HC fines Union minister Harsimrat Kaur

CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Union Minister and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal for not following the deadline fixed by the court for filing a reply in petition, related to her election from Bathinda parliamentary segment in 2014. The high court bench of justice Mahesh Grover acted on the report of the high court registry, which stated, as directed on November 9, 2016, Harsimrat, who was asked to reply in two weeks, filed the same beyond the said period without seeking condonation of delay. "Subject to payment of costs of Rs 25,000, to be deposited in the account of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Employees Welfare Association, the reply is taken on record," the high court bench said, imposing the fine and posting the matter for further hearing on February 22. In reply, the Union minister sought dismissal of the application arguing that the grounds cited by the petitioner for review aren't "good and sufficient".