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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Contempt over toilet, SC asks BMC engineer to explain delay to HC; SC must not interfere in HC-initiated contempt, except in rare cases
NEW DELHI: : Importance of toilets can be best assessed by the fact that a few months delay in construction of a toilet block led to Bombay High Court initiating contempt proceedings against a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation engineer and in turn the matter rolling up to the Supreme Court on Friday. The Bombay HC on Oct 4 had directed the BMC to construct within three months the toilets at a slum cluster in Kalina, Santacruz E, invoking right to life guaranteed under Article 21 which included dignified living and the provisions under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Four months later, on Feb 2, the HC found that the toilet blocks remained incomplete and had slammed the BMC threatening to take contempt action. BMC executive engineer Maheshkumar Sampat Jare, who had been bearing the brunt of the HC's displeasure, attempted to explain that the survey took some time and since it is a toilet block having 32 units - 15 for women, 16 for men and one for handicapped persons, it would require nine months for completion, as was estimated by his superiors in the corporation. The HC on May 6 again found that despite its Feb 2 order, the toilet blocks had not been completed and initiated contempt proceedings against Jare. A week later, the toilet complex was inaugurated. With the contempt sword hanging, Jare rushed to the SC. Senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal told a bench of Justices K V Viswanathan and N Kotiswar Singh that Jare had an unblemished service record of 35 years, that he would retire 18 months later and that it would be unfortunate to undergo the rigours of contempt of court proceedings when he had done everything possible under his control to finish the project as expeditiously as possible. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The bench said, 'When the High Courts issue contempt notices, as a matter of principle, the Supreme Court should not interfere with it except in exceptional circumstances.' However, it noted that the toilet block has since been inaugurated and told Jare to appear before HC and explain the circumstances which led to delay. Agrawal said that strong remarks have been made by the HC in its order and that the alleged contemnor is apprehensive about his fate. The bench requested HC to decide the issue involved in the contempt proceedings without being influenced by its observations in the earlier orders. 'HC is seeking an explanation only. SO go before the HC and explain everything,' the bench told Jare.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
SC asks BMC engr facing contempt over toilet construction to explain delay to HC
New Delhi: The importance of toilets can be best assessed by the fact that a few months delay in construction of a toilet block led to Bombay High Court initiating contempt proceedings against a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation engineer and in turn the matter ended up with the Supreme Court on Friday. The Bombay HC on Oct 4 had directed the BMC to construct within three months toilets at a slum cluster in Kalina, Santacruz E, invoking right to life guaranteed under Article 21 which included dignified living and the provisions under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Four months later, on Feb 2, the HC found that the toilet blocks remained incomplete and had slammed the BMC threatening to take contempt action. BMC executive engineer Maheshkumar Sampat Jare, who had been bearing the brunt of the HC's displeasure, attempted to explain that the survey took some time and since it is a toilet block having 32 units - 15 for women, 16 for men and one for handicapped persons, it would require nine months for completion, as was estimated by his superiors in the corporation. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The HC on May 6 again found that despite its Feb 2 order, the toilet blocks had not been completed and initiated contempt proceedings against Jare. A week later, the toilet complex was inaugurated. With the contempt sword hanging, Jare rushed to the SC. Senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal told a bench of Justices K V Viswanathan and N Kotiswar Singh that Jare had an unblemished service record of 35 years, that he would retire 18 months later and that it would be unfortunate to undergo the rigours of contempt of court proceedings when he had done everything possible under his control to finish the project as expeditiously as possible. The bench said, "When the High Courts issue contempt notices, as a matter of principle, the Supreme Court should not interfere with it except in exceptional circumstances." However, it noted that the toilet block has since been inaugurated and told Jare to appear before HC and explain the circumstances which led to the delay. Agrawal said that strong remarks have been made by the HC in its order and that the alleged contemnor is apprehensive about his fate. The bench requested HC to decide the issue involved in the contempt proceedings without being influenced by its observations in the earlier orders. "HC is seeking an explanation only. So go before the HC and explain everything," the bench told Jare.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Internal roads in Kharar area turn death traps
1 2 Mohali: A year after the completion of sewerage pipeline and manhole installation in Shivalik City, Kharar, the dug-up internal roads remain in a dangerously neglected state — posing a serious threat to public safety and health. With the onset of monsoon, the roads have turned into treacherous stretches of mud, slush, and water-logging, drawing outrage from residents who have now approached senior government officials for immediate intervention. Led by advocate S S Dhanjal, the residents have submitted a formal complaint to the additional secretary and director of local government, Punjab, as well as to the deputy commissioner (DC) Mohali and SDM Kharar, invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. "The roads in Shivalik Homes, Sector 127, and adjoining areas have become death traps," reads the complaint. "The sewerage work was completed over a year ago, but the authorities have failed to remove the dug-up soil or repair the broken roads. The condition is not just inconvenient—it is life-threatening." Advocate Dhanjal said that a prior representation was submitted to MC Kharar on Aug 21, 2024 (Diary No. 1040), but no action was taken. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bromley: If You Were Born Between 1940-1975 You Could Be Eligible For This Life Cover Reassured Get Quote Undo "This continued negligence amounts to a gross violation of the fundamental rights of the residents under Article 21. If an accident or health crisis occurs, the concerned departments will be directly responsible," he stated. The residents have demanded immediate instructions be issued to the relevant authorities for road repair and resurfacing. They have called the matter a pressing public safety concern that can no longer be delayed. The district administration is yet to issue a response. Complaint highlights many issues: Neglected repairs: Despite repeated complaints to the Sub-Divisional Officer and Executive Officer, Municipal Council Kharar, and the Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board, no action has been taken to repair the damaged roads. Blame game: The Sewerage Board claims their work ended with pipeline installation, while MC Kharar insists repairs aren't its responsibility—leaving residents caught in administrative deadlock. Monsoon Woes: The unpaved, dug-up roads have now become waterlogged and infested with mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Slippery surfaces have made it dangerous for pedestrians, particularly children, senior citizens, and emergency service vehicles.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Assam: CM takes part in BJP's Mock Parliament to commemorate dark chapter of Emergency
