Arjun Singh seeks peace by raising loyalty card

NEW DELHI, May 11: Under fierce attack from the party, senior Congress leader Arjun Singh today sought to buy peace with the party high command by utilising the loyalty card and dismissing as "needless and irrelevant" controversies that surrounded him recently.

"This is a closed chapter as far as I am concerned," the beleaguered HRD Minister said in a statement a day after his remarks on loyalty as also internal democracy in the party created a storm and saw party chief Sonia Gandhi giving him a cold shoulder.

The septuagenarian leader said that he was "pained at the needless and irrelevant controversies" that are sought to be raised on the book on him published by Kanhaiya Lal Nandan and presented to President Pratibha Patil two days ago.

Singh’s remarks at the book release function that the "evaluation of loyalty in the party was now being done in a very narrow context" was seen as a potshot at the Congress leadership.

His statement in an interview in the book "Mohin Kahan Vishram" that the decision making process in the party has "fallen in a bit of a disarray" also attracted widespread criticism.

In the statement, he sought to build bridges with the leadership by saying: "When I met Pandit Jawaharlal Nehruji in March 1960 I pledged my total loyalty to him and his family. This was the commitment, which is an article of faith with me.

"For the past 48 years of my life, I have scrupulously adhered to it. I shall also do everything to maintain the loyalty and commitment to the remaining members of the family till I live," he said.

At the book release function where he did not take the name of Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, in this statement too he spoke of the "remaining members of the family".

Besides, he said in the statement that though he would always be available to the media, he would not be able to answer any question relating to the recent controversies.

"This is a closed chapter as far as I am concerned," Singh, who has been not on the best of terms with the leadership for quite some time, said.

Singh was snubbed twice by the Congress high command in the past one month.

His statement that there was nothing wrong in projecting Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate in the next polls got immediate rebuff. AICC said that Sonia and Rahul want to stay away from an atmosphere of sycophancy.

A couple of days back too, Singh’s statement on the state of internal democracy in the party was outrightly rejected by the leadership.

In today’s statement, Singh noted that the book was not his autobiography but a compilation of articles written by different people about him from time to time. "All these have already been published and the Granth (book) was presented to me on April 27, 2005."

"I am still writing my autobiography which will be published on a future date," he said without elaboration.

Singh’s latest potshot at the leadership on the loyalty issue had stirred a hornet’s nest. His friends and foes alike in the party targeted him amid signals that uncomfortable days are ahead for the leader who was once a close associate of Sonia Gandhi.

Digvijay Singh and Ajit Jogi, once close associates of Singh, too attacked him while AICC steered clear of the issue of disciplinary action against the senior leader.

A CWC member R K Dhawan bluntly told him that loyalty is decided by the leader and also by the deeds of the claimant and not his words. (PTI)

Delhi police to launch servant verification drive

NEW DELHI, May 11: With several cases of crime involving servants shocking the national capital in recent times, Delhi police is launching a special drive from tomorrow to check the antecedents of domestic helps.

City Police Commissioner Y S Dadhwal has directed deputy commissioners of police of all districts to launch an "intensive" drive for verification of domestic helps, particularly those of senior citizens living alone, a senior police official said.

"A servant who is reluctant to get himself verified may have malafide intentions. A special servant verification drive will therefore begin from tomorrow and people can download servant verification forms from the website www.Delhipolice.Nic.In <http://www.Delhipolice.Nic.In>," the official said.

He also advised people to collect the addresses and telephone numbers of the employees’ relatives.

People can contact the beat constable or nearby police station for verifying the servant’s antecedents, he said.

The move comes in the wake of two incidents involving "unverified" servants committing crimes at their employers’ residence last week.

A 70-year old woman was found murdered in South Delhi, while an interior designer and his son were drugged in South- West Delhi allegedly by domestic helps in separate incidents, before they decamped with valuables.

In both the cases, police verification of the servants, who are absconding, was not done.

"The officials have been directed to interact with senior citizens individually or in groups and generate awareness about various safety measures they should take," the official said.

