No need to change school timings and factory working hours to control traffic, State tells K'taka HC
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has submitted in affidavits filed before the High Court that it was not necessary to change school timings and working hours in factories to control traffic in Bengaluru as they were not the only causes for congestion. The affidavits by the Education and Labour Departments were filed after extensive consultation with stakeholders. The HC recorded the submission and adjourned the hearing of the PIL to January first week.
In the affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ritesh Kumar Singh, it has been stated that there was no need for any changes in school timings in Bengaluru. The report said that the traffic congestion is not solely due to school hours but is affected by the overall movement of vehicles to and from various institutions, industries, and other locations. Initiating changes in school timings without addressing the overall traffic scenario may lead to adverse consequences, disrupting the scheduled time for sleep, meals, and other essential activities for the students, the affidavit said.
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However, suggestions for decongesting roads near school and colleges were provided in the affidavit including specifying designated pickup and drop points for students, deploying traffic police and wardens during the school commencement and conclusion time and providing Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus services for students.
The affidavit by Principal Secretary, Department of Labour, Mohammad Mohsin stated that there was no need to change the working hours in factories as they were not the sole cause of traffic congestion. The affidavit states that workers travel between 6 am and 9 am and travel back after working hours.
The State has however suggested several measures to avoid traffic congestion including encouraging hybrid working by companies on the Outer Ring Road. The affidavit was filed in response to the recommendations given by the High Court regarding the modification of school, college, and factory timings to regulate traffic congestion in the city. The PIL filed by 'Samarpana Trust' was heard by Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Krishna S Dixit.
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AIMPLB warns of protests, legal battle over Waqf Amendment Bill
Bengaluru: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday addressed a press conference following the conclusion of its national convention in Bengaluru. The Board raised concerns over several pressing national and international issues, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and recent controversies surrounding places of worship in the country. The Board also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, terming it a "genocide."
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, strongly opposed the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, warning the government of protests and legal challenges if the bill is passed without thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
"Waqf properties are donated specifically for the benefit of the Muslim community and for charitable purposes. These properties cannot and should not be altered or interfered with by the government," he said. Ilyas emphasized the historical and legal sanctity of Waqf properties, stating that any changes to the law without proper discussion would be unacceptable to the community.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was another critical issue discussed during the convention. Ilyas reiterated the Board's long-standing opposition to the UCC, stating that it threatens the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
"The UCC will disrupt the very fabric of this country. India thrives on its diversity, and a uniform code disregards this essential characteristic," he said. He explained that the Indian legal framework already accommodates individuals who choose not to follow their personal laws.
Ilyas also criticized the UCC implemented by the Uttarakhand government, calling it unconstitutional. "How can it be called a 'Uniform Civil Code' when it is applied only in one state?" he questioned. The AIMPLB plans to challenge the Uttarakhand UCC in the Nainital High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) soon.
The Board also addressed growing tensions surrounding places of worship, particularly the rising claims that some mosques were originally temples. Ilyas pointed out that such disputes are in violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1992, which mandates that the status of religious sites shall remain as they were in 1947.
"The Supreme Court, in its verdict on the Babri Masjid case, clearly stated that no further disputes of this nature should arise. Yet, we see new cases being brought up regularly," he said.
Citing a recent incident in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where police action against protesters left two dead, Ilyas condemned the violence. "This incident was tragic and could have been avoided. It is deeply condemnable," he added.
The AIMPLB also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, highlighting the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Ilyas termed the situation a "genocide," pointing to the reported deaths of over 45,000 people in the last year.
"This is not a war; it is a genocide. The international community must take urgent steps to address the issue," he said. The Board called for a two-state solution as a pathway to peace and justice in the region.
The press conference was attended by several senior AIMPLB officials, including the Board’s president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani. The officials emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders and the Muslim community to address the challenges highlighted during the convention.
The AIMPLB pledged to continue its advocacy through protests, legal actions, and public engagement to safeguard the rights of the community and uphold the constitutional values of the country.
