CN and heard

Hassle-free or free hassle?

A hassle-free ride is what the Delhi Gurgaon Expressway is supposed to provide. However, it is "free hassle" which is being provided to the commuters by the Expressway, submitted the counsel for the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), taking a dig at the concessionaire in the case.

The NHAI counsel however had to eat humble pie when he was confronted by a division bench of the High Court over the "special treatment" given to Ambience Mall on the Expressway. When asked about whether the original plan had the provision to provide front entry to the Ambience Mall, the NHAI counsel replied in the negative. Trying to justify the "special treatment", he said that there were "several reasons" due to which access to the mall was allowed. The "several reasons" however remained unexplained by the NHAI counsel.

Inconsiderate

A communication by the Director, Public Instructions, that the Chandigarh Administration will "consider" whether to implement a Supreme Court judgement did not attract appreciation from the Punjab and Haryana High Court last week. During the hearing of a petition, demanding the setting up of an Education Tribunal, the High Court judge raised eyebrows over the stand taken by the Director, Public Instructions (DPI).

The DPI had formally conveyed that the idea of setting up the Tribunal is being "considered". The Supreme Court judgment, passed in 2002, makes it mandatory for each state to set up an Education Tribunal. When confronted on whether the Administration is considering or will set up a Tribunal, the counsel for Administration clarified that the process has been initiated.

Farewell

Assistant Intelligence Officer Gurdas Singh retired after 35 years of service, a substantial part of which he had spent at Panjab University tracking the movement of students. An active figure on the campus, especially during student elections, Gurdas had joined the Punjab Police in 1977. Having had a stint with the Punjab Chief Minister and the judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court he came on deputation to Chandigarh. He was also awarded the President's medal for his achievements .

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