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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Madras High Court advices Chennai Commissioner of Police not to send investigating officers on bandobust duty
The Madras High Court, on Monday (June 9, 2025) advised Greater Chennai City Commissioner of Police (CoP) A. Arun to ensure officers investigating criminal cases do not get diverted for any other work such as providing bandobust (security) for public events/VIPs so that the investigating officers (IOs) could devote their time and conclude the investigations as early as possible. Justice P. Velmurugan said, he would summon Director General of Police/Head of Police Force Shankar Jiwal too in an appropriate case and give a similar advice so that it could be followed by police officers across Tamil Nadu. The judge said, it was high time the judiciary and the police department worked in tandem to reduce the pendency of criminal cases. The judge also told State Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohamed Jinnah there were discrepancies between the data maintained by the police department and the judiciary with respect to disposal of criminal cases. He said, most of the times, the police close criminal cases by terming them as 'mistake of fact' but that does not get reflected in the judicial records. He added in some cases, the police complete investigation and file final reports but that information does not find place in judicial records because the courts do not take those reports on file. Mr. Arun told the court the discrepancies could be sorted out if the Principal District Judges and Superintendents of Police conduct monthly meetings to crosscheck the data. Concurring with him, Justice Velmurugan said, such practice of conducting monthly meetings do not appear to be followed in many districts. After asking Mr. Arun to set things right at his end in coordination with the trial courts, the judge told the Commissioner that any non-cooperation on the part of the judicial officers could be brought to his notice so that he could issue appropriate directions. 'The poor and illiterate people do not know the legal procedures beyond the process of lodging police complaints. Therefore, it is essential that the criminal justice system works for their benefit and it does not take years together even for a simple criminal case to reach its logical conclusion. Let us do something to make sure that justice is delivered at the earliest,' the judge told the CoP. He asked the officer to submit fresh data by July 8 regarding the pending criminal cases within Chennai city limits along with statistics related to those under investigation, the cases in which final reports had been filed, the cases that were pending trial and so on. The direction was issued after the Commissioner was summoned to the court in connection with non registration of a SC/ST case. Mr. Jinnah told the court that though the writ petitioner V. Vanamalai had produced a copy of a communication sent by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes calling for an action taken report from the CoP on the petitioner's complaint, the Commissionerate had not received any such communication. Though the NCSC had claimed to have sent it by e-mail, no such e-mail had been received, he said. After hearing the SPP, the judge asked him to make the submissions by way of a counter affidavit by June 23 so that appropriate orders could be passed on the writ petition.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress issues ultimatum over safety audit after cruise vessel fire
Panaji: Congress gave a 15-day ultimatum to the Captain of Ports (CoP) to conduct a safety audit of all the vessels licenced to operate in the state's waters. Citing the early morning fire aboard a drifting cruise boat, state Congress president Amit Patkar claimed that the CoP department is inviting a man-made disaster by shirking safety norms. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Patkar said that firefighting equipment remains absent on vessels that are currently operating in Goa's waterways, including on the river navigation department's ferries. 'We are giving the CoP and the shipping ministry 15 days to conduct a safety audit and structural audit for all the vessels that have got licences and put it in the public domain. Vessels that are not under IRS classification are actually supposed to be scrapped,' said Patkar. He said that if the audit report is not released within 15 days, Congress would hold a protest outside the department office and 'force out the information'. Congress has criticised the department's handling of the fire aboard the cruise vessel as well as an earlier fire onboard a ferry boat. 'The CoP tug should have a 30m range for the firefighting mechanism. But that tug could not fight a fire even on its own deck. This fire was a serious incident. Tomorrow, if another boat catches fire, how will they fight it in the middle of the river? Will they rely on firefighters on land to put out the fire?' said Patkar. He said that the vessels that do not meet the Indian registrar of shipping classification or any other international classification should be seized and scrapped.
Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Driving Change: TSL Foundation Successfully Hosts India's First Indian Road Safety Alliance CoP
VMPL New Delhi [India], May 13: TSL Foundation successfully hosted the First Annual Convention of Parties (CoP) of the India Road Safety Alliance (IRSA) at Le Meridien, New Delhi, bringing together key stakeholders to address India's road safety challenges. The convention aimed at strengthening policy frameworks, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, and drive innovative solutions to reduce fatalities on the road in alignment with global safety standards and India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event was graced by several esteemed dignitaries from India, including Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; Shri Shripad Naik, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Shri Yogender Chandoliya, Hon'ble Member of Parliament; Shri Nitin Agrawal, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Excise Ministry; Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Union Minister, Ministry of External Affairs; Smt. Vimala R., Senior Official; along with other senior government officials, policymakers, corporate and civil society representatives, and academic experts. Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, stressed the importance of advanced infrastructure and technology-driven policy reforms: "Our approach to road safety must evolve beyond traditional awareness campaigns. Embracing smart technologies and enhancing infrastructure design will be pivotal in reducing road fatalities and ensuring a safer transportation ecosystem." Shri Shripad Naik, Hon'ble Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, emphasized the synergy between road safety and sustainable energy solutions, stating: "Road safety and clean energy are inherently interconnected. The adoption of green technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and solar-powered smart traffic systems, not only enhances transportation safety but also contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions. It is imperative to prioritize sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions in road safety initiatives. In this regard, the efforts of IRSA and TSL Foundation are highly commendable, as they represent a significant step toward integrating modern technology and sustainability into road safety frameworks." Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Union Minister, Ministry of External Affairs, underscored the importance of community engagement in road safety, stating: "Road safety goes beyond infrastructure and laws--it requires active community participation. Engaging local communities, civil society, and youth can turn it into a mass movement. Recognizing it as a shared responsibility is key to safer roads. I commend TSL Foundation and IRSA for leading this initiative and am confident it will drive impactful policies and interventions." Shri Yogender Chandoliya, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, North West Delhi, emphasized the critical role of grassroots engagement: "Local communities and civic organizations must be at the heart of our road safety initiatives. Their active involvement is essential to drive lasting behavioral change and cultivate a culture of safety that benefits every generation." Shri Nitin Agrawal, Hon'ble Minister of State, Excise and Prohibition Department, participated in the event virtually and stated: "Road safety is a serious social and public health concern requiring collective action. The Uttar Pradesh government is enhancing safety through awareness campaigns, strict anti-drunk driving measures, ambulance network expansion, and legal protection for Good Samaritans. I commend IRSA for uniting stakeholders to strengthen road safety efforts." Vimala R, Resident Commissioner & Secretary, GoM, Maharashtra Sada, New Delhi, highlighted the importance of research and data-driven policymaking: "Accurate data collection and analysis are crucial to devising targeted road safety interventions. Academic institutions and research bodies must play a pivotal role in shaping policies." Shri Sahil Arora, CEO, TSL, emphasized the vision behind establishing IRSA and the CoP as a collaborative platform: "The First Annual CoP of IRSA was conceived to unite key stakeholders in road safety, fostering dialogue and partnerships that drive impactful change. By creating a dedicated platform for collaboration, we aim to build a sustainable ecosystem for policy innovation and implementation." Shri Adesh Gupta, Director Advisory Board, TSL, highlighted the long-term goal of the initiative: "IRSA and the CoP were envisioned to bridge gaps between policy, industry, and grassroots efforts in road safety. This platform is not just about discussions but about forging sustainable and scalable interventions that lead to real, measurable impact on the ground." The convention featured four expert-led panel discussions, bringing together policymakers, corporate leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to address key road safety challenges. Discussions focused on adopting a Safe Systems Approach to reduce fatalities, fostering cross-sector collaborations to drive impactful interventions, leveraging technologies for smarter traffic management, and exploring behavioral insights to influence driver compliance. These sessions provided a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder perspective on strengthening road safety frameworks in India. The First Annual CoP of IRSA represented a landmark step in transforming India's road safety landscape. By bringing together decision-makers, innovators, and community leaders, this convention aimed to catalyze meaningful policy action and create safer roads for all.
