Malayalam writer Mukundan selected for Ezhuthachan award
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1: Noted Malayalam novelist and short story writer M Mukundan has been selected for the Kerala government's highest literary award 'Ezhuthachan Puraskaram' for this year.
The 76-year old writer has been chosen for his overall contributions to the Malayalam literature, an official release said here Thursday.
In his reaction, Mukundan said the award was an acknowledgement of the "stern stand" taken by him on various social issues.
The award, named after Ezhuthachan -- the father of Malayalam literature, carries a cash prize of Rs five lakh and a citation.
Considered as one of the pioneers of modern Malayalam literature, Mukundan is known as "Mayyazhiyude Kathakaran" (storyteller of Mayyazhi - Mahe).
Hailing from Mahe, a former French colony and an enclave of Union Territory of Puducherry in Kerala, Mukundan's works include novels, short stories and non-fiction.
"Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil", "Daivathinte Vikrithikal", "Kesavante Vilapangal" and "Delhi Gadhakal" are among his popular works.
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Bihar govt to constitute 100 fast-track courts to expedite disposal of criminal cases: Home min
Patna (PTI): Bihar Home Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday announced that the state government will establish 100 fast-track courts (FTCs) to ensure the swift disposal of pending cases.
He said that the move also aims to ease the burden on regular courts for them to accord due attention to sensitive cases.
Choudhary said the decision in this regard has been made considering that over 18 lakh cases are pending before different courts in the state.
The constitution of FTCs will "bring in a big relief" to the judicial system and litigants, he said.
"To operationalise 100 FTCs across 38 districts and sub-divisions, the government will undertake large-scale recruitment," the home minister asserted in a statement.
He said that a total of 900 posts, including those of bench clerks, office clerks, stenographers, deposition writers, data entry operators, drivers, process servers and peons, will be filled.
Choudhary also announced that 79 courts will be designated as 'act courts' to fast-track cases related to the Arms Act. Swift resolution of such serious cases, he said, will strengthen law and order in the state.
The minister said that Patna alone will get eight fast-track courts, while four courts each will be set up in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Bhagalpur. Three FTCs each are planned for Nalanda (Bihar Sharif), Rohtas (Sasaram), Saran (Chhapra), Begusarai, Vaishali (Hajipur), East Champaran (Motihari), Samastipur and Madhubani.
Similarly, two courts each will be established in West Champaran (Bettiah), Saharsa, Purnea, Munger, Nawada, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Kaimur (Bhabhua), Buxar, Bhojpur (Arrah), Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Banka, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai and Khagaria. One FTC each is also proposed for the sub-divisional courts of Naugachia and Bagaha.
