The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Delhi and neighbourhood

	HC judges inspect Yamuna riverbed Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 3 A Double Bench of the Delhi High Court comprising Justice A.K. Sekri and Justice Rekha Sharma today visited the site of 2010 Commonwealth Games village and Delhi Metro constructions on the Yamuna riverbed to get the first-hand knowledge of the controversial location on the riverbed. During the inspection that lasted close to two hours, the two judges extensively went around Zones 05 and 06 of the river where all these constructions are taking place. The visit follows a petition by India’s “waterman” Rajendra Singh waterman, conservation institute INTACH, Manoj Misra of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan and Sanjay Kaul of Urja in the Delhi High Court against “despoliation and damage to river Yamuna which the ongoing construction in the riverbed are creating”. The constructions include the Yamuna metro depot and other constructions by the Delhi metro. Besides, a residential complex consisting of around 1160 flats for the Games village is also coming up on the riverbed. In the adjoining area other facilities for athletes, including a stadium, swimming pool and dining area are being constructed. Justice A.K. Sekri and Justice Rekha Sharma have been hearing the petitioners since October 2007. Their petition has been now been clubbed with an identical petition by Vinod Jain of NGO Tapas. Jain had raised similar issues before the court, including the question of long-pending river regulation zone notification by the MoEF on the lines of coastal regulation zone. In mid-December Justice Geeta Mittal had issued a hard-hitting advisory against the construction of flats for the village. The court, on basis of submission by petitioners and the solicitor general on behalf of the DDA and Government of India, yesterday decided to make a site visit to ascertain the ground situation. Most of the petitioners, including Rajendra Singh, Manoj Misra, besides Ritwick Dutta, counsel Sanjay Parikh, Resident Welfare Associations represented by S.K. Kapoor and N.N. Misra and a large number of villagers were present at the site. During the visit, senior DDA and DMRC officials, including the DDA vice-chairman, the DMRC director Project and engineers, explained their respective construction plans and status of environmental clearances to the judges. The judges visited the bandh area behind the Akshardham Temple and also where some construction was being done after raising the ground level of the river embankment. They also inquired about the fate of residential buildings that were being constructed for the Commonwealth Games village. After the visit to the Games village site in Zone 06, they visited the Yamuna Metro area in Zone 05 between the new railway line and the ITO Bridge. The petitioners are likely to make a brief power point presentation before the Bench on Tuesday.
	Traffic challan amount SC notice to Delhi govt Legal Correspondent New Delhi, January 3 The Delhi High Court order, imposing the cost of Rs 500 on every traffic violation challan in the national Capital, was today challenged in the Supreme Court on the ground that the order was unconstitutional and amounted to judicial interference in the executive and legislature sphere. A Bench of Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices R V Raveendran and J M Panchal took cognizance of a petition challenging the High Court order and issued notices to the Centre, Delhi chief secretary, city police commissioner and additional commissioner, Traffic, seeking their replies within four weeks. A public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the High Court’s last year order imposing Rs 500 as cost on every challan for traffic violation was moved by advocate D K Sharma, who raised several questions on the “constitutional validity” of the impugned directive. As per the PIL, mechanism to work out the cost has to be undertaken by the executive. The High Court neither had resorted to a proper mechanism, nor was it entitled to do so and there was no basis for the High Court to come to the conclusion that the cost on every challan would be Rs 500. The petitioner also challenged the constitutional validity of the High Court directive appointing a “so-called” expert committee, comprising transport secretary of Delhi Government, additional commissioner of Police and advocate Rajiv Awasthy to submit reports to the court every month on traffic regulation. Sharma said, it not only amounted to the High Court usurping upon itself the powers of the executive and legislature but raised question mark on the locus standi of such a committee. He also referred to recent judgement of the Supreme Court’s division Bench comprising Justices A K Mathur and Markandey Kartju, on “judicial overreach” and said in that order the apex court had specifically mentioned about judicial “overactivision” in traffic regulation in the city by the High Court. The petitioner also questioned the competence of the High Court to set up another committee that would decide as to who should be permitted to have “dark films” in the window and windscreen of the vehicles. The court appointed committee could not be allowed to take a decision on this vital question as to who should be permitted to have the “dark film” and who should not as it also related to security of VIPs, which the court could not assess. The courts have only jurisdiction to appoint court commissions, local commissions and receiver in a particular case, mainly related to civil disputes to ascertain the status of disputed assets and at times to have their custody till the matter is adjudicated. But appointing so-called expert committees by the court and asking them to perform the duty that essentially falls within the jurisdiction of the executive, would amount to “encroaching upon” the latter’s sphere, Sharma claimed.
