Health dept seeks to debar Salem gynae

TNN | Apr 26, 2019, 04.46 AM IST

Chennai: The state health department has asked the Tamil Nadu Medical Council to debar a Salem-based gynaecologist from practising medicine as “she could be a threat to society and poor pregnant women.”

The complaint was one of the 24 cases presented before the disciplinary committee of the council on Tuesday and Wednesday. Dr Rani Arivukkarasu, who failed to appear before the council on Tuesday for detailed inquiry as she was unwell, has sought for detailed charges against her. Council president Dr K Senthil said the committee is yet to decide on the course of action. “It is under discussion. We will be giving her the chargesheet. She has to appear before the committee for an inquiry,” he said.

A woman died under the care of Dr Arivukkarasu soon after delivery in February. That was a week after the Tamil Nadu Medical Council revoked the doctor’s suspension for “negligence and misconduct” that had led to a similar death in 2016. In the first case, the directorate of medical services had forwarded the family’s complaint to the medical council. Following disciplinary inquiry, she was suspended from medical rolls for six months in October 2018. But on February 18, the council revoked her suspension based on “her repeated pleas.” On February 28, a pregnant woman, Durga Damodharan, was admitted to Arokya Hospital in Salem. She died on March 1.

Officials at the health department said the decision to revoke her suspension was done in haste without informing the department or the complainant. The council has now received letter from the joint director of medical service from the directorate of medical services in Salem and National Health Mission Tamil Nadu mission director Darez Ahamed, who is in-charge of the maternal death audits in the state.

Audits showed Durga suffered severe bleeding after delivery. It did not stop even after her uterus was removed. Since the hospital does not have facilities to deal with such cases, Dr Arivukkarasu should have referred her to a better centre. Doctors had induced labour the previous night but weren’t present in the hospital to monitor her progress and reference to tertiary hospital was not done on time. O fficials now said late referral was one of the reasons that caused the patient’s death in 2016. “If she is not stopped now it could be a threat to society and poor pregnant women,” the official said.

Insurance racket: Doctor got Rs 1.5 lakh for fake autopsy

TNN | Apr 27, 2019, 07.21 AM IST

CHANDIGARH: Investigations into the insurance scam targeting cancer patients revealed that the doctor of civil hospital was paid Rs 1.5 lakh each for the autopsy of fake accident victims. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) members are conducting raids to round up the medico. He is suspected to have performed 15 such autopsies, said the members of SIT.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Sonipat court on Friday has extended the police remand of Pawan Bhoria for four days. Pawan, along with his two aides, was arrested last Saturday. Closely after, two lab technicians were arrested. Sumit Kumar, the son of the cancer patients, was the last to be arrested on Tuesday.

DSP Shamsher Singh, the supervising officer of the SIT said that the accused, including Sumit Kumar who had lodged a false FIR regarding the death of his father Krishan Kumar, have been remanded to judicial custody. “We have got enough information from Bhoria’s associates. We have made recoveries from Sumit and Pawan as well into the claim received by Sumit. Hence, except Pawan, we did not require other accused for further interrogation,’’ said DSP Singh.

Nurse commits suicide, doctor booked

TNN | Apr 28, 2019, 12.04 PM IST

 RAJKOT: Two suicide cases have been reported from Surendranagar district and Rajkot city. A nurse committed suicide at a village in Surendranagar district on April 24, while in the second case, a lady professor consumed poison on April 25 evening.

The first case was reported from Jhinjhuvada village of Patadi taluka in Surendranagar district, where Mayuri Parmar (22), who served as a nurse at the primary health centre of the village, consumed poisonous tablets on April 24. She died at the VS Hospital in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

“We have booked Dr Naresh Makwana, who is the head of the primary health centre, for the crime on the complaint of Mayuri’s father Kalu Parmar. His complaint alleged that Makwana used to harass Mayuri as she did not give in to his demand for sex,” said an official from Jhinjhuvada police station.

In the second case, Saipranata Patimala (25), who served as a lady professor with RK University in Tramba village of Rajkot taluka, died after she consumed poisonous tablets on the evening of April 25. Her husband and in-laws were booked on Friday night.

Government Servant Is Not Eligible To Make Will Of Family Pension: Chhattisgarh HC

 By: LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

28 April 2019 7:52 PM

Government Servant Is Not Eligible To Make Will Of Family Pension: Chhattisgarh HC [Read Judgment]

More However, Will of Provident Fund, Gratuity, Leave Encashment, Group Insurance Scheme and Family Benefit Fund can be made. The Chhattisgarh High Court has held that a Government servant is not eligible to make a Will of family pension.

Vijay Kumar Kaushik, a police constable, had made a Will, by which he bequeathed all the pensionary benefits and pension in favour of his second wife and son from her. After his death, his first wife and her son made an application for grant of succession certificate.

This application was rejected by the court, upholding the claim of the second wife based on the Will.

] In the revision petition, issue considered by the High Court was whether the Government servant can make a testamentary disposition of all his retiral benefits or it has to be disbursed in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the service conditions of such Government servant?

Answering the issue, referring to some Supreme Court judgments, Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal observed as follows:

An employee has no power of testamentary disposition with respect to something which was not payable to him during his lifetime.

If the qualifying event/benefit occurs only on the death of the deceased while he is in service and due to this, some monetary benefits accrue, it would not form part of the estate of the deceased and the same cannot be disposed by testamentary disposition because there is an element of uncertainty of happening of event.

If the scheme and/or service Rules designate certain persons who are entitled to receive benefits out of the scheme, then no other person except those designated persons can be entitled to the said benefits.

If the employee makes no contribution to the benefit, he has no control over the same to dispose it by testamentary disposition.

If the scheme/Rules do not provide for nomination of any person during the lifetime of the deceased employee, he has no title to the same and it cannot be disposed by testamentary disposition.

Applying these principles to facts of the case, the court held that the first wife, being legally wedded wife of the deceased Government servant would be entitled for the entire amount of pension, ex-gratia and police welfare payment, as they do not form part of the estate of the deceased employee over which he has right to testamentary disposition. However, the court observed that the gratuity, leave encashment, Group insurance scheme, Family benefit fund, Department Provident Fund would form part of the estate of the deceased employee over which he has right to testamentary disposition. These would go to the second wife, as per the will, the court held.

https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/government-servant-is-not-eligible-to-make-will-of-family-pension-144605

‘Choice of college is more important than course of study’ 

Special Correspondent 
 
April 29, 2019 00:00 IST



Chief Education Officer K.P.Maheshwari addressing the career guidance programme in Hosur on Saturday.

Perumal Manimekalai Polytechnic and Engineering College, Hosur, jointly with The Hindu organised a career guidance programe Unnal Mudiyum for Plus Two students here on Saturday.

Educationalist Ramesh Prabha, who was the special chief guest, said the choice of college is as important or sometimes more important than the course of study, because it is often the reputation of the college that fetches students jobs through campus interviews. Further, it is important to bear in mind that the students do not choose course of study based on peer pressure and popularity. A decision should be made in consultation with the parents too.

A thorough knowledge of the course of study, engineering, sciences, arts or medicine is sure to fetch good jobs in our country, Mr.Prabha said. Good conversational skills, spoken English, all if it would go a long way in fetching opportunities for students, according to him

Earlier, Chief Education Officer K.P.Maheshwari, founder, PMC Tech group of institutions, Perumal, were among those present.

Practical wisdom and intuitive decision making are key factors for success’ 

Special Correspondent 
 
Tiruchi, April 29, 2019 00:00 IST



R. Senguttuvan, Chief Executive Officer, ITC, presenting the certificate to a candidate at the 29th convocation of Bharathidasan Institute of Management in Tiruchi on Saturday.HANDOUT

29th convocation of Bharathidasan Institute of Management held

Chief Executive Officer, Packaging & Printing Divsion of ITC, R. Senguttuvan said that fine blending of practical wisdom and theoretical knowledge with intuitive decision making were key factors for achieving success.

In his convocation address at the 29th convocation of Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM) here on Saturday, he said that the art of management was a delicate balance between theoretical knowledge, practical wisdom and intuitive decision making capabilities. Taking initiative with new ideas, demonstrating leadership qualities, tackling tricky situations with confidence, putting aside fear of failure and mobilizing resources around tactfully could produce distinctive leaders.

Mr. Senguttuvan said that India was ranked among the top 5 economic powers in the world and was poised to become world No.3 in the next decade. It would produce numerous opportunities for talented Indians to show their class and emulate Indians who were holding the center stage at leading business enterprises all across the world.

The country had a strong youth force and while several of them were employed, a section of them were unemployed.

But, they could make a big difference in the business or industrial profile of the country if they tapped the opportunities wisely.

In this context, the Central Government had initiated major reforms in the field of education and had given significant thrust to the cause of higher management education by recognizing institutes of eminence and opening educational institutions, he said.

Mr. Senguttuvan added that the country had produced several inspirational business leaders.

They had not only run companies successfully but had become role models for young Indians to emulate. Leaders such as Ratan Tata, Azim Premji, Y. C. Deveshwar, N. Narayanamurthy, Indira Nooyi and Sundar Pichai had made the country proud with their visionary leadership qualities. Young entrepreneurs and graduands should study their success stories so as to emulate them.

N. Bala Baskar, member, Board of Governors, Karuthaiah Pandian, Director, BIM, M. Sankaran and R. Subramanyam, Professors, participated.

As many as 170 students received MBA degrees. M. Mohamed Nafees and S. Aravind were awarded gold medals for their academic excellence.

Yercaud getting ready for flower show 

Staff Reporter
 
Salem, April 29, 2019 00:00 IST

About 15,000 saplings of flower varieties readied, say officials

Though dates haven’t been officially announced due to model code of conduct for Lok Sabha elections, Horticulture Department officials are busy with the preparatory works for the annual summer festival and flower show in Yercaud.

Preparatory works are in full swing at Anna Park, the main venue of the annual flower show and other spots like Lake Park, Botanical Garden and Rose Park here. Department staff here have arranged around 10,000 flower pots of various varieties including Salvia, Dahlia, Chrysanthemum, Balsam, Marigold, Hydrangea and many others.

