IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CIVIL APPEAL NO.5656 OF 2008 (Arising out of S.L.P. (C) No.15866 of 2007)

State of Punjab & Ors.        ...Appellant(s)

Versus

Santosh Kumar       ...Respondent(s)

O  R  D  E  R

Leave granted.

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana, having recorded a finding that it

had no territorial jurisdiction, was not justified in making any observation in relation

to the merit of the matter.  Accordingly, the impugned order is set aside and the writ

petition filed by the respondent before the High Court of Punjab and Haryana is

dismissed on the ground of lack of territorial jurisdiction.

We  may,  however,  observe  that  this  order  shall  not  preclude  the

respondent from moving the appropriate High Court for redressal of his grievances.

The civil appeal is, accordingly, disposed of.

......................J.       [B.N. AGRAWAL]

......................J.       [G.S. SINGHVI]

New Delhi, September 15, 2008.