Karnataka HC rules in favor of bike taxi drivers, asks govt to protect their interest
Bengaluru: In a move aimed at safeguarding the safety of bike taxi operators in the state, the Karnataka High Court recently directed the state government to take strict action against individuals or groups found illegally preventing bike taxis from carrying out their services.
The High Court order, dated March 28, stated that the writ petition was being disposed of, directing the Karnataka government to take appropriate action against any person who is found to have unlawfully obstructed the petitioners from operating the bike taxis.
The order comes nearly two years after a direction was issued to the transport authorities under the state government not to take any coercive action against bike taxi services. The High Court, in its latest order, stated that despite its earlier directive, the police have failed to take action against respondents found guilty of obstructing and assaulting bike taxi riders. "The State is under obligation to take appropriate action against any individual," the High Court added.
The Bike Taxi Welfare Association, one of the petitioners, stated that the recent High Court order would boost their fight against harassment, physical violence, vehicle damage, and obstruction to bike taxi riders by auto-rickshaw union members in Bengaluru. "This order not only carries the weight of legal obligation but also marks a crucial stride towards ensuring the safety and security of all riders within our transportation landscape," the association said in a statement.
The association had filed a petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, seeking relief from unlawful interference in their operations. Senior advocate KN Phanindra represented the association during the hearing of the petition in court.
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Hemant Karkare killed by RSS-linked cop, not Kasab: Maharashtra LoP Vijay Wadettiwar
BJP writes to ECI for action against Cong leader Wadettiwar for 'defaming' Ujjwal Nikam
Mumbai, May 5: The BJP has written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Congress and the opposition leader, Vijay Wadettiwar, for allegedly peddling lies and defaming its Mumbai North Central nominee and ex-26/11 prosecution lawyer Ujjwal Nikam.
Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, purportedly called Nikam an "anti-national" and accused him of hiding the information that then Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare wasn't killed by Kasab's bullet during the 26/11 terror attack, but fell to a bullet of a policeman affiliated to RSS.
His allegations were based on the book "Who Killed Karkare" written by retired police officer SM Mushriff.
"As a responsible leader, the opposition leader should desist from making such comments that can help the enemy nation," Nikam said.
Terming Wadettiwar's statements as "false and not based on facts", Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shekar claimed they were aimed at defaming Ujjwal Nikam and inciting emotions.
"We have written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Wadettiwar who is a star campaigner (of Congress) and also against the Congress party for peddling lies," he added.
Shelar further said (Ajmal) Kasab was sentenced to death for killing innocent people after following a due process of law.
Kasab was the lone terrorist who was captured alive by Mumbai Police during the 26/11 terror attack by Pakistani terrorists in which at least 166 people were killed and several others were injured.
Shelar wondered whether Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray supported the statement made by the Congress leader.
A former special public prosecutor, Nikam had represented the state in high-profile cases like the Mumbai serial bomb blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
He is making his political foray from Mumbai North Central seat on a BJP ticket and is pitted against city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad.
