NEIGHBOURHOOD

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Barwala, September 23
Two armed motorcycle-borne youths reportedly attacked two employees of HDFC Bank and made a futile attempt to take away his car last evening.

The incident took place at Sangrana village, located on the inter-state border in Haryana. When the manager and a cashier of the bank were driving a car after closing the office, two motorcycle-borne youths approached them and parked their bike ahead of the car.

One of the youths approached the car driver and made an attempt to snatch the keys of the car. The other youth took out an iron road and smashed the windscreen of the car, said the bank manager, Nitin Gupta, a resident of Mohali.

In his complaint to the police, Gupta said the assailants, who were on a black Pulsar motorcycle, tried to take away the car. They also demanded the keys of the bank and damaged the car when failed to get these.

The complainant said the duo fled the scene when he and the cashier, Dinesh Kumar, raised an alarm following which residents gathered at the spot.

Gupta said in the meantime, OM Prakash, in-charge of the Barwala police post, who was on a routine patrol, reached the spot. “We narrated the incident to him, but he was reluctant to listen to us,” he complained.

Gupta said he tried to call on 100, but in vain. He then managed to call the Dera Bassi police.

A police party reached the spot almost after one hour and advised the victim to approach the Barwala police post in Panchkula district, Haryana, as the area was out of their jurisdiction.

The victim said he faced a lot of harassment in getting his complaint registered at the Barwala police post.

Om Prakash said a daily dairy report had been registered on the complaint of the victim and further investigations were on.

Chandigarh, September 23
Acting on a petition seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against UT Administrator Shivraj Patil and two other functionaries, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued them notice. In this case, the High Court had stayed the demolition of a house, but it was allegedly pulled down before the next date of hearing.

Taking up the matter, Justice Tejinder Singh Dhindsa also fixed February 5, 2014, as the next date of hearing in the case.

Initially, Vijay Bahadur Singh and his wife had moved the High Court against the UT Administration. They were seeking allotment of tenement in view of a policy, “Chandigarh Small Flat Scheme, 2006”.

The Chandigarh Administration, after conducting a bio-metric survey in March, 2006, identified 18 colonies, which were unplanned and where the inhabitants had encroached upon the pubic land. Thereafter, the scheme was formulated. As per Clause 3 (g) of the scheme, it was applicable to “recognised resident”.

The petitioners submitted their applications. But, when their names did not appear in the list of successful allottees, Vijay Bahadur approached the permanent lok adalat (public utility services) for allotment of an alternative site as per the scheme.

He placed on record the identify card issued by the Election Commission of India, a copy of the voter list, and a copy of bio-metric survey slip.

The Lok Adalat in June 2011 rejected his claim, as his name did not exist
in the voter lists for 2005 to 2008.

Similarly, his wife Shiromani Devi filed an application before the lok adalat for the allotment of an alternative site. But her claim too was dismissed as she did not meet the eligibility criteria.

Taking up the matter, the High Court disposed of the petition with a direction to the respondents to consider the case of Shiromani Devi afresh, within two months and allot a flat in her name, if she was not ineligible for any other valid reason.

Chandigarh, September 23
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today put the Chandigarh Administration and its functionaries on notice on a petition for permitting use of commercial sites in the city in accordance with the provisions of the Capital of Punjab (Development & Regulation) Act, 1952.

The notice is significant as the petitioner is claiming that the imposition of monthly penalty and sealing of the building for misuse and violations is contrary to the provisions contained in the 1952 Act and the 1952 Rules.

The development took place on a petition filed by Sanjeev Gandhi against the Chandigarh Administration and other respondents through counsel Puneet Gupta. He contended that the UT Finance Secretary brought in the Chandigarh Estate Rules, 2007, which were applicable to the new allotment alone.

The rules were amended vide the Chandigarh Estate (Amendment) Rules, 2009, making the 2007 rules applicable to sites allotted prior to its enactment with retrospective effect.

Gupta argued that the same was against the well established principles of law as the delegated power granted to the Finance Secretary under Section 22 of the 1952 Act did not give power to make rules applicable with retrospective effect.

Gupta further argued that Rule 10(iii) of the 2007 Rules imposed penalty at the rate of Rs 500 per square feet per month in case of misuse and building violations. It also permitted the sealing of the building, “which was contrary to the provisions contained in the 1952 Act and the 1952 rules”

Referring to the judgment in the case of Dheera Singh versus Chandigarh Administration and other respondents, Gupta asserted that the High Court categorically ruled that Section 22(1) of the 1952 Act empowered the Central Government to make rules “for carrying out the purposes” of the 1952 Act.

