Mall of Asia kept closed on Dec 31 keeping in mind police's apprehensions, management tells HC
Bengaluru (PTI): At a special hearing of a petition by the Phoenix Mall of Asia challenging the order passed by the City Police Commissioner to "restrict access to the public" to the mall between December 31 and January 15, the mall management promised to keep it shut on December 31 considering the apprehensions raised by the police.
The court recorded the submission of the Mall and the police that deliberations would be held to sort out the issue and arrive at an amicable solution.
A meeting was scheduled at the police Commissioner's office at 3 PM on Sunday and the decision would be submitted to the High Court at the next date of hearing on January 2.
The HC bench of Justice MGS Kamal directed that "no precipitative action shall be taken till the matter is resolved amicably or further order is passed by the Court" and posted the hearing to January 2.
Following the police Commissioner's order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code directing restriction of entry of public to the Mall between 31-12-2023 and 15-01-2024, the Mall approached the HC. The HC noted the urgency and heard the matter on Sunday.
"The petitioner is before this court and considering the urgency pleaded, the matter is listed today," the HC noted.
The Mall at Byatarayanapura, Yelahanka Hobli is on the Ballari Road leading to the Kempegowda International Airport and opened to the public on October 22, 2023.
The police issued a notice on October 11, 2023 seeking information about the precautionary measures taken by the mall management about parking facilities, regulation of traffic among others.
The mall responded on October 20. Thereafter the police after gathering information available and intelligence passed the order on December 30 restricting public entry.
The order cited congestion, noise pollution and inconvenience to the public in surrounding areas.
On Christmas eve, there was major congestion caused by people visiting the mall.
Citing this and the apprehension that the situation would result in the commission of cognizable offences in the future, the order was passed.
The counsel for the mall argued that the order was unsustainable as it did not meet the parameters of Section 144 of the CrPC.
It was also claimed the order was ambiguous as it says the mall should restrict public access to the premises.
It was also submitted that the issue was not so grave that it needs such serious action.
The HC in its order clarified the police order that "Restricting public access to Phoenix Mall of Asia shall not be read as an order completely preventing the petitioners from conducting business."
"It is a matter of deliberation between the petitioner and respondent. This is only a matter of implementation of the order," the HC said.
The Court said that the order has to be passed in its letter and spirit but if it is ambiguous, it becomes unsustainable.
Recording the submission that the meeting would be held the same day, the HC directed that the decision and the solution arrived at be submitted to the court on January 2 and adjourned the hearing.
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CM Yogi invites Singapore's Global Indian Schools to Lucknow
Singapore (PTI): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has invited Singapore-based Global India International School (GIIS) group to set up its model in Lucknow.
The visiting Chief Minister appreciated GIIS as a school modelled on the values of Excellence and Skills upgradation.
He invited the school group to set up its model in Lucknow during his address to the Indian diaspora.
Yogi observed this and encouraged GIIS to continue on this path and bring this excellence to Lucknow.
"We are humbled by his invitation and will definitely take steps in the right direction," said Atul Temurnikar, chairman and co-founder of the Global Schools Group, the parent of GIIS and 64 international campuses across major Asian capital cities as well as the United Kingdom.
"GIIS has always been an innovative organisation where the student is the focal point. Our goal is to bring the best education to every child, and an up-and-coming Uttar Pradesh can be our next step in that direction,” Temurnikar told PTI on Tuesday.
The Group, which has 64 international campuses, hosted the Chief Minister Adityanath at its One World International School campus for dialogue and interaction with the Indian diaspora on Monday evening.
Temurnikar noted that it was a meaningful dialogue on the state’s expanding investment landscape after hosting 1,500 Indians based in Singapore at the interaction.
“Uttar Pradesh has a promising future under his leadership, which is evident from the state’s strong focus on infrastructure, industry, and governance. It is presenting significant opportunities for global collaboration, he said.
“The success of this evening (interaction) reflects the growing interest within the Indian diaspora in contributing to India’s economic growth and long-term development,” added Temurnikar.
