In a huge set back for former Haryana Chief Minister BS Hooda in connection with the Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) case, the state Governor has given his consent for his prosecution. Hooda, who was Haryana CM between 2005 and 2011, described the development as 'politically motivated'.
"All this is politically motivated. The decision was taken by the entire authority and not one person. I have full faith in the judiciary," Hooda said.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Centre gave an oral assurance to the Delhi High Court that it will maintain status quo till November 22 in the land lease matter of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), publisher of the National Herald newspaper.
The assurance by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the Land and Development Office, came after Justice Sunil Gaur said he will hear the matter another day and the Centre shall maintain status quo till then.
The court listed the matter for further hearing on November 22.
The publisher had approached the high court on November 12 challenging the October 30 order of the Urban Development Ministry, ending its 56-year-old lease and asking it to vacate the premises in the press enclave at ITO in New Delhi by November 15.