According to officials, over 15 flower varieties have been readied for the flower show here.

Officials also said that they have readied around 15,000 saplings of the flower varieties for the flower beds at various venues here.

“As the preparatory works have begun according to regular schedule, the flowers have begun to bloom now and there is a huge crowd of tourists at various venues here,” said an official.

Officials are yet to finalise the various flower models for the show, this year.

An official said that tourists from all over the country are thronging the venues and enjoying the show here and many wedding and candid shoots are happening at the park now.

PIL plea on NEET frisking disposed of 

Staff Reporter 
 
MADURAI, April 29, 2019 00:00 IST

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Saturday was informed by the Central and the State governments that separate frisking enclosures were provided to check female NEET candidates. The submissions were made after a public interest litigation petition sought separate enclosures to frisk male and female candidates.

The court was informed that sufficient booths were set up to frisk candidates and those preferring to wear traditional outfits must have indicated their intention in their NEET application forms. Such candidates must reach the examination centres one hour before the reporting time for frisking. Candidates should wear light clothes, it was submitted.

Recording the submissions, a Division Bench of Justices P.N. Prakash and B. Pugalendhi disposed of the petition filed by advocate B. Ramkumar Adityan from Thoothukudi.

Cots donated to VHS hospital 

Special Correspondent 
 
CHENNAI, April 29, 2019 00:00 IST


 
Cricketer Murali Vijay, second from left, Suresh Jain, CEO, Solokrafts Industries and Abhishek Jain, MD, Surgical Avenue, with Dr. H. Yuvraj Gupta, Director, andDr. J. Balasubramanian of VHS Hospital.M. VedhanM. Vedhan

Over 300 persons donate blood in a drive held on the occasion

Two voluntary organisations — Round Table 123 and Rotary Club of Madras — together donated 101 cots to the Voluntary Health Services hospital here.

At a function on Sunday, Surgical Avenue’s director Abhishek Jain said the health sector lagged in infrastructure and organisations pitched in to support them. “We have previously helped numerous hospitals with infrastructure through our CSR activities and are looking forward to helping more in the future,” he said.

The multi-specialty beds are designed to make bedridden patients self-reliant. They come with a commode, a flush and a basin.

Surgical Avenue had earlier donated such beds to the Cancer Institute, Adyar. In the aftermath of the 2015 floods, the company had supplied medicines and oxygen free of cost in the State.

Cricketer Murali Vijay, who participated in the function, launched a blood donation drive in which over 300 persons donated blood.

Registration a must, but several hostels yet to apply 

Sangeetha Kandavel 
 
Chennai, April 29, 2019 00:00 IST

Raids to be conducted once code of conduct ends

Despite several alerts, only 1,046 hostels have applied for registration with the Chennai Collectorate.

Chennai Collector A. Shanmuga Sundaram, on Friday said, “We received 1,046 applications. We have given licence to seven of them. Over 48 of them have been given provisional licence. The other cases are under scrutiny,” he said.

Ball park estimates show that Chennai could have over 4,000 hostels and paying guest accommodations.

“There are so many hostels which are yet to apply for licence. Once the model code of conduct ends, raids will be conducted and stern action will be taken against those hostels functioning without even applying for licence,” the collector said.

According to the Tamil Nadu Hostels and Home for Women and Children (Regulation) Act, 2015, all women and children’s hostels must be registered with the respective district collectorate.

In December 2018, Chennai Collector had mandated that all hostels must be registered, failing which they cannot continue operations.

Mr. Shanmuga Sundaram said they would soon start tracking all unregistered hostels across the city. Since this is an unorganized industry, it was difficult to get details, he said. All applications received will be reviewed thoroughly before giving away the licence. A handful of men’s hostels have also applied for licence. The collector also made it clear that if any violation is found, a showcause notice would be issued to the authorities running the hostels.

‘Unaware of process’

One of the hostel owners in Chennai, said, “Many small hostel owners are still unaware about the registration process. Maybe after elections more people will come forward and register,” he added.

The hostel business, which is highly unorganized, has an estimated turnover of over Rs. 1,000 crore per annum. On an average, hostels in Chennai charge anywhere between Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 15,000 per month.

Cyclone Fani won’t hit State’s coast: IMD 

Staff Reporter 
 
CHENNAI, April 29, 2019 00:00 IST

‘However, north T.N. might get mild rain’

Cyclone Fani will not hit the Tamil Nadu coast, said officials of the India Meteorological Department on Sunday.

S. Balachandran, Deputy Director General of Meteorology of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), said, “The cyclone will not make landfall in Tamil Nadu. We will not have any direct impact because of this. But we may get some moderate rainfall in northern parts of the State when it nears the coast of northern Tamil Nadu.”

Minor respite from heat

As far as Chennai is concerned, the residents may get minor respite from the heat as there could be some mild showers for a day or two this week, he said.

The sky will remain partly cloudy.

While the maximum will be around 36 degree Celsius, the minimum temperature is likely to be 28 degree Celsius. The storm now lies about 910 km off the coast and it is likely to bring in only moderate rains to some parts of northern Tamil Nadu.

Change of direction

The cyclone may get as close as 300 km off the Tamil Nadu coast on April 30 and after that, there may occur a change of direction too, officials said.

Cyclone Fani is likely to turn into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’.

This may develop into an ‘extremely severe cyclone storm’ on Wednesday.

Fishermen told not to enter sea

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from April 29 to May 1. Also, fishermen in deep sea have been asked to return at the earliest.

Chennai may get some mild showers for a day or two this week

Met officials

Government servant not eligible to make will of family pension, says Chhattisgarh HC

TNN | Apr 29, 2019, 01.26 PM ISTRAIPUR:

The Chhattisgarh high court has held that a government servant is not eligible to make a will of his or her family pension since it has to be disbursed as per the pension rules.

Allowing a revision petition filed by one Samunda Bai, first wife of late Vijay Kumar Kaushik - who was working as a head constable in Janjgir-Champa - the bench of Justice Sanjay K Agrawal said in his order that the family pension do not form part of the estate of the deceased. The deceased had no right to make testamentary disposition with regard to family pension in favour of any family member. Samunda Bai along with her son Sudhir Kumar Kaushik had moved the high court after challenging an order passed by the lower courts, rejecting their application for grant of succession certificate in their favour.

Stating the brief facts of the case, the high court, in its order, mentioned that the petitioners Samunda Bai and her son and the private respondents of the case including Kanti Bai - the second wife of the deceased - and her three sons, have claimed amount of dues including provident fund, gratuity, leave encashment, pension, family benefit fund, ex gratia amount and police welfare amount for which the competent authority directed them to produce succession certificate.

The petitioners stated that Samunda Bai, being the first and legally wedded wife of deceased Vijay Kumar, is entitled for all pension benefits and it cannot be bequeathed by way of will, the order said.

Referring to the guiding principles and judgements made by the Supreme Court, the high court, in its order, said that the grant of family pension in the instant case is governed by Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1976, which provides that the grant of family pension is restricted only to the family of the deceased and further, no nomination for grant of family pension can be made.

Government Servant Is Not Eligible To Make Will Of Family Pension: Chhattisgarh HC [Read Judgment]

Government Servant Is Not Eligible To Make Will Of Family Pension: Chhattisgarh HC [Read Judgment]: However, Will of Provident Fund, Gratuity, Leave Encashment, Group Insurance Scheme and Family Benefit Fund can be made.

High Courts Weekly Round Up

High Courts Weekly Round Up: Allahabad High Court Held that a woman employee was entitled to maternity leave for a full period of six months as against only three months she was granted by the respondent District Basic...

மாற்றப்பட்ட பணம் எவ்வளவு? வேலுார் கனரா வங்கியில் விசாரணை!

Added : ஏப் 24, 2019 23:09

வேலுார், கனரா வங்கியில், பண மதிப்பிழப்பு நடவடிக்கையின் போது, எவ்வளவு பணம் மாற்றப்பட்டது என்பது குறித்து, வங்கி அதிகாரிகளிடம், நிதித்துறை சேவைகளை கண்காணிக்கும் அதிகாரிகள், தீவிர விசாரணை நடத்தி வருகின்றனர்.தேர்தலின்போது, வாக்காளர்களுக்கு பணம் கொடுக்க, வேலுாரில் உள்ள கனரா வங்கியில், கோடிக்கணக்கான ரூபாய் நோட்டுகள் மாற்றப்பட்டன.இதற்கு உடந்தையாக இருந்த, வங்கியின் மண்டல மேலாளரும், தி.மு.க., பொருளாளர், துரைமுருகனின் உறவினருமான தயாநிதி, கிளை மேலாளர், சிங்காரம் உட்பட, மூன்று அதிகாரிகள், 'சஸ்பெண்ட்' செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளனர்.இந்நிலையில், இந்த வங்கியில் பண மதிப்பிழப்பு நடவடிக்கையின் போது, எவ்வளவு தொகை மாற்றப்பட்டது என்பது குறித்து, விசாரணை துவங்கி உள்ளது. விசாரணை அதிகாரிகள் கூறியதாவது:வேலுார் கனரா வங்கியில் நடந்த சம்பவம், மிகப் பெரிய தாக்கத்தை ஏற்படுத்தி உள்ளது.தேர்தலுக்காக, பெரிய தொகையை மாற்றியவர்கள், பண மதிப்பிழப்பு நடவடிக்கையின் போது, எவ்வளவு தொகை மாற்றி இருப்பர் என்ற கேள்வி எழுந்தது.இது தொடர்பாக, நிதி துறை சேவைகளை கண்காணிக்கும் அதிகாரிகள், தீவிர விசாரணை மேற்கொண்டுள்ளனர். இந்த சம்பவத்தில் தொடர்புடைய அதிகாரிகள், 'சஸ்பெண்ட்' செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளனர். அவர்களிடமும், துறை ரீதியிலான விசாரணை மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டு வருகிறது.இவ்வாறு, அவர்கள் கூறினர். - நமது நிருபர் -

