Overview
- The court dismissed Punjab’s attempt to recall its September 12 order and told the state to either challenge it in a higher court or comply, saying there is no third option.
- Justice Department Secretary Gurpreet Singh Khaira appeared virtually and apologized after the bench said the state’s filing bordered on contempt.
- The September 12 directive requires the government guest house used by the deputy commissioner and the SSP’s residence in Malerkotla to be vacated for the district and sessions judge.
- Punjab argued it has earmarked 13.60 kanals for permanent judicial housing and sought up to a year to build, but the bench said those steps were already considered and do not override the order.
- The court refused to stay its directive and posted the matter for the week beginning November 17, by which time compliance is due.