Guwahati (Assam) [India], June 25 (ANI): With the aim of commemorating the dark chapter of the Emergency period in India, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday took part in a Mock Parliament event organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and BJP Mahila Morcha at the Bhogeswari Phukanani Indoor Stadium in Guwahati. The 21 months of Emergency are known for forced mass sterilisations, press censorship, suspension of constitutional rights and centralisation of power. Speaking on the occasion, CM Sarma stated that it is imperative for the new generation of India to commemorate the Emergency every year to ensure that such events are never repeated. He emphasised that it is the responsibility of the youth to understand and reflect upon the widespread atrocities committed during the 21 months of the Emergency. Referring to the proclamation of Emergency on 25 June 1975 without cabinet approval, he remarked that it inflicted a severe blow to the nation's conscience. He further pointed out that the Supreme Court's judgement during the Emergency allowed even the suspension of Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, thereby enabling the government to arrest and detain individuals without judicial oversight and absolving the state of accountability even in cases of custodial deaths. The Chief Minister highlighted that the Shah Commission Report and various historical documents related to that period are now publicly accessible and should be studied by the younger generation. He also stated that history demonstrates how, in times of chaos and oppression, conscientious groups and individuals have emerged in response. Citing the Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat as a significant movement against Indira Gandhi's regime, he said that it eventually expanded into a nationwide movement under the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan. He further acknowledged leaders such as Morarji Desai, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, George Fernandes, and Nanaji Deshmukh, who resisted the Emergency, endured imprisonment, and ultimately compelled Indira Gandhi to withdraw the Emergency. Dr Sarma expressed hope that during this Mock Parliament, participants would reflect on the fact that the Emergency lacked both legal and moral justification. He also recalled that numerous individuals made significant sacrifices to end the Emergency and restore democracy in the country, with leaders from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jan Sangh playing a vital role in countering Indira Gandhi's authoritarianism. Referring to a leader from that era who had sworn to protect the Constitution, the Chief Minister remarked that it was the same individual's family that subsequently imposed the Emergency. He noted that, unlike other instances in history where perpetrators expressed regret - such as the British over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre or US Presidents visiting Hiroshima to acknowledge the atomic bombings, the Congress party has never issued an apology for the Emergency. He concluded by stating that the party responsible for the Emergency should apologise to the nation for undermining its democratic values and should pledge that such an event would never be repeated in the future. Assam State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party and MP Dilip Saikia, State President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Rakesh Das, State President of the BJP Mahila Morcha Swapna Bania, along with several party officials and other dignitaries, also took part in the Mock Parliament. (ANI)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong must apologise for Emergency, says Himanta at mock parliament
1 2 Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday participated in a mock parliament session organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and BJP Mahila Morcha in Guwahati, commemorating the anniversary of the Emergency imposed in India on June 25, 1975. He said the party responsible should apologise to the nation for undermining its democratic values and should pledge that such an event would never be repeated in the future. Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said it is imperative for the new generation of India to commemorate the Emergency every year to ensure that such events are never repeated. He emphasised that it is the responsibility of the youth to understand and reflect upon the widespread atrocities committed during the 21 months of the Emergency. Referring to the proclamation of Emergency without cabinet approval, Sarma said it inflicted a severe blow to the nation's conscience. He further pointed out that the Supreme Court's judgement during the Emergency allowed even the suspension of Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, thereby enabling the govt to arrest and detain people without judicial oversight and absolving the state of accountability even in cases of custodial deaths. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The anime RPG everyone's talking about is finally free! Nikke: Goddess Of Victory Play Now Undo The CM highlighted that the Shah Commission Report and various historical documents related to that period are now publicly accessible and should be studied by the younger generation. He also stated that history demonstrates how, in times of chaos and oppression, conscientious groups and individuals have emerged in response. Citing the Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat as a significant movement against Indira Gandhi's regime, he said that it eventually expanded into a nationwide movement under the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan. He further acknowledged leaders such as Morarji Desai, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, George Fernandes, and Nanaji Deshmukh, who resisted the Emergency, endured imprisonment, and ultimately compelled Indira Gandhi to withdraw the Emergency. Sarma said unlike other instances in history where perpetrators expressed regret such as the British over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre or US presidents visiting Hiroshima to acknowledge the atomic bombings, "Congress party has never issued an apology for the Emergency."
