The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday held a late-night hearing after Punjab government alleged that the Enforcement Directorate had detained its top bureaucrats during the agency's ongoing raids at the office of Greater Mohali Development Authority (GMADA) [State of Punjab v Union of India and Ors]

Justice Sanjay Vashisht heard a habeas corpus petition moved by the Punjab government at 10 PM against the alleged illegal confinement of IAS officers Vikas Garg and Sandeep Reshi, and various senior officers of GMADA.

The State government alleged that the raid was continuing for the past two days and the officers were not allowed to go their homes since September 22. The ED is conducting raids at the GMADA office in connection with a money laundering probe.

Following the hearing, the Court directed its Registry to appoint a warrant officer to visit the premises of GMADA and the office of Vikas Garg, the Principal Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Warrant Officer was directed to examine the overall situation, including if any predicate offence is registered against the officers of GMADA or the organization itself.

The Court also directed the release of any female official found confined at the premises, if deemed so appropriate. The Warrant Officer has been directed to submit a report by 2 pm today.

Chandigarh Police was directed to provide adequate security and other facilities for compliance of the order.

The court order was passed at 10:42 PM. Sources said the warrant officer entered the GMADA premises at 2:50 am and exited the place at 5:45 am.

Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari with Additional Advocate General Ferry Sofat represented the State of Punjab.