Latest news with #AlexanderThomas
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Panchayat told to compensate accident victim
T'puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) has ordered a compensation of Rs 22,500 to a woman who suffered injuries after the two-wheeler she was on slipped on building material left carelessly by roadside. SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas directed Tholikode grama panchayat to pay the compensation to the petitioner. The order states that if the compensation was not paid within two months, an interest of 8% would be applicable. After payment, secretary of Tholikode grama panchayat must submit an action report. The order also states that the panchayat has the freedom to recover the compensation from parties responsible, as per the law, after paying it. Petitioner Smitha Bhaskar, a resident of Nedumangad, was seriously injured after her two-wheeler slipped on metal near Mylamoodu on May 9, 2023. Consequently, her husband, a Navy officer in Kochi, had to take leave to care for her. The petitioner approached the commission demanding compensation of Rs 1,50,000. The order to pay compensation was based on the investigation report submitted by commission chief investigation officer. The commission found that the material brought for panchayat road work was left on the road illegally. SHRC did not accept panchayat secretary's argument that the contractor for the roadwork did not obtain permission from them to place the metal. SHRC stated in the order that the panchayat failed to take precautions to prevent accidents.
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rights panel steps in to address alleged contamination of well water near temple
A solution appears to be in sight to the alleged contamination of well water near the Thiruvarinikkulam Devi Temple during the 10-day-long Nadathurappu festival, attended by thousands each year, thanks to the intervention of State Human Rights Commission Chairperson Alexander Thomas. The State Pollution Control Board (PCB) and the temple committee office-bearers assured the Commission that the issue of water contamination would be permanently resolved once the new waste treatment plant at the temple becomes operational. The Commission directed the Sreemoolanagaram panchayat secretary to submit a report after testing a sample of well water from the temple's neighbourhood once the treatment plant becomes operational. The directive was issued on a petition filed by Sujikumar, a resident living around 300 metres from the temple entrance, alleging that the water in his well became polluted during the temple festival. The Kochi Sub-Collector submitted a report to the Commission, informing that the Kochi Devaswom Board, PCB, and the Sreemoolanagaram panchayat had been instructed to take emergency measures. The report stated that a wastewater storage tank with a capacity of 6 lakh litres had been constructed. The PCB has directed the temple to use the treated water for agricultural purposes. It also said that the new plant would be permitted to operate only in compliance with the Board's guidelines. The 2026 festival will serve as a full-scale test to assess the plant's efficiency. The case will be heard next during the Commission's sitting in September. The petitioner, the environmental engineer, and the panchayat secretary have been asked to appear.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
SHRC: Take action to prevent rabies deaths
Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of 1.65 lakh people being bitten by dogs and 17 fatalities in the past five months, state human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas on Monday ordered that steps be initiated to draft a plan to prevent rabies-related deaths. This follows the opinion of Dr Jacob John, former head of virology department at Vellore Christian Medical College, who suggested forming a task force. Justice Thomas emphasised the necessity of the Justice Siri Jagan Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court to recommend compensation to victims of dog bites, and requested state govt to clarify whether the committee was still active. SHRC also demanded a report from the additional chief secretary of the local self-govt department within a month. The commission registered the case suo motu based on media reports to take urgent measures to prevent rabies deaths and curb the street dog menace. Dr John recommended forming a task force that included representatives from the departments of forest, agriculture, animal husbandry, education, local self-govt and health. An expert from the health sector should lead the task force, with a senior govt official as secretary and Institute of Advanced Virology should be included. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Тези обувки са висш пилотаж в мъжката мода. ZAROTRAVEL® КУПИ СЕГА Undo He believed that with a clear objective, the population could be freed of rabies within five years. He also suggested raising awareness about immediate preventive measures for dog bite victims. SHRC requested Dr John to submit a detailed action plan for forming the task force within a month, outlining the functioning of various departments in the report. The commission also demanded that secretary, local self-govt department, include state govt's measures to control rabies and prevent street dog attacks in the report. Govt should also present the Supreme Court's order on the matter. A senior official appointed by additional chief secretary must attend the commission's sitting on Aug 7. Dr John will be heard via video conference.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Collector told to investigate complaint on parking fees at Civil Station
Kochi: State human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas said Ernakulam collector should investigate the complaint that parking fees are being unfairly collected from vehicles entering collectorate and make a decision within two months. The order states that complainant should submit the complaint and remedies to the collector. He should form a committee comprising sub-collectors and officials to examine the complaint. Committee should conduct a proper investigation after hearing the complainant and submit an objective report to collector. Commission also asked collector to make an appropriate decision in this regard without delay. Report submitted to SHRC by collector says that parking fee is being charged to ensure security of Civil Station. Parking fee is charged for vehicles staying in the compound for more than an hour. From the amount collected as parking fee, Rs 1,500 is being paid to govt every month. However, the complainant, civil activist Raju Vazhakkala, informed the commission that a fee is charged as soon as the vehicle is parked. Commission stated in its order that since charging fees is a policy decision, it cannot be said to be illegal.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Time of India
Rights panel orders inquiry into alleged overpricing of food items at Kalabhavan Theatre
Thiruvananthapuram: State human rights commission (SHRC) ordered an inquiry into the alleged overpricing of food items at Kalabhavan Theatre, owned and operated by Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas issued the directive following a complaint that food was being sold at rates nearly double to the rates displayed there. The complaint was lodged by Waheed, a Kottur resident, who claimed that customers were being charged Rs 100 for popcorn, while the displayed price was only Rs 60. He noted that the discrepancy was not limited to Kalabhavan but was also reportedly prevalent in other theatres across the city. Justice Thomas instructed secretaries of local self-govt department, civil supplies department and corporation to examine the complaint and submit a detailed report within a month. SHRC emphasised that consumers have the right to be charged transparently and fairly, especially at public or govt-affiliated venues. If the allegations were found to be true, it could amount to unfair trade practices and exploitation of cinemagoers, SHRC observed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo This incident also reignited broader concerns about unchecked food pricing in cinema halls, which remain outside the purview of standard consumer protection norms in many cases. Consumer rights activists have welcomed the SHRC move, urging authorities to implement price regulation more strictly across all theatres. The outcome of the investigation could lead to regulatory changes or fines for violators, particularly in govt-affiliated venues like Kalabhavan, which is expected to follow public accountability norms. Further action will be based on the findings submitted by the departments concerned.
