HP Govt withdraws cases against media persons booked during COVID-19
Shimla, October 10
In a pleasant move amidst ongoing concerns over journalists facing legal action, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has announced the withdrawal of ten cases against media personnel who were booked while performing their duties during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This afternoon the HP government announced withdrawal of cases on people made due to violation during COVID lockdowns. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said here today that the present state government would withdraw the cases registered against the people who violated COVID-19 norms during the pandemic.
The decision to withdraw these cases was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister, attended by Deputy Commissioners and Police Chiefs from all districts.
These cases, filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), are being discharged prior to trial, according to data from the Police Headquarters.
As per police records, there are currently 2,280 pending cases across 13 police districts in Himachal Pradesh. These cases include 18 related to unlawful assembly or crowd norm violations, with several involving journalists.
Furthermore, the Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed an FIR against a Zee News media person who had been booked by the Baddi police station during the pandemic.
Under the previous government, a significant number of media persons were booked in various districts, and many of these cases remained unresolved.
It is important to note that since taking office, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s administration has taken steps to seek the quashing of cases filed against Congress and other opposition leaders, as well as party cadre during agitations and other instances of political vendetta. This matter is currently under consideration by the High Court.
In response to a query in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also assured that the government is actively working on withdrawing COVID-19-related cases, a commitment that was officially announced today.
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