GCC unveils list of 35,588 street vendors in 15 zones
Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has officially released a comprehensive list of 35,588 street vendors across its 15 administrative zones. This initiative is part of the ongoing implementation of the 2025 Street Vendors Survey, conducted under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission framework.
The list, published on June 4, marks a critical step in recognizing the rights and contributions of street vendors to Chennai's urban economy. According to the GCC, this effort follows a Supreme Court directive from 2015, mandating the protection and promotion of street vendors' livelihoods through proper identification and licensing.
To ensure transparency and public participation, the GCC will organize a series of public grievance redressal meetings at the zonal offices from June 16 to 18.
These sessions will allow stakeholders to raise objections or provide clarifications regarding the published vendor lists. Subsequently, the final vendor selection will be completed by June 26, and identity cards will be issued on June 27.
The published list is available for public viewing both online at chennaicorporation.gov.in; and at designated zonal offices, and Urban Livelihood Centres located in Ripon Buildings.
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Time of India
2 hours ago
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Divorce: Permanent alimony for wife revised by 2.5 times up by SC within 9 years of HC fixing it Rs 20,000 per month
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Hence, the Supreme Court accepted the husband's lawyer's contention about paying child maintenance but rejected his reservations about paying a higher alimony to the wife. Live Events The SC also said: 'Having considered the submissions and materials on record, we are of the view that the quantum of permanent alimony fixed by the High Court requires revision. The husband's income, financial disclosures, and past earnings establish that he is in a position to pay a higher amount.' Read below to understand the rationale behind the Supreme Court's decision to more than double the monthly permanent alimony, along with the legal reasoning behind it. How did this alimony case go on for 17 years? According to the order of the Supreme Court dated May 29, 2025, here's a timeline of events: June 18, 1997: The couple married following Hindu ceremonies. August 5, 1998: A son was born to the newly married couple. July 2008: The husband filed Matrimonial Suit No. 430 of 2008 under Section 27 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, seeking dissolution of marriage on the grounds of cruelty allegedly inflicted by the wife. Subsequently, the wife filed Misc. Case No. 155 of 2008 in the same suit under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, seeking interim maintenance for herself and the minor son. January 14, 2010: The Trial Court, by order dated January 14, 2010, awarded interim maintenance of Rs 8,000 per month, along with Rs 10,000 for litigation expenses, to the wife. March 28, 2014: The wife then instituted a case under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Trial Court, vide order dated March 28, 2014, directed the husband to pay maintenance of Rs 8,000 per month to the wife and Rs 6,000 per month to the minor son, along with Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs. May 14, 2015: Aggrieved by this order, the husband filed an appeal before the Calcutta High Court. The High Court, by order dated May 14, 2015, directed the husband to pay interim maintenance of Rs 15,000 per month. January 10, 2016: The Trial Court, vide order dated January 1, 2016, dismissed the matrimonial suit, finding that the respondent-husband had failed to prove cruelty. July 14, 2016: Subsequently, by order dated July 14, 2016, the High Court noted that the respondent-husband was drawing a net monthly salary of Rs 69,000 and enhanced the interim maintenance to Rs 20,000 per month. June 25, 2019: The High Court, by order dated June 25, 2019, allowed the husband's appeal, granted a decree of divorce on the grounds of mental cruelty and irretrievable breakdown of marriage. February 20, 2023: The Supreme Court of India issued a notice confined to the question of enhancement of permanent alimony awarded to the wife. November 7, 2023: By interim order dated November 7, 2023, the Supreme Court, noting the absence of representation on behalf of the husband despite proof of service, enhanced the monthly maintenance to Rs 75,000 with effect from November 1, 2023. The husband subsequently entered the appearance and filed an application seeking vacation of the said interim order. May 29, 2025: The Supreme Court's final judgement ordered the husband to pay Rs 50,000 per month as permanent alimony, with a 5% increase every two years. Legal arguments used by husband and wife The wife asks, why is she getting Rs 20,000 per month as alimony when her former husband is earning Rs 4 lakh per month? The former wife's lawyers said before the Supreme Court of India: 'The appellant-wife contends that the amount of Rs 20,000 per month, which the High Court made final, was originally awarded as interim maintenance. She submits that the respondent-husband has a monthly income of approximately Rs 4,00,000 and the quantum of alimony awarded