“If one looks into sub-Section (2) of Section 22, there should be no difficulty in understanding that the power to determine the nature and extent of penalties for varied violations under the Act was neither intended nor was delegated by the Legislature to the Executive”, he insisted.

Taking up the matter, the Bench of Justice Hemant Gupta and Justice Kuldip Singh asserted: “The counsel for the petitioner contends that Section 22 of the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, does not empower the Central Government to frame the Chandigarh Estate Rules, 2007, to the allotments already made”. The Bench also issued notice of motion and notice regarding stay for October 9.

Chandigarh, September 23
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today dismissed appeals filed by the Chandigarh Administration, paving way for the payment of overtime wages to about 300 CTU employees from January 2006 to July 2009.

The Chandigarh Administration and another petitioner had earlier filed a bunch of four petitions against the presiding officer of UT Industrial Tribunal and Labour Court. It had filed four identical writ petitions against orders passed by the Labour Court allowing applications in favour of respondents-workmen.

The respondent-workman, while working with the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking-cum-Director, UT Transport, moved an application claiming difference of overtime, based on the revised pay-scale from January 1, 2006.

After hearing both the parties and going through the evidence brought on record, the Labour Court came to the conclusion that the claim of the respondent-workman was squarely covered by two judgments of the High Court; and the respondent-workmen were held entitled to the amount claimed by passing the impugned order dated March 4, 2013.

In its petition against the orders, the counsel for the petitioners submits that the Labour Court proceeded on an erroneous approach, while passing the impugned order. The counsel further submitted that the Labour Court exceeded its jurisdiction while passing the impugned order, awarding the amount which was based on a disputed claim.

After hearing the counsel for the petitioner at considerable length and after perusal of the record, the Single Judge of the High Court ruled that the present case was not a fit case warranting interference at the hands of this court while exercising its writ jurisdiction under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India.

The Judge observed: “It is undisputed on record that the petitioner-management used to adopt the revised pay-scales of the State of Punjab. As and when the pay scale of the employees of the State of Punjab used to be revised, the same would be adopted by the petitioner-management.

“When the genuine claim of the respondent-workman was not being accepted by the petitioner-management, he was left with no other option except to approach the Labour Court…. This court feels no hesitation to conclude that the Labour Court committed no error of law while passing the impugned order and the same deserves to be upheld.

As the appeal came up for hearing, the Bench of Justice Satish Kumar Mittal and Justice Arun Palli dismissed the same. 

Chandigarh, September 23
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today procured the CCTV footage of five cameras installed at the Burail police post to examine the video in which CBI sleuths are caught manhandling and hitting Inspector Rajesh Shukla after the CBI nabbed him and two other policemen while allegedly accepting Rs 10,000 bribe.

Inspector Rajesh Shukla and constables Dilbaj Singh and Mukesh Kumar were arrested while taking bribe from a parking contractor on September 3.Tarun Gauba, SP, CBI, said the footage of the camera of the entire day had been procured which would be minutely analysed. “We will be examining the entire footage from the moment the CBI team reached at the Burail police post till the time they left from there”, the SP added. The SP further said that the role of other CBI employees who were 
part of the team would also be scrutinised.

CBI officials also refuted the allegations levelled by suspended inspector Shukla for framing him in the case.

Chandigarh, September 23
The Chandigarh Police booked a Sector 21 resident for knocking down a constable while driving his car at the gate of Hotel Taj in Sector 17. The police said that Sandeep Makroo, who is an employee of the hotel, hit constable Gurmeet Singh with his car at Gate No. 1 of the hotel on Monday. 

Crime chronology

September 15: Four snatching incidents in Sector 33, Sector 44, Sector 42 and the road separating sectors 7 and 26 wherein victims lost their gold chains

September 16: A Mani Majra resident lost his mobile phone to snatchers

September 17: Two snatching incidents reported in Sector 18 and Sector 46

September 20: Snatching attempt foiled by a woman who was targeted in Sector 20

September 21: Victim falls prey to snatchers at the small rotary of Sectors 46 and 47

September 22: A woman targeted by snatchers on the road separating Sectors 19 and 20

Panchkula, September 23
A 37-year-old man committed suicide by consuming celphos tablets here late last night. The victim, identified as Yogesh Sharma, was a resident of Mansa Devi Complex, Sector 5.

