In a significant legal development, Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging a notice issued by the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes. The Congress leader has termed the action as arbitrary, politically motivated, and unsupported by evidence.
Legal Challenge Against Commission Notice
The petition filed by Warring describes the Commission's notice as "illegal, unjust, and passed without jurisdiction." According to the legal documents, the Commission initiated proceedings suo motu but failed to disclose the complaint, supporting material, or any factual basis that would enable Warring to understand the alleged violation against him.
The absence of this crucial information has effectively crippled his fundamental right to respond meaningfully to the allegations, creating what the petition calls a serious prejudice against him. The legal challenge argues that the Commission's action defies the basic principles of natural justice by not providing the underlying material that formed the basis of the notice.
Allegations of Political Motivation
Warring has made serious allegations in his petition, claiming that the Commission's action is politically motivated and has been taken in undue haste. The notice appears to be engineered specifically to damage his public standing and cause harm considering his position as the president of Punjab Congress.
The timing of the proceedings speaks for itself, according to the petition, which further claims there is malice in law behind the decision to pursue the matter without giving him access to the material being relied upon. The MP has argued that the Commission cannot initiate such action unless there is a properly supported complaint or clear evidence, and its powers do not extend to starting an inquiry without fulfilling these basic requirements.
Court Proceedings and Recusal
The case saw its first hearing on Thursday before Justice Suvir Sehgal, where Warring was represented by senior advocate Bipan Ghai assisted by Nikhil Ghai. The counsel sought an urgent hearing citing the importance and time-sensitive nature of the matter.
In an unexpected turn of events, Justice Suvir Sehgal recused himself from the case without recording the reasons for his decision. The judge directed the court registry to place the matter before another bench after obtaining necessary orders from the Chief Justice.
Warring has specifically sought the quashing of the notice and a declaration that any proceeding initiated without furnishing the basic material is invalid. He has also requested the court to direct the Commission to act in accordance with law and ensure that any future inquiry follows a transparent and fair process that respects procedural safeguards.
The petition emphasizes that the Commission has transgressed the boundaries of its authority and acted without following mandatory procedural safeguards that are essential for ensuring justice and fairness in such proceedings.