is not commensurate with the standard of living maintained by the parties during marriage.' The husband counters his former wife's argument by saying he has to support expenses for his second marriage and old parents The husband's lawyers said before the Supreme Court of India: 'In response, the respondent-husband submits that his current net monthly income is Rs 1,64,039, earned from his employment. He has submitted salary slips, bank statements, and income tax returns for the year 2023-2024. He also submits that his monthly household expenses total Rs 1,72,088 and that he has remarried, has a dependent family, and aged parents. The husband contends that their son, now 26 years of age, is no longer financially dependent.' What did the Supreme Court of India say? According to the order of the Supreme Court dated May 29, 2025, here are the details: Having considered the submissions and materials on record, we are of the view that the quantum of permanent alimony fixed by the High Court requires revision. The respondent-husband's income, financial disclosures, and past earnings establish that he is in a position to pay a higher amount. The appellant-wife, who has remained unmarried and is living independently, is entitled to a level of maintenance that is reflective of the standard of living she enjoyed during the marriage and which reasonably secures her future. Furthermore, the inflationary cost of living and her continued reliance on maintenance as the sole means of financial support necessitate a reassessment of the amount. The Supreme Court's final judgement: Pay former wife Rs 50,000 per month as permanent alimony The Supreme Court said: In our considered opinion, a sum of Rs 50,000 per month would be just, fair and reasonable to ensure financial stability for the appellant-wife. This amount shall be subject to an enhancement of 5% every two years. As regards the son, now aged 26, we are not inclined to direct any further mandatory financial support. However, it is open to the respondent-husband to voluntarily assist him with educational or other reasonable expenses. We clarify that the son's right to inheritance remains unaffected, and any claim to ancestral or other property may be pursued in accordance with law. In view of the above, the appeal is allowed. The impugned order of the High Court is modified to the extent that the permanent alimony payable to the appellant-wife shall be Rs 50,000 per month, subject to a 5% increase every two years, as noted above. Nikita Anand, Partner at Magnus Legal Services LLP, says: 'Maintenance is not charity but a right that must be calibrated to genuine financial realities and the lifestyle disruption caused by marital breakdown. The days of token alimony amounts may well be numbered.' Arnaz Hathiram, a digital media professional, says: "This is a classic case where alimony is granted by default irrespective of the outcome of the main divorce case. In the current scenario, parties had been separated since 2008 where maintenance to wife was granted on the husband's then income. In 2025, the Supreme Court has enhanced permanent alimony to the wife even where cruelty by her had been proven and divorce was granted to the husband on grounds of cruelty. When courts award alimony to wives despite cruelty proven, it leaves the husbands - who approach court for justice - with very little hope. In my opinion, the husband in this case just got freedom, not justice." Neelam Singh, Advocate on Record, Lucknow High Court, says: 'This judgment holds immense significance for women who, after divorce, are left unheard and unsupported when it comes to claiming maintenance from their husbands. Many are forced to run from pillar to post, struggling through the legal system just to secure a rightful order for themselves and their children—simply to survive with dignity in society. Prachi Dubey, Advocate, Delhi High Court, "By increasing the wife's maintenance to Rs 50,000 with incremental raises every second year, the court upheld in past decisions that inflation should be considered while providing spousal support and should be reflective of the standard of living during the marriage. It also made distinction between spousal and child support, maintained the position with respect to the son's rights to inherit, and accepted tacitly that the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is a ground for divorce." Singh adds: 'This judgment sets a significant precedent for wives and legitimate children who are often left with no option but to repeatedly approach the court to seek a dignified standard of living and rightful maintenance from their husband or father. It establishes a benchmark that reinforces the court's role as a guardian of justice—offering hope and support to women seeking financial stability and to children who depend on their father's support as they grow. It is indeed a remarkable, meaningful, and much-needed ruling that upholds both fairness and compassion.' Priyanka Desai, Co-founder and Partner, The Fort Circle, says: This judgment clarifies that maintenance can be increased based on the husband's higher income, irrespective of his remarriage. It also holds that financial support is not mandatory for a child who has attained majority. A key takeaway is that the maintenance amounts mentioned in the divorce decree is not set in stone and may be modified