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Judicial Corruption Deepens: Lawyers Under Scanner After Justice Verma Scandal
Gadwal: Judicial Corruption, Justice Verma Scandal, Lawyers' Accountability, Asset Disclosure, Supreme Court Inquiry, Alampur Bar Association. The recent case involving Justice Verma has once again highlighted the systemic rot. The incident that shook the foundations of public trust involved Justice Verma, whose residence was raided and large bundles of unaccounted cash were recovered. Following an inquiry by the Supreme Court of India, the allegations of corruption were substantiated, leading to suggestions from top judicial authorities that Justice Verma voluntarily step down from his post. The case became a symbol of the increasing corruption in courts, from the lower rungs to higher judicial positions. The report stresses that lawyers play a significant role in perpetuating this culture of corruption. Initially, some lawyers allegedly entice court staff with bribes, which gradually spreads into influencing judicial officers themselves. In the Verma case aftermath, the Supreme Court recommended that all judges declare their assets. A few did comply, but it still failed to restore complete public confidence in the judicial system. Corruption in the judiciary, according to critics, has grown uncontrollably, akin to the spread of a banyan tree's roots. In Telangana, after the state's formation, a notable case occurred in the erstwhile Palamuru district. A judge named Govinda Lakshmi, who was posted in Kollapur, and another judge working in LB Nagar Court were both dismissed from service after allegations against them were proven. Further concerns were raised in Jogulamba Gadwal following the formation of judicial districts. In cases related to compensation for displaced persons, several court staff members were booked by the local police. The case was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and remains under active investigation. The report also points to the unlawful accumulation of wealth by some practicing lawyers. There are instances where judges have allegedly been influenced or compromised due to their connections with such lawyers. This underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the legal profession. Alampur Bar Association President Suresh Kumar (2024–25) has called for reforms. He urged that the Bar Council of India introduce mandatory disclosure of assets by both judges and practicing lawyers every five years. While the Bar Council already mandates the payment of a Certificate of Practice (CoP) fee every five years, it does not currently require a declaration of assets. Kumar emphasized that the judiciary must not only cleanse itself but also become a guardian against corruption in all other institutions. Though there is a vigilance system in place within the judiciary, its lack of effective enforcement continues to allow corrupt practices to flourish unchecked. In his statement, Kumar appealed to all legal professionals to actively question and oppose corruption across every level of governance and society. He stated that until there is genuine internal reform, public faith in the judicial system will remain fragile..
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Time of India
Coastal body warns CoP of penalty if illegal filling in Salcete CRZ not removed
Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has warned the Captain of Ports (CoP) of a penalty if the illegal filling of a khazan land , which partly falls in Ambelim and partly in Assolna in Salcete , is not removed. The GCZMA said that its earlier directions had not been complied with by the CoP . The authority had received a complaint from a local that the illegal filling of low-lying area had been carried out, which land included khazan land, CRZ area, fields and water bodies. An engineer and a field surveyor of the GCZMA then carried out an inspection and found 'gross illegal construction resulting in violation of CRZ Notification 2011'. Huge amount of sandy soil was found dumped, as per the report, in a no development zone of CRZ, 'thereby destroying the natural ecosystem , vegetation, rice cultivation and topography of the area'. The inspection also found that trenches have been excavated in the property which were connected to the opening of the water body in the area. Thereafter, show cause notice was issued to the CoP, which during the hearings before GCZMA agreed to remove the land filling. At its 429th meeting, the GCZMA directed, 'The authority noted that since the CoP has appointed a contractor to carry out the works, direction is given to clear the site by removing the sandy soil dumped in the property and also to undo the trenches that has been excavated in the property as it is connected to the opening of the water body. The CoP to remove the violation through their contractor concerned and send a compliance report within one month.' However, at a meeting earlier this month, the GCZMA said that the CoP had not complied with the earlier directions. 'From compliance report it is noted that directions are not followed hence opportunity granted till next hearing to comply failing which penalty proceedings will be initiated against CoP,' the GCZMA has said. The CoP had committed to remove the mud filling before May 30, 2024, at a hearing last year and file a compliance. However, for several GCZMA meetings thereafter the CoP representative remained absent. Finally, at a hearing earlier this year, the CoP submitted that the violation was not carried out by the department but a contractor appointed by it and agreed to remove the mud filling. The CoP subsequently told the GCZMA that the directions had been complied with but the authority found that the compliance was not carried out by the CoP. Representative image