"We are also involving students and NGOs to visit the households of senior citizens," he added.

Proper screening of domestic helps was necessary to pre- empt crimes committed by them and it should be done before they are hired, the official said.

The employees should also keep a photograph and fingerprints of servants, besides keeping an eye on their visitors, he added.

"Verification should be done before they are hired, once employed it is almost impossible for the employer to identify the criminal intentions of servants, as they go to every extent to gain employers’ confidence, the official warned.

In many of the cases involving servants, the official said, crimes were committed by them within a short span of their employment. (PTI)

An actor should not come into politics: Dharmendra

NEW DELHI, May 11: Even though he himself has taken a plunge into politics Dharmendra’s piece of advice to filmstars is to keep away from politics.

For the versatile actor, an actor should always remain an actor and should not join politics.

"I won’t say that coming into politics was a mistake but yes an actor should not come into politics as it divides audience and general acceptance among fans. An actor should always remain an actor. For me the love and support I got all these years from my fans is the greatest achievement," says the actor turned politician, who completes 50 years in the film industry this year.

On criticism of his absence from Parliament and his constituency Bikaner, he clarifies, "Who says that? I am always in touch with the problem of my constituency. From cleaning up Sur Sagar, a dumping ground in Bikaner, to minimise school fees for children, renovation of the theatre Rangmanch, and building bridges, I am trying to solve each and every problem."

"My office in Bikaner apprises me of the demands of the people on a regular basis. I am from a farmer’s family so I understand their problems. And this no politics. I am an emotional but a tough person, these criticism can’t break my intention. I never did anything to grab attention, either in acting or politics," the Member of Parliament said.

Coming to his favourite topic, films, he suddenly changes gear and breathes a sigh of relief. "It is bollywood films, where my heart is. Last year was perhaps the best year for me after a long long time. Three hits ‘Apne’, ‘MetroLife in a Metro’ and ‘Johnny Gaddar’ with a Lifetime Achievement Award came my way," says ‘Veeru’ of Sholay.

When asked about why all these years he did not get a single Best Actor Award despite giving more than 50 Silver Jublee hits? he says, "For me, the greatest award is my fan’s love and support, which they always gave me. I don’t want to comment on why I did not get an award. But I think I deserved it 14-15 times. Few of them were, ‘Phool aur Patthar’, ‘Satyakam’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Pratigya’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Naya Zamana’. The list is long." Was honour of Lifetime Achievement Award was a sign of retirement? "Generally receiving lifetime achievement awards means ‘retirement’. But I won’t sit back. There are three four movies in pipeline. ‘Har Pall’ with Preity Zinta, ‘Master’ where people can see me once again with Sunny and Bobby after ‘Apne’ and one movie with Bobby which is based on father, son relationship," says the actor who was once listed among the world’s 10 best-looking men by a foreign magazine.

Like his contemporaries Manoj Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala and Dev Anand, Dharmendra too wants to write an autobiography but not yet. "I will write my autobiography but at right time. It will tell about real Dharmendra. Everybody knows about the events in my life but I will write my feelings into it," says the actor with most number of hits in Bollywood.

Dharmendra gets philosophical while talking about his relationship with his second wife Hema Malini, which he says is beyond love. "Our relationship is special, I don’t want to comment on that."

While adding that he is eager to work with Hema Malini with whom he has acted in 27 movies, he says, "We are actually waiting for a good script. If the script is nice and well written and also suits our age, we will definitely do that."

The matinee idol, who has done almost every kind of roles in his long career, says that he had great on-screen chemistry with superstar Amitabh Bachchan. "In films like Chupke Chupke, Ram Balram and Sholay, we had done some memorable scenes together."

Like Amitabh, why he is not interacting with his fans through internet blogs, he says innocently, "I am not computer friendly. Sunny and Bobby do it but I never tried and at this age there are other important things like doing good work for people of constituency I represent."

