Latest news with #Mohapatra
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
HC orders TPNODL to pay Rs 2L interim compensation in electrocution mishap
Cuttack: Orissa high court on Monday directed electricity distribution company TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL) to pay Rs 2 lakh as interim compensation to a woman whose husband died after coming in contact with a live electric wire in 2007. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The court held the company strictly liable for the mishap under the principle of strict liability. The court said under strict liability, entities undertaking hazardous activities are responsible for any resulting harm, irrespective of negligence. The order was passed by Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra while considering a petition filed by Umamani Nayak in 2008. She had sought Rs 2 lakh as compensation along with 12% annual interest for the death of her husband, Sanatan Nayak, due to alleged negligence by the power utility. According to the petition, the incident took place on July 6, 2007, near Sergarh under Khantapada police station limits in Balasore district. Sanatan, 54, a daily-wage labourer, was on his way to the market when he stepped into a water puddle that had become live due to a snapped L.T. (low-tension) wire lying in it. Though he was rushed to the district headquarters hospital, Balasore, he died the same evening. Observing that the distribution company had a statutory responsibility to ensure safety in electricity supply, Justice Mohapatra in the July 28 order said, "As the death was caused due to electrocution by coming in contact with a snapped L.T. line electric wire lying on the road... the Court is of the considered view that by application of the principle of strict liability, the Distribution Company is strictly liable for the death. " The petitioner's counsel had referred to the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) Compensation to Victims of Electrical Accidents Regulations, 2020, which fixes Rs 4 lakh as compensation for loss of human life. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, the court noted that the regulation cannot be applied retrospectively as the incident took place in 2007. Accordingly, keeping in view the regulation and the compensation amount sought in the petition, the Justice Mohapatra directed the distribution company to pay an interim compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the petitioner within a period of two months along with interest @8% from the date the incident took place till payment of such amount. "In the event the payment is made after expiry of the aforesaid time stipulation, the compensation amount shall carry interest @12% till the date of actual payment is made", Justice Mohapatra specified, adding, "Further, liberty is granted to the petitioner to pursue other suitable remedies in the common law forum for higher compensation, if so advised."
The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
Raichur City Corporation launches robotic scavenger to clean manholes
In a pioneering initiative, the Raichur City Corporation has deployed a robotic scavenger, Bandicoot, to clean manholes in the city. The initiative was officially launched recently by Corporation Commissioner Jubin Mohapatra who oversaw the robot in action on a manhole located in front of the municipal office near the old Deputy Commissioner's office premises. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohapatra said, 'It is a moment of pride for Raichur City Corporation to be the first in the State to introduce this innovative technology. Bandicoot will play a key role in improving public services and ensuring safety while upholding the dignity of every individual involved in sanitation work.' He further added that the corporation is committed to making Raichur a clean, safe and smart city. 'We are continuously experimenting with new technologies. Eliminating manual scavenging and safeguarding sanitation workers is our top priority. With the use of Bandicoot, Raichur is setting an example for other cities across the State and the country,' he said. The Bandicoot, developed by Indian deep-tech company, Genrobotics, is among the most advanced and efficient manhole-cleaning devices currently available. Designed to mimic human motion, the robot uses extendable arms to clean manholes without the need for human entry. It is equipped with gas sensors to detect hazardous gases and cameras to operate effectively in low-light conditions, ensuring precision and safety. 'Bandicoot is more than just a machine. It represents progress, dignity and safety. It will be instrumental in ushering in responsible and future-ready sanitation management,' Mr. Mohapatra said. Raichur City Corporation's proactive adoption of robotic solutions marks a significant leap in municipal innovation and worker safety. The corporation's acting president, Sajid Sameer, several elected members and municipal officials from various departments were present during the launch.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt directs all depts to install boards on POSH Act
Bhubaneswar: State govt has directed all departments, district administrations and urban local bodies to prominently display boards listing the dos and don'ts under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. "This order needs to be considered as urgent and is part of the state's ongoing commitment to create a safe, inclusive and respectful work environment for women," read the letter issued by additional secretary of women and child development department, Jyotishankar Mohapatra, on Saturday. Mohapatra, while urging immediate compliance from all departments and institutes, further said, "It was observed that in many organisations the implementation of the POSH Act 2013 is not adequate. An important step in this direction is creating awareness among all personnel in workplaces and among students. It is imperative that sensitivity and knowledge about this Act is generated not only among girls and women but