Report sought on illegal Sabathu constructions

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, April 17

Expressing concern on the issue of illegal constructions in the Sabathu cantonment area, the HP High Court today directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cantonment Board, Sabathu, to file an affidavit indicating cases where construction in violation of the bylaws had been detected. The court also sought details of proceedings initiated against such defaulters/violators.

While passing this direction, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan observed that “before any orders are passed in this matter, let the CEO of Cantonment Board, Sabathu, file detailed affidavit in this regard.” The court also directed him to file affidavit of compliance on the next date of hearing and listed the matter for further hearing on May 3. The court passed these directions on a petition regarding illegal construction in the cantonment area of Sabathu.

HC acts tough against officers of doubtful integrity

Shimla: Taking a tough stand against officers of doubtful integrity, the HP High Court has asked the state government whether it has ever invoked its powers to retire such officials pre-maturely in public interest.

While passing this direction, a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sandeep Sharma, directed the state to furnish complete details of officers who are facing criminal or departmental action on account of their doubtful integrity.

The court passed this order after perusing the status report filed by the chief secretary, wherein he informed the court about the action taken by the state against such officers. In this report, the state had informed that presently it had initiated departmental enquiry against 28 officers and 16 officials were facing criminal proceedings.

After hearing the matter, the court listed it for further hearing on June 19. The court passed this order on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in this regard.

In its earlier order, the court had directed the state government to explore the possibility of invoking its powers to retire such officials pre-maturely in public interest, wherever they have become deadwood or liability on account of their doubtful integrity.