PO tag for son gives Cong a chance to slam Jain

The trial court declaring Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Joginder Pal Jain's Canada-based son Puneet Jain a proclaimed offender (PO) has given the much-needed ammunition to the Congress here to launch a fresh offensive against the Congress-turned SAD leader.

On Wednesday, the judicial magistrate (first class) had declared Puneet a PO after dismissing his application about suspension of proceedings pending against him in a case registered in 2007 under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act.

The Moga police had booked Joginder Pal Jain, his wife, two sons and daughter within five months of the SAD-BJP government assuming office for raising an unauthorised colony. This case was once shifted to Faridkot also on the plea of Joginder, who was then in the Congress. Besides, the trial court had also issued non-bailable arrest warrants against the Jain family members after they did not appear before the court.

Later, the court had exempted Joginder from appearing in person in this case, while declining this relief to the other accused, which included Jain's wife and sons. The trial court on March 14, 2013 issued arrest warrants of Puneet and other members of the Jain family for not appearing before the court.

According to official sources, a few months back, an application was moved before the court by Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) to withdraw the legal proceedings against Jain and his family.

Former Congress MLA Vijay Sathi, who unsuccessfully contested the last assembly elections against Jain, said, "Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal are trying to protect Joginder Pal Jain and other 'dishonest' leaders. Jain should resign immediately."

The PO tag is set to generate political heat here with Jain's rivals within the SAD also grabbing the opportunity to corner their MLA, who after coming under the wings of the SAD has only been causing embarrassment to the ruling alliance.

On Wednesday, the judicial magistrate (first class) had declared Puneet a PO after dismissing his application about suspension of proceedings pending against him in a case registered in 2007 under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act.