also among boys and men. " The draft IEC (information, education and communication) board enclosed with the letter mentioned acceptable and unacceptable behaviours in professional settings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo It included key reminders such as respecting personal boundaries, speaking up against harassment and filing complaints through proper channels, including the internal complaints committee (ICC) or the central 'She-box' portal ( Offensive behaviour such as unwelcome physical contact, sexually suggestive jokes or messages, showing pornography and threatening job-related retaliation for denial of sexual favours are strictly prohibited. The govt also stressed that all ICCs across establishments must be registered on the 'She-box' portal. Authorities facing technical difficulties have been advised to contact a nodal officer of the department. The letter was issued to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, commissioner-cum-secretaries, district magistrates and collectors, municipal commissioners and revenue development commissioners.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
BDA plans to hire medical service provider for wellness centre at Baramunda bus terminal
1 2 3 Bhubaneswar: To enhance public health services, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) plans to hire a reputed medical service provider to operate a newly-established wellness centre at the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT) in Baramunda. The wellness centre will provide free medical treatment to a wide range of users, including passengers, drivers, conductors and other staff members. The centre, which is part of BDA's broader strategy to improve public amenities, will also offer free medical consultations. However, for further treatment, patients will be referred to appropriate hospitals or clinics. The centre is designed to cater to the immediate medical needs of individuals at the terminal, ensuring that help is readily available in case of emergencies or health concerns. BSABT manager Itikanta Mohapatra said the basic infrastructure for the centre is already in place and the selected healthcare service provider will be responsible for deploying the necessary medical professionals and equipment to ensure it operates efficiently. "The wellness centre will be a 'free of cost' facility for drivers, conductors, porters, commuters, passengers and visitors who require medical help at the BSABT. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The service provider will be selected through a competitive bidding process to ensure transparency in selection," said Mohapatra. He said in addition to medical services, the service provider will also be allowed to operate a retail pharmacy counter at the centre. "This is expected to enhance the convenience for users, who may need to purchase medications or health-related products," Mohapatra said. BDA outlined specific requirements for the operation of the wellness centre. It will be staffed by one doctor working in two shifts, from 9am to 1:30pm and from 3pm to 6pm. Additionally, there will be two teams, each comprising one nurse and one support staff. They will be working in shifts from 7am to 2pm and from 2pm to 9pm, respectively. The centre will also be equipped with essential medical equipment, including two beds, a cardiac monitor, respiratory and feeding equipment, a comprehensive first-aid kit, a stretcher and a wheelchair. Passengers have welcomed the move. "The bus terminal is designed with the highest standards just like an airport. I think this will be the first bus terminal to offer medical services," said Chittaranjan Mohanty, a passenger.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
HC quashes plea of wife against criminal trial in forest officer death case
Cuttack: Orissa high court has refused to quash criminal proceedings against Bidyabharati Panda in the 2021 death case of her husband and then assistant conservator of forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Justice Sibo Sankar Mishra, in his judgment on July 3, disposed of Panda's plea challenging the April 19, 2023, order of the SDJM court in Gajapati district's Paralakhemundi, which had taken cognisance of a murder complaint filed by Mohapatra's father and summoned Panda along with two others — family cook Manmath Kumbha and then divisional forest officer (DFO) Sangram Kesari Behera. Mohapatra had sustained 90% burn injuries under mysterious circumstances at his govt quarters in Paralakhemundi on the night of July 11, 2021, and died two days later while undergoing treatment in Cuttack. His father, Abhiram Mohapatra, had alleged foul play and accused the three of murder. Though the crime branch gave a clean chit to all accused, the SDJM court had reopened the case based on a protest petition and additional evidence submitted by the complainant. Panda moved the HC under Section 482 of CrPC seeking quashing of the proceedings. However, the HC said the case involved "competing versions" and "disputed questions of fact" that should be tested during trial. "This court is conscious of the fact that the proceedings are at a nascent stage," Justice Mishra said, adding, "Detailed appreciation of evidence and consideration of the petitioner's defence can only take place during trial. Hence, this court is reluctant to intervene at this stage." The HC clarified that the petitioner is free to approach the trial court with a discharge petition. "If such an application is filed, the trial court shall consider all grounds raised in this petition without being influenced by this court's observations," the order said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Justice Mishra also held that the trial court's order could not be faulted simply because it lacked detailed reasoning. "At the stage of issuing process, the magistrate is mainly concerned with allegations made in the complaint and supporting evidence," he observed. The case will now proceed to trial, where the accused will have the opportunity to present their defence.
