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Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Karnataka High Court orders BBMP to pay Rs 10-crore dues for pandemic medical services
The Karnataka High Court has in two separate matters directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to pay over Rs 10 crore to two medical establishments for services during the pandemic. The matters were heard by a bench of Justice S R Krishna Kumar, with the final order being delivered on June 2 and made publicly available this week. Vijayalakshmi Diagnostics Private Limited approached the court for the recovery of Rs 5.8-crore dues from the BBMP, to which the company supplied RT-PCR testing services in 2020-2022. The court observed that the facts were similar to another case, already decided, involving BGS Global Institute of Medical Science, where dues of Rs 4.5 crore were payable for providing 24 x 7 RT-PCR services. The BBMP argued that the Covid inquiry commission–set up to examine irregularities in the pandemic management–had rejected the company's request to pay the bills. BGS Global Institute, however, contended that their services and the payment were not part of the subject matter of the inquiry, led by retired judge Michael Cunha. The court observed, 'It is an undisputed fact that the claim of the petitioner…is towards non-payment of dues in relation to RTPCR tests conducted by the petitioner, which are clearly not the subject matter of the enquiry before the Covid Enquiry Commission. Under these circumstances, I am of the view that no reliance can be placed upon the said order dated 27.10.2023 passed by the Covid Enquiry Commission by the BBMP in order to avoid its undisputed liability to pay the pending dues in favour of the petitioner, who would be entitled to recover the same from respondent No.2-BBMP.' The court said the mere pendency of the inquiry could not be a basis to withhold undisputed dues and directed the payments to be made along with interest calculated at 6 per cent per annum.
United News of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Siddaramaiah advocates new caste survey
New Delhi, June 10 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday underscored the government's commitment to conducting a fresh caste survey, emphasising its significance in promoting social justice and understanding demographic realities. Addressing the media after a meeting with the party high command here, Siddaramaiah said, "The last caste survey was conducted in 2015–16. We believe a new survey is necessary to serve a different purpose and adopt a different methodology. This will help us better address the needs of various communities and ensure equitable development." He further clarified that the government's support for the caste census stems from the need for accurate data to formulate policies that promote social justice. Highlighting recent controversies, Siddaramaiah mentioned reports of some organisations and ministers making derogatory remarks about certain castes concerning religious conversions. He assured that the government is committed to respecting all castes and communities and is taking steps to ensure social harmony. Apart from the caste survey, Siddaramaiah addressed the recent tragic stampede in Bengaluru, which resulted in the loss of eleven lives. He detailed the government's response, including the formation of a judicial commission led by retired Justice Michael Cunha, suspension of five police officers, transfer of intelligence officials, and the relief of a political secretary. "A magisterial inquiry is underway, and we have taken all appropriate measures," he said. He also urged the public and the media not to politicise the incident, emphasising that the focus should be on justice and accountability. "The Kumbh Mela tragedy in Haridwar is a separate incident and should be discussed first before addressing this. When people die, we feel sorrow. We should not politicise such tragedies," he added. Siddaramaiah's statements reflect his government's balanced approach, prioritising social justice through the caste survey while responsibly handling recent tragedies without political sensationalism. His emphasis on data-driven policies aims to promote inclusivity and social harmony across Karnataka. UNI BDN SSP
News18
05-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
Bengaluru Stampede: Karnataka HC Asks Pointed Questions To State Govt, Demands Reply By May 10
The state government must specifically address when and by whom the decision to hold the RCB victory celebration was taken and the manner in which it was made The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, which resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory. In a significant order accessed by CNN-News18, the high court has posed a series of pointed questions to the state government and demanded a comprehensive status report detailing its responses. The court's directive states that the status report, to be filed by the government, must specifically address when and by whom the decision to hold the victory celebration was taken and the manner in which it was made. It also requires details on the steps taken to regulate both traffic and the crowd. The HC further demands information on the medical and other facilities arranged at the venue and whether any advance assessment was made regarding the expected attendance. Crucially, the court has asked whether injured persons received immediate medical attention from experts at the venue, and if not, why not, and how long it took to transport them to hospitals. The court also seeks to ascertain if a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) exists for managing crowds of 50,000 or more at sporting events and similar celebrations and whether permission was sought to organise the event. Chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that his government has suspended the police commissioner and three other top officers. He asked the police to arrest representatives of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Administrative Committee. Retired high court judge Michael Cunha's one-person commission will submit a report on the stampede in 30 days. First Published: June 05, 2025, 22:17 IST
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bengaluru stampede: Top police officials suspended; CID to probe incident - Big action by CM Siddaramaiah
Siddaramaiah Bengaluru Stampede NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah opn Thursday said that one-member commission has been formed to probe the stampede during the IPL victory celebration event of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) that claimed 11 lives. Former Karnataka high court Justice Michael Cunha will probe the incident. The representatives of RCB, even managers of DNA, the event management company, and Karnataka cricket body have to be arrested, the CM said. Siddaramaiah also announced that the cabinet has decided to suspend top officials including, Cubbon Park police station inspector, station house officer, jurisdictional ACP, central DCP, Chinnaswamy cricket stadium in-charge ACP and Commissioner of Bengaluru City Police. "We have asked for their arrest is due to prima facie it appears as if their negligence and apathy led to the tragedy," CM Siddaramaiah said. The case has also been transferred to the Central Investigation Bureau. The judicial commission has also been given a timeframe of 30 days to submit the report. "An incident which should never have happened has happened. We reiterate that the government is with the victims families. After having collected evidences along with senior police officers and ministers these stern decisions have been taken," CM Siddaramaiah said at a press breifing.
