Chandigarh, Feb 23 (UNI) The Punjab and Haryana High Court today ordered the removal of S N Nehra from the post of Registrar of Haryana Pharmacy Council and directed the state vigilance bureau to probe charges of financial irregularities against him.

The High Court also slapped a fine of Rs One Lakh on Nehra, which is to be deposited with the state legal services authority.

The vigilance bureau chief has been asked to entrust the investigation against Nehra to an officer not below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

The order was pronounced by Justice S N Aggarwal on the writ petitions of Nehra and Council chief Dr K C Goyal.

Nehra had sought directions to quash the orders of his removal in 1996 which were stayed by the High Court pending outcome of the writ petition.

The Council chief had also alleged that Nehra was not initiating steps for the election of the Council office bearers.

According to the counsel of Dr Goyal, Haryana has an estimated 15,000 pharmacists registered with the Council.

With today's order of the High Court, the Council would now be able to put into motion the process of elections after scrutinising the membership.

UNI