The Supreme Court on Thursday (30 July) agreed to examine the Chandigarh Administration's challenge to a Punjab and Haryana High Court judgment that had quashed criminal proceedings against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in connection with a 2020 protest over the electricity tariff hike.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan, issued notice to the respondents after hearing preliminary submissions.
Background of the Case
The case stems from a protest march organised by AAP leaders in 2020 against the increase in electricity tariffs. According to the prosecution, the demonstrators planned to march towards the then Punjab Chief Minister's residence. Police intervened using water cannons, following which violence allegedly broke out and police personnel were injured.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court later quashed the FIR, holding that the allegations did not sufficiently connect the petitioners with the alleged acts of violence.
Court Observation
Appearing for the Chandigarh Administration, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju argued that the High Court had adopted an incorrect legal approach.
"The reasoning in the order is perverse," he submitted before the Bench.
Responding to the submissions, the Bench observed,
"We will examine it. Issue notice."
Decision
The Supreme Court issued notice to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other respondents on the Chandigarh Administration's appeal.
The matter will now be considered after receiving their responses.