தமிழகத்தில் 2,000 போலி நர்சிங் கல்லூரிகள்

Added : ஏப் 24, 2019 23:36

வேலுார், ''தமிழகத்தில் 2000 போலி நர்சிங் கல்லுாரிகள் செயல்படுகின்றன'' என தமிழ்நாடு செவிலியர் கல்லுாரிகள் சங்க மாநில தலைவர் பாலாஜி கூறினார்.இது குறித்து அவர் நேற்று வேலுாரில் நிருபர்களிடம் கூறியதாவது:தமிழகத்தில் புதிதாக ஒரு நர்சிங் கல்லுாரி துவங்க இந்திய நர்சிங் கவுன்சில் அனுமதியை பெற வேண்டும். அதன்பிறகு மாநில அரசின் அனுமதியை பெற்று தான் கல்லுாரி துவங்க முடியும். ஆனால் தமிழகத்தில் 2000 போலி நர்சிங் கல்லுாரிகள் உள்ளன. இந்த கல்லுாரிகளில் ஓராண்டு இரண்டாண்டு பயிற்சி எனக்கூறி மாணவ - மாணவியரிடம் பல லட்சம் பறித்து மோசடி செய்து வருகின்றனர்.இவற்றில் படித்த 40 ஆயிரம் மாணவ - மாணவியர் தற்போது ஏமாற்றம் அடைந்துள்ளனர். இதில் மாணவர்களுக்கு பண விரயத்துடன் கால விரயமும் ஏற்படுகிறது. போலி நர்சிங் கல்லுாரிகள் முறையாக பதிவு செய்யவும் முடியாது.எனவே புதிதாக நர்சிங் படிக்க விரும்புவோர் நர்சிங் கவுன்சில் வெப்சைட்டிற்கு சென்று அரசு அங்கீகாரரம் பெற்ற நர்சிங் கல்லுாரிகள் குறித்து அறிந்து அதன் பின் அவற்றில் சேர வேண்டும். உண்மையான பதிவு பெற்ற நர்சிங் நிறுவனங்களில் மூன்று ஆண்டு பயிற்சி வழங்கப்படுகிறது.இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.

தேர்தல் பணியில் இறப்பு நிவாரணம் உயர்வு

Added : ஏப் 24, 2019 23:08

சென்னை, தேர்தல் பணியின்போது இறக்கும், ஊழியர்கள் குடும்பத்திற்கு வழங்கப்படும் நிவாரணத் தொகை, 15 லட்சம் ரூபாயாக உயர்த்தப்பட்டுள்ளது.தேர்தல் பணியின்போது இறக்கும் ஊழியர்களின் குடும்பத்திற்கு, 10 லட்சம் ரூபாய் நிவாரணமாக வழங்கப்பட்டது. இந்த நிவாரண தொகை, தற்போது, 15 லட்சம் ரூபாயாக உயர்த்தப்பட்டுள்ளது.தேர்தல் பணியின்போது, பயங்கரவாதிகள் தாக்குதலில் இறந்தவர்களின் குடும்பத்திற்கு வழங்கப்பட்ட, 20 லட்சம் ரூபாய் நிவாரணம், 30 லட்சம் ரூபாயாக உயர்த்தப்பட்டுஉள்ளது.பலத்த காயமடைவோருக்கு வழங்கப்பட்ட, ௫ லட்சம் ரூபாய் நிவாரணம், தற்போது, 7.5 லட்சம் ரூபாயாக உயர்த்தப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதற்கான உத்தரவை, தேர்தல் ஆணையம் பிறப்பித்துஉள்ளது.

திருப்பதி, 'டெபாசிட்' ரூ.12 ஆயிரம் கோடி

Updated : ஏப் 25, 2019 05:01



திருப்பதி: திருமலை திருப்பதி தேவஸ்தானம், பல்வேறு வங்கிகளில் செய்துள்ள, முதலீடுகள், 12 ஆயிரம் கோடி ரூபாயை எட்டியுள்ளது.

ஆந்திராவில் உள்ள, உலகப் புகழ்பெற்ற திருமலை திருப்பதி தேவஸ்தானம், பக்தர்கள் காணிக்கையாக செலுத்தும் பணம் மற்றும் இதர வருவாயை, வங்கிகளில், 'டெபாசிட்' செய்கிறது.இவ்வாறு, பல்வேறு வங்கிகளில் செய்துள்ள, டெபாசிட் அளவு, 12 ஆயிரம் கோடி ரூபாயை எட்டியுள்ளது. இதற்கு வட்டியாக, ஆண்டுக்கு, 845 கோடி ரூபாய் கிடைக்கும் என, தேவஸ்தான அதிகாரி ஒருவர் தெரிவித்தார். தேவஸ்தானத்திடம், 8.7 டன் தங்கம் உள்ளது. இதைத் தவிர, 550 கிலோ தங்கம் மற்றும் வைர ஆபரணங்கள் உள்ளன.

Madurai Kamaraj University sex scandal case: HC summons Nirmala Devi for second in-chamber hearing
The All India Democratic Women Association had sought a CBI probe into the marks for sex scandal in the Madurai Kamaraj University.

Published: 24th April 2019 12:17 PM |

Assistant professor Nirmala Devi of Devanga Arts College in Aruppukottai

By Express News Service

The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court conducted an in-chamber hearing with Nirmala Devi, the prime accused in Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) sex scandal case on Monday. This is the second such hearing conducted by the High Court Bench with Nirmala Devi.


A division bench comprising Justices N Kirubakaran and SS Sundar conducted the hearing on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by one Suganthi of All India Democratic Women Association (AIDWA) seeking CBI investigation into the MKU scandal.

The previous in-chamber hearing was ordered by the Bench to ascertain whether she was being denied legal aid. Whereas the previous hearing had taken place in the presence of the CB-CID Investigating officer, this hearing, the duration of which exceeded an hour, was conducted with the accused alone.

Incorrect info on NEET hall tickets leaves examinees confused in Tirunelveli
As more than 30 NEET applicants from the southern districts have reportedly received their hall ticket printed with mismatching details about the examination centre and its address,

Published: 25th April 2019 02:23 AM

By Thinakaran Rajamani

Express News Service

TIRUNELVELI: As more than 30 NEET applicants from the southern districts have reportedly received their hall ticket printed with mismatching details about the examination centre and its address, their parents are running from pillar to post to clear the discrepancies. A coordinator working at Kerala NEET Academy, Tirunelveli, told Express that there was a mismatch between the examination centre number and its address in the hall tickets that were received by around 25 of their students hailing from southern districts, including Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi.

“While the hall tickets say examination centre 4106, situated in Madurai, has been allotted for the students, it has the address of a Tirunelveli-based private school,” he added. Asaraf Ali, the father of a Ramanathapuram-based medical aspirant, said the authorities of the National Testing Agency (NTA) could not be reached through the given toll-free number and e-mail address.

“Officials at the office of the Chief Educational Officer and collectorate told us that they were in no way connected with the NEET process and asked us to contact the officials in New Delhi. There is not even a single nodal officer appointed for Tamil Nadu to lend an ear to the issues of NEET applicants,” he said. “My calls to the toll-free number were attended only on April 17 and 18.


The person on the other side told there were printing mistakes in the hall tickets due to virus-infected computers, then my calls went unanswered,” he added.

UAE woman wakes up from coma after almost 30 years

The story of Munira Abdulla, who woke up from a coma after 27 years, will make you believe in miracles!

Published: 24th April 2019 03:45 PM |

By Online Desk

We often hear people use the phrase 'medical miracle.' But, have we actually seen or known one? The story of Munira Abdulla stands testimony to it.

It was just any other day for Omar Webair, Abdulla's son, when his mother came to his school to pick him up in their car. But, the incident that followed left an unforgettable impact on the family.

Little did they expect that they would crash into a bus, which would leave Abdulla with a serious brain injury. Omar was four when the fateful incident happened. Recalling the accident, Omar said that when his mother saw the crash coming, she hugged him to protect him from the blow. After that, the 32-year-old Abdulla slipped into a coma that lasted for decades.

Omar didn't want to give up on his mother, waiting with hope and despair for years to hear her call his name once again. 27 years later, the 32-year-old Omar's belief didn't fail him as his mother woke up from the vegetative state. The number 32 certainly has some significance in the lives of both mother and son.


Through the years, there wasn't anything that Omar didn't try to help his ailing mother. Abdulla spent years in hospitals in UAE where she was tube-fed and underwent physiotherapy to prevent muscle deterioration.

It has been difficult for Omar to balance work and family, but he always made time for his mother. Taking cognisance of the incident, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi gave the family a grant for a comprehensive multidisciplinary programme in Germany.

When the miracle happened...

It was their final week in Germany and Omar had an argument in the hospital room when Abdulla reacted with strange sounds. But she was still in a coma. Three days later, Omar woke up to his mom calling his name.

Speaking to The National, he said, “It was her. She was calling my name. I was flying with joy. For years I have dreamt of this moment, and my name was the first word she said."

Today, Abdulla has become more responsive and has returned home to Abu Dhabi.

"I shared her story to tell people not to lose hope over their loved ones," Omar told the UAE daily.

Like the saying which goes 'where there is love, there are miracles,' this is a story full of love and faith and makes us exclaim in joy that family is above all!

Rs. 8 crore to reprint Tamil University publications

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

THANJAVUR, APRIL 25, 2019 00:00 IST

The State Government has allocated Rs. 8 crore to reprint publications brought out by the Tamil University.

So far, 452 books on various topics and collection of research papers presented in workshops or seminars conducted by the university including books on ‘Bharathiyar poems’ have been published. Books on Subramaniya Bharathi regarding business activities of Tamilians during Sangam period, inscriptions of Chola and Nayak have elicited good response from readers.

Though more than 450 publications have been brought out, only around 250 were available for sale as on date. The government will release fund in four equal instalments over the next four years for reprinting all books and making them available for sale for the benefit of students, researches and book-lovers, Vice-Chancellor G.Balasubramanian said.

