Latest news with #UttarakhandHC
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
HC summons principal, undersecy in professor couple's transfer case
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand HC, while hearing a case related to the transfer of a professor couple from Uttarkashi Degree College to Baluwakot Degree College in Pithoragarh district, on Wednesday directed the college principal prof Suresh Mamgai, the undersecretary of the higher education department, and the investigating officer to appear before the court at 2 PM on June 19. The bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra also sought clarifications regarding possible contempt proceedings against the three. Earlier, the court had stayed the transfer orders and directed the investigating officer to submit a report on the petitioners' complaint. The petitioners, associate professor Dr Ramesh Singh and his wife Vinita Singh, also an associate professor, alleged that although the higher education department had instructed colleges to observe Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, the principal held the event on April 12, to which they objected. They further alleged that the principal then compelled Dr Singh to go on extended leave, refering to two-year-old sexual harassment allegations without any formal complaint or FIR. Dr Singh challenged this action in the high court, which granted him relief. However, on April 16, the higher education department's undersecretary issued transfer orders for both Dr Singh and his wife, relocating them to Baluwakot Degree College in Pithoragarh—over 500 km away from their current posting.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ambedkar Jayanti row: Uttarakhand high court halts transfer of professor couple
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand HC has ordered a stay on the transfer of a professor couple from Uttarkashi Degree College to Pithoragarh Degree College and paused the departmental investigation against them. Dr Ramesh Singh and his wife Dr Vinita Singh, both associate professors at the same college, had filed a petition in the court saying Uttarkashi Degree College took retaliatory action against them for opposing the college's decision to change the date of Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations at the institute. They said the higher education department had instructed colleges to remain open and celebrate Dr B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14. But acting principal Madhu Thapliyal rescheduled the celebration to April 12. Following the couple's objection, Thapliyal placed Singh on extended leave, citing "false sexual harassment allegations from two years ago". The court fixed June 11 for the next hearing. tnn
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
Nainital communal clash: Uttarakhand HC takes suo motu congnisanse of minor girl's rape; asks authorities to curb tension
The Uttarakhand HC intervened following the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nainital, directing police to maintain order amid rising communal tensions. NEW DELHI: The Uttarakhand high court has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nainital and directed the police to maintain law and order in the region. The court has ordered the enforcement of vehicle checks, crowd control measures, and monitoring of internet activity to prevent the spread of rumors. A division bench comprising justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and justice Vivek Bharti Sharma issued the directives on Thursday. The court emphasized the need for heightened vigilance to prevent any escalation of communal tensions in the area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The accused, identified as 75-year-old Osman, a contractor, has been arrested in connection with the crime. The incident has led to protests by members of certain Hindu organisations, who have demanded strict action against the perpetrator. In response, shops owned by members of the Muslim community were vandalized, and stones were thrown at a nearby mosque. Additionally, the Vyapar Mandal observed a bandh, closing their shops in protest. To ensure peace and prevent further unrest, the police have been instructed to issue public appeals and intensify patrolling in the affected areas. A significant police presence has been established, with 22 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons and five superintendents of police deployed in Nainital. The high court has also directed the authorities to take swift action against those spreading misinformation and to ensure that the situation remains under control. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and authorities are working to maintain peace and order in the region. (With agency inputs)
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Over 3.84L cases pending in U'khand courts despite 50% backlog drop in districts over 2 years
Nainital: A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that as of early 2025, a total of 3,84,234 cases remain pending across courts in Uttarakhand, comprising 3,16,369 criminal cases and 67,876 civil matters. The information, disclosed by public information officer (PIO) HS Jeena of the Uttarakhand HC in response to an RTI filed by Kashipur-based activist Nadeem Uddin, highlights a 9% rise in overall pendency over the past two years. However, several district courts showed significant progress, reducing their backlogs by up to 50%. According to the data, the HC alone had 44,512 pending cases at the start of 2023, comprising 25,635 civil and 18,877 criminal cases. By early 2025, the number surged by 24% to 55,323, including 30,301 civil and 25,022 criminal cases. In subordinate courts, pending cases increased by 7%, from 3,08,694 to 3,28,911 during the same period. While districts like Dehradun (5%), Haridwar (21%), Nainital (2%), Pauri (52%), and Tehri (9%) showed an increase in pendency, eight districts — including Udham Singh Nagar (3%), Uttarkashi (50%), Almora (12%), Bageshwar (44%), Chamoli (32%), Champawat (14%), Pithoragarh (32%), and Rudraprayag (33%) — achieved significant reductions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like News For Jack Nicholson, 87, He Has Been Confirmed To Be... Reportingly Undo "While the overall pendency remains a concern, concerted efforts in several districts have led to remarkable improvements. The data underscores the importance of targeted judicial reforms and efficient case management at the district level," said activist Uddin. Kartikay Hari Gupta, an advocate at the HC, said a chronic shortage of judges lies at the heart of the problem. "The sheer volume of cases — often exceeding a 100 per court each day — makes it humanly impossible to deliver timely justice. The judicial process, by its very nature, demands meticulous care and deliberation, which further slows down proceedings," he said, adding that some courtrooms have remained locked for over five years due to the lack of presiding judges. "The situation is dire, and the need for the immediate appointment of more judges is essential for the survival of the justice delivery system," said Gupta. Registrar general of the high court, Kahkasha Khan, emphasised that whether it is the district court, high court, or Supreme Court, reducing case pendency hinges on maintaining an adequate judge-to-case ratio. "Only by ensuring a balanced ratio of working judges can the backlog of cases be effectively addressed," she said.
