1. Lt. Col. Dharamvir Singh is personally present before the Court today. It has been submitted by Mr. N. Ibotombi, learned senior counsel for the petitioner that when the matter was taken up on 11 July, 2018, this Court consisting of the Bench of Hon'ble Chief Justice and one of us (Justice Kh. Nobin Singh) had heard Col. Ranjan Singh, Lt. Col. Nanda and Major Rathod assisted by Captain Murtaza Ali on behalf of the respondents. However, because of paucity of time, Lt. Col. Dharamvir Singh was not heard and the matter was fixed on 13 July, 2018. However, on 13 July, 2018, Lt. Col. Dharamvir was not heard. Mr. N. Ibotombi, learned senior counsel submits that since the matter pertains to illegal detention of Lt. Col. Dharamvir Singh, and since he will be the best person to explain the circumstances leading to his illegal detention, he may also be heard.
2. In view of the above, the matter may be listed before the appropriate Bench on 1 August, 2018 so that Lt. Col. Dharamvir Singh as pleaded may explain his position before the Court.
3. It has been further submitted that Lt. Col. Dharamvir Singh's leave had expired on 18 July, 2018. However, he submits that he has already requested the higher authority for extension of leave, which he expects it to be granted.
4. Having heard counsel for the parties and also considering the engagements of this Court, the matter may be listed before the appropriate Bench on 1 August, 2018, on which date, Lt. Col. Dharamvir Singh may take the opportunity to explain his position relating to the issues involved.
5. In the meantime, the respondents may file any response to the affidavit filed by the petitioner today.
6. List accordingly on 1 August, 2018.