Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 22: In a petition seeking withdrawal of undue security cover provided to Forest Guard-cum-Additional PRO to Deputy Chief Minister, Justice Bansi Lal Bhat today directed the Home Secretary to file status report of representation made by the petitioner within a week’s time.
When the petition titled Prof S K Bhalla Versus State of J&K and Others came up for hearing, Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed appearing for the petitioner drew the attention of the High Court towards the communications of SP Security and DPO whereby conflicting versions have been presented about security cover to Kewal Sharma.
“SP Security has categorically stated that no security cover has been provided to Kewal Sharma while as DPO states that security personnel have been provided to Forest Guard-cum-Additional PRO to Deputy Chief Minister on the directions of the senior police officers”, he said, adding “this case shows organized and institutionalized protection to the blue-eyed PRO as there is set mechanism for providing security cover”.
He submitted that Security Review Committee headed by Director General of Police categorizes the threat perception of a person on the basis of field report of various agencies but in this case whole process has been given go-by and security has been provided to the PRO on extraneous consideration. “Kewal Sharma is misusing the security and running a transfer industry in the Education Department by acting as de-facto Director School Education”, he added.
After hearing arguments of counsel for the petitioner, Justice B L Bhat, in the open court, remarked, “there is deviation in the stand of the State”. He observed, “the status of representation dated August 23, 2014 filed by the petitioner seeking withdrawal of security cover to Kewal Sharma and probe into his ill-gotten assets has not been filed by the respondents”.
“Since Senior AAG Gagan Basotra is not present, Home Secretary is directed to file status of representation within a week’s time”, Justice Bhat directed.
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