	VAT panel member quits Syed Ali Ahmed Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 3 VAT Advisory Committee member S. P. Singh submitted his resignation in protest against the government’s attitude to make the committee non-functional. The committee was constituted two years back under the chairmanship of Delhi finance minister A. K. Walia to help traders. When the committee was constituted, the chairman announced that a regular meeting would be held to debate and resolve the various problems faced by the traders in dealing with the tax department. But so far only one meeting has held, S. P. Singh, who is member of the All India Tyer Dealers Association, said. He claimed, “Ever since the committee’s constitution, only one inaugural meeting was held last year at FICCI auditorium in which Delhi finance minister and the department officials addressed the participants from the trading community along with ceremonial welcome by the trade associations. In fact, no serious official business was conducted in the inaugural meeting.” The committee was constituted primarily with the objective to have continuous interface of government with the trading community to remove impediment in implementation of the VAT. The recommendations of the Advisory Committee were to be incorporated in duly rectifying the rules and procedures of enforcing State VAT Act. He said that the VAT had been introduced in Delhi and government revenue too had gone up during this period, but it had been more due to upward revision in VAT tax rates in comparison to previous sales tax floor rates. More items have been brought in VAT ambit and there has been general increase in consumer spending. The tax department continues to be a cesspool of corruption and Delhi as distribution centre also leads in maximum intra-state and inter-state business having overwhelming component of tax avoidance, S. P. Singh said. A very influential and powerful section of trading community, across the spectrum, and small and medium manufacturing units are ferrying their goods or products in league with big transport companies and goods booking agents in the city under the patronage of enforcement officials.
	Collection of essays by teachers released Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 3 Cambridge University Press today released ‘Reflections on Teaching, Today and Tomorrow’, a collection of essays written by teachers and trainers from India. The book was launched by Professor Alison Richard, vice-chancellor of University of Cambridge, who presented copies to every teacher who contributed to the book. Some eleven teachers from schools and institutes across the country have contributed to the compilation of the book, which has resulted in a diversity of approaches and viewpoints. Professor Alison Richard further said that the university works closely with schools and education boards through its assessment group, Cambridge Assessment, and particularly our international examination board, University of Cambridge International Examinations. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for innovative teachers developing active learning in a variety of local contexts to share their practical ideas and experience, and to encourage their colleagues in India and worldwide.” said the book’s co-editor, Dr Paul Beedle, CIE Professional Development Manager. He continued, “the resulting book has been a great success, and is endorsed by CIE for use by teachers and trainers around the world who are undertaking the Cambridge International Certificate for Teachers and Trainers.” D.V Sharma, the General Secretary of COBSE, of which CIE is an associate member, commented on this occasion that, “encouraging teachers to express themselves on the issues they consider important is another way of empowering them. Recognising teachers’ contributions strengthens their confidence in their own capabilities to become more effective.” Also present on the occasion were Simon Lebus, CEO, Cambridge Assessment Group, Ann Puntis, CEO, University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), Stephen Bourne, CEO of Cambridge University Press, Ashok Ganguly, Chairman, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and representatives from COBSE and Indian Education Boards. There are many institutions in India eligible to run professional development programmes leading to the Cambridge International Certificate and International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers, including schools, training centres and a state board of education. The benefits of these programmes are already being felt as teachers incorporate new teaching approaches and more activity-based lessons into their classroom practice.
