NEIGHBOURHOOD

DC orders redress of pending complaints 
Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 2
While accepting the fact that the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee has not been able to properly propagate the recital of Gurbani in ragas, as prescribed in Guru Granth Sahib, on string instruments in the Golden Temple, SGPC president Avtar Singh made a strong appeal to raagis to help sustain the purity of this exclusive form of music.

Avtar Singh made these remarks while inaugurating the five-day Gurmat Sangeet Competition being organised by the Punjabi University’s department of Gurmat Sangeet at Kala Bhawan here today.

The SGPC chief promised to introduce Gurmat Sangeet as a subject in schools, colleges and other institutions run by the SGPC. He also announced a grant of Rs 11 lakh for the Gurmat Sangeet department and Rs 1 lakh for the participants in the five-day competition.

While presiding over the function, Dr Jaspal Singh, vice-chancellor of Punjabi University, declared that the university would organise a big conference to mark the tercentenary celebrations of the Gurta Gaddi Divas. Competitions and seminars will also be held at all its regional centres and neighbourhood campuses.

While thanking Avtar Singh for having implemented the practice of recital of kirtan on string instruments at Golden Temple, Dr Gurnam Singh, head of Gurmat Sangeet department, said that about 200 students were participating in various level competitions.

Ambala, September 2
The issue of beautifying Ambala Cantt by the municipal council, Ambala Sadar, has run into rough weather, with many of the councillors alleging foul play in allotting the work to a particular agency.

Expressing doubt over the terms and conditions of the agreement with the company Social Promoters, which has its registered office in Sector 16, Panchkula, the councillors are now protesting and demanding the termination of the contract and fresh expression of interests to be invited.

Talking TNS, councillor Onkar Nathi alleged that the issue of beautifying Ambala Cantt was never brought to the floor of the House in the official agenda, instead it was shown as other items.

“Apparently a committee was formed, expression of interests invited and a company was shortlisted without our knowledge. We want to know what were the criteria of selections,” he states.

The councillors are also very unhappy about the agreement where the company has been exclusively permitted to install 40 unipoles, 600 backlit pole kiosks, 5 gantries, banners, mobile vans, backlit lollypops and other advertising structures for display advertisements.

They state that giving so many advertising outlets to a company for beautifying was unjustified and also loss of revenue.

The councillors have also raised objections on giving permission to the company to charge a fee for providing the facilities like joyrides, eating joints and recreation centres in Subhash Park and Indira Park to the general public.

When contacted Neelam Sharma, president, municipal council, Ambala Sadar stated that she had followed all procedures and everything was being done with the agreement of the House. A five-member committee was also formed, which shortlisted the companies, she added.

Ironically, the committee members are also part of the councillors who are opposing the said agreement.

The president, however, maintains that the committee members have signed on the required documents and now they are defaming her.

Four-time councillor Hira Lal Yadav maintains that no such agenda was presented before them. “I was present in the meeting on June 4 and no such agenda was put in front of us. This is misuse of democracy and it requires an investigation.”

Interestingly, the agreement, which is for a period of 7 years, states that social promoters can end the contract by giving a notice of three months. However, there is no mention of the council cancelling the agreement for any reason.

Though a special meeting on August 19 was called after the June 4 meeting to discuss the above issue, no headway could be attained.

Majority of the 36 councillors in the House maintain that they would not let any proceedings pass in future unless this issue was resolved. Sixteen councillors have already given their statements in writing.

Chandigarh, September 2
The CBI Special Court of Jagdeep Jain today declined the ancipatory bail of Ravinder Singh Bhasin, an accused in the controversial cash at judge’s door case.

The petitioner had sought the anticipatory bail under Section 438 of CrPC.

Arguing the case, the Ravinder’s counsel said the present case had been registered without any basis. There were no allegations against Ravinder and a case could not be registered against him on the basis of statement of an accused.

The petition further stated that the investigation of the case had established that there was a deal of land based in Himachal Pradesh and he had purchased share with other persons. Thus he was liable to pay his share.

Interestingly, the petition further added that even if it may be assumed for the “sake of arguments” that he sent the amount from Delhi, it could not be taken that the amount was for the purpose of influencing any public servant or use of the same for corrupt and illegal means.