based on changed circumstances. Anand says: 'The Supreme Court refused to accept the husband's claimed reduction in income at face value. Despite his assertion that his current monthly net income was Rs 1,64,039, the court considered his "past earnings" and professional background, including his previous employment with a hotel at an annual salary exceeding Rs 21 lakh. This sends a clear warning that spouses cannot deliberately reduce their income or accept lower-paying positions to evade maintenance obligations. The court's approach creates a stronger deterrent against income suppression tactics and encourages a more robust assessment of a party's true earning potential based on their professional trajectory and historical income patterns.' Ruchita Datta, Partner, D&T JURIS, says: "The instant judgement is a reiteration of the fact that while deciding the alimony amount the court needs to weigh in various factors viz., residential rights, wife's status of living before divorce, any medical ailment, dependence of children, Inflation rates etc. In this case, the wife remained unmarried and had no other source of income to sustain herself except the amount which has been provided to her by her husband. So, therefore the amount of ₹20,000 provided to her as an alimony by the High court was enhanced by the Supreme Court to ₹50,000 per month along with 5 % increase after every two years keeping in mind the high cost of living and the prevailing inflation. In my opinion, it is imperative to be pragmatic while deciding the alimony amount as the amount so awarded will not only cater to her basic needs of sustenance but also provide her with a life of dignity and respect."
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Why India is emerging as the ideal hub for GBS and GCCs
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Today, over 1,600 GCCs operate in India, employing more than 1.5 million professionals , with projections suggesting growth to 2,400 centers by 2030, potentially elevating the market value to $110 billion. This evolution reflects a fundamental shift in corporate strategy. GCCs have progressed beyond transactional services to become strategic enablers that drive organizational growth through emerging technologies. They now function as innovation engines, propelling parent companies into new frontiers of operational efficiency and market leadership. GBS and GCC models transform traditional shared service centres into centres of excellence, driving efficiency and innovation. GBS centralises and standardises processes, uniting business units under one framework to maximise economies of scale. By combining in-house teams with third-party providers, it improves efficiency, governance, and compliance. GCCs, meanwhile, are specialised centres that insource critical business functions and focus on innovation. Unlike GBS's broad service delivery, GCCs excel in AI, automation, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital transformation. India's Unparalleled Advantages for GCC Establishment India's greatest advantage lies in its vast pool of skilled professionals who combine technical expertise with deep functional knowledge. India boasts one of the world's largest and most skilled workforces, with over 5.8 million IT professionals contributing to the industry as of 2025. Annually, the country produces over 1.5 million engineers, including 120,000 IT graduates, meeting the growing demand for expertise in emerging fields such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. India's IT sector is likely to reach a milestone of USD 300 bn in revenue in 2026 (Nasscom Annual Strategic Review 2025), showcasing its role as a global tech powerhouse. While cost was the initial driver for establishing GCCs in India, the value proposition has evolved significantly. India offers an ideal combination for enterprises concerned with balancing operational efficiency and cost. GCCs in India deliver not just cost savings but also quality excellence as a result of our deep functional understanding, solidifying India's appeal to businesses looking for scale and agility. GCCs in India have the potential to not only deliver cost savings but also innovation in service delivery. Their ability to operationalize Enterprise Resource Hubs (ERHs) and deploy autonomous operational models in record time will ensure further reduction in setup and operational costs, solidifying India's appeal to businesses looking for scale and agility. India's strategic geographical positioning and cultural compatibility, particularly with Western and Middle Eastern markets, make it an ideal partner for organizations looking to leverage GBS for their operational needs. The proximity to major Asian and Middle Eastern markets, alongside a shared cultural ethos with many global corporations, facilitates smoother integration and collaboration. AI-Driven Indian GCCs India's GCCs are at the forefront of AI adoption and digital transformation. The integration of AI, machine learning, and hyperautomation is redefining operational management at a global scale. Advanced analytics, process automation, and predictive intelligence have significantly progressed due to the incorporation of AI in GCCs. AI implementation in GCCs enables real-time decision-making capabilities through high-level analytics for extensive data processing, particularly