High Court Revives 2016 Jat Agitation Case After Nine Years
In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has virtually revived the 2016 Jat agitation case after nearly nine years, directing the Haryana government to submit a fresh status report on the matter. The court's decision came on Monday when it sought updated information about developments that have occurred over the past six to seven years.
Court's Directives and Four Core Issues
A division bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu specifically instructed the Haryana government to prepare a comprehensive synopsis detailing the current position on four key areas that were identified by the court back in August 2018, when the case was last substantially addressed. The court emphasized that this summary must first be reviewed and approved by Amicus Curiae and Senior Advocate Anupam Gupta before being officially placed on record.
The four principal issues that remain under scrutiny include:
1. Ongoing Investigation Monitoring: The court continues to monitor the probe being conducted under senior IPS officer Amitabh Dhillon into cases registered during the violent agitation period.
2. Murthal Sexual Assault Allegations: The bench is examining whether a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe is necessary regarding allegations of sexual assault against women near Murthal during the agitation.
3. Munak Canal Breach Investigation: The court is overseeing the CBI investigation into the breach of the Munak canal, which had severely disrupted water supply to Delhi during the agitation.
4. Case Withdrawal Scrutiny: The bench is carefully reviewing the state government's move to withdraw criminal cases that were registered against agitators.
Need for Updated Information
Amicus Curiae Anupam Gupta presented a crucial argument before the court, stating that with the passage of time, "many issues and disputes may have become infructuous". He emphasized that a consolidated, present-day picture was absolutely essential before the bench could determine how the matter should proceed further.
The court acknowledged this valid concern and directed the state government to provide a clear and comprehensive updated account covering several critical aspects. These include the current progress in investigations, details about any closure reports filed, status of pending trials, government decisions regarding case withdrawals, and all significant developments in both the Murthal allegations and Munak canal matters since the court last examined the records in 2018.
The High Court had originally taken suo motu cognizance of the widespread violence and alleged lawlessness during the 2016 Jat agitation, responding to numerous media reports that highlighted the severity of the situation. The agitation had witnessed massive protests across Haryana, leading to significant property damage, violence, and the controversial Murthal incidents that drew national attention.
The matter has been scheduled for hearing next week, after the vetted synopsis is duly filed by the state government and reviewed by the Amicus Curiae. This development marks a crucial step forward in addressing the long-pending issues related to one of Haryana's most significant protest movements in recent history.