Elaborating on it further, he added: “This is a far-fetching and imaginative fact which is being stretched to register a case under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.”

The petition further stated that the case in question was of such a nature that the arrest of the petitioner was not warranted therein. Its investigation was practically over and there were no new facts, which were required to be gathered from the petitioner. His joining the investigation would be good enough to investigate the case further by the CBI.

Contesting the petition, the special public prosecutor of the CBI said, “The interrogation of the accused was important as in one of the disclosure statements made by those under custody it was stated that another packet of Rs 15 lakh was delivered on August 14 at a judge’s residence after the erroneous delivery of the money on August 13 on the directions of Ravinder.”

The court stated that the bail had been rejected, as in this case it appeared that custodial interrogation of Ravinder was required.

Chandigarh, September 2
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed the Citi Financial India Ltd to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to a Mohali resident for unfair trade practice. The forum has also asked the bank to pay Rs 500 as cost of litigation.

The petitioner, Rajiv Kumar Bansal, stated that he had purchased a LG TV for Rs 7,600 on November 2, 2007, by paying Rs 1,000 as down payment and for the remaining amount loan was taken.

The complainant asserted that at the time of finance, the bank assured him that the cheques would be presented on 12th of every month as his salary would be credited on 10th of every month. Despite this, the bank presented the cheques on February 5 for which the complainant had to incur dishonour charges of Rs 393.

Thereafter, he made the payment in cash to the representative of the bank who visited his house, however, the bank again presented the cheque on February 12 and he incurred charges of Rs 850 again.

The complainant averred that he was not aware of the cheque dishonour charges and deposited the amount of Rs 850 in March, 2008, but due to negative balance of last month, he had to again pay dishonour charges.

Furthermore, the complainant made the full and final payment with adjustment on March 27 and the executive got signed the affidavit and issued the receipt of full and final payment. However, despite this, the cheques were not returned to him and were presented again on April 5 and May 6.

The bank argued that the complainant had applied for loan that was granted. It is pleaded that said loan was repayable in 12 equated monthly instalments instead of eight instalments as alleged in the complaint. The bank denied that the representative of the bank gave assurance to the complainant that the cheque would be presented on the 12th of every month.

The forum observed: “The bank did not return the cheques received by it as security and rather submitted the cheques every month and received the payment thereof. This conduct of the bank is not only deficiency in service, but an unfair trade practice and, therefore, the bank should be penalised for it.” 

Chandigarh, September 2
Bowlers dominated on the opening day of the various matches played at Chandigarh, Mohali, Jalandhar and Patiala during the Katoch Shield today.

In the first match played at Sector 16 stadium between Chandigarh and Zone B, the latter elected to bat after winning the toss and lost the first wicket at 18. Second-wicket stand of 77 runs between Vishal Sharma (34) and Hitesh Anand (56), who hit seven boundaries and two sixes, helped prop up Zone B innings.

Thereafter, off-spinner Gaurav Gambhir wove a web around batsmen and got key wickets.

Arjun with 30 runs put up some resistance toward the end of the innings. Zone-B innings folded up for 187 in 76 overs.

In reply, Chandigarh lost two early wickets. At the close of play, they were 41 for 2 in 18 overs with Viswas Bhalla (15) and Gurkirat Singh (14) at the crease.

In the second match played between Jalandhar and Ludhiana at Burlton Park, Jalandhar, Ludhiana elected to bat first.

They were bowled out for 248 in 82.4 overs. In reply, Jalandhar scored 49 runs before losing their first wicket on the penultimate ball of the 20th over.

In the third match played at Patiala between Patiala and Zone-A, Zone-A batting first could only manage to score 206 in 74.5 overs.

For Zone-A, Harkrishan Kali scored a half century (58) with the help of six boundaries and two sixes. He was supported by Karan (45). In reply, Patiala were 69 for 3 in 18.

In the fourth match played between Mohali and Amritsar at PCA Stadium, Mohali, Amritsar were bowled out for 193 in 53.3 overs.

In reply, Mohali were tottering at 111 for 6 in 39 overs.

