PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Uttarakhand Congress on Wednesday demanded an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi’s statement on September 11 regarding the outcome of a case pending before the Uttarakhand High Court. Addressing a press conference, the Congress spokesperson and advocate Pankaj Singh Kshetri referred to the case ‘Vikesh Singh Negi versus State of Uttarakhand’.
Kshetri said that the arguments in the case had concluded on September 8 and the judgment had been reserved. “Joshi subsequently told the media on September 11 that the petition against him had been dismissed,” he alleged.
He also referred to a September 15 High Court order, which, according to the Congress spokesperson, recorded that it would not be appropriate for the bench to decide the case due to certain circumstances and subsequently the case was directed to be placed before the Chief Justice for listing before another bench. He questioned how the outcome could have been known before a judgment was publicly pronounced and demanded a high-level, impartial inquiry into the circumstances. “This is not about declaring anyone guilty. We are just demanding an impartial inquiry into this unusual sequence of events,” Kshetri said.
He added that the issue be brought to the notice of the Prime Minister’s Office and other relevant constitutional authorities. They sought action under law regarding Joshi’s Assembly membership if any violation is established through the appropriate process. Congress leaders stressed that the final judicial conclusion would be determined by the competent court.
