Chandigarh, Punjab (July 03, 2013): It is learnt that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notice to the Punjab Government on a bail plea moved on behalf of Sikh leader Bhai Daljit Singh.
Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu is former chairman, and senior leader of Akali Dal Panch Pardhani (ADPP) and is currently lodged in Maximux security jail, Nabha on charges under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Bhai Daljeet Singh Bittu in police custody during a court appearance (File Photo)
It is notable that Bhai Daljit Singh, who was considered as the brain of the Sikh militant movement was first arrested in 1996 and was first released on bail in 2006. During the span of next three years from 2006 to 2009 he was arrested on various occasions and finally in August 2009 he was framed under UAPA. The government was able to keep him behind the bars till March 2012 when he was released at the orders of Punjab and Haryana High Court on bail. During this period the prosecution did not produce even an iota of evidence against him.
But the Punjab police, on the directions of Indian state, again arrested Bhai Daljit Singh in September 2012 and he was again framed under UAPA.
According to Bhai Daljit Singh’s counsel Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, the government has registered three cases against Bhai Daljit Singh (one in 2009 and two in 2012) on same allegations, but the prosecution has drastically failed to present any evidence or witness against Bhai Daljit Singh in any of the three cases.
“There are no legal basis for registering such cases against my client – but the government is using UAPA as a tool of political control, whereby attempts are being made to stifle the political dissent”, Advocate Manjhpur told Sikh Siyasat News (SSN).
Advocate Manjhpur further said that Bhai Daljit Singh has moved to the High Court with a bail plea. On July 1, 2013 the HC issued a notice to the Punjab government to file a reply before 31 July, 2013. Next hearing in this matter is expected to be held on July 31.