Chandigarh, September 2
Stephen’s School Football Academy got the better of Punjab Football Association (PFA) by a solitary goal in their opening group C match on the second day of the 6th Administrator’s Challenge Cup All-India Football Tournament for Under-17, organised by the Chandigarh Sports Department, at the Football Stadium, Sector 42, here today.

The all-important goal was scored by Kuldeep who converted a corner from Abhishek Rawat in the 38th minute.

With 10 minutes left, Punjab Football Association had a golden chance to restore parity. With Stephen’s goalkeeper Subham Gupta advancing, PFA striker Kulbir Singh volleyed over the crossbar. Few minutes later, the PFA had another opportunity to score. However, Manjeet Singh shot was neatly collected by Stephen’s goalkeeper Shubham.

Earlier, hosts Chandigarh Football Academy continued their winning spree by thrashing Haryana Football Association 7-0 in a one-sided group A encounter.

The highlight of the match was a hat-trick, the first of the tournament, by striker Gagandeep Singh.

In contrast, Rohit Football Academy of Orissa had to toil hard to defeat Tamil Nadu Football Association 4-3 in another group A match.

In yet another match, Chattisgarh Football Association lost to Delhi Soccer Association 3-0 in a group D fixture.

Chandigarh, September 2
After 16 players were banned on Monday, 10 more were medically found overage today and barred from participating in the ongoing sixth Administrator’s Challenge Cup All-India Football Tournament for Under-17 here. The number of players declared medically overage has now gone up to 26.

A medical body today ruled 10 players overage after carrying out medical examination, including X ray. Of the ejected players, three each belong to Punjab Football Association and Madhya Pradesh Football Association. They are: Bhulpindra Rao and Shubam Mondel (Chattisgarh FA); Pyush, Avinash Patel and Surendra Rajak (Madhya Pradesh FA); Suraj Sharma and Mukesh Maithani (Delhi SA); Devi Lal, Heman Singh and Bankum (Punjab Football Association).

Chandigarh, September 2
After the IPL and the ICL, another league is set to provide entertainment to cricket afficionados. Sirsa is all set to host an international T20 cricket tournament, JCD ICL, from September 5. This was announced at a press conference here today.

Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis, Pakistan industrialist Shahjaad Al Khan and former Haryana chief minister Om Parkash Chautala will inaugurate the JCD International Cricket League (JCD ICL) at JCD Vidyapeeth, Sirsa, on Friday.

Addressing mediapersons, JCDNCA president Digvijay Singh said all preparations had been completed and a laser show would be organised apart from fireworks. DD Sports has conveyed its consent to cover the inaugural match, semifinals and final live.

He said eight teams had been divided into two groups — Group A: Lahore Badshah Pakistan, Air India, Indian Air Force and JCDNCA; Group B: Sharjah Tigers Dubai, Sri Lanka, LIC Cricket Club and Indian Navy.

Top two teams from both groups will play semifinals on September 12 and 13, whereas the final will be played on September 15.

Many Indian international cricket players have confirmed their participation.

Chandigarh, September 2
Unidentified thieves decamped with a monitor, lasercam, tripod, camera and clothes from the house of Ashok Kumar, a resident of Sector 22. The incident took place on the intervening night of September 1 and 2. The police have registered a case under Sections 457 and 380 of the IPC in Sector 17 police station.

Forgery: The police have registered a case of forgery against one Vijay Singh on a complaint of a Sector 27 resident, Satpal Choudhary. The complainant alleged that Vijay sold him the car without providing a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the registration authority. The deal was made through Rana Mechanic, Sector 27, on March 3, 2008. A case under Sections 420 and 193 of the IPC has been registered against the accused.

Stolen: Indervir Singh, a resident of Sector 36, has complained to the police that someone lifted his white Gypsy from the front of his house on the intervening August 28 and 29. 

Chandigarh, September 2
Suspended SHO Ram Gopal has been given clean chit for allegedly submitting fake yoga certificate on the basis of which he was promoted.

A case was sent by the police department to the Italian yoga federation to cross check the veracity of the certificate.

A reply has been received from the federation that the certificate given to Gopal was genuine.

Investigating officer ASP Madhur Verma confirmed that the report has been received for giving clean chit to Gopal.

He added that the report would be submitted to the higher authorities tomorrow 
for further action.