Lav Narang vs State Of Punjab And Others

Gurvinder Singh Gill, J

The petitioner seeks issuance of directions to respondents No.2 to 4 to protect his life and liberty as he apprehends threat to the same at the hands of respondents No.5 to 7.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is owner of property bearing No.B-09-252/1, Kucha Karta Ram Street, Chaura Bazar, Ludhiana, wherein a building had been constructed, which was about 100 years old. It is alleged that he received a notice dated 13.1.2023 (Annexure P-1) from Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana for demolishing the said building as the same had been declared unsafe. It is submitted that pursuant to the said notice, the petitioner had demolished the said building on 15.1.2023. However, after about a week the common wall of house on the rear side of said building also collapsed. The said house is also stated to be more than 100 years old. Learned counsel submits that pursuant to collapsing of said common wall, the owners of adjacent house i.e. respondents No.5 to 7 have been threatening him and blackmailing him to pay Rs.20 lakhs to them.

Having heard learned counsel for the petitioner and while refraining from making any expression as regards merits of the case or as regards veracity of averments made in the petition, the instant petition is disposed of with liberty to the petitioner to move a representation seeking security on the basis of his alleged threat perception, before respondent No.2 – Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana. In case, any such application/representation is filed by the petitioner, respondent No.2 – Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana shall get the same examined, so that the same is disposed off in accordance with law expeditiously preferably within a period of 15 days from filing of such application. In case, it is found that there is any genuine threat to the life and liberty of the petitioner, then necessary steps as warranted under law and circumstances of the case shall be taken thereupon at the earliest.

A copy of this order be sent to respondent No.2 – Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana for necessary compliance.