroma. Kuljit Singh, a progressive farmer, said: “The basmati varieties are not purchased under the public distribution system (PDS) and there is no minimum support price (MSP) for these varieties. Much depends on demand and supply, which is controlled by private players.” He said as the area under basmati had gone up significantly, the private players might not offer high price s this time. District Chief Agriculture Officer Paramjit Singh Sandhu said during various camps organised by the department, experts had stressed on mixed cropping of various varieties, including non-basmati varieties. Sandhu said it had come to their notice that the basmati varieties were sown much before the recommended time and this could affect the grain quality.
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Damanvir Singh quizzed again
Jalandhar, july 7 This was Damanvir's third appearance before the ED since he joined the investigations on June 24. Though the ED authorities have not shared any details, sources said the probe agency was almost through with his questioning. Goraya-based businessman Chunni Lal Gaba and his brother Harmesh Gaba were also quizzed by the ED recently. On July 3, Gaba's elder son Gurmesh Gaba was questioned for eight hours. The sources said the ED might summon Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Phillaur MLA Avinash Chander, although there had been no official confirmation in this regard. Avinash's name had cropped up in the synthetic drug racket after some financial transactions against his name were found in documents seized from a key accused. He has so far not been asked to appear before any probe agency. The state Congress had been demanding action against the CPS alleging that many of his close confidants might be involved in the drug trade. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had on Saturday ordered an inquiry against Avinash, but retracted minutes later and told the media that there was no need for another inquiry since Patiala SSP Hardial Singh Mann was already conducting a probe.
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SMS service for lawyers, litigants
Chandigarh, July 7 The service, expected to cut short the delay in assessing information, was launched by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul for making "the justice delivery system litigant friendly, transparent and hassle free". Giving details, the High Court said the advocates throughout the District Courts of Punjab and Haryana would be saved from difficulties in knowing the status of their cases. Justice Hemant Gupta, who is also the Chairman of e-Governance and Computer Committee, showcased the new facility that would shoot off SMSes to advocates, informing them the case filing number, the case registration number or next date of hearing.
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2 labourers killed in accident
Barnala, July 7 The vehicle loaded with glass sheets was on way from Ludhiana to Bathinda. There were seven persons in the vehicle, including the driver. All of them hailed from Uttar Pradesh. They were now residing in Ludhiana. The vehicle overturned after its two tyres burst. Ravi Kumar (30) and Ghansham (29) were killed on the spot, while Rajinder Kumar and Babloo sustained serious injuries. Driver Mahesh Kumar and Partap Singh and Krishan Kumar escaped unhurt. The injured were admitted to the Civil Hospital,
Barnala.
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No land for wife of ‘missing’ Major
Chandigarh, July 7 In her petition, Jasbir Kaur sought direction to the Punjab Government to allot 10 acres of cultivable land under the provisions of the Punjab Package Deal Properties (Disposal) Rules, 1976. Responding to the request, the state, in its affidavit filed by Tarn Taran District Defence Services Welfare Officer Lt Colonel Gurinderjit Singh Gill (retd), claimed Major Kanwaljit Singh has not been declared dead by the Army till date and he was still in Pakistan's custody. As such, her case could not be considered for allotment of cultivable land till her husband's death was confirmed by the Army authorities. Referring to the provisions of the Disposal Rules, he said the Punjab Government had offered to give up to 10 acres of cultivable land to the legal heirs of the Army personnel killed during the Chinese aggression of 1962 or the Pakistan aggression of 1965. Jasbir Kaur had earlier contended that her husband was believed to have died during 1971 war with Pakistan, although his name was in the list of 54 Indian soldiers believed to be in Pakistan's custody. The court was told that Major Kanwaljit Singh was awarded Shaurya Chakra for displaying gallantry and initiative of high order on February 2, 1971, when a grenade attack by Pakistani soldiers was repelled by him. The case is now scheduled to come up for further hearing on July 23.
1971 war * Major Kanwaljit Singh went missing in the 1971 war with Pakistan *
His wife has moved the High Court seeking allotment of 10 acres of cultivable land under a government policy *
The government, however, maintained that her request could not be acceded to till the Army authorities confirmed her husband's death.
