(1.) Somewhat interesting issue arises in this case. It is alleged that the petitioner is involved in a scandal of double payment of Shagun Scheme. The petitioner, thus, is blamed for offences under Sections 420 and 406 IPC, for which FIR is registered against him. The petitioner would point out that he himself had highlighted the scandal and brought it to the notice of Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, who marked a detailed enquiry, but ultimately he only was implicated in the said case. Whether allegations of cheating or misappropriation can be revealed where payment is voluntarily made by the Government on account of some welfare scheme noticed, thus, would be an issue arising in this petition.
(2.) The petitioner is a senior citizen and is a scheduled caste.
(3.) Petitioner states that he is a poor person and is a father of five daughters. On the occasion of marriage of his daughter Surinder Kaur, petitioner submitted an application for financial assistance under Shagun Scheme, 2007-08. The petitioner was required to attach a proof of income or file an affidavit in this regard, which he did not annex as it was only a beginning of the procedure for submitting the application. Before the petitioner could complete the formalities, local MLA of Dakha constituency gave him a cheque No.316945 dated 6.11.2007 for a sum of Rs. 15,000/-. After expiry of five months, petitioner to his surprise received another cheque on 9.4.2008 for a sum of Rs. 15,000/- from the District Welfare Department.