Punjab & Haryana High Court Bars Collection Of Parking Fees From Litigants, Advocates In Its Premises

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a writ of prohibition, directing not to charge fees from any litigant, advocate, etc. parking their vehicles in its premises.A division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal said, "this Court issues a writ of prohibition that henceforth no parking fee shall be charged from any litigant, employee, government officials, Advocates etc. visiting the High Court."The Court further said that any violation of this order shall be treated to be Contempt of the Court.These observations were made while hearing the PIL filed by Prithvi Raj Yadav who stated that parking fee is being charged by the Bar Association of Punjab and Haryana from Advocates, government officials, litigants as well as from the employees of this High Court for parking their vehicles in the High Court premises.A parking receipt of Rs.50 was submitted to the Court. However, Court noted it does not indicate the name of the person making or receiving payment.The division bench opined that, "No parking fee can be charged in the premises of the High Court without the permission of UT-Chandigarh Administration and the High Court."While listing the matter for November 08, the Court directed to communicate the order to the President of the Bar Association of Punjab and Haryana, Advocates General of both the States of Punjab and Haryana as well as to the President of the Employees Association of Punjab and Haryana.The PIL also pertains to alleged illegal encroachment of High Court premises for commercial activities. Yadav contended that the encroachment may lead to threat to “environment” and “national security” as “more than 100 Steel Iron boxes are lying in open for the purposes of carrying out commercial activities which can be easily used for implanting any explosive device by any anti-national outfit.”Mr. Prithvi Raj-petitioner in person.Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Addl. Solicitor General of India with Mr. Narender Kumar Vashisth, Senior Panel Counsel for respondent-UOI.Mr. Vipul Goel, Advocate (Executive Member) for Bar Association of Punjab and Haryana High Court.Mr. Hassan Thakur, Advocate for Ms. Diya Sodhi, Advocate, for respondent No.5.Mr. Kanwal Goyal, Advocate and Ms. Sheena Dahiya, Advocate, for respondent No.1.Mr. Amit Jhanji, Senior Standing Counsel with Mr. J.S.Chandail, Addl. Standing Counsel for U.T. Chandigarh, respondents No.2, 4 and 6.Mr. Swaran Singh Tiwana, Advocate, Secretary, Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association.Title: Prithvi Raj Yadav v. Punjab & Haryana High Court, Chandigarh and othersClick here to read/download the order

Punjab & Haryana High Court Bars Collection Of Parking Fees From Litigants, Advocates In Its Premises

Aiman J. Chishti

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