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BSP demands land ownership rights for Dalits
Sangrur, July 7 Talking to The Tribune, state unit president of the party Parkash Singh Jandali said it was duty of the SAD-BJP government to ensure passing of such a Bill in the Assembly so that Dalits could get ownership rights over 33 per cent of the panchayat land reserved for SCs. If big farmers, having hundreds of acres, could get free power supply for their tubewells, why poor Dalits could not be given ownership rights of the land, he said. The BSP was not averse to giving free power supply to farmers but it should be restricted up to 10 acres only, he added. Jandali alleged the SAD-BJP government was pro-big farmers. It was "anti-poor" and "anti-Dalit and small farmer" due to which small farmers had been committing suicides and Dalits had been facing boycott-like situation in villages. He said in case their demand was not met, they would start a "jail bharo andolan" after holding consultation with the party high command. Jandali asked BSP workers to form committees in big villages to solve problems of the poor.
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Violations of building bylaws go unabated in Phagwara
Phagwara, July 7 Most of the commercial complexes of the town flout building bylaws that clearly state that there must be sufficient space for parking. During a round of the local Model town, Hargobind Nagar and main markets of the town, violation of building bylaws can be seen. Many unauthorised buildings are being constructed even near the official residence of the MC Commissioner in Model Town. Residents said owing to the absence of proper parking facilities, these buildings posed hindrance in the smooth flow of traffic. Sporadically though the MC starts a drive claiming to check these violations, but on ground nothing much has been done. Many shopping complexes, hospitals in the town have no parking lots and many others have encroached upon government land by erecting stairs in corridors meant for pedestrians. Many booths, including an “ahata” (pub), have recently come up by covering up these corridors with plywood in Hargobind Nagar. Many shops in the town have the building height more than that specified (35 feet) under the Municipal Act and have no proper parking facility. The fact that such commercial complexes have been allowed to come up right under the nose of the civic body and the Improvement Trust is questionable. According to the provisions of the Municipal Corporation (Erection and Re-erection of Building Bylaws, 1997), every commercial building having an area up to 500 square yards can cover up only 60 per cent of the total area while the covered area in case of commercial buildings with an area over 500 square yards should be 50 per cent, but these shopping complexes have covered almost the entire area. None of these complexes have left even 20 per cent of the covered area for parking. Bylaws state 30 per cent (15 per cent each for back and one side) of the total covered area has to be left uncovered. Only 5 to 7 per cent of the excess are covered can be compounded by charging penalty from the owner, while the rest of the unauthorised construction has to be demolished. Several residents have alleged that these shopping complexes will further aggravate traffic problems for want of proper parking space as hundreds of light and heavy vehicles, including buses, pass through the road in front of these complexes on Banga Road, Railway Road and in Hargobind Nagar. When contacted, MC Executive Officer, Phagwara, Adarsh Sharma claimed no violator would be spared and all illegal encroachments would definitely be removed.
Residents irked * Most of the commercial complexes of the town flout building bylaws that clearly state that there must be sufficient space for parking *
Residents say owing
to the absence of proper parking facilities, these buildings pose hindrance in
the flow of traffic * The Punjab and Haryana High Court had instructed the government to act against violators
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PCS officer indicted for disrespect to martyr
Jalandhar, July 7 Syal, who was then the SDM, Banga, was transferred to Ferozepur and
is currently posted as DTO, Gurdaspur. The Commissioner, R Venkat Ratnam, in his recently submitted inquiry report, has stated that there were conclusive factual and circumstantial evidences against the officer in the February 13, 2013, incident. He has also stated that the incident had not just hurt sentiments of people but had also spoiled the government’s image in the eyes of public. The report about the PCS officer, who had got promoted from the cadre of PAs, reads, “The post of SDM is a very important position in the government and people show great respect to his authority. Therefore, Syal as the Banga SDM should have been more careful about his actions, exercised more restraint and shown maturity in his behaviour.” While the then Deputy Commissioner, Nawanshahr, Tanu Kashyap, had sought an explanation from Syal, the SDM had then told The Tribune that he was just doing some exercise near the pedestal as he had a “pelvic problem”. There had been much reaction to the incident as various organisations had held protests and rallies, following which the officer had even proceeded on leave. While the SDM had rendered an unconditional apology a day after the incident, he had subsequently started stating that the photograph had been prepared with a camera trick. The Divisional Commissioner has reported that this further led to hurting of sentiments of the martyr’s followers. Terming the act as “unintentional but uncalled for”, Ratnam too has reported that Syal had changed his stand soon after the incident and had even gone ahead with filing defamation suit against the complainants at
Ferozepur.
