Seek nod to construct classrooms in school in Khirki: HC to MCD
Delhi High Court
has ordered Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take immediate corrective steps.
It also directed the civic body to seek necessary permissions from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the construction of the classrooms.
HC's observation came while dealing with the case of a corporation-run primary school in Khirki village, which shares a wall with the tomb of Yusuf Qattal, a Sufi saint.
"If the school is to run, it will require classrooms as well, apart from the facilities for which permission for repair/renovation has been granted.
It is beyond comprehension as to how a school can run without classrooms and only with the facilities of a boundary wall, toilet block and drinking water space alone," a bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said.
You Can Also Check:
Delhi AQI
|
Weather in Delhi
|
Bank Holidays in Delhi
|
Public Holidays in Delhi
The court was hearing a plea in relation to the school, which was constructed in 1949 and shared a wall with the tomb. The counsel for the petitioner, Khirki Village Residents Welfare Association, submitted that after a span of 60 years, they felt it was necessary for the school to be reconstructed, as the population of Khirki village and adjoining areas had increased.
"We gather an impression that the authorities, both of ASI and MCD, do not appear to be serious in getting the sanction for reconstruction/repair of the school being run by the civic body," HC noted, adding it was "astonished" that an order passed by this court, which was to be complied with within six weeks, still remained to be enforced.
"It is beyond our comprehension as to how the authorities are acting in this manner, both those of MCD and ASI, risking initiation of contempt proceedings.
Such a situation cannot be approved of by the court," it said after being informed that ASI had granted permission for the repair/renovation of existing structures — porta cabin, boundary wall, toilet block and drinking water space at the school.
However, the counsel for the petitioner pointed out that it does not include any permission for the construction of classrooms.
HC then directed MCD to move an application seeking the requisite permission of ASI for the construction of the classrooms. It added that if such a proposal is made, it should be considered by the authorities, keeping in mind the necessity of running the school, which cannot be granted without the classes.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
3 hours ago
- India Today
Dance, music at Punjab government's Guru Tegh Bahadur event, top Sikh body fumes
An event organised by the Punjab government to commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, in Srinagar has ran into a controversy as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) raised serious objections, alleging it violated Sikh religious event, held on July 24 at Tagore Hall and organised by the Punjab Government's Language Department in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, featured Gurbani and Sufi music. However, controversy erupted when attendees were seen dancing to a Punjabi song performed by singer Bir the act a "grave violation of Sikh religious conduct (Gurmat Maryada)," SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the event disrespected the sanctity of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom. "Sikh martyrdom anniversaries are solemn, spiritual occasions that must align strictly with Sikh traditions—marked by Shabad Kirtan, Gurbani recitation, Gurmat Vichar, and sewa—not entertainment," Dhami further slammed the Bhagwant Mann government for organising religious commemorations without consulting Sikh institutions, stressing that such events should be led by bodies like the SGPC (the highest authority for Sikh religious affairs), which understand the religious and cultural sensitivities involved."The incident reinforces why the SGPC opposes government-led religious events," he said, demanding a public apology from the state government and urging that future events strictly follow Sikh emphasised that Sikh Gurpurbs and commemorative occasions are spiritual in nature and not meant for casual celebration."They include holy activities such as Shabad Kirtan, Gurmat Vichar, Gurbani recitation, community service and sewa. Activities such as dancing and singing performances are not only violations of Sikh principles but also disrespectful to the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur," he marks the second time in a week that the SGPC has objected to a Punjab Government initiative. Earlier, it raised concerns over the upcoming November celebrations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom, which include a government-organised yatra from Monday, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the event would be held from November 19 to 25, with a yatra to be flagged off by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The SGPC has opposed the plan, citing lack of coordination and government interference in Sikh religious affairs.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Punjab
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Indian Express
Delhi HC to SSC: ‘Make online portal more user friendly for visually-impaired candidates'
