HC objects to Mann's remarks against Union governmet

Chandigarh, Sep 25 (UNI) The Punjab and Haryana High Court today strongly objected to some of the observations made against the Union government by former Lok Sabha member Simaranjit Singh Mann, the president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), who had alleged that the Centre did not want the Sikhs to grow in strength.

Mr Mann, in a public interest litigation(PIL) petition sought directions for drastic steps to check the continuing female foeticide and infanticide in Punjab. The petition alleged that the union government was not serious in enforcing the law in this regard as it did not want the growth of the Sikhs. The court's division bench of the acting Chief Justice Harjit Singh Bedi and Justice Ranjit Singh was of the view that the remarks were unwarranted and did not serve any public interest.

The bench favoured the observations to be dropped from the petition if it was to be considered.Mann's PIL had quoted these observations from a representation he had sent sometime back to the Prime Minister.

The PIL has also prayed for directions to authorities in the states to ensure action against female foeticide and infanticide cases. Mr Mann also favoured the punishment to those violating the law against such abortions to be enhanced from present five years to life imprisonment so that people were given exemplary sentences.

The bench, on a plea from Mr Mann's counsel, permitted the withdrawl of the petition with the liberty to submit a fresh one after deleting the objected passages.

UNI XC PS VA RAI2055