The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, June 2
Punjab and Haryana High court today refused to transfer the Jang-e-Azadi probe case of Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Managing Editor Ajit Newspaper Group to CBI but also ordered that in case the State files an FIR against the petitioner, he should be given a 7-day advance notice.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that Barjinder Singh Hamdard has filed a petition in the Punjab & Haryana High Court seeking appropriate direction or order transferring the Vigilance Enquiry (07/2022, Jalandhar) initiated by Vigilance Bureau Punjab to CBI. While hearing the case Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj denied to issue notice to respondent no. 3 i.e. Bhagwant Mann, CM Punjab and respondent no. 4 i.e. CBI. Denying any interim relief to Hamdard the court has given green signal for investigation to carry on.
Meanwhile Court has asked State counsel to send a questionnaire to the petitioner while granting two weeks to the petitioner to file reply for the same. Justice Bhardwaj also ordered that in case the State files an FIR against the petitioner, he should be given a 7-day advance notice. While ordering the petitioner’s counsel to fully cooperate during inquiry in the matter, the court issued notice of motion to the State of Punjab and Vigilance Bureau Punjab.
The Next date of hearing has been fixed for August 16,2023. Meanwhile, Hamdard in his petition pleaded for directions to CBI for a fair enquiry and to examine the factors and facts leading to the initiation of said enquiry against him. Prayed that during the pendency of the present writ petition, further proceedings arising out of enquiry number 07/2022, Jalandhar may be ordered to be kept in abeyance.