It has been proposed to re-print 225 books / publications this year using the government fund and the excess fund, if available, would be used to publish new books. New books and collection of research papers on various topics numbering around 20 were under print apart from 10 publications brought out already during this year using Rs. 13 lakhs received from the University Grants Commission, he said.

Inaugurating the New Year sale of university publications at half-the cover price at the Publications Depot at the Palace Complex here on Wednesday, the Vice-Chancellor said that the book on Copper plate inscriptions of Maratha period was the first publication brought out by the university.

The half-the cover price sale during the fortnight long New Year sale and the month-long sale coinciding with the Foundation Day of the university and birth anniversary of former Chief Minister, C.N.Annadurai (from September 15 to October 15) last year had fetched Rs. 3.50 lakhs to the university as more than 5000 books/publications were bought by book lovers, students and researchers during the 45-day period.

In all, the Publications Division earned Rs. 10 lakhs through sale of books and periodicals during the entire last year.

The New Year half-the cover price sale would be conducted at the Tamil University Publications Division, Palace Complex, Thanjavur, from April 24 to May 8 between 10 a.m. and 5-45 p.m. on all days except on Sundays and government holidays.

Kabaddi to help keep children in tenements off bad habits

Vivek Narayanan

CHENNAI, APRIL 25, 2019 00:00 IST

Healthy diversion:Children at a kabaddi class.

After Perumbakkam, TNSCB plans to take the initiative to other settlements

Fear of their children picking up bad habits has always haunted residents of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) tenements.

To help teenagers steer clear of the vice trap, the board has now started kabaddi coaching classes for boys and girls.

“The lack of recreational facilities in the colonies put our children at the risk of picking up bad habits,” said Abirami, a resident of Athipattu TNSCB settlement.

To address this issue, TNSCB held a meeting with de-addiction centres, NGOs and police officers recently. They decided to roll out various measures including introducing sports activities and counselling programmes. “We have initially started kabaddi coaching for the boys and girls in Perumbakkam,” said a TNSCB official. “As of now we have started summer coaching in Perumbakkam for kabaddi. Over 20 girls and close to 30 boys are taking part in the camp,” said V. Sathyaseelan from Don Bosco Anbu Illam, which is coordinating the training programme. “Sports will surely deter the children from getting into bad habits,” he noted.

More to come

Similar coaching is also planned at other resettlement colonies including Navalur and Gudapakkam. “We have to improve the playgrounds in the colonies and install goalposts . After this we will start football coaching. Following this, we will hold matches. This will also help the children secure admission to colleges and land jobs through sports quota,” the TNSCB official said.

TNSCB is also planning to hold counselling sessions for children to prevent them from picking up bad habits. “We will be doing this with the help of de-addiction centres and NGOs,” an official said.

Jio overtakes Airtel as India’s No. 2 telco

Pankaj.Doval@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:25.04.2019

Nearly two-and-ahalf years after launching mobile phone services, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has overtaken Bharti Airtel’s subscriber base to emerge as the second-largest telecom company in the country.

Jio, which has a customer base of 30.6 crore, now trails only Vodafone-Idea. Airtel has 28.4 crore subscribers while Vodafone-Idea had announced that it had 38.7 crore subscribers in December 2018.

Airtel’s numbers were confirmed by a company spokesperson after TOI sent a query on Tuesday evening.

A telecom industry analyst said that the pace of growth of Jio’s subscriber additions may see the company overtake Vodafone-Idea in the coming quarters. “Vodafone-Idea is the most vulnerable of the three private players in the market, and it may just be a matter of few more quarters, may be three-four, before it is overtaken by Jio,” the analyst said, requesting anonymity as he advises many telecom companies.

For Sunil Mittal’s Airtel, which dominated the Indian telecom space for almost two decades, the fall has been dramatic – it used to be the market leader till the middle of last year before being edged out by the new entity that formed after the merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular.

The meteoric growth in Jio’s business since it launched services in September 2016 has been fuelled by aggressive and dirt-cheap consumer tariff plans with the company launching operations with free voice call facility. “The remarkable growth of Jio has been unprecedented and the company is expected to dominate the customer acquisition space through aggressive and innovative tariff plans, including bundling of content packages,” said Mohan Shukla, CEO of FinX-Pros, a consultancy firm.

Jio has been adding subscribers at breakneck speed at a time when Airtel and Vodafone-Idea have been weeding out low-paying users. According to a report by JP Morgan, Jio added 2.7 crore new customers between January and March 2019, after logging in 12 crore new members through 2018. Importantly, the company continues to lead the data space through its 4G-only business, and is actively scouting for more customers with cut-throat tariffs. “… we see no prospects of a tariff hike in FY2019-20, unless Jio’s net-additions (of subscribers) come down,” JM Financial said in a just-released report. Jio’s aggressive entry into the telecom business – in Mukesh Ambani’s second avatar in the mobile space – had unshackled the financials of the industry completely. Airtel, which had initially accused Jio of engaging in “predatory pricing” to gain market share, has seen its domestic operations slip into losses, while Vodafone India and Idea were forced to strike synergies and lower operating costs.

In ‘fire season’, poor quality gadgets worse than having nothing
A.Subramani@timesgroup.com

25.04.2019

Summer is the season of fires, and fire safety specialist Khalid Al Khatib shudders to enter highrises with low quality fire safety devices. Uncertified safety gadgets, poor legal backing, absence of training and education, besides weak enforcement have meant that almost every highrise in the country is a sitting duck for fire-related disasters, he said, during a recent visit to Chennai. “Not having any fire safety equipment is better than having substandard equipment,” said Khatib commenting on fire safety in most buildings, including star hotels in Chennai. A random check in the hotel he was staying revealed that the fire emergency door was locked.

The chief executive officer of NAFFCO, a global fire safety firm, tells TOI in an interview that though Tamil Nadu is progressing in all sectors — commercial, residential and industrial — it is not able to fortify its properties from fire accidents.

What does India need to do on the fire safety front?

Price for quality fire safety gadgets and mechanism is less than 3% of the overall building cost. So, stop all unapproved and unlisted products and use products approved by international laboratories. Strict application of NFPA codes and imposition of hefty penalties on violators is needed. No approval should be given for occupancy of a building unless these norms are met. There should be dedicated fire inspectors for approvals. In some countries, I have seen uncertified products being the cause of a fire — due to poor quality of fire alarm cables and panels. Such gadgets have caused the fire instead of detecting the fire.

India is cost-conscious. Do you have any India-specific strategy in mind?

People across the world are economical, but quality too is important. Will you buy an ‘economical’ car, if you are told the brake system may not be effective? Safety is crucial. Yes, we can provide economical equipment, but approved products come at a price, especially since labour cost, logistics and infrastructure is competitive here.

What is the venture proposal you have in mind?

We are here to set up a factory for certified fire protection equipment and systems in India with state-of-the-art engineering. NAFFCO will provide training and begin the journey.

How about your commitments to awareness and training?

Due to the serious nature of fire and its consequences, we takes it as our moral responsibility to educate the public and train engineers on fire safety and the latest technologies to combat it. NAFFCO conducts fire awareness campaigns in malls and parks to teach public how to use a fire extinguisher. We also conduct fire simulation training, drills and evacuation plans for residents of highrises, and for families and children. We have NFPA certification courses for design engineers, consultants and authorities. Also, we have courses for fire safety inspectors, fire risk assessment and recognition of approved and unapproved products. These accreditation courses will help people update their knowledge about latest international techniques.

Khalid Al Khatib

BREAKING RULES TO EXERCISE RIGHTS

Is It A Sense Of Entitlement Or Fan Frenzy That Makes Celebrities Feel More Equal Than Others?
Neeraja.Ramesh@timesgroup.com

Chennai 25.04.2019

Cast your vote at any cost seemed to be the message of some Tamil Nadu film stars on polling day last week. While actor Sivakarthikeyan ‘managed’ to cast his vote despite his name missing from the voters’ list, actor Srikanth, who accompanied his wife, was also able to vote though his name was missing from the list. Theirs was hardly an honest vote and their social media posts about how they ‘fought’ for their right was hardly an example to emulate.

A video clip of the otherwise imageconscious Ajith Kumar jumping the queue to get inked and being confronted by irate women voters went viral. Actor Trisha, an ambassador of a plethora of social causes, came under criticism for having used her grandmother as an excuse to jump the queue. Her parked car blocking the entrance of the polling booth became a topic of discussion on social media. While Tamil Nadu stars seem to be setting a bad example for good conduct this election, in neighbouring Kerala, mega star Mohan Lal patiently waited in queue for an hour to cast his vote.

But in a country where fan frenzy is the norm, celebrity spotting during the biggest carnival of democracy is a reality. In the polling booths where film stars were supposed to exercise their franchise, voters made it their priority to get the celeb selfie right. In some polling centres a few fans were seen chasing actors for a click, while others posed as party workers to get close to them. So does the onus of making the actors feel more at ease around public not lie with the people as well?

The culture of treating actors like demigods could be the root of the problem. Observers say special treatment for celebrities works both ways, it is the entitled star as much as the star-struck fan who is responsible for the idolatry and mindset that no rules apply to them.

Actor-politician Khushbu says every citizen is expected to follow a certain decorum when it comes to places like polling booths. There are places like the airport where, at a premium, celebrities have the option of avoiding attention. The election process, which comes with great responsibility, is a leveller. “In the interest of one’s image and dignity it would be appreciated if celebrities have a responsible approach and follow due diligence during voting,” she says.

Popularity comes with a price, says film critic Subaguna Rajan. “It is hypocritical of actors to cast votes when their names don’t figure on the voters list. Jumping queues shows arrogance and disregard for commoners. It is unusual for Ajith Kumar to behave in this way. He is someone who stands apart from other celebrities and is known for his simplicity and straightforwardness. Perhaps, this time something could have triggered the actor or maybe officials at the polling booth could have wanted to avoid mayhem and forced him to exit the centre quickly,”

says Subaguna Rajan, who voted in the same booth as Ajith in Valmiki Nagar.

