Punjab floods: P&H High Court criticises litigants for seeking immediate court intervention

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday criticised various litigants for seeking its intervention at this stage on the devastating floods in Punjab, even as it reluctantly asked the State to file its response after the crisis is over.

A Division Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry said that since the crisis is ongoing, the petitioners should wait and later seek accountability.

"Disaster relief teams are there, the Army is there, everybody is working hard. Please don’t cause any obstruction. The moment we issue a notice, some people will be pulled out of that disaster management and will have sit on a table to prepare a reply for these petitions. We don’t want that," Chief Justice Nagu remarked during hearing a batch of Public Interest Litigations (PIL).

The Court added that there is a time for seeking accountability but right now the petitioners should allow the authorities to continue with their work.

"If you are ready to interfere in flood relief work, then go ahead. If you want rescue operation should be hindered, I will issue notice. Take that responsibility then. Is this the time to seek explanation? Please defer your insistence for at least when the crisis is over," it remarked.

When the petitioners' counsel insisted for at least the Court to make some observations regarding the situation, Chief Justice Nagu said,

"You all even doubt the efforts of Army which is there. They are there in every district."

As the petitioner's continued with their submissions for Court's intervention, Chief Justice Nagu said,

"We will ask them [for response] because of your insistence. I would never have done it, given to me. At the the crisis time, there is something else which is required. It is surprising that none of you is coming forward and saying that please defer it."

At this stage, one petitioner sought withdrawal of his PIL. The Court permitted the withdrawal of the case. With regard to the rest, the Court asked the State to respond to the PILs but not urgently.

"An earnest request was made by this Court to the petitioners to hold their hands till the crisis on the ground ... is over but the petitioners insist that notice be issued. Instead of issuing notice, the Court directs the State of Punjab and its functionaries to file an affidavit but only after the crisis in the flood situation is over. List after five weeks."

Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi submitted that the Supreme Court has taken note of the floods in a case heard last week.