Commenting on the present Bollywood actors, whom he likes most, he says the three Khans (Shahrukh and Aamir and Salman) are doing a good job. "Salman reminds me of myself. I was almost like him in my early days. He has a great attractive body."

Dharmendra has acted opposite leading ladies who also starred with his son Sunny Deol. On this rare competition with son, he says, "Oh, I am the lucky one. I want to work till the last breath."

Dharmendra, the symbol of sinewy masculinity in Hindi films, touched the peak when he took on action hero roles throughout the 1970s. The original ‘He Man’ of Hindi movies on his physique, his contemporaries could only dream of, says that he always kept on doing regular exercise. But what is the secret behind the handsome look at the age of 73, he adds, "Even today I do bench press, pranayam and horse riding that keeps me fit. (PTI)

John Abraham to feature in Pak album

NEW DELHI, May 11: After portraying many romantic roles on silver screen, Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham is now all set to mesmerise audience with his role as an angel in a Pakistani music album.

The music album ‘Koi Aanay Wala Hai’ by famous Pakistani rock band ‘Strings’ will feature the actor as an angel who falls in love with a beautiful girl after seeing her in trouble on earth and decides to become human to be with her forever.

"When Bilal came to me with the concept of an angel, we decided only John could do justice with the role because he possesses the similar kind of personality we required for this character," said band member Faisal Kapadia.

Shot in the beautiful locations of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia, John will be seen doing some extraordinary flying stunts in the getup of an angel with wings.

"John became a very dear friend when we were working for ‘Zinda’. We decided to team up with John for ‘Koi Aanay Wala Hai’ and he is perfect for the role," Faisal says.

When asked about the concept of Album, Faisal said, "When we gave the tittle ‘Koi Aanay Wala Hai’, both of us wanted to make the video reflecting the concept. All the songs in the album revolve around the story of an angel"

It has been a long break of four years for ‘Strings’ to come up with this album but the duo are confident for the success of the album and promise that their latest album will become a chartbuster too.

"We toured a lot during this time to perform in concerts. These four years have been very great for us. Now, we are back with lot of energy," Faisal explains about their disappearance from the music scene.

"It is our best work so far and we have worked very hard for one and half years on it. The effort has been very satisfying and we are confident that ‘Strings’ fans will love ‘Koi Aanay Wala Hai’." says Faisal.

‘Inspired by the contemporary British rock and music of 60s and 70s, this indipop video Album has eight energetic tracks composed by Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood.

Koi Aanay Wala Hai’ is being released in India by Sony BMG on May 12^{th, which is hoping the album to create a sensation in India.}

^{"The music and the video are exceptional. We are sure of a great response to this album," says Shridhar Subramaniam, Managing Director of Soni BMG.}

^{‘Strings’ is one of the few Pakistani bands to achieve international fame besides ‘Junoon’ and ‘Vital Sings’. Band members Faisal and Bilal are well known names in India for the hits like ‘Dhaani’ and ‘Najanay Kyu’. The duo have also worked in films like ‘Zinda’ and ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’.}

^{‘Strings’ has seen many ups and downs in its long journey. The band had started with four college students Bilal, Faisal, Rafiq, Kareem in 1990. But the band broke up after their second album, "Strings 2" in 1992.}

^{Years later, Bilal and Faisal came back together to reorganise the band to achieve international success for hit albums like ‘Duur’ and ‘Dhaani’. (PTI)}

SC to hand out verdict on bail plea of Manu Sharma today

NEW DELHI, May 11: The Supreme Court will pronounce tomorrow its verdict on the bail application of Siddharth Vashisht, alias Manu Sharma, serving life imprisonment in Jessica Lal murder case.

A bench comprising Justices C K Thakker and D K Jain had reserved its verdict after arguments on the bail application of Manu sharma, son of former Haryana Minister Vinod Sharma, were concluded.

Senior Counsel Ram Jeth Malani pleading for the suspension of sentence of his client has contended that High Court had reversed the order of acquittal passed by the trial court under the pressure from the media.

