The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently issued notice in a plea sought by an advocate/editor fearing for his life and personal liberty being in danger ever since he has run campaigns against corruption in government departments.
A bench presided by Justice Manoj Bajaj while issuing notice, directed the DGP, Punjab, Chandigarh to examine the representation made by the advocate/editor and take appropriate decision in accordance with law.
The case of the petitioner-advocate is that, he being an editor used to raise his voice on issues regarding corruption in government departments and societies. The petitioner also keeps visiting different parts of the State with his campaign against corruption, and on one occasion, when he was visiting District Ludhiana and campaigning with regard to RTI and corruption, he was approached by several persons with regard to corruption in RTO Office, Ludhiana. According to him, no official would work without taking bribe.
He submitted that when he went to the office of RTO Ludhiana and found that there is open corruption going on in the department through the agents appointed by the officials, specifically a Clerk on deputation (who was made party in the proceedings).
He contends that he had raised this issue before the higher authorities and had also got published news about the same in print media. It is further stated that the petitioner is receiving threats from bad elements and is being pressured to compromise the matter with said clerk.
In regards to above, a representation was also made by the petitioner before DGP, Punjab, Chandigarh for providing him protection, but till date no action was taken.