	Bike-borne robbers loot Rs 5 lakh Parmindar Singh Ghaziabad, January 3 Two robbers on a bike snatched Rs 5 lakh from two young men a few yards away from police headquarters in Ghaziabad. The victims were on their way to office after withdrawing the cash from a bank. One of the victims, who resisted the robbers, was hit with a revolver butt on his head. Police were able to identify one of the robbers late yesterday night. Rajbeer Singh of Meerut has an office—R.K. Traders—in Navyug Market which is managed by his brother-in-law Sanjay. Sanjay had taken an employee Dharminder along to withdraw Rs 5 lakh from a multinational bank in Raj Nagar. Sanjay and Dharminder were on their way on cycle to Navyug Market with the cash when near SSP’s office, they were stopped by three young men on a bike who snatched the cash from them at gunpoint. When Dharminder resisted the robbers, he was hit on his head with the butt of a gun. Then bandits snatched the cash bag and fled from the point. Some onlookers tried to chase the robbers, but they sped away after firing in the air to scare away the people. Injured Dharminder was rushed to a nursing home in Raj Nagar. SP City, Vijay Bhushan, said police found Sanjay’s behaviour a little abnormal. Instead of taking Dharminder to a hospital, Sanjay had taken him back to the office. During interrogation, it came to light that an ex-employee of the firm was also present at the spot where loot look place. The record of close circuit camera of the bank was also examined.
	Traffic diversion due to Metro work Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 3 A part of the Raisina Road near Krishi Bhawan roundabout will be temporarily closed from January 5 for construction work of the Delhi Metro. During the period of closure, traffic will be diverted through the Rajendra Prasad Road (R P Road). Motorists wanting to use Raisina Road will be diverted to R P Road via the link road between Raisina Road and R P Road. Visitors wanting to go to the Press Club, may take R P Road to go to Raisina Road. For approaching the Chelmsford Club, the original entry gate at Raisina Road may be used. The present parking along the link road opposite the Krishi Bhawan will be shifted along Raisina Road. Eight traffic marshals will be deployed to direct traffic during the period of diversion. It is expected that Raisina Road will be reopened to traffic in about four months.
	Mukhi decries minister’s remark on discoms Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 3 Reacting to the statement of Delhi power minister to put a check on the discoms through committees, Jagdish Mukhi, leader of opposition, Delhi Legislative Assembly, has said that this is only an election stunt. “Since the beginning of privatization of power supply, I have been drawing the attention of the government on the poor functioning of these companies. They just harass the consumers. But despite the completion of five years of privatization, neither the Chief Minister nor power minister has given heed to the shortcomings of the companies,” he claimed. On the one hand, Delhiites are being crushed under the atrocities of these uncontrolled companies, on the other the Chief Minister is protecting them by issuing statements in favour of these companies. In her statement, the Chief Minister said that earlier electro magnetic meters were slow and now the electronic meters being installed by these companies are right. Mukhi said presently there is unannounced loadshedding of one to two hours in the morning and evening all over Delhi. When TRANSCO is providing full electricity to discoms, why these unannounced power cuts, he questioned.
	Madan Bhaiya moves HC Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 3 Controversial Uttar Pradesh politician Madan Gopal, alias Madan Bhaiya, has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court’s order framing charges against him for allegedly attempting to murder policemen in the Ashok Hotel here eight years ago. Madan Bhaiya, presently out on bail, and three others have been facing trial for firing at the policemen during a shootout in which gangster Siriya Pehlwan was killed. According to the police, Madan Bhaiya, Pehlwan and their other associates had met in the hotel to plan out abduction of a Meerut-based businessman for ransom. When police reached there to arrest them, they had fired shots at the personnel. Appearing for Madan Bhaiya, counsel R N Mittal submitted before justice Sanjay Kishan Kkaul that there was no evidence against him in the case except that a weapon- a.30 Mauser was recovered from his car. He said the case was not made out against his client as the weapon was locked at the time of recovery. If police claimed that they knew about the meeting of accused persons at the hotel, why did the police allow them to enter the hotel premises and made a plea to set aside the trial court’s charge order passed in may 2001. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had twice refused to hear his petition stating that some of the witnesses have to be examined in the case. The court has now fixed January 17, as the date for further hearing of the matter.
