The Punjab and Haryana High Court held a late-night hearing after the Punjab government alleged that the Enforcement Directorate had detained senior bureaucrats during ongoing raids at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority office. The court subsequently appointed a warrant officer to examine the situation.
Why Did the High Court Hold a Late-Night Hearing?
Justice Sanjay Vashisht heard a habeas corpus petition moved by the Punjab government at 10 pm. The petition concerned the alleged illegal confinement of IAS officers Vikas Garg and Sandeep Rishi, along with several senior GMADA officials.
The State government alleged that the raids had continued for the previous two days and that the officials had not been allowed to return home since September 22.
The Enforcement Directorate was conducting raids at the GMADA office in connection with a money laundering probe.
What Did the Punjab Government Allege?
The Punjab government approached the High Court alleging that its senior bureaucrats had been detained during the agency’s continuing searches.
The petition specifically raised concerns over IAS officers Vikas Garg and Sandeep Rishi, as well as other senior GMADA officials, and sought the court’s intervention over their alleged confinement.
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What Did the High Court Order?
Following the hearing, the High Court directed its Registry to appoint a warrant officer to visit both the GMADA premises and the office of Vikas Garg, Principal Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The warrant officer was asked to examine the overall situation at the premises and determine whether any predicate offence had been registered against the GMADA officers or the organisation itself.
What Did the Court Say About Female Officials?
The High Court also directed that any female official found confined at the premises could be released if the warrant officer considered it appropriate.
The warrant officer was instructed to submit a report to the court by 2 pm the following day.
What Role Was Given to Chandigarh Police?
Chandigarh Police was directed to provide adequate security and other facilities required to ensure compliance with the High Court’s order.
The court’s directions were issued to facilitate the warrant officer’s inspection and implementation of the order.
When Did the Warrant Officer Visit GMADA?
The High Court’s order was passed at 10:42 pm. The warrant officer entered the GMADA premises at around 2:50 am and left at approximately 5:45 am.
The inspection followed the court’s late-night intervention in the habeas corpus proceedings.
Who Represented the Punjab Government?
Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari, along with Additional Advocate General Ferry Sofat, represented the State of Punjab before the High Court.
The proceedings brought the alleged confinement of senior officials during the enforcement action under immediate judicial scrutiny. By appointing a warrant officer and seeking a report, the High Court ordered an on-site examination of the circumstances while the raids were still underway.
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