On Saturday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court notified the Punjab government in response to a petition challenging the recently introduced Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana. The court has instructed the state to submit an affidavit by December 12, elucidating the reasons for not halting the implementation of the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Nidhi Gupta issued these directives during the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing filed by Parvinder Singh Kitna. The petitioner contests the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana, initiated by the Punjab government on November 27. The scheme entails operating 13 trains over 13 weeks in the current financial year, each accommodating 1,000 devotees. Additionally, ten buses, each carrying 43 passengers, will daily commute from various places in Punjab to different pilgrimage sites.
The scheme, with an expenditure of Rs 40 crore during the current financial year, aims to benefit 50,000 individuals. The petitioner contends it is a misuse of taxpayers’ money, lacking in developmental or welfare outcomes. Furthermore, the petitioner argues that the scheme contradicts the directives issued by the Supreme Court in the judgment titled “Union of India and Others versus Rafique Shaikh Bhikan and Another.”
During the PIL hearing, the high court bench specifically requested the Punjab government to submit an affidavit explaining the number of demands received for initiating such a pilgrimage scheme. The bench also instructed the state to justify implementing a free pilgrimage scheme at the expense of the state exchequer, particularly when the youth are facing unemployment issues.
The state government needs to clarify the revival of the Tirath Yatra scheme. Vital clarification needed after withdrawing a similar scheme due to a high court notice in the “Kuldeep Singh Khaira versus Punjab” case. The court issued this directive, and the next hearing for this matter is scheduled for December 12.
Conclusion
Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a notice to the Punjab government, scrutinizing the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana’s viability. The petitioner’s concerns deepen ongoing legal scrutiny over public fund allocation and perceived deviation from Supreme Court directives. The court seeks a detailed affidavit from the state government, probing the necessity and rationale behind the pilgrimage scheme. The December 12 hearing is expected to reveal the court’s stance on the scheme’s legitimacy.
FAQs
What is the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana?
The Punjab government launched the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana. A pilgrimage scheme that operates trains and buses to facilitate devotees’ travel to various pilgrimage sites. The scheme, initiated on November 27, has come under scrutiny for its financial implications and alleged deviation from legal directives.
What are the critical concerns raised by the petitioner?
Parvinder Singh Kitna challenges the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana, claiming it misuses taxpayer money without aiding development. He argues it contradicts Supreme Court directives on subsidies for the Muslim community’s Haj pilgrimage.
What directives has the high court issued to the Punjab government?
By December 12, the Punjab government must submit a detailed affidavit. It should explain the reasons for not implementing the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme as directed by the high court. It should include the number of demands and justifications for the scheme amid youth unemployment concerns.
When will they schedule the next hearing, and what can we expect?
The court set the next hearing for December 12. It will likely explore the petitioner’s claims and the state government’s justifications, revealing its stance on the pilgrimage scheme.
How does this case connect to previous legal proceedings?
The court questions the revival of Tirath Yatra, given the state’s previous withdrawal post a high court notice. It may demand explanations for restarting despite past legal issues.
