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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Can't dilute issue or protect wrongdoers': Bombay HC orders probe into 2012 New Year's Eve ‘party' at Mankhurd children's home
Observing that the authorities cannot protect wrongdoers or keep an issue pending for a decade, the Bombay High Court on Monday ordered a probe into an alleged party hosted on New Year's Eve in 2012 at a home for mentally deficient children (MDC) in suburban Mumbai's Mankhurd, consisting of 265 inmates. The court ordered the Commissioner for Persons With Disabilities to initiate an inquiry into the alleged incident within six weeks and forward the findings to the Maharashtra government which shall take appropriate action against the errant people within three months. The bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V Marne disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2014 by activist Sangeeta Punekar, which had highlighted the 'shocking state of affairs', citing news reports of an alleged party hosted by donors at the MDC homes. According to a news report, champagne was popped, cash was showered on bar dancers, and alcohol was served at the party on December 31, 2012. The institution is run by the Children's Aid Society, a 100 per cent aided NGO. The petitioner claimed that complaints were lodged by the MDC home authorities regarding the New Year's Eve party and a probe was conducted by a panel comprising the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairman, Divisional Deputy Commissioner-Konkan, and an officer of the Women and Child Development Department. However, despite the inquiry, no action was taken against the concerned persons, the petitioner argued. After the lawyer representing the respondent authorities sought time to take instructions from officials and further respond to the plea, Chief Justice Aradhe orally remarked, 'The petition cannot be kept pending for 10 years. Effect of the incident cannot be diluted and you cannot be protecting wrong doers. What action have you taken in 11 years? You do not know. It has to be taken.' When the lawyer responded that the respondents will find out, the bench stated, 'We are allowing the petition. It took 11 years? You should be ashamed of your officers. And now you have the guts to say that will find out? So that we should continue the matter for another 25 years? Do you know the effect of keeping the petition pending?' It noted in the order, 'We are surprised to note that despite the inquiry being conducted in the alleged incident, till today no action has been taken against the delinquents. The counsel for the respondent was unable to point out that any action was taken against the delinquent. No useful purpose will be served by keeping the petition pending.' The bench ordered a probe followed by 'suitable action' by the state government and seeking its compliance report, disposed of the PIL. In April, while hearing a batch of pleas including that of Punekar, the high court had questioned the state government as to why all 94 MDC homes in Maharashtra were not operational. The court has, meanwhile, kept pending other pleas on the issue to be heard in due course.
Zawya
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Nigeria: Reps seek tax exemption for people living with disability
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, on Tuesday called for a tax exemption for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by Persons With Disabilities in Abuja, Hon. Dawodu also called for tax relief for companies employing persons with disabilities, as well as for manufacturers of equipment used by PWDs. While reiterating the Committee's support for the proposed tax reform bills being considered by the National Assembly, he noted that the Committee would present its position at the public hearing. He disclosed that the Committee would advocate for tax credits and waivers for companies manufacturing equipment used by PWDs. He also proposed that teachers involved in Special Education should be encouraged through scholarships, while a Disability Trust Fund should be established to support the interests of PWDs. Hon. Dawodu stated that the 2018 Disability Act, which has a five-year moratorium, is not being diligently implemented by government agencies and the private sector. He added that the House was working on amending the law to impose more stringent penalties. He disclosed that some provisions of the Act include ensuring easy access to public buildings, bus and rail terminals, as well as education and health facilities. The lawmaker noted that even after the creation of the Disability Commission, the Disability Act had yet to be domesticated in several states across the country, with only 22 states having done so. He urged states that have yet to domesticate the law to do so in the interest of persons with disabilities living in those states, while also lamenting the poor budgetary allocation to the Disability Commission. He argued that the allocation of about N2 billion to the Disability Commission reflects the government's inadequate commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities, stating that the nation had fallen short of expectations. Hon. Dawodu emphasized the need for collaboration with NGOs and other organizations to advance the cause of PWDs. He stated that with over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities, the country would function more effectively if the National Assembly took stronger action. In his remarks, the Director of the PWD's Potential Unhinged Project, Mr. Valentine Zion, said the MoU covers a nationwide medical access support initiative for persons with disabilities, aiming to provide assistance to PWDs in underserved areas. The MoU also includes talent discovery and development programs for PWDs within the creative industry, a reality TV show to showcase the potential and resilience of PWDs, and an inclusive musical concert. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( by Kehinde Akintola
