Local govt dept writes to Mohali Commissioner, seeks action report on boundary expansion
The letter, a copy of which was shared to The Indian Express, comes a week after Mohali Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi warned the Punjab government that if a decision to expand the boundaries is not taken within a month, he will approach the high court.
The proposal for expanding the municipal limits was approved nearly four years ago during the Congress government. Notably, even then, Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu was serving as the Mayor of the city. Areas such as Balongi, Baliyari, Badh Majra, TDI City, Sectors 90, 91, 82 and others were proposed to be brought under the Municipal Corporation's (MC's) jurisdiction. However, the process came to a halt following the Aam Aadmi Party's rise to power in 2022.
The delay prompted social activist Ram Kumar to file a civil writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The high court had directed the Punjab government to take a final decision by May 25. Although the government submitted an affidavit in the court, no concrete steps have been taken so far.
In his letter dated May 26, he expressed displeasure over the government's inaction, stating that 'despite repeated correspondence and sufficient passage of time, no action has been taken'. He warned that he would move court with a contempt of court petition and even consider filing a defamation suit against the department.
Taking note of the seriousness, the department has now instructed the Municipal Commissioner to urgently submit a report. The letter specifically refers to the legal notice issued by Ram Kumar and emphasises that since the matter is sub-judice, the report must be sent without delay.
Speaking to The Indian Express, social activist Ram Kumar said, 'I have continuously attached copies of High Court orders with my representations, but the government has remained silent. Now I am left with no option but to file for defamation'.
When contacted, Mohali Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh confirmed awareness of the matter. 'This issue is under active consideration, and we will be responding to the department's letter very soon,' he stated.
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