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Poll plea against Jakhar dismissed, with costs
Chandigarh, July 7 In his petition before Justice Rameshwar Singh Malik, the petitioner had contended that Jakhar's name was at the beginning of the list. But his name was at serial number six, instead of being placed at the end of the list, as the ballot paper was required to be prepared in alphabetical order. Seeking directions for setting aside the elections, his counsel had contended that the voters and supporters were misled. When they failed to find the petitioner's name at the end of the ballot paper, the voters, especially the illiterate ones, cast their votes in favour of the person at serial number one. Thus, the chances of winning the election by the petitioner were diminished due to the ballot paper's wrong publication. Jakhar's counsel Bhoop Singh, on the other hand, contended that the election petition did not disclose any cause of action and was liable to be dismissed. He alleged that the petitioner's material facts, whatsoever, were not pleaded by the election petitioner. Taking up the matter, Justice Malik noticed the petitioner had not lost the election by a margin of about 9000 votes, as stated by him in paragraph 10 of the election petition, but by 9,788 votes. Justice Malik asserted: "The petitioner proceeded on a very casual approach and did not plead the material facts. The best averments of petitioner were found in paragraphs 10 and 12 of the election petition, but the same have been found not only vague but factually incorrect, misleading, frivolous, vexations, imaginary and baseless also, leaving not even any remotest scope of disclosing a cause of action." Justice Malik added the contents of the two paragraphs were based on frivolous and vexatious averments and were liable to be struck off.
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Notice to CBI in Vidhu Jain case
Chandigarh, July 7 The minor was burnt to death in September last year in Malerkotla. The notices came on a petition filed by Vidhu’s mother Arti Jain. In her petition, she alleged her son was burnt by five youngsters of Malerkotla in broad daylight, but the investigating agencies had done nothing to arrest the culprits. Seeking directions for a time-bound CBI probe into the matter under the supervision of a retired High Court judge, the petitioner sought protection for the 2,500 members of the Jain community living in Malerkotla, alleging that they were being targeted by a community. She also sought directions to probe the role of police officials who had “failed” to collect evidence from the crime site which had helped the assailants. She told the court that her son could have been saved had the police taken him to hospital for timely medical aid and not wasted time in recording the incident on the videod. She pleaded that the Rs 25 lakh compensation announced by the Punjab Government for the family be distributed as reward among the officers who "fairly" investigated the matter. The case will come up for hearing on September 12.
Seeking justice *
Vidhu's mother Arti has alleged her son was burnt by five youngsters of Malerkotla in broad daylight *
She has accused the investigating agencies of having done nothing to arrest the culprits *
She has sought directions for a time-bound CBI probe into the matter under a retired HC judge *
The petitioner has sought protection for the 2,500 members of the Jain community in Malerkotla *
She says that the Jains in Malerkotla are being targeted by a particular community
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Fatehjung gets 30-month jail
Batala, July 7 A group led by Fatehjung and Avtar Singh and another led by Harbhajan Singh had clashed at Dhoja village in Batala in 2002. Sharp weapons were used and several persons were injured. Harbhajan Singh and his five accomplices were given three years’ jail. They were fined Rs 12,000 each. All 15 guilty were later let off on bail. When Partap Bajwa took over the reins of the PPCC, he appointed Fatehjung as PPCC spokesperson. Fatehjung, who contested the Assembly elections from Sri Hargobindpur in 2002 and 2007, lost both times. In 2009, he contested the Kahnuwan Assembly seat against Sewa Singh Sekhwan. He again lost by 12,044 votes.
