Latest news with #AlexanderThomas
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Human rights panel orders probe into damage to recently revamped road in Kollam
Thiruvananthapuram: State human rights commission (SHRC) has ordered an investigation following complaints that a newly renovated road worth Rs 1 crore suffered significant damage near Navodaya Library in Kallara panchayat's Kodithookiyamukku–Thengumkodu stretch, in Kollam district. The commission took up the case suo motu based on a complaint alleging that certain people living in the vicinity damaged the road by unloading large logs at the location. This has caused severe damage to the concrete and drainage channels on the road. The complaint also highlights frequent vehicular accidents due to alleged illegal encroachments along the road. Justice Alexander Thomas, chairperson of the human rights commission, directed the Kallara grama panchayat secretary and the public works department (PWD) executive engineer to submit a detailed report within a month. The complaint, filed by local resident S Saheed, claimed that further deterioration of the road was likely due to the continuous loading and unloading of heavy logs at the site. It also warns of disruption to traffic and threats to pedestrian safety, especially since the area includes several educational institutions. The commission's intervention comes amid growing concerns over substandard infrastructure development and lack of monitoring after completion. The road, which was recently upgraded with public funds, was expected to improve connectivity for residents and students in the region. However, the early signs of damage have raised questions about the quality of construction and oversight. The commission will examine whether any violation of public rights or negligence occurred, particularly considering that improper road use could endanger lives. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
05-08-2025
- The Hindu
Rights panel orders probe into death of two-wheeler rider in Kochi
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has registered two suo motu cases on the death of two two-wheeler riders by speeding private buses in Kochi. The latest case was the death of Muhammed Salim, 42, a resident of Kodungalloor, employed by an online aggregator, after being knocked down by a private bus near the South Kalamassery flyover on Monday. Commission Chairperson Alexander Thomas directed District Police Chief (Kochi City) to assign an officer not less than the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to probe the accident to bring the guilty to book and extent maximum punishment. He urged the authorities to remain alert, function efficiently, and take stringent measures to ensure that no more lives are lost on roads due to speeding private buses. The Commission sought a report from the ACP after looking into aspects like whether a case had been registered against the driver concerned and whether the same bus had been involved in accidents before. Apart from the registration of criminal cases, actions that can be taken under the Motor Vehicles Act against drivers causing such accidents should be submitted to the Commission. The Commission should also be informed about the details of cases registered by the police in connection with accidents caused by private buses due to overspeeding and reckless driving, and the precautionary measures taken by the police. The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) should submit a separate report. Steps should be taken by the District Collector, RTO, and the Transport Commissioner for the protection of commuters and pedestrians. Last month, the Commission had taken a suo motu case after a first-year graduate student, Govind P. Shenoy, 18, was fatally knocked down by a speeding private bus at Ernakulam North. In that case, the Ernakulam Town North police had booked the driver with the non-bailable charge of culpable homicide amounting to murder.
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.
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rights panel steps in to address alleged contamination of well water near temple
A solution appears to be in sight to the alleged contamination of well water near the Thiruvarinikkulam Devi Temple during the 10-day-long Nadathurappu festival, attended by thousands each year, thanks to the intervention of State Human Rights Commission Chairperson Alexander Thomas. The State Pollution Control Board (PCB) and the temple committee office-bearers assured the Commission that the issue of water contamination would be permanently resolved once the new waste treatment plant at the temple becomes operational. The Commission directed the Sreemoolanagaram panchayat secretary to submit a report after testing a sample of well water from the temple's neighbourhood once the treatment plant becomes operational. The directive was issued on a petition filed by Sujikumar, a resident living around 300 metres from the temple entrance, alleging that the water in his well became polluted during the temple festival. The Kochi Sub-Collector submitted a report to the Commission, informing that the Kochi Devaswom Board, PCB, and the Sreemoolanagaram panchayat had been instructed to take emergency measures. The report stated that a wastewater storage tank with a capacity of 6 lakh litres had been constructed. The PCB has directed the temple to use the treated water for agricultural purposes. It also said that the new plant would be permitted to operate only in compliance with the Board's guidelines. The 2026 festival will serve as a full-scale test to assess the plant's efficiency. The case will be heard next during the Commission's sitting in September. The petitioner, the environmental engineer, and the panchayat secretary have been asked to appear.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
SHRC: Take action to prevent rabies deaths
Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of 1.65 lakh people being bitten by dogs and 17 fatalities in the past five months, state human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas on Monday ordered that steps be initiated to draft a plan to prevent rabies-related deaths. This follows the opinion of Dr Jacob John, former head of virology department at Vellore Christian Medical College, who suggested forming a task force. Justice Thomas emphasised the necessity of the Justice Siri Jagan Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court to recommend compensation to victims of dog bites, and requested state govt to clarify whether the committee was still active. SHRC also demanded a report from the additional chief secretary of the local self-govt department within a month. The commission registered the case suo motu based on media reports to take urgent measures to prevent rabies deaths and curb the street dog menace. Dr John recommended forming a task force that included representatives from the departments of forest, agriculture, animal husbandry, education, local self-govt and health. An expert from the health sector should lead the task force, with a senior govt official as secretary and Institute of Advanced Virology should be included. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Тези обувки са висш пилотаж в мъжката мода. ZAROTRAVEL® КУПИ СЕГА Undo He believed that with a clear objective, the population could be freed of rabies within five years. He also suggested raising awareness about immediate preventive measures for dog bite victims. SHRC requested Dr John to submit a detailed action plan for forming the task force within a month, outlining the functioning of various departments in the report. The commission also demanded that secretary, local self-govt department, include state govt's measures to control rabies and prevent street dog attacks in the report. Govt should also present the Supreme Court's order on the matter. A senior official appointed by additional chief secretary must attend the commission's sitting on Aug 7. Dr John will be heard via video conference.
