Kogilu demolition: PIL filed in High Court challenging government’s move to demolish houses
Bengaluru: A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the High Court questioning the state government’s action of demolishing around 300 houses in the Kogilu locality near Yelahanka, citing them as illegal constructions.
The petition has been filed by Kogilu residents Jaiba Tabassum, Rehana and Areef Begum. The state government, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and the Bengaluru North taluk Tahsildar have been named as respondents. The petition is yet to be listed for hearing before the court.
In the plea, the petitioners alleged that houses in Wasim and Fakir colonies were demolished without issuing any prior notice and without hearing the residents. It has been stated that many of the affected residents belong to the Muslim community and that several families possess documents related to their houses.
The petition pointed out that BBMP officials are required to issue a show-cause notice and grant at least 15 days’ time before clearing alleged encroachments. The Supreme Court has also laid down guidelines stating that houses should not be demolished using bulldozers without issuing written notice and providing an opportunity for hearing. The petition alleged that these directions were violated and that the demolitions were carried out in complete disregard of Supreme Court orders.
It has further been stated that the demolition led to the destruction of uniforms, textbooks and hall tickets belonging to hundreds of students studying in nearby government schools, severely affecting their education and future.
ALSO READ: Congress and NCP (SP) to contest separately in Nagpur civic polls
The petitioners have sought directions to provide rehabilitation or alternative housing within a five-kilometre radius for all displaced residents of Fakir and Wasim colonies after conducting a proper survey. They have also demanded compensation for the houses that were demolished after years of effort, as well as directions to provide appropriate medical treatment to those injured during the eviction drive.
The plea has also raised concerns about the risk of infectious diseases among people rendered homeless and has sought directions to set up temporary medical camps at the site to ensure immediate access to healthcare. It has requested the authorities to issue duplicate hall tickets to students whose original documents were destroyed, allowing them to appear for examinations, and to provide affected students with textbooks, notebooks, study materials and uniforms.
Seeking action under contempt of court, the petition has urged the High Court to initiate proceedings against officials responsible for the demolitions for violating Supreme Court guidelines. It has further sought to fix personal liability on officials for the loss and damage caused, and to ensure immediate supply of clean drinking water and nutritious food to affected persons, including women, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The petition also called for the construction of separate temporary toilets for men and women, and adequate security arrangements for women and children in the affected area.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