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Lok Adalat quashes PSPCL demand notice issued to widow
Fatehgarh Sahib, July 7 PD Goel and Siddheshwar Sharma, PLA Chairman and member, respectively, have directed the PSPCL to charge the petitioner on average consumption of the past four or six months of previous year with regard to disputed demand of Rs 24,943. They have further told the PSPCL that demand of the said amount was unjustified as the meter had not been checked by The counsel for petitioner Sushma Rani, a resident of Sirhind Mandi, had submitted that the PSPCL issued a bill on January 28, 2013, for Rs 50,340. Sushma's son challenged the bill on December 1, 2013, stating that the electricity had been consumed for domestic purposes only and deposited Rs 25,170 in February, as directed by the Electricity Department officials. The petitioner also submitted that the department replaced the old meter with in a new one in her absence and sent it to ME Lab for testing. She said the department had failed to issue her notice regarding the date, time and place of checking of the meter. She said the department issued a notice for depositing Rs 24,943 as the old meter was found to be normal by the ME Lab. The counsel for the respondents PSPCL submitted that the applicant was defaulter and the amount of Rs 24,943 was due towards her and added that bills were issued to the applicant as per the electricity consumed. He further submitted that the meter was changed after receiving application from the petitioner which was found accurate by ME Lab. Notice was served on the petitioner for Rs 24,943 and the department had followed all rules and regulations of
PSPCL.
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Undertrial alleges sale of drugs in jail; court orders probe
Mohali, July 7 The inmate, Dheeraj Batra, who was brought to the Mohali district courts for a hearing in a case pertaining to causing hurt under Section 323, 324 of the IPC, claimed before the court that the drug was being sold in the jail openly under the patronage of certain senior police officials. Sources said Dheeru had put the packet before
the judge and claimed that he had purchased it from a person in the Nabha Jail
for Rs 1,500. They said Dheeru had told the court that drugs were easily available in the jail and being sold under the patronage of certain senior officials of the jail. Dheeru also alleged
that he was beaten up badly in the jail by some jail officials. There are several cases registered against Dheeru. The judge called up the local police and told them to seize the packet and marked an inquiry into the matter. The court also issued orders to shift Dheeru from the Nabha jail to Ropar jail. Mohali MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu, who reached the spot immediately, demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter. “It is a very serious issue if jail officials are involved in the sale of drugs in the jail. The development has also dashed to the ground the tall claims of the state government regarding their special drive against drugs,” said Sidhu. He also demanded the resignation of the concerned ministers on
moral grounds.
Senior cops involved, alleges inmate Dheeraj Batra, an inmate of Nabha jail, who was brought to the Mohali district courts, placed a packet of heroin before the judge. He said he had purchased it from a person in the jail for Rs 1,500.
He alleged the drug was being sold openly in the jail under the patronage of certain senior police officials
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Ex-sarpanch’s kin shot over land row
Bathinda, July 7 The police have booked Tari, his brother Balwant Singh Bant and Balwinder Singh under Sections 302, 34 of the IPC and 25, 27, 54, 59 of the Arms Act. Manoj Kumar, Station House Officer, City police station, said the accused were upset over losing the contract of the land. Following a tiff this morning, the accused allegedly shot Baljinder in the stomach. The victim died on the spot, the SHO added.
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4 booked for siphoning rice worth
Rs 1.6 cr
Tarn Taran, July 7 The Chabal police have registered a case under Sections 420, 406 and 120 B of the IPC against Tanveer Singh, his mother Satwant Kaur, Japinder Singh and Ajit Singh. A corporation official said they had given 26,579.35 quintals of paddy to the rice mills belonging to the accused. The mills were to deliver 66 wagons of rice till June 30, but they delivered only 41 wagons and defaulted on the remaining stock.
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Rs 1.5 lakh looted at gunpoint
Hoshiarpur, July 7 The police are investigating the case. Des Raj, owner, Daroch Merchant and Property Linker, told the police that during the scuffle with the robbers, the mask of one of them came out and he could identify the person. — OC
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With a significant rise in the area under basmati, farmers fear that they may not get remunerative prices for their crop this season.
Initial findings by the Agricultural Department indicate that the area under basmati may increase to 1.25 lakh hectares from 1.03 lakh hectares last year.
Taxation policy
MSME items
Bicycle industry
Having suffered electoral losses in the Lok Sabha elections because of implementation of some of these policies, changes are likely to be discussed in the meeting. The top government functionaries have held several meetings with the officials concerned and law makers to make these policies more acceptable to people.
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The CM met family members of some of the stranded youths on Monday