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Punjab Lawyer Gets Demolition Relief After Seeking CBI Probe
Lawyer Nikhil Saraf asked a court to investigate corruption allegations involving aides of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Soon afterward, officials began demolition proceedings involving his farmhouse in Mohali.
Saraf said this was harassment because he had brought the case to court.
The Punjab government said the action was based on an older notice and a recent order.
The government promised not to demolish the farmhouse before September 11.
The High Court therefore gave Saraf temporary protection.
The court has not said that the demolition was caused by his petition.
The corruption claims mentioned in the petition have also not been proven in court.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted interim protection to lawyer Nikhil Saraf from demolition of his Mohali farmhouse until September 11.
Saraf alleged that state agencies were harassing him after he filed a PIL seeking a CBI probe into corruption allegations cited by the Enforcement Directorate.
The Punjab government said the proposed action relied on a November 2024 notice and an order dated September 2.
The PIL concerns an alleged ED communication to Punjab’s DGP seeking an FIR over suspected corruption in transfers, postings, tenders and other official dealings.
The court has not found that the demolition proceedings were connected to Saraf’s petition, and the corruption allegations remain unproven in court.
- Who
- Advocate Nikhil Saraf, the Punjab government, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the Enforcement Directorate are central to the matter.
- What
- The High Court temporarily halted demolition action against Saraf’s farmhouse while his PIL seeking a CBI probe into alleged corruption proceeds.
- Where
- Saraf’s farmhouse is in the Majri area of Mohali, Punjab, and the case was heard by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- When
- The urgent hearing took place late Friday night, with protection continuing until September 11; the government’s cited notice was issued in November 2024 and its order was dated September 2.
- Why
- Saraf sought protection because he alleged harassment after filing his PIL; the government said the proposed demolition was based on an earlier notice and order.
Saraf’s Allegation
Punjab Government’s Position
Reason for demolition proceedings
Saraf’s Allegation
Saraf alleged that state agencies were harassing him after he filed the PIL and feared his farmhouse could be demolished.
Punjab Government’s Position
The government said any proposed action was based on a notice issued in November 2024 and an order passed on September 2.
Connection to the PIL
Saraf’s Allegation
Saraf’s urgent plea presented the demolition proceedings as occurring after, and potentially in response to, his request for a CBI probe.
Punjab Government’s Position
The court has not made any finding linking the demolition proceedings to Saraf’s PIL.
Underlying corruption claims
Saraf’s Allegation
Saraf relied on alleged ED claims that intermediaries and aides of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann were involved in official favours and alleged proceeds of crime.
Punjab Government’s Position
The allegations have not been established in court, and the government’s assurance concerned only postponing demolition action until September 11.
Key facts
- Lawyer
- Nikhil Saraf
- Court protection
- No demolition action before September 11
- Property location
- Majri area of Mohali
- Government’s stated basis
- A November 2024 notice and an order dated September 2
- Underlying petition
- A request for a CBI investigation into allegations cited by the ED
- ED communication date
- August 12
- Allegations
- Suspected corruption involving transfers, postings, tenders and other official dealings
Sources
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