Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 26: In the much publicized writ petition filed by Prof S K Bhalla seeking initiation of disciplinary proceedings and withdrawal of security cover from Kewal Krishan Sharma, the then Additional PRO to the then Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and also highlighting accumulation of assets disproportionate to the known sources of income, Justice Tashi Rabstan took serious note of the delaying tactics adopted by the General Administration Department in filing the Action Taken Report (ATR).
The High Court had on August 4, 2015 granted three weeks time to Secretary GAD for filing ATR on the basis of the recommendations made by Shantmanu, the then Divisional Commissioner , who vide his letter No.101/Misc-J/1604-06 dated 01-10-2014 had recommended strict action against the Forest Guard turned Additional PRO Kewal Krishan Sharma.
When the petition came up for hearing, Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed appearing for the petitioner drew the attention of the High Court towards the order dated August, 4, 2015 and stated in the open court that some hands in GAD are shielding the Forest Guard turned Additional PRO of the then Deputy CM.
He further submitted that the then Divisional Commissioner Jammu had recommended strict action to the GAD against Kewal Krishan Sharma but till date no action has been taken and this has sent a very wrong signal in the society. He further submitted that two IPS officers namely Anand Jain and Atul Goel, both former SSPs of Jammu provided undue security cover on political considerations to the former Additional PRO and they are required to be impleaded as party respondents.
Taking serious note of the lapse on the part of GAD, Justice Tashi Rabstan granted 10 days last and final opportunity for filing Action Taken Report (ATR) on the basis of the recommendations made by the then Divisional Commissioner Jammu. On this, AAG Vishal Sharma apprised the DB that he has already filed the relevant status report on behalf of PHQ.
“If ATR is not filed within 10 days then Secretary GAD shall appear in person on the next date of hearing to be fixed by the Registry”, Justice Rabstan directed.
About the allegations leveled by Kewal Krishan Sharma in the open court against former Deputy Chief Minister, Justice Tashi Rabstan issued notices to the petitioner Prof S K Bhalla and Secretaries of Home, GAD, Forest, PCCF, DGP, ADGP (Security), IGP (CID), DC Jammu, SSP Jammu and SSP (Security) Jammu asking them to file response before the adjourned date of hearing.
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