Coal scam: Order on quantum of punishment to H C Gupta, 5 others on Dec 5
New Delhi, Dec 3 : A Delhi court on Monday said it would pronounce on December 5 its order on the sentencing of former coal secretary H C Gupta and five others convicted for irregularities in the allotment of coal blocks to a private firm in West Bengal.
Special Judge Bharat Parashar concluded hearing on arguments on the quantum of punishment. The CBI sought a maximum of seven years imprisonment for the five convicted persons and imposition of heavy fine on the private firm.
The counsel for Gupta and four other convicted persons sought a lenient sentence.
Gupta's counsel pleaded that he was 70 years old and suffering from various ailments. He only had his pension to support his family, the lawyer said.
On November 30, the court convicted Gupta, private firm Vikash Metals and Power Limited as well as one serving and one retired public servant former joint secretary in Ministry of Coal K S Kropha and then director (CA-I) in the ministry KC Samria.
The court also convicted the firm's managing director Vikash Patni and its authorised signatory Anand Mallick.
The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the allocation of Moira and Madhujore (North and South) coal blocks in West Bengal to VMPL. In September 2012, the CBI registered an FIR in the case.
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No more street vending on B’luru’s main roads, as govt plans to bring new policy for street hawkers
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said that the state government has decided to formulate a new policy for footpaths in Bengaluru, under which street vending will not be allowed on main roads and sub-main roads.
Addressing the media after a budget preparation meeting and executive meeting of GBA corporations at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said discussions were held with MLAs from the GBA region regarding the corporations’ budgets and key civic issues.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok also participated in the meeting and shared his views. Officials from multiple departments, including police, BESCOM, BMRCL, BWSSB and BDA, along with ministers and legislators, were present.
He stated that all five municipalities have prepared their individual budgets, while MLAs have submitted their demands, including calls for ward-wise grants.
“We have decided to bring a new policy for footpaths. Citizens are struggling to walk as footpaths are encroached upon by street vendors,” Shivakumar said.
Highlighting the need to balance livelihoods and public convenience, he added that “a separate space will be provided for street vendors, and specific roads will be designated for their business,” ensuring that pedestrians can use footpaths without obstruction. He noted that there was unanimous agreement among MLAs on this approach.
Issuing a warning to vendors, Shivakumar said that authorities will act against those violating the rules. “If vendors operate during the day and leave their carts on the roadside at night, authorities will clear them. People should be aware of this,” he said.
Providing data on street vendors, he said that around 60,000 vendors have registered so far, of which 30,000 have applied for vehicles, and a tender has already been floated.
“Only those with street vendor identity cards will be allowed to do business. Those without ID cards will not be permitted to operate on the streets,” he added.