While poll officials who allowed actor Srikanth to vote have been taken to task and an election commission inquiry ordered, the actor in his defence says, “I went to do my duty at the booth in Saligramam. Yes, I did change my address and had submitted all the necessary documents. But after waiting for my turn for one-and-a-half hours was told that my name was missing. But officials told me I could cast my vote after I signed a ledger. If at all there is anybody to be blamed for this mess, it is not me but the election officials,” says the actor, who feels celebrities are soft targets.

Agreeing that the perks of being a celebrity also bring the responsibility of using it judiciously, Nadigar Sangam trustee Kutti Padmini says, “Using star power at the right moment is a judgment call. There is nothing wrong in waiting in a queue, but fan frenzy is also a reality. Unpleasant experiences force actors to be on guard. Now more actors come out to vote like any other citizen. This is a positive trend. Stray incidents should not be reason to paint a negative picture of actors.” Mobbing celebrities not only makes the situation uncomfortable for them but also puts them on a pedestal and makes them feel indispensable. A balanced approach perhaps can emerge if priorities are reoriented, she says. Despite repeated calls and messages to Nadigar Sangam president Nasser regarding the issue, there was no response.

Email your feedback to southpole.toi@timesgroup.com

I was tempted to take a selfie with Jyothika, who was with Surya and Karthi. Somehow, I overcame the temptation and did my duty. Actors are like any other professionals, we should learn to respect their space

— Jayanthi Srinivasan | VOTER

I went to the polling booth early in the morning. It is natural to get mobbed by fans who see us in person. But I waited in queue. If I didn’t want a selfie, I politely declined and if I was in a mood I agreed. I made sure I had all papers with me to avoid confusion

— Khushbu | ACTOR-POLITICIAN

Saw video of Srikanth voting: CEO
Had Earlier Said Actor Didn’t Vote

Sivakumar.B@timesgroup.com

Chennai:25.04.2019

Tamil Nadu chief electoral officer Satyabrata Sahoo on Wednesday said he has sought a report from the Chennai district electoral officer on how actor Srikanth cast his vote in the Lok Sabha elections on April 18, though his name was not on the electoral rolls.

In a U-turn from his earlier statement that the actor did not vote, the CEO said he received a video showing Srikanth casting his vote in a polling booth at Saligramam in South Chennai Lok Sabha constituency. “We have received a video through WhatsApp showing Srikanth voting. Immediately, we forwarded the video to the Chennai district electoral officer asking for a detailed report,” said Sahoo.

He also said action has been taken against an official who allowed actor Sivakarthikeyan to cast his vote, though his name was also not on the electoral rolls. Sivakarthikeyan cast his vote in a booth at a school in Valasaravakkam. His wife’s name was on the rolls and she voted in the same booth. “Now that the vote has been cast, we will take it into consideration as part of the total account. Since the actor voted without his name on the rolls, we have informed the Election Commission. The EC has ordered departmental action against the official,” said Sahoo.

Experts said there are three options for the Election Commission during counting. “During counting, when the margin between the two leading candidates is wide, then the votes polled in the problematic booths need not be counted and the results can be announced by the returning officer,” said former chief election commissioner N Gopalaswami.

The other option is to know to which party’s candidate the two actors had cast their votes. “This can happen only when the court says so. Even with the EVMs, we can know through a roundabout way to which candidate the actors have voted for and count all other votes except the two votes,” said Gopalaswami.

The last option is to go for a re-poll in the two booths. “The Election Commission must immediately order repoll in these booths so that there is no confusion during counting and see to it that the two actors don’t vote again in the re-poll,” he said.

DMK spokesperson T K S Elangovan wanted the Election Commission to decide on the issue immediately. “Before the EVMs, such votes will be challenged and the ballot paper used to be kept in a separate envelope and not considered during counting. Since both the actors have polled their votes in the EVMs and it has been accounted for, it is for the Election Commission to take a decision on whether to order a re-poll,” said Elangovan.

Meanwhile, additional chief electoral officer V Rajaraman will be visiting Karur to check the security of the counting room after Congress candidate Jothimani filed a complaint seeking better security.

Not more than 40 students in a class, each person to have 10sqft space: Edu dept
Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai:25.04.2019

The department of school education will from the coming academic year strictly enforce the Right to Education Act, 2009, on the number of children who can be admitted in a classroom. Officials said they will make it compulsory for schools to not have more than 40 children in a class.

“It is also mandatory that each student is provided 10 sq ft space as per the norms. This will help them concentrate better,” said an official.

Stuffing more students in classrooms will affect teachers in enforcing discipline and completing their portions early, he added.

The RTE Act prescribes a Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) of 30:1 and 35:1 at primary and higher classes in every school. Guidelines prescibed for school infrastructure by the Union ministry of human resource development mandate that each classroom have a plinth area of 66 sqmt and secondary schools should have two additional classrooms.

Officials said they will inspect schools across the state to ensure they do not take in more students than they can handle.

Rev Bro K K Thomas, principal and correspondent of Montfort Matriculation Higher Secondary School, said that when implemented, the directive can cause problems. The schools permit up to 50 children in higher classes and up to 40 at the primary level, When asked why, the principal said it was due to increasing demand for admissions. “We have been receiving a rising number of requests for admission from parents. If we deny, they use influence and recommendations from higher authorities. In such circumstances, we are helpless,” he said. “If this rule is implemented, we will need to have a detailed discussion with officials as we cannot drastically reduce our intake suddenly,” he said. “Apart from recommendations, many schools take in more students to get more income so they can pay their staff and meet their yearlong educational expenses,” said S Arumainathan, state president of Tamil Nadu Students and Parents Welfare Association. In such cases, the officials should have a proper interaction with principals of schools and come up with a viable solution, so that children are not affected,” he said.

“We have found that effective teaching is possible with a strength of 40,” said P Vijayalakshmi, principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Virugambakkam. She added that when more than two children are seated on each bench they are not able to pay proper attention, resulting in poor discipline and unhygienic conditions. “Many a time, the teacher also fails to remember the names of students when there are more number of students, which is not ideal. Children end up losing out on individual attention. It is laudable that the state has decided to monitor this aspect,” she said.

Health minister’s ex-aide booked for cheating man
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:25.04.2019

The directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption on Monday registered a case against a former office assistant of health minister C Vijayabaskar five years after it was revealed that he cheated a man, promising him a job at the TNEB.

A case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act against V Chandrasekaran, who is at present employed at the agriculture department. Complainant G Senthil Kumar said Chnadrasekaran had collected ₹13 lakh from him, promising to get him a job as an assistant engineer in the TNEB.

Chandrasekaran used his association with Vijayabaskar, under whom he was working in 2013, to influence the complainant. The accused claimed that he had spoken to the then personal assistant of the electricity minister about the job, adding that he had given the money to the official for the same.

As Kumar never landed the job, his father Gunasekaran told him to retrieve the money. Only after a complaint was lodged at Selaiyur police station, Chandrasekharan returned ₹5 lakh. When inquired, the EB minister’s then PA said he had never seen Chandrasekaran let alone spoken to him. During inquiry, the accused admitted to the crime.

Metrowater is likely to provide bulk supply soon

Oppili.P@timesgroup.com

Chennai:25.04.2019

Flooded with requests for water tankers, Metrowater has proposed to agree to bulk supply, particularly to large housing complexes/gated communities, and is also looking into the possibility of allowing its tankers to operate till early morning.

At an emergency meeting convened by Metrowater on Wednesday evening at its headquarters in Chintadripet, a participant said the agency was currently concentrating on small households with capacity to store 6,000 litres, 9,000 litres and12,000 litres of water, resulting in a majority of gated communities, software companies and private colleges on Old Mahabalipuram Road turning to private tanker operators. To lure them away for peivate operators who charge exorbitant rates, Metrowater and plans to provide residents with the large quantities they want at a nominal cost.

With regard to the request for extending the timings of tankers, now operated from 5.30am to 11pm, the authorities asked the contractors if it would be feasible as it would require adding one more driver to their fleet. “The Metrowater authorities wanted two drivers for each vehicle on contract with the agency, so that it will reduce driver fatigue, which in turn will help avoid accidents,” the participant said.

The authorities also warned that stern action would be initiated against anyone supplying Metrowater to individuals and hotels, in violation of the rules. Declaring that they planned to take seriously the violation, which affects those genuinely in need of water, the authorities said they cancel the work order of the offender (contractor) concerned, they warned, added the participant. Such complaints of diversion of water have been swamping Metrowater helplines, with residents saying they were being deprived of water for no fault of theirs.

IN HIGH DEMAND

HC vacates TikTok ban, but red-flags its content

VIOLATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ANGER COURTS IN TAMIL NADU

Srikkanth.D@timesgroup.com

Madurai:25.04.2019

The Madurai bench of the Madras high court on Wednesday vacated its April 3 interim order prohibiting downloading of video sharing app TikTok after the Chinese company submitted that it has moderating mechanisms in place to regulate obscene content and it is only an intermediary platform, which does not upload content.

A division bench of justices N Kirubakaran and S S Sundar warned that if the regulatory mechanisms were not found to be effective as stated by the company, it would be charged with contempt of court.

Senior counsel Isaac Mohanlal representing TikTok argued that the company followed all laid-down standards and had better privacy provisions than other social media platforms.

When senior counsel said TikTok had not violated any laws, the court said it is because we don’t have any laws to address the issues concerning social media platforms and cited instances where Parliament took several years to pass legislation.

The court also took note of submissions by amicus curiae Arvind Datar who said that banning the app, which is only an intermediary website, cannot be the solution and cited previous judgments of the Supreme Court and the guidelines of the Information Technology Act.

Courts should be the last resort, says Datar

“An intermediary shall not be liable for any data not uploaded by them. There is no obligation on their part for pre-censorship,” said senior counsel citing Supreme Court judgments.

The amicus curiae also said that he met with he officials of the ministry of electronics and information technology and, so far, the Union government had blocked 14,220 websites between 2010 and 2018 and that this was the first case in the country on an intermediary website.

