Chandigarh, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : Senior leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema has sharply criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s objections to the appointment of Justice Ashwani Mishra as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Cheema stated that questioning judicial appointments by the executive undermines the independence of the judiciary and the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
In a post on social media platform X, Cheema expressed that Mann’s comments are deeply concerning and warrant strong condemnation. He accused the executive of posing a serious threat to democratic institutions if it attempts to influence or question judicial appointments.
Cheema highlighted that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently delivered several significant and stringent rulings against the Punjab government. He noted that cases related to alleged corruption involving state officials are reaching critical stages. At such a juncture, raising controversies about the judiciary casts serious doubts on the government’s intentions.
Additionally, Cheema questioned Mann, asking why he has placed Punjab’s elected government under the influence of the Delhi establishment led by Arvind Kejriwal. He alleged that many crucial decisions and appointments in the state are being influenced by Delhi.
He asserted that if Punjab’s administrative autonomy has been handed over to Delhi, then Mann has no moral authority to lecture anyone on federalism.
Cheema reaffirmed the Shiromani Akali Dal’s commitment to the independence of the judiciary and the strengthening of constitutional institutions. He declared that the party will firmly oppose any attempts to weaken, intimidate, or politically interfere in the judiciary.
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