He has also contended that there was no evidence against his client and the main witness Bina Ramani, whom the High Court had accepted as an eye witness was in fact not the eye witness as she was not present at the time of crime.

It may be noted here that the present Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal, who was the Joint Police Commissioner in Delhi then was also shifted outside the capital when the media reported that he was also present at the Bina Ramani’s restaurant in Mehrauli in South

Delhi at the time of murder.

Jessica Lal was shot dead by Manu Sharma following her refusal to serve liqour at odd hours at night when the bar had already been closed.

Jessica was working as a bar tender at the restaurant owned by socialite Bina Ramani.

Manu Sharma was aquitted by Mr S L Bhayana who was the Additional Sessions Jugde at that time and was later promoted to Delhi High Court within a week of aqcuitting Manu Sharma. (UNI)

Judicial system ‘rusted’ half century ago

NEW DELHI, May 11: India’s judicial system was seen half a century ago by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to have become"rusted and outmoded" and in need of "thorough renovation."

This was recalled by Supreme Court Judge P Sathasivam while delivering the 9^{th Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon Memorial Lecture last night.}

^{Justice Sathasivam who spoke on ‘Evolution of Judicial System’ called "mounting arrears and long delays" the main challenge to India’s justicing process.}

^{He said Nehru’s remarks came in an address to the State Law Minister’s Conference on March 11, 1959. India’s first Prime Minister "had said that our judicial system has become rusted and outmoded. It requires thorough renovation," Justice Sathasivam said.}

^{"During the last fifty years," Justice Sathasivam said, "the Law Commission of India... Has submitted one after another 197 reports suggesting reforms, both in substantive as well as the procedural laws.}

^{"A plethora of reasons has been put forth by the jurists, judges, lawyers, academicians and social engineers for delay in disposal of cases in the Indian courts."}

^{"Interestingly," Justice Sathasivam said, "arrears have continued to mount."}

^{He estimated that India’s nearly 15,000 courts between them have 28.8 million cases pending, including some 3.71 million in High Courts and 44,819 in the Supreme Court.}

^{Justice Sathasivam said the Indian judiciary today "is the continuation of the British legal system established by the English in the mid-19th century."}

^{India was governed by laws based on the Arthashashtra dating from the 400 BC, the Manusmiriti from 100 AD and other smiritis or commentries on Vedas that were considered authoritative legal guidance.}

^{The Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature were the same person-the king or the ruler of the land, although villages had ample independence to resolve disputes through panchayats, he said.}

^{This tradition continued beyond the Islamic conquest and through the Middle Ages, he said, adding how in the Mughal period Adalats functioned as courts and Mughal emperors as Supreme Courts.}

^{But this tradition was supplanted by the common law when India became part of the British empire, he said.}

^{Justice Sathasivam spoke of such new trends in litigation as those related to intellectual property rights, cyber crimes, environment, money laundering, telecom and international arbitration.}

^{He said the Union of India, State Governments, public sector undertakings and Government corporations, taken together "are the largest litigants in the courts of law and contribute the larger chunk of litigation."}

^{He blamed this on indecision, apathy for civilians’ rights and absence of accountability as well as on inadequacies in appointing Government advocates and public prosecutors.}

^{He suggested Governments develop inhouse mechanisms for settling such disputes before they reach the court and take a conscious decision whether or not to litigate with the help of committees assisted by former judges or legal advisors of integrity and independence.}

^{"Our laws have to be alive to the global scenario... And so has to be the interpretation and administration of laws," he said. (UNI)}

RSS organ suggests PM to save face
by calling off nuke deal

NEW DELHI, May 11: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should either call off the protracted negotiations with the Left on the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement or back out from the deal instead of making himself an object of ridicule before the comity of nations, the RSS mouthpiece Organiser said.

In the editorial headlined "What a farce on this deal" in its latest edition, the Organiser said it was not clear if the Left had succeeded in nuking the Indo-US nuclear deal.