According to the police, the victim left behind a suicide note, in which stated that he was sorry for taking such a step.

The police said Sharma was an LIC agent and had a good reputation in the market. They said the exact cause of suicide was not known.

It was after the victim dropped his three children and wife to the her parent’s place that he took this step while being alone at his house.

The body has been sent to the General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The police are investigating.

Chandigarh, September 23
The Sahayatri Football Club, Howrah, outplayed the Sambalpur Football Academy, Odisha, (7-1) in the day’s first match during the ongoing 12th Administrator’s Challenge Football Cup, being played at the football stadium of Sector 17, here, today.

The winnning side scored its first goal through Budha Bara in the 29th minute. Taking full advantage of the open space, Bara tasted success in his attempt studded with a power-packed volley shot. The Sambalpur lads returned and scored the equaliser in the 34th minute. Chandra Mohan Murmu levelled the score by leaving the Howrah’s custodian under hard circumstances.

After a 1-1 draw, the Howrah side again positioned themselves in the driver’s seat through back-to-back braces by Anirban Dutta, SK Mukkarram, SK Suraj Ali and Souvik Pal. After confirming the lead, they continued to play in the same pace and Budha Bara scored two goals in the 90th and 91st minutes to ensure the team’s win.

In the second match played at the Sports Complex, Sector 42, DAV Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, defeated the Gujarat Football Association (4-0). Rizul Patiyal scored three goals and claimed a hat-trick. He posted three goals in the 30th, 49th, and 56th minute of the play. Rajat scored the last goal in the 69th minute.

In the third match, the Dalbir Football Academy (DFA), Patiala, drubbed the Chandigarh Football Association (CFA) 6-1. Akashdeep of the DFA scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute while Gurroop doubled the lead in the 26th minute. Taking full advantage of the awarded spot kick, local lad Sachin reduced the margin. He smartly posted the goal with accurate positioning of a free kick in the 34th minute. However, the Patiala outfit continued to raise counter attacks and soon tasted the fruit via Jarman Singh, who posted two goals in the 40th and 47th minutes. In the second half, Veerpal Singh with his two goals, one each in the 81st and 84th minutes, consolidated the tally.

The Mohun Bagan SAIL Football Academy also trounced the JJ Soccer Academy, Bengaluru, (4-1).

Striker Deep Saha scored a hat-trick for Mohun Bagan in the 20th, 30th and 85th minutes. Gurshan Singh Sandhu scored the fourth goal in the 43rd minute. In the day’s last encounter, the Football Academy, Manipur, marginally saved their skin against the Madhya Pradesh Football Association (3-1). Y Sushil Kumar led the team home by scoring two goals in the opening minute and the 39th minute.

Crispin Kamson added another brace in the 20th minute. For the Madhya Pradesh Football Association, Soubh Gyan reduced the margin in the 13th minute.

Today’s fixtures

Sahayatri Football Academy, Howrah vs DAV Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh; Mahilpur Football Academy vs Delhi Public School, Chandigarh; Thou Football Academy, Manipur, vs Dashmesh Marshal Academy, Anandpur Sahib; and Madhya Pradesh Football Association vs Pune FC

Chandigarh, September 23
In yet another blooper, referees appointed by the Chandigarh Football Association (CFA) supervised their home team’s match against the Dalbir Football Academy, Patiala, at the football stadium in Sector 17 here during the 12th Administrator’s Challenge Cup All-India Football Tournament today.

The main organisers, the UT Sports Department, failed to take any notice while the match of the Chandigarh Football Association was conducted by the referees appointed by the association itself. The local side lost the match (6-1).

The ongoing tournament is supported by the All-India Football Association (AIFF). Rather than asking for a proper referees’ panel, the competition is conducted on the accountability of local officials, even when local teams are participating in the same event.

Earlier, on the opening day, the behaviour of match officials was questioned by former East Bengal striker and Brazilian native Douglas Da Silva.

“On what basis the panel from Chandigarh is supervising the match of their own region? The AIFF permits to send their own panel, even if they are not providing any financial assistance to the organisers. The UT Sports Department is claiming the AIFF’s support, so they should follow the rules and ask for a proper panel from other states. The invited panel should be paid, in the same manner in which these local officials are getting their payments for the tournament,” said Kanwar Vinod Kumar, president, Football Players’ Association, Chandigarh.

Kumar claimed that his association had submitted a written request, on the appointment of officials in this tournament, to Finance-cum-Sports Secretary. However, the request was later disposed of somewhere. Even the match commissioner, appointed here to look after the behaviour and quality of match’s supervision, is a veteran member of the Chandigarh Football Association.

Overburdened referees

Even when experts preferred to give 24-hour rest to referees after every match, the appointed referees are asked to go the other way round. With a total of four matches in a day at two different venues and limited officials, the referees are asked to perform double duties. They are told to supervise two back-to-back matches (180 minutes of play) with a total break of 30 minutes in between the matches. The referees are following the plan, initiated by seniors of local association, with no option in hand.

Chandigarh, September 23
A group of 19 golfers from New Zealand played on the greens of the Chandigarh Golf Club, here, today. The group, hailing from the Clear Water Golf Club, Christ Church, including six lady golfers, played against members of the local club.

The New Zealand golfers reached India as part of their golfing tour. They have already played in Delhi, Gurgaon and Panchkula before arriving in Chandigarh.

“We are happy to welcome the foreign nationals to come and play on our course.

Developing friendship and brotherhood among each other, golfers from Chandigarh may also pay a visit to New Zealand some day,” said SPS Ghai, captain of the Chandigarh Golf Club. The game continued all day over 18 holes.

Chandigarh, September 23
Local golfers Karandeep Kochhar and Jaiveer Singh of St John’s School, Sector 26, brought laurels to the city by winning the Hero Cycles Inter-School Golf Cup, hosted by Colin Montgomerie, at New Delhi.

The tournament was played at the Delhi Golf Club. Karandeep shot a score of 74 (+2) while Jaiveer shot a score of 79 (+7) to a combined total of 63 points in the stableford method. While Aravali School, Delhi, secured the runners-up spot with a total of 57 points.

Schools from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Hyderabad, Karnal and Gurgaon participated in the tournament, which was played on 18 holes stableford format on gross scores only.

European golf legend Colin Montgomerie was also present on the 
occasion.

Karandeep Kochhar and Jaiveer Singh are students of Class X at St John’s School and are getting training from Jesse Grewal. The winning side received the trophies along with a Hero urban sports bicycle.

Chandigarh, September 23
3rd seed CHART trainee Shashikant Rajput defeated his doubles partner CHART trainee Bhupender Dahiya in straight sets to win the AITA’s Talent Series Tournament in the men’s single category on the concluding day of the event at the CLTA courts here today. He claimed the match 6-3 and 6-1.

Both players started with break of serves while Bhupender took a 3-1 lead. Bouncing back, Shashikant raised his level of game and by using variations avoided Bhupender’s strong forehand. He successfully named next five games and win the set 6-3. In the 2nd set, Shashikant used his experience and dominated the game. He won the second set 6-1. This is Shashikant’s 2nd single title in ATA Singles.

In the women’s final, CHART trainee 6th seed Princy Panhcal defeated her practice partner CHART trainee Nikita Kharangra in a two hours and 50 minutes match. Princy took a commanding lead in the 1st set (4-1 and 5-2). However, Nikita fought back and levelled the game (6-6). In the tiebreaker, both players tied at 5-5 when Princy took next two points to close out tie breaker 7-5. In the 2nd set, Nikita returned strongly and won the set 6-3. In the final set, Princy took the 4-1 lead and finished the set (6-2).

In an exciting doubles’ final, CLTA’s Krishan Hooda and Naresh Badgujar won the title 6-7(6), 7-6(2), 11-9 against Shashikant and Bhupender. Krishan and Naresh took an early lead in the set leading (5-1) then Shashikant and Bhupender came back strongly to level the game (5-5). Later, they again levelled the game (6-6). In a tiebreaker, the losing pair won 8-6. In the next set, Shashikant and Bhupender took an early lead (4-1) but the winning pair fought back and forced a tie breaker 7-2. In a super tiebreaker, Krishan and Naresh raced with 8-4 lead but Shashikant and Bhupender landed it safely 7-8. Krishan and Naresh had a match point (9-7) and tied again (9-9). The winning pair won next two points and followed by decider (11-9).

Results:

Men’s Singles Final: Shashikant Rajput bt Bhupender Dahiya 6-3, 6-1

Women’s Singles final: Princy Panchal bt Nikita Kharangra 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-2

Doubles Final: Krishan/ Naresh bt Shashikant/ Bhupinder 6-7(6), 7-6(2), 11-9