Punjab chief secretary, DGP face contempt for defying HC order on water row

CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana HC Friday issued contempt notices to Punjab chief secretary and DGP for defying its earlier orders on non-interference in the functioning of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)."Prima facie, it is a case of violation of our orders. Let Punjab file a reply. If you do not permit the BBMB chairman to visit his installation, how will he manage day-to-day affairs of the board?" observed Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, part of a two-judge division bench.The case stems from AAP-governed Punjab's refusal to comply with a BBMB directive to release an additional 4,500 cusecs of water to BJP-governed Haryana and the alleged confinement of board's chairman by protesters.Punjab govt counsel Gurminder Singh urged HC not to issue the notice, warning it could disturb law and order due to surcharged public sentiment. But the bench noted it was only seeking a response, not ordering imprisonment.When asked if the state would comply with HC's May 6 order, Singh said he could not give an undertaking without instructions. The court pointed out that Punjab should have either complied or challenged the order.BBMB's counsel submitted an affidavit by board chairman Manoj Tripathi, claiming he and his team were prevented from working by Punjab Police. The counsel added they had videographic evidence showing non-compliance of the May 6 directive.ASG Satya Pal Jain informed HC that a May 2 meeting chaired by Union home secretary had decided to release the extra water. But Singh argued the home secretary had no jurisdiction.BBMB counsel said Centre has been requested to deploy paramilitary at the site.