Chandigarh 5 march 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): The Supreme Court has reprimanded the Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab and issued a notice to the state’s Chief Secretary in a defamation case. The court has ordered the Punjab government to file a reply by 24th March. This matter is related to the implementation of the pension benefit scheme in Punjab’s aided colleges.
The Supreme Court also expressed displeasure over the Punjab government’s claim that the statement made by the Additional Advocate General on behalf of the executive would not be binding on the state. Justice Abhay S. Oka reacted sharply to this and said, “From now on, we will not accept any oral statements from the Punjab government. We will accept affidavits filed through the concerned officers and lawyers.”
Supreme Court Questions the Chief Secretary
During the hearing, Punjab’s Chief Secretary appeared before the Supreme Court via video conferencing. Justice Oka clearly told the government, “Today, you are stating whether you will provide relief to the petitioners, or should we continue with the defamation proceedings?”
Moreover, the Supreme Court took a stern stance, saying, “Let the officials go to jail, only then will they realize. After that, we will listen to you.”
Increased Pressure on the Punjab Government
After the Supreme Court’s strictness, pressure on the Punjab government has increased. The court has made it clear that the government will no longer tolerate only oral statements, and it must comply with the court’s directions in writing.
This is being considered a big setback for the Bhagwant Mann government. Now, it remains to be seen what steps the Punjab government takes after this Supreme Court order and whether they file a reply by 24th March.
Summary: The Supreme Court directs the Mann government to file a reply by 24th March, following recent developments.