	Hostel room :Date extended Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 3 The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has extended the last date for submitting applications for allotment of rooms at Working Women Hostel up to January 22. Working women wanting to avail of the facility may apply on a prescribed form available at the hostel site on payment of Rs.20. Working women who do not have residence in Delhi are being advised to avail the facility. The MCD has constructed its first Working Women Hostel at a cost of Rs.1.5 crore. This three-storeyed hostel complex comprises 48 ordinary, six semi-deluxe and four deluxe rooms for single occupancy. The hostel is situated close market close and is also approachable by Delhi Metro. It has sufficient open space, spacious kitchen, dining hall, common room and parking place. The allottee will have to pay Rs.1000 as monthly rent for ordinary room, Rs.1500 for semi-deluxe and Rs 2500 for deluxe room. Besides, one time admission fee of Rs.100 for ordinary room, Rs.200 for semi -deluxe and Rs.300 for deluxe room. As regards, eligibility, admission to the hostel is restricted to single women employed in government, semi-government, local bodies or reputed firms. Ordinary rooms will be allotted to women working on the posts equivalent to non-gazetted status. For semi-deluxe rooms, applicant should be working on group ‘B’ posts, whereas for deluxe rooms, applicant should be working in the grade of Under Secretary or equivalent.
	Farmers refuse compensation Our correspondent Greater Noida, January 3 Land compensation camps by the district administration were a failure due to the farmers’ opposition and steadfast unity of farmers from 17 villages who refused to accept the meagre land compensation being offered. None of the farmers from any village came to accept the cash compensation being offered by the administration in lieu of land. The farmers insist that unless they are paid a compensation of Rs 20 lakh per bigha of land, no farmer will accept it. Earlier, farmers held a demonstration in front of the collectorate on the issue of acquiring Abadi land in Kalesra village. The farmers said their hearth and homes have also been acquired by the government. It may be mentioned that the district administration had organized camps in 17 villages from December 24 to 31 for payment of compensation to farmers under a special campaign. But at none of the camps, farmers turned up to take the compensation. Farmers said GDA had paid Rs 1,100 per sq mt while UPSIDC had paid Rs 460 per sq mt but as against these Greater Noida’s offer of Rs 339 was not acceptable to them. The administration has also warned the farmers that an award has been announced and the money will be deposited in the treasury, but farmers were not cowed down by it. Raj Pal Singh Bhatti, co-ordinator of Liaison Committee, said farmers will in no case change their stand, whatever administration wants to do, it may go ahead with it. The farmers will stick to their demand of Rs 20 lakh per bigha of land, Bhatti stressed.
	Woman robbed New Delhi, January 3 A Canada based non-resident Indian Thursday alleged her driver had robbed her of Rs.110,000 in cash, diamond and gold jewellery worth Rs.85,000, two credit cards and 8,000 Canadian dollars, the police said. Preeti Sharma, 23, who has been in India for the past one-and-a-half years to look after her ill mother, was staying in west Delhi’s Hari Nagar area. She complained to the police that her driver Rakesh has been missing since December 31 with jewellery and two gold cards of a bank, credit cards and 8,000 Canadian dollars in cash. “On January 1, I received a message from the bank that Rs.110,000 has been debited from my account, which I hadn’t taken. So, I immediately reported the matter to the police,” Sharma said. The police said Rakesh, whom she hired nearly a year ago, is a prime suspect. “Preeti had written the password on one of the cards and it is suspected that Rakesh has withdrawn money from that card only. No transaction has been made through the second one,” said a police official investigating the case. “When teams were dispatched to Rakesh’s native place in Palwal, Haryana, his family said he had not visited them for the past two years,” the official said. — IANS