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), which conducts recruitment exams to fill positions at multiple Central government departments, to make its online portal more user-friendly for the blind to apply for its various exams. A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela passed the directions while asking the SSC to consider providing the blind candidates an alternative mode to upload their photographs while applying online for various exams being conducted by the commission. A plea filed by National Federation of the Blind's Santosh Kumar Rungta sought an alternative mode of uploading photographs for Combined Graduate Level Examinations, Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination 2025, and Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar (MTS and Havaldar) Examination, 2025. The measure, the petitioner said, would help blind candidates 'whose eye conditions are such that it makes it impossible for them to capture live photograph through face recognition and upload them thereby depriving them of their right to participate in the selection process for recruitment'. The petition termed the exclusion 'a clear case of discrimination and violation of fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution'. The bench observed that the petitioner had forwarded 60 e-mails of such candidates to the SSC and directed the commission to look into the matter at the earliest. 'We request the SSC to look into grievances in these 60 e-mails. So far issue in petition, we will consider for future examinations. Larger matter is Likely to take time. SSC should revisit its policy to make its portal more user friendly especially for visually impaired. Revisit your policy,' the bench said. The bench directed the SSC official to sit with the petitioner and settle the grievances. 'There are some issues that need to be resolved. In future be mindful. Come with your plans for future examinations,' it said and posted the matter on November 12.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Controversy over singing, dancing at Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom centenary event in Srinagar
PATIALA: A significant controversy emerged over an inclusion of dance and musical performances at the event organised by the Punjab govt's Bhasha Vibhag (Language Department) in Srinagar to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of Sikhs. The dance and singing at Sufi Night drew sharp criticism from Sikh religious leaders and institutions, who described the actions as a clear violation of Sikh religious principles and an insult to the sanctity of the Guru's sacrifice. The event, part of a series of govt initiatives to mark the centenary, featured singers and dance performances, provoking outrage within the Sikh community, particularly on social media. The videos of singing and dance during the event has gone viral over the social media along with a symbolic picture comparing the massacre of Sikhs during Mughal period with picture of singing and dance at event organized by government on July 24. Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), issued a strong statement labeling the event 'deeply painful' and a violation of Sikh Maryada (code of conduct). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo He asserted that such solemn commemorations should only take place in Gurdwaras and Sikh institutions and should involve spiritual practices like Shabad Kirtan, Gurbani Paath, and Gurmat Vichar, rather than entertainment. 'This is why SGPC has always maintained that religious commemorations must not be handled by govt bodies, which lack the sensitivity and understanding of Sikh traditions,' Dhami said. He further demanded a public apology from the Punjab govt and urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to prevent similar events in the future. Dhami added that the Language Department's actions confirmed SGPC's long-standing concerns about govt involvement in Sikh religious affairs. 'Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom is not a cultural festivity but a spiritual lesson in sacrifice and righteousness,' he stated, calling for strict guidelines to ensure future respect for Sikh sentiments. Former Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha also condemned the programme and called on the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take religious action against the organisers. Sarabjit Singh Dhotian, Head Pracharak of the Dharam Prachar Committee, criticised the move in a strong Facebook post, questioning the appropriateness of Sufi music in commemorating a martyrdom that symbolised resistance to religious persecution. Dhotian accused the govt of using taxpayer money to send 'atheists and semi-atheists' on official tours while neglecting core Sikh historical values. 'When Aurangzeb was forcibly converting Kashmiri Pandits, which Sufi saint opposed it? The event mocked the essence of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom. When lakhs of Hindus were being massacred, these Sufis were busy dancing and celebrating their beloved. And now, when govts across the world are committing genocide of Sikhs, these govt scholars and singers are 'dancing' to celebrate martyrdom,' he wrote. Punjab Bhasha Vibhag Joint Director Harpreet Kaur stated, 'The programme organised by Punjab govt was scheduled for July 23-24 in Kashmir. Sufi night was also held.' When asked about the controversy over dance and singing during Sufi night, she replied, 'I don't know what happened during the programme as I have not been there nor have I seen any videos. You may speak to Director Bhasha Vibhag.' She declined to comment further. Jaswant Singh Jafar, Director Bhasha Vibhag, could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. Amarinder Singh, one of the organisers of Punjab government organised event in Srinagar, when questioned about the controversy on singing and dancing during commemoration event, declined to comment reasoning network issue and later did not responded. Sikh intellectuals emphasised that even well-intentioned musical performances should not be part of martyrdom commemorations. The controversy highlighted the delicate balance between govt-sponsored cultural outreach and the preservation of religious sanctity.