useful in finance, supply chain management, and customer service optimization. GBS-enabled back-office processes have been automated through Intelligent Process Automation (IPA). This has increased the de-skilling of human effort, leading to fewer mistakes and significantly higher productive outputs. Autonomous Systems Transforming Business Operations As GCCs evolve, there will be increasing demand for autonomous systems and platforms capable of automating and managing expense-line business operations. These systems are transforming critical functions across the enterprise. Autonomous procurement systems are revolutionizing the procure-to-pay cycle by automating supplier on boarding and verification processes, implementing AI-driven contract management and compliance monitoring, enabling predictive analytics for spend optimization and supplier risk assessment, and facilitating seamless collaboration between buyers and suppliers through digital platforms. In the finance domain, autonomous systems are delivering significant improvements by reducing process cycle times by 40-70% across various functions, with specific improvements including 55% touchless invoice posting for AP processes, 40% cycle time reduction for reconciliation processes, 50% for AR processes, and over 70% for Master Data processes. They're also accelerating cash application and reconciliation processes, enhancing financial forecasting accuracy with AI-powered predictive models, and streamlining record-to-report cycles with automated data validation and reporting. The HR function is being transformed through AI-driven recruitment and talent acquisition platforms, automated employee onboarding and documentation processes, intelligent performance management systems, and personalized learning and development programs powered by AI. Meanwhile, autonomous systems are enhancing compliance functions by monitoring regulatory changes and automatically updating compliance frameworks, identifying and flagging potential compliance issues through pattern recognition, streamlining reporting and documentation requirements, and reducing compliance-related risks through proactive monitoring and alerts. Enterprise Resilience Hubs: The Next Evolution The concept of Enterprise Resilience Hubs (ERHs) represents the next evolution of GCCs, focusing on building resilience and agility into business operations. ERHs leverage advanced technologies to enhance operational continuity and drive long-term business performance. Unlike traditional GBS or GCC models that rely heavily on human-driven processes, ERHs leverage largely autonomous shared services across processes in functions such as Procure-to-Pay (P2P), Order-to-Cash (O2C), Record-to-Report (R2R), and compliance. Advanced automation eliminates repetitive tasks, enabling organizations to streamline operations while reducing dependency on extensive staffing or physical infrastructure. ERHs use AI to go beyond task execution, providing predictive insights, real-time analytics, and intelligent process optimization for mission-critical functions. These capabilities empower organizations to respond proactively to disruptions, making data-backed decisions that reinforce operational resilience and business continuity. By embedding advanced data analytics into core processes, ERHs enable enterprises to identify emerging trends, monitor risks, and uncover innovation opportunities. Decision-makers gain a holistic view of operational data, driving strategic adjustments that align with dynamic market conditions. India's Growing ERHs Landscape: Expanding Horizons Enterprise Resilience Hubs are emerging as India's answer to growing sustainability challenges amid GCC expansion. As operations extend beyond metropolitan centers, infrastructure constraints and resource scarcity—particularly water—have become pressing concerns. ERHs address these challenges by integrating sustainability directly into their frameworks through AI-driven processes that significantly reduce resource consumption while maintaining operational resilience. The shift to tier-2 and tier-3 cities creates a dual benefit: alleviating urban infrastructure pressure while bringing economic opportunities to developing regions. Government incentives and improving digital infrastructure make cities like Jaipur, Kochi, and Indore increasingly viable for ERH operations. By embedding ESG considerations into their operational DNA, these hubs demonstrate how business growth and environmental stewardship can successfully coexist, offering a blueprint for responsible expansion across urban and semi-urban India. Summary India's position as the premier hub for GBS and GCCs is built on its exceptional talent pool, cost advantages, and technological capabilities. The emergence of Enterprise Resilience Hubs is crucial as they address pressing challenges of resource scarcity—particularly water—and infrastructure constraints while enabling responsible growth in both urban and developing regions. For global enterprises, India now offers both traditional GCC benefits and the opportunity to establish ERHs that combine operational excellence with environmental stewardship. As businesses face mounting sustainability pressures, ERHs provide the strategic framework to balance innovation, resource efficiency, and long-term resilience in an increasingly competitive global environment.