Datar said any person with a grievance against an intermediary website should first approach the grievance official of the company and then the authorities and the courts only as a last resort. “What is statutorily legal cannot be judicially impermissible,” Datar said.

The court, however expressed concern that there was no statutory protection for children and asked whether the Union of India would enact a statute like the Children Online Privacy Protection Act, enacted by the United States, to prevent children from becoming cyber victims.

On April 3, the court had issued an interim direction to the Centre to prohibit downloading of TikTok mobile app.

The court observed that pornography and inappropriate content were made available through the app. The court directions were in response to a petition which sought a ban on the app stating that it encouraged disturbing content and degraded culture.

The court asked whether the government would enact a statute like the Children Online Privacy Protection Act, enacted by the US, to prevent children from becoming cyber victims

TIMELY ACTION

Morphing of girl’s FB pic: Man gets 3-yr jail

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Trichy:25.04.2019

A mahila court in Trichy on Wednesday sentenced a 22-year-old youth to three years imprisonment for threatening a minor girl by posting her morphed photo on Facebook. It also handed out another threeyear jail term for intimidation and assault with intent to outrage her modesty.

The court also ordered the convict, S Ajithkumar, to pay a fine of ₹5,000 failing which he should undergo six months of additional jail term.

Special public prosecutor R Ventatesan said Ajithkumar, a construction worker, had proposed to the 17-year-old girl who was his neighbour.

Though the girl rejected his proposal, Ajithkumar continued to pursue her.

Since the girl was unrelenting, he downloaded her picture from her WhatsApp profile and morphed it with his picture, and posted the morphed photograph on the social media site.

The girl’s elder brother, who confronted Ajithkumar for denigrating his sister, was abused and threatened of dire

consequences. The convict also refused to remove the picture from the site.

Based on a complaint lodged by the girl, the Golden Rock all-woman police took up the investigation and arrested Ajithkumar, on September 26 last year. He was later released on bail pending trial.

SC seeks help of CBI, IB, cops to probe role of ‘fixers’ in judiciary

‘System Will Not Survive If Charges Are True’

AmitAnand.Choudhary@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:25.04.2019

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the assistance of top investigating and intelligence agencies to probe a “set of fixers” in the judiciary who allegedly seek to manipulate judicial proceedings and have been accused of conspiring with a corporate figure to frame the Chief Justice of India in a sexual harassment case.

The court took a serious view of the allegations after it was informed that two SC staff members who were recently sacked for altering an order in the industrialist Anil Ambani contempt case, acted in league with the dismissed woman employee who has accused CJI Ranjan Gogoi of sexual harassment.

Keen to swiftly settle the controversy arising out of a lawyer’s sensational claim that there is a “cash-for-judgment club” operating in Delhi to influence court proceedings, a special bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra, R F Nariman and Deepak Gupta called the heads of the CBI, the Intelligence Bureau and Delhi Police for in-camera consultations. The bench justified the decision stressing that allegations made by lawyer Utsav Bains that he was offered a bribe of ₹1.5 crore by a person named Ajay to frame CJI Ranjan Gogoi in a false case of sexual harassment and three dismissed SC employees ganging up with “fixers” was very serious.

“He says fixing game is going on in SC. It is a matter of grave concern for the system. Fixing has no place in the system. He has named a fixer and we want to go to the root of the matter. Fixers have to be booked. We need to find out who are these fixers. We will inquire and inquire and inquire and take it to the logical conclusion,” the bench said.

Our responsibility to keep this institution clean & ensure image is not tarnished: SC

Asking the chiefs of the CBI, IB and Delhi Police to reach the apex court for urgent consultations, the bench said, “We and this system will not survive if the allegations are true. We have to find out the truth at all levels. Can we keep our eyes shut? The entire country will lose faith in the system.”

The three top officers who met the judges were asked to “seize the relevant material” in order to support the contents of the affidavit furnished by Utsav Bains. “Considering the seriousness of the allegations as the system has absolutely no place for such fixers, we cannot leave the matter at that. It becomes our responsibility to keep this institution clean as well as to ensure that the image of this institution is not tarnished by such allegations to undertake the probe in the matter,” the court said in its order.

In the course of proceedings, senior advocate Indira Jaising contended that any probe into roles of fixers and a larger conspiracy should not hamper the in-house probe against the CJI on the sexual harassment complaint. The bench made it clear that in-house proceedings will go on but a separate investigation was needed on the larger conspiracy and role of fixers.

The lawyer contended that an attempt was made by a corporate figure to influence an SC judge to deliver a favourable order, failing which he sought to get the case moved to another court. Both attempts failed, Bains said, quoting what he said was information from a reliable source. The attempt to dislodge the CJI followed this incident, he claimed.

After their meeting with the officers of agencies they had called, the bench assembled again to hear submissions on an affidavit filed by Bains who alleged that the sexual harassment charge against the CJI by a dismissed court staffer was part of a larger conspiracy involving a corporate figure who, along with members of a “fixers club”, has tried to frame the CJI to pressure him to resign. He also placed materials and evidence in a sealed envelope before the bench to substantiate his allegations.

The lawyer said he had some additional information and evidence but expressed reluctance to place some of the privileged communication before the bench. The bench, however, said it is of the prima facie opinion that the lawyer could not claim privilege in the present case involving conspiracy of a serious nature. The court asked attorney general K K Venugopal to assist the court on the issue.

Full report on www.toi.in

In an affidavit, the lawyer alleged that CJI Ranjan Gogoi was being targeted because he took decisive steps to insulate the judiciary from fixers

Driving In High Speed In A Very Busy Road Can Be Said To Be Rash & Negligent: Bombay HC [Read Judgment]

Driving In High Speed In A Very Busy Road Can Be Said To Be Rash & Negligent: Bombay HC [Read Judgment]: 'Driving the vehicle in a high speed in the area which is thickly populated and having too much movements, is one of the shade by which it could be said that it is a rash and negligent driving.'

Pay For New Gas Connection For Wife: Bombay HC Directs Husband In Case Of Domestic Violence [Read Order]

Pay For New Gas Connection For Wife: Bombay HC Directs Husband In Case Of Domestic Violence [Read Order]: The Bombay High Court recently directed one Jivesh Shetty to pay for a new gas connection in the name of his wife as she informed the court that her mother-in-law had removed cooking gas,...

'Transwoman A 'Bride' Under Hindu Marriage Act' : Madras HC; Also Bans Sex Re-Assignment Surgeries On Intersex Children [Read Judgment]

'Transwoman A 'Bride' Under Hindu Marriage Act' : Madras HC; Also Bans Sex Re-Assignment Surgeries On Intersex Children [Read Judgment]: 'gender identity falls within the domain of her personal autonomy and involves her right to privacy and dignity. It is not for the State authorities to question this self determination'

பாலின மாற்று சிகிச்சை செய்தவரும் இந்து திருமணச் சட்டத்தில் மணமகள்தான்: உயர் நீதிமன்றம் தீர்ப்பு

By DIN | Published on : 23rd April 2019 07:19 PM |


சென்னை: பாலின மாற்று சிகிச்சை செய்தவரும் இந்து திருமணச் சட்டத்தில் மணமகள்தான் என்று சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றம் தீர்ப்பளித்துள்ளது.


தூத்துக்குடியை சேர்ந்த சிரிஜா என்ற பாலின மாற்று சிகிச்சை செய்து கொண்ட திருநங்கைக்கும், அருண்குமார் என்ற இளைஞருக்கும் திருமணம் செய்ய இருவீட்டாரும் பேசி முடிவெடுத்தனர்.

அதன்படி அவர்கள் அங்குள்ள கோயில் ஒன்றின் நிர்வாகத்தை அணுகிய போது, அவர்களுக்கு திருமணம் செய்து வைக்க கோயில் நிர்வாகம் மறுப்பு தெரிவித்து விட்டது. ஆனால், கடும் போராட்டத்துக்கு பின்னர் அவர்கள் திருமணம் கடந்த மாதம் நடைபெற்றது.

பின்னர் அவர்கள் தங்கள் திருமணத்தை பதிவு செய்யுமாறு கோரி பதிவாளரை அணுகியுள்ளனர். ஆனால் அவர்களது திருமணத்தை இந்து திருமணச் சட்ட விதிகளின் படி பதிவு செய்ய இயலாது என்று பதிவாளர் மறுப்பு தெரிவித்து விட்டார்.

இதனை எதிர்த்து தம்பதியர் சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் வழக்குத் தொடர்ந்தனர். இந்த வழக்கு விசாரணையின் போது தமிழ் பாரம்பரியம் மற்றும் சம்மந்தப்பட்ட இரு தரப்பின் தனிச் சட்டங்கள் உள்ளிட்டவைகளின் விதிகளில் பதிவாளர் திருப்தியாகவில்லை எனில் எந்த ஒரு திருமண பதிவு விண்ணப்பத்தையும் அவரால் நிராகரிக்க முடியும் என தமிழக அரசு கடுமையாக வாதத்தை முன்வைத்து எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்தது.

