Punjab and Haryana High Court seeks explanation from trial court

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought explanation from a trial court on non-compliance of an order to expedite trial in a case pending before it. The direction by Justice Arvind Singh Sangwan came on a petition filed by Amit Malik against the State of Punjab.

Appearing before Justice Sangwan’s Bench, counsel Arnav Sood on the petitioner’s behalf referred to an order dated February 16, vide which the earlier application by petitioner Amit Malik was dismissed. But the trial court was directed to conclude the trial expeditiously in compliance with the earlier order dated February 26, 2020, vide which six-month time was given.

Justice Sangwan asserted a perusal of the order showed that a direction was also given to the trial court to forfeit immediately the bail/surety bonds of the accused, who were on bail, if they failed to appear before the trial court. This was to be done as if their bail application had been dismissed by this court.

Justice Sangwan added the counsel for the petitioner had also referred to various orders passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, Mohali, to submit that the accused, who are on bail, were not appearing. Despite the fact, only notice was issued. Non-bailable warrants had, in fact, not been issued.

“The trial court is directed to submit an explanation as to why the order dated February 16 is not being complied with in order to expedite the trial,” the Justice Sangwan asserted.