In its latest submission, the authorities asserted that Kalia’s assertion was incorrect arsenic per authoritative records, suggesting helium was unaware of the existent fiscal situation. (File Image)
The Punjab authorities has refuted its Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Director Dr Ashwani Kalia’s assertion earlier the Punjab and Haryana High Court that “there is superior fund restraint” successful purchasing instrumentality for 3 Regional Forensic Science Laboratories (RFSLs). The government, successful an affidavit, said the submission was made “either retired of sheer inadvertence oregon deficiency of capable knowledge.”
Filed done Administrative Secretary, Home Department, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, the affidavit besides stated that a amusement origin announcement had been issued to Kalia for making an incorrect connection regarding budget constraints successful court.
A week earlier, Kalia had told the HC that fiscal constraints were affecting forensic laboratory upgrades. The tribunal had responded by questioning however the authorities could mention a shortage of funds for transgression probe erstwhile important amounts were spent elsewhere. It had directed the Punjab authorities to taxable details of expenditure connected advertisements highlighting its show and connected caller vehicles purchased for constabulary officials betwixt April 1, 2024, and January 20, 2025.
In its latest submission, the authorities asserted that Kalia’s assertion was incorrect arsenic per authoritative records, suggesting helium was unaware of the existent fiscal situation. It argued that Kalia, arsenic the departmental head, was not authorised to marque statements connected budgetary allocations, which are determined astatine the authorities level.
The affidavit further contended that fund allocations for forensic labs successful the past 3 fiscal years had consistently exceeded expenditure, resulting successful surpluses. It stated that Punjab had ever prioritised forensic subject and provided capable funds for its advancement.
Moreover, the authorities held Kalia accountable for failing to utilise allocated funds for upgrading forensic laboratory equipment. It said helium had been asked to explicate wherefore the funds remained unspent implicit the past 3 fiscal years.
The authorities has present requested the HC to modify oregon callback its January 21 order.
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