ஆனால் இந்த வழக்கில் திங்களன்று தீர்ப்பளித்த உயர் நீதிமன்றம் பாலின மாற்று சிகிச்சை செய்தவரும் இந்து திருமணச் சட்டத்தில் மணமகளாகத்தான் கருதப்படுவார் என்று கூறியதோடு, இந்து திருமணச் சட்டத்தின்படி அவர்களது திருமணம் செல்லும் எனவும் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது. அத்துடன் அவர்களது திருமணத்தை முறைப்படி பதிவு செய்யவும் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

தலைமை செயலக ஊழியர் மீது லஞ்ச ஒழிப்பு வழக்கு

Added : ஏப் 23, 2019 23:22

சென்னை, மின் வாரியத்தில், உதவி இன்ஜினியராக வேலை வாங்கித் தருவதாக 13 லட்சம் ரூபாய் வாங்கிய, தலைமை செயலக ஊழியர் மீது லஞ்ச ஒழிப்பு போலீசார் வழக்கு பதிவு செய்துள்ளனர்.சென்னை சேலையூரை சேர்ந்தவர் சந்திரசேகரன். தலைமை செயலகத்தில், அலுவலக உதவியாளர் என்ற நிலையில் பணியாற்றி வரும் இவர், 2013ல் சுகாதார துறை அமைச்சர் விஜயபாஸ்கரிடம் தபேதராக வேலை பார்த்துள்ளார்.அப்போது, சேலத்தை சேர்ந்த, ஜெயபிரகாஷ் என்பவருக்கு மின்வாரியத்தில், உதவி இன்ஜினியராக வேலை வாங்கி தருவதாக, 13 லட்சம் ரூபாய் வாங்கி மோசடி செய்துள்ளார். இந்த தொகையில், ஐந்து லட்சம் ரூபாயை அவர், திரும்ப தந்துவிட்டதாக கூறப்பட்டது. மீதமுள்ள தொகைக்கு, காசோலை கொடுத்துள்ளார். அது, பணம் இல்லாமல் திரும்ப வந்து விட்டது,இதுகுறித்து, சேலையூர் போலீசில், ஜெயபிரகாஷ் புகார் அளித்துள்ளார். இந்த தகவல், லஞ்ச ஒழிப்பு போலீசாருக்கு தெரியவந்துள்ளது. இதையடுத்து, நேற்று முன்தினம், சந்திரசேகரன் மீது, லஞ்ச ஒழிப்பு போலீசார் வழக்குப் பதிந்துள்ளனர். அவர், தற்போது, வேளாண் துறையில், அலுவலக உதவியாளராக பணியாற்றி வருகிறார்.

விரைவில், 'ரிலையன்ஸ் கிகாபைபர்' சேவை

Updated : ஏப் 24, 2019 03:37 | Added : ஏப் 24, 2019 03:31 

மும்பை: மொபைல் போன் சந்தையை கலக்கிய, 'ரிலையன்ஸ் ஜியோ' நிறுவனம், அடுத்து, 'கிகாபைபர்' திட்டம் மூலம், மாதம், 600 ரூபாய் கட்டணத்தில், 'பிராட்பேண்ட், டிவி' தொலைபேசி வசதிகளை, விரைவில் நாடு முழுவதும் அறிமுகப்படுத்த உள்ளது.

ரிலையன்ஸ் ஜியோ தற்போது, மும்பை மற்றும் டில்லியில், சோதனை அடிப்படையில் இச்சேவையை இலவசமாக வழங்கி வருகிறது. எனினும், 'ரூட்டர்' பயன்பாட்டிற்கு, ஒரு முறை டெபாசிட்டாக, 4,500 ரூபாய் வசூலிக்கப்படுகிறது. இச்சேவையில், வினாடிக்கு, 100 மெகாபைட் வேகத்தில், 100 ஜி.பி., தகவல்களை பதிவிறக்கலாம். விரைவில் இச்சேவையை, நாடு முழுவதும் விரிவுபடுத்த, ரிலையன்ஸ் ஜியோ திட்டமிட்டுள்ளது.

மாதம், 600 ரூபாய் கட்டணத்தில், இணையம், தொலைக்காட்சி, தொலைபேசி சேவைகள் வழங்கப்பட உள்ளன.அத்துடன், குரல் வழி உத்தரவு சேவை, காணொலி காட்சி, மெய்நிகர் வீடியோ விளையாட்டு, பொருட்கள் வாங்குவது, 'ஸ்மார்ட்' வீடுகளில் மின்னணு சாதனங்களை இயக்குவது உள்ளிட்ட வசதிகளை நுகர்வோர் பெறலாம். இதற்காக, ரிலையன்ஸ் ஜியோ நிறுவனம், 'டென் நெட்ஒர்க்ஸ், ஹாத்வே கேபிள், டேடா காம்' ஆகிய நிறுவனங்களில் பெருமளவு முதலீடு செய்துள்ளது. விரைவில், இந்நிறுவனங்களில், பெரும்பான்மை பங்குகளை வாங்க திட்டமிட்டுள்ளது.

இந்நிறுவனங்கள் ஏற்கனவே, கேபிள், 'டிவி' தொழிலில் உள்ளதால், அவற்றின் கீழ் உள்ள, 27 ஆயிரம் கேபிள் ஆப்பரேட்டர்கள் மூலம், 1,100 நகரங்களில், ரிலையன்ஸ் ஜிகாபைபர் சேவை வழங்கப்படும். ரிலையன்ஸ் ஜிகாபைபர் சேவை அறிமுகமாவதால், பி.எஸ்.என்.எல்., பார்தி ஏர்டெல் உள்ளிட்ட போட்டி நிறுவனங்கள், கவர்ச்சிகரமான பிராட்பேண்ட் திட்டங்களை அறிமுகப்படுத்த துவங்கியுள்ளன.

ஓராண்டிற்கு இலவசம்:

ரிலையன்ஸ் ஜியோ கிகாபைபர் சேவையில், ஒருவர், மாதம், 600 - - 1,000 ரூபாய் வரை செலுத்தி, வீட்டில் உள்ள, 40 மின்னணு சாதனங்களை இணைத்துக் கொள்ளலாம். வினாடிக்கு, 100 மெகாபைட் வேகத்தில், 100 ஜி.பி., தகவல்களை இலவசமாக பதிவிறக்கலாம். தொலைபேசி, தொலைக்காட்சி சேவைகள் அடுத்த மூன்று மாதங்களில் சேர்க்கப்படும். இச்சேவைகள் அனைத்தும், ஓராண்டிற்கு இலவசமாக வழங்கப்படும்.

தனியார் கல்லூரி முதலாளியா சுரப்பா: ராமதாஸ்

Added : ஏப் 23, 2019 23:22


சென்னை, 'அண்ணா பல்கலை துணைவேந்தர் சுரப்பா, கல்வியாளராக செயல்படாமல், தனியார் கல்லுாரி முதலாளி போல செயல்படுகிறார்' என, பா.ம.க., நிறுவனர், ராமதாஸ் கூறியுள்ளார்.அவரது அறிக்கை:அண்ணா பல்கலை பணியாளர்களுக்கு, ஊதியம் தர நிதி தேவைப்படுவதால், கல்வி கட்டணம் உயர்த்தப்படுவதாக, சுரப்பா கூறியுள்ளார். அண்ணா பல்கலை துணைவேந்தர் என்ற நிலையில் இருப்பவரிடமிருந்தோ, கல்வியாளரிடமிருந்தோ, இப்படி ஒரு விளக்கம், ஒருபோதும் வந்ததில்லை; வரவும் கூடாது.கல்லுாரிகளை, லாப நோக்கத்துடன் நடத்தும் தனியார் முதலாளிகளிடம் இருந்து தான், இப்படி ஒரு விளக்கம் வெளிப்படும். இதன்படி பார்த்தால், சுரப்பா கல்வியாளராக செயல்படாமல், தனியார் கல்லுாரி முதலாளி போல செயல்படுகிறார். அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கு மத்திய அரசும், தமிழக அரசும், தாராளமாக மானியம் வழங்குகின்றன. உறுப்பு கல்லுாரிகளை நடத்துவதில், நிதி நெருக்கடி இருந்தால், அதுகுறித்து அரசிடம் தெரிவித்து, தேவையான நிதியை பெறலாம்.உலக அளவில் ஏற்பட்டு வரும், நான்காம் தொழில் புரட்சி காரணமாக, பெருமளவில் வேலையிழப்பு ஏற்படும் ஆபத்து உள்ளது. இதைத் தடுக்கவும், நான்காம் தொழில் புரட்சியின் தேவைகளை நிறைவேற்றவும் வசதியாக, புதிய பாடத் திட்டங்களையும், படிப்புகளையும் உருவாக்கும் பணியில், அண்ணா பல்கலை தீவிரமாக ஈடுபட வேண்டும்.இவ்வாறு, ராமதாஸ் கூறியுள்ளார்

தலையங்கம்

தேர்தல் நேரத்தில் மட்டும் பெட்ரோல் விலை உயராதா?

இந்தியாவின் பொருளாதார வளர்ச்சி அதிகமாக பாதிக்கப்படுவதற்கு 2 முக்கியமான காரணங்கள் உண்டு. ஒன்று டாலருக்கு நிகரான ரூபாய் நோட்டு மதிப்பு குறைவு. அடுத்தது சர்வதேச சந்தையில் கச்சா எண்ணெய் விலைஉயர்வு. விலைவாசி உயர்வதற்கு இந்த 2 காரணங்களும் முக்கியபங்கு வகிக்கிறது.

ஏப்ரல் 24 2019, 03:30

பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை உயரும்போதெல்லாம் விலைவாசி உயர்ந்து, பொருளாதார பாதிப்புகள் அதிகமாகிக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றன. மொத்தத்தில், நாட்டின் பொருளாதார முன்னேற்றம் ஏற்பட பணவீக்கம் கட்டுக்குள் இருக்கவேண்டும். பணவீக்கம் கட்டுக்குள் இருக்கவேண்டுமென்றால், விலைவாசி குறையவேண்டும். விலைவாசி குறையவேண்டுமென்றால், பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை குறைவாக இருக்கவேண்டும்.


