KSCA election dispute resolved; HC orders polls on Dec 7 under supervision of Justice Subhash B. Adi
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has directed that elections for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) be held on 7 December under the supervision of retired High Court judge and former Upa Lokayukta, Justice Subhash B. Adi. The order was issued by a single-judge bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj while disposing of petitions filed by KSCA and B. K. Ravi.
The petitioners had challenged the decision of the Election Officer to postpone the polls, originally scheduled for 30 November to 30 December due to certain procedural confusions. The Court set aside the notice issued by the Election Officer on 17 November and instructed that the election be conducted transparently as per the existing KSCA by-laws, without being influenced by any disputed interpretations.
The Court fixed the polling to take place on 7 December from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed by the announcement of results. The bench also requested the supervision of Justice Subhash B. Adi to ensure fairness in the electoral process.
Nomination filing has already concluded, and scrutiny will take place on 24 November. The list of valid candidates must be published by 6 p.m. on the same day. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw nominations on 26 November, after which the final list of contestants must be released.
Senior advocates Jayakumar A. Patil and Uday Holla, appearing for the petitioners, argued that minor changes to the schedule were necessary to resolve issues created by the 17 November notice. They further noted that delays could affect the participation of the state’s teams in cricket tournaments and may even lead to the appointment of an administrator under the Societies Act.
Appearing for the Election Officer, senior advocate K. N. Phanindra assured the court that the polls would be conducted strictly in accordance with the revised schedule and under judicial supervision.
With these directions, the High Court disposed of the petitions.
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NIMHANS-like institutes needed across country: Minister Sharan Prakash Patil
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Saturday called for renewed efforts and innovation to tackle neurovascular diseases, infections and a widening range of mental health challenges.
Speaking at the 28th convocation of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) here, he acknowledged ongoing and emerging concerns, including a rise in psychiatric and psychological disorders.
Patil said the state government has proposed setting up NIMHANS-like institutes in Mysuru and Kalaburagi to strengthen regional access to specialised care.
"Not only in Karnataka, but NIMHANS-like institutions should be established across the country," the Medical Education Minister said.
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also attended the event virtually from New Delhi.
Announcing key infrastructure plans, Patil said land provided by the state government, along with approval from the Union Finance Ministry, will enable the construction of a new north campus at Kyalasanahalli, Bengaluru, to function as a polytrauma centre for augmenting critical care services.
He thanked the Finance Minister for sanctioning a new Outpatient Department (OPD) complex at NIMHANS.
He further highlighted the need to address urban mental health issues, maternal and child mental health concerns, teenage suicides, substance use disorders and geriatric mental health services.
Underscoring Karnataka’s role as a partner in neurological care, Patil said the state operates two Tele-MANAS cells at NIMHANS and Dharwad and is implementing the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (Ka-BHI) with NIMHANS as the apex centre.
The Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) toll-free helpline numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 offer multi-language support and have been pivotal in facilitating communication between callers and mental health professionals.
Launched by the government in October 2022 to enhance mental health service nationwide, the programme operates 51 Tele-MANAS cells across all states and Union territories.
Reassuring the institute and its alumni of continued support, Patil said the state government would remain open to discussion, collaboration and assistance to strengthen mental health and neurosciences in Karnataka and across the country.
