The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board was at the receiving end in the High Court on Wednesday, during the hearing of a petition by People’s Union of Civil Liberty (PUCL), when the petitioners submitted photographs to substantiate that manual scavenging continued unabated in the City.
The court lashed out at the BWSSB chairperson who was present during the hearing. “Every time he comes here, he seeks more time, but does nothing,” the court said.
When the chairman submitted that he would look into the matter report back, the court again retorted, “You are doing everything according to your whims and fancies.”
The court was also upset when the petitioner submitted that only four people who died in manholes had been awarded ex gratia. The government had claimed that ex graita had been paid to nine victims.
Petition disposed of
The High Court disposed of a habeas corpus petition filed by the parents of a disciple of self-styled godman, Nithyananda.
Munnur Krishnamurthy and Jayanthi had alleged that their son Santhosh was illegally detained in the Nithyananda ashram.
Santhosh, who has adopted the monastic name Shantimayananda, denied the allegation that he was not allowed to meet his parents. Shantimayananda claimed that as a major (he is 34 years old), he was entitled to choose his own life and future.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks