Latest news with #Statehumanrightscommission
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.
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
- Health
- Time of India
Kottayam MCH building collapse: SHRC registers case
Kottayam: State human rights commission (SHRC) on Friday registered a case suo motu in the incident where a patient's mother was killed after a dilapidated building at Kottayam Medical College collapsed. The commission's judicial member K Byjunath directed Kottayam district collector and district medical officer conduct detailed investigations into the circumstances that led to the accident and submit a report within 15 days. SHRC's action is based on media reports. The case will be considered at a sitting to be held at Kottayam PWD rest house on July 26. Bindu cremated The mortal remains of D Bindu, 52, who was killed in the building collapse at Kottayam medical college hospital, were cremated at Ummakunnu in Thalayolaprambu in the district on Friday. As the body was brought home, Bindu's elderly mother Seethalakshmi broke down, saying the pillar of the family was gone. Bindu was the family's main financial support. Her son Navaneet and daughter Navami were inconsolable and remained near their mother's body as hundreds of people paid homage. Bindu had gone to the medical college hospital as Navami's bystander for her spine surgery. Bindu's remains were brought to her half-constructed house, with very little space to accommodate the huge gathering, around 8.30am. The body was kept for public viewing in a temporary shed near the funeral pyre, which was arranged in the adjacent property, owned by Bindu's sister. After completing the final rites, Navaneet lit the pyre. Though no ministers reached the house for the funeral or earlier in the day, health minister Veena George spoke with Bindu's husband over the phone. Port minister V N Vasavan arrived at the house in the evening. Speaking to the media, Vasavan assured all support saying govt would stand by Bindu's family. "Govt will take care of Navami's treatment. She will be admitted to the MCH soon," he said. " Navaneet will be given a temporary job at the MCH and it will be decided by the hospital development committee. Later, a decision will be taken to make the posting permanent," he added. Vasavan handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 to the family towards funeral expenses. More financial aid will be decided in the next cabinet, he said. Meanwhile, the primary findings of Bindu's autopsy said the cause of death was the critical head injury, which led to internal bleeding. The skull cracked and the internal parts fell out. The ribs were also found broken. Several internal organs suffered serious injuries.
