The State Government has agreed filing its reply before the High Court over controversial surrender of dreaded Maoist Kundan Pahan. Hearing the matter taken up by the court suo-moto following the surrender, a bench comprising Chief Justice PK Mohanty and Justice Ananda Sen first prompted issuing notice to the Government but later agreed to wait for its reply that would be filed after summer vacation.
The Government objected in the court that the matter is being blown out of proportion for getting publicity and thus does not fit into PIl criteria. “I objected to the submission stating that it was the court that has taken cognisance of the matter after widespread media reports and went on appointing amicus curie. The Government also made an appeal to stop media coverage which the bench declined to entertain,” said Hemant Sikarwar, amicus curie in the case.
He added that the court was for wider publicity of the matter so that an open discussion can take place on the pros and cons of the surrender policy named as ‘Nai Disha’ currently continuing in the State and it can be challenged based on merits.
Notably, the surrender has raised several eyebrows, especially of those whose near and dear ones were allegedly killed by the outlaw during his primes. Many widows of martyr policemen and political leaders have expressed their dissent over the treatment given to Kundan Pahan by the Government. Tamar MlA Vikas Munda is sitting on hunger strike for last three days objecting to it.