2017-ம் ஆண்டு ஜூன் 16-ந்தேதிக்கு முன்புவரை மாதந்தோறும் சர்வதேச கச்சா எண்ணெய் விலைக்கு ஏற்ப 1-ந்தேதியும், 16-ந்தேதியும் பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டு வந்தது. 16-6-2017-முதல் அன்றாடம் சர்வதேச கச்சா எண்ணெயின் விலைக்கு ஏற்ப தினசரி விலை நிர்ணயம் நாடு முழுவதிலும் அமலுக்கு கொண்டுவரப்பட்டது. அந்தவகையில் ஒவ்வொரு நாளும் பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை ஏற்ற இறக்கத்தை கண்டுவந்தது. சர்வதேச கச்சா எண்ணெய் விலை கடந்த 5 மாதங்களில் இல்லாத அளவு நேற்று மாலையில் ஒரு பீப்பாய் விலை 74.14 அமெரிக்க டாலராக உயர்ந்துள்ளது. இதுபோல, ரூபாயின் மதிப்பும் ஒரு டாலருக்கு ரூ.69.62 ஆக சரிந்துள்ளது. பங்குமார்க்கெட்டிலும் பெரும்சரிவு காணப்பட்டது. ஒருபக்கம் கச்சா எண்ணெய் விலை உயர்வு, மற்றொரு பக்கம் ரூபாய்நோட்டு மதிப்பு குறைவு. 
இவையெல்லாம் சேர்த்து பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலையை அபரிமிதமாக உயர்த்திவிடுமோ என்று எல்லோரும் அச்சப்பட்டாலும், பெரும்பாலானவர்களுக்கு தேர்தல் முடியும்வரை நிச்சயம் பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை உயராது, இதைத்தானே கடந்த சில தேர்தல்களில் சந்தித்திருக்கிறோம் என்ற ஒரு மனத்தெம்பு ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது. கடந்த மார்ச் மாதம் 10-ந்தேதி முதல் ஏப்ரல் 10-ந்தேதி வரை கச்சா எண்ணெய் விலை 9 சதவீதத்திற்குமேல் உயர்ந்தும், பெட்ரோல் விலை ஒருசதவீதத்திற்கு குறைவான உயர்விலேயே நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டு வந்தது.


2017-ம் ஆண்டு டிசம்பர் மாதத்தில் குஜராத் சட்டசபை தேர்தலின்போதும், கடந்த ஆண்டு கர்நாடக சட்டசபை தேர்தலின்போதும், ராஜஸ்தான், மத்திய பிரதேசம், சத்தீஷ்கார், தெலுங்கானா சட்டசபை தேர்தலின்போதும் பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை உயர்த்தப்படவில்லை. அந்த கணக்கையெல்லாம் கூட்டிக்கழித்து பார்த்தால், இப்போதும் கச்சா எண்ணெய் விலை எவ்வளவு உயர்ந்தாலும், பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை அந்த விலை உயர்வுக்கு ஏற்ப யர்த்தப்படாமல்தான் இருக்கிறது. கடந்தமாதம் 15-ந்தேதி சென்னையில் ஒரு லிட்டர் டீசல் விலை ரூ.69.96 ஆக இருந்தது. நேற்று ரூ.70.17 ஆகத்தான் இருக்கிறது. இதுபோல, பெட்ரோல் விலை கடந்த 14-ந்தேதி 1 லிட்டருக்கு ரூ.75.62 ஆக இருந்தது, நேற்று ரூ.75.71 ஆகத்தான் இருந்தது. ஆக அடுத்தமாதம் 19-ந்தேதிவரை, நாடாளுமன்ற தேர்தல் முடியும்வரை சர்வதேச சந்தையில் கச்சா எண்ணெய் விலை எவ்வளவு உயர்ந்தாலும், இந்தியாவில் அதற்கேற்ப பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை உயராது. இது கண்ணாமூச்சி காட்டுவதுபோல இருக்கிறது. இப்போது மட்டும் சர்வதேச சந்தையில் கச்சா எண்ணெய் விலை உயர்ந்தாலும், நாட்டில் பெட்ரோல்-டீசல் விலை உயர்த்தப்படாமல் இருப்பதுபோல, எப்போதும் இந்த விலையை கட்டுக்குள்ளேயே வைத்திருந்தால் பொதுமக்களுக்கும் பாதிப்பு இருக்காது. விலைவாசியும் உயராது. அதற்கேற்ற வகையில், கலால்வரியை உயர்த்தியோ, குறைத்தோ இதை கட்டுக்குள்ளேயே வைத்திருக்கவேண்டும் என்பதுதான் பொதுமக்களின் எதிர்பார்ப்பாகும்.

Interrogate all officials in the TNSRB examination row: Madras HC to CoP

DECCAN CHRONICLE. | J STALIN

PublishedApr 23, 2019, 1:49 am IST

Thus, the competent authorities are bound to take care of the report submitted by the chairman and proceed further in the manner known to law.

Madras high court

Chennai: Making it clear that all officials including the high ranking officials are to be questioned by the Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai city, if necessary with reference to the documents and the materials submitted by the respective parties in connection with the alleged incidents leading to the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board examination row, the Madras high court has granted further time and directed the Commissioner of Police to proceed with the investigation.

JusticeS. M. Subramaniam said, "In view of the facts and circumstances and based on the report submitted by the Commissioner of Police, enabling him to conduct the investigation in a proper prospective so as to arrive a logical conclusion in order to initiate all further actions in the manner known to law, this court is inclined to grant further time. Equally, the report submitted by the Chairman, Tamil Nadu Uniformed Service Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) is also to be pursued in accordance with law. The chairman of the TNUSRB also initiated actions against the erred officials and certain other recommendations are also made.

Thus, the competent authorities are bound to take care of the report submitted by the chairman and proceed further in the manner known to law. Thus, the process of investigation as well as the further enquiry by the government, which are all to be proceeded with. Under these circumstances, it is just and necessary to grant further time to the commissioner of police as well as the chairman oof TNUSRB to pursue the matter enabling this court to decide the contempt petition".

In view of the fact that now the court has decided to monitor the investigation as well as the investigations led by the commissioner of police, this court is inclined to grant time and accordingly, the Registry is directed to list the matter 'for filing further report' by all concerned on September 6, 2019, the judge added.

Originally, contending that on account of wrong key answer to a question, ihalf mark was denied to him, S.Arunachalam, who is working as a constable and participated in the selection process for recruitment to the post of sub-inspector of police, had filed a petition. In order to find out the correctness of the key answer and to ascertain the genuinity of the claim of the petitioner, the court had directed the board to get an expert opinion from IIT Madras. Accordingly, based on the expert opinion, claiming to be obtained from a professor of IIT, Madras, furnished by the board, the court had dismissed the petition. However, subsequently, the petitioner claimed that the expert opinion furnished before the court was a bogus one. The Inspector General of Police and the Member Secretary of TNUSR Board stated that they identified some impersonation in the matter of providing expert's opinion to the board and in respect of such impersonation a criminal case was registered against G.V.Kumar and D.Moorthy. Following this, the judge had on April 2 initiated suo motu contempt proceedings.

In his present order, the judge said additional advocate general P.H.Arvindh Pandian submitted that pursuant to the order of the court, the COP initiated steps to accelerate the investigation in respect of the criminal case registered. The COP filed a comprehensive report in respect of the investigation done. The COP seeks further time to get appropriate report from the Forensic Department so as to get along with the further investigation and file a final report. Senior counsel A.E.Chelliah, appearing for Vijaya Kumar alias G.V.Kumar submitted that certain documents were created by the police officials of the Board by obtaining signatures in blank papers from G.V.Kumar. The signatures were obtained by force in the blank papers, when G.V.Kumar was in the office of the TNUSR Board. It was contended that by obtaining the signatures in blank papers, the officials of the police department put anti-date and filed the blank papers to suit their convenience.

G.V.Kumar was not at all in Chennai on that day and he had attended a program in Udhagamandalam. He produced documents to establish that he was taking classes in Udhagamandalam and the documents were to be verified and properly investigated by the COP. In this regard, the higher officials including IG of Police were to be interrogated with reference to the documents filed by G.V.Kumar. AAG in response submitted that the investigating officers will certainly look into those documents and initiate all suitable actions. "It is made clear that all the disputed documents are also to be scrutinized and investigated properly", the judge added.

The judge said this court was of the view that the CoP was entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the investigation and therefore, there may not be any ambiguity or difficulty in interrogating all the officials, who all were connected with the issues. "This court has no iota of doubt and made it clear that no leniency or misplaced sympathy shall be shown in respect of all the persons concerned in the matter of investigation irrespective of their cadre, post or status. All concerned must be examined, investigated and interrogated, wherever necessary for the purpose of digging out the truth behind the incidents as well as the queries raised in the suo motu contempt proceedings", the judge added.

Transsexual is a bride as per Hindu Marriage Act: Madras HC

PTI

PublishedApr 23, 2019, 6:46 pm IST

The judge said the apex court had held that transgender persons had the right to decide their self-identified gender.

Quoting from epics viz. Mahabharatha and Ramayana, as well as from Supreme Court rulings, the judge said the word 'bride' could not have a static or immutable meaning and would have to include a transwoman. (Photo: File)

Madurai: In an important ruling, the Madras High Court's Madurai bench has held that as per the Hindu Marriage Act, a transsexual is also a "bride" and the term would not necessarily refer only to a woman.

Justice G R Swaminathan gave the ruling on a petition filed by a man and a transwoman who approached the court after officials refused to register their marriage held in Tuticorin last October. Allowing the petition, he directed the Registration Department officials to register the marriage of the petitioners.

Voicing concern over the plight of transgender people, who, he said, suffered from stigma and are forced to leave their homes, the judge directed the Tamil Nadu government to issue an order banning sex reassignment surgeries on inter-sex infants and children.

Quoting from epics viz. Mahabharatha and Ramayana, as well as from Supreme Court rulings, the judge said the word 'bride' could not have a static or immutable meaning and would have to include a transwoman.

He rejected the contention of the government advocate that the registrar of marriage had powers to refuse the registration as the couple did not meet the statutory requirement under the Hindu Marriage Act, as the term "bride" could only refer to a "woman on the marriage day".

The judge said the apex court had held that transgender persons had the right to decide their self-identified gender. Justice Swaminathan said it was the responsibility of the government to launch a sustained awareness campaign and encourage parents not to see the birth of an inter-sex child as a matter of embarrassment or shame.

"Any inter-sex child is entitled to stay within the fold of its family. The running away to the margins and beyond is a fatal journey and must be arrested. Time has come when they should be brought to the mainstream," he said.

In the present case, the petitioners were an inter-caste couple and eligible for financial incentives under the Dr Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration, he said.