"But External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee indicates that the deal is dead. And the Prime Minister the same day claims that the deal is still alive. UPA has only to blame its timidity for this sorry state of affairs."

The problem being that the UPA was not willing to stake its power to save the deal, the weekly said, adding this the Left knew better and was blackmailing the Government on every step.

As a coalition Government, the UPA had not "crowned itself in glory" the way it handled national affairs, it said.

Under the UPA, the Organiser said India had not been able to leverage its diplomatic status because of the Left leg pulling.

"The regional super power looks isolated in the region. It has not made friends outside the region. Its position is so weak that it gives the impression of playing the US tune, kowtowing and appeasing China, getting snubbed by Russia, opposing the Iran nuclear adventurism even as it tries to offer an olive branch to that country all at the same time. Has it enhanced India’s standing on the international level?" it asked.

The RSS mouthpiece further said the Left was expected to get back on May 28 with its reactions to the government’s negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"The Government is afraid that time is running out-the US has put a June deadline-and it believes that the safeguards India is likely to get through the 123 agreement are the best it can hope for.

"But that is not the worry of the Left. It has to take care of the geopolitical interests of China. The CPI(M) has repeatedly shown that its policy approaches are dictated by extra-territorial considerations. And the UPA has become a tool for the CPI(M) shenanigans. This has greatly eroded the authority of the Government. No international treaty could be held hostage to domestic power play in this fashion."

The Organiser further said India had been made to suffer a major diplomatic loss of face in the past three years because of the unedifying spectre of the government going repeatedly to the Left presidium for explaining every step of the proposed 123 agreement.

"It also exposes the ineptitude of the present regime in handling major policy initiatives. We have always been cautiously critical of the Indo-US nuclear deal in its present format. It is an unequal treaty, which restricts India’s nuclear sovereignty. And India is not getting any solemn assurance from the US or the IAEA that its commitment to a credible nuclear deterrent will be taken care of," it added.

As the NDA Prime Ministerial candidate L K Advani had repeatedly pointed out no country would give in writing surrendering its right to conduct nuclear tests in perpetuity unless it was a client state, the RSS mouthpiece said.

India can and should get a better and honestly equal 123 deal. But the UPA has foreclosed this chance by its open stand that the present text of the 123 agreement was the best that India could get.

"This is a hugely specious argument. India has always stayed out of the CTBT because of his realisation that a rogue state like Pakistan, armed to the teeth with the US and Chinese arms supply and nuclear capability, is a threat to its territorial defence and that for peace in the region we have to equip ourselves with a credible defence mechanism."

This aspect has always been appreciated by the international community, the Organiser said, adding India had on its own despite sanctions developed a nuclear warhead and conducted two successful tests.

But as Mr Advani noted recently, the UPA does not feel proud of this glorious legacy.

"The Government is not celebrating the 10^{th anniversary of the Pokharan-II nuclear blasts. It is not bothered about the fact that it was (late Prime Minister) Indira Gandhi who took the initiatives to make India a nuclear weapons state and conducted the first Pokharan test. The UPA also did not celebrate the Kargil war victory anniversary earlier. These were defining moments in nation’s history and in fact the Pokharan-II forced the world to view India with respect.}

^{"It is high time that Dr Singh either called off the protracted negotiations with the Left or called off the deal instead of making himself an object of ridicule before the comity of nations," the Organiser said. (UNI)}

Social change towards HIV/AIDS patients in AP

NUNNA, ANDHRA PRADESH, May 11: A visible change in the social behaviour towards HIV/AIDS patients is seen in this tiny village in Andhra Pradesh as family members of the affected persons now look after them lovingly, thanks to a care and support centre.

The change taking place is distinctly visible at St Ann’s Snehsadan, the support centre for seriously ill HIV/AIDS patients in Nunna, about 15 km from Vijaywada.

"It is a care centre with a humane touch. Here, HIV/AIDS patients come from far and wide because they are treated with love and care," says Dr Kalidas, Assistant Director, Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS).

The scenario was very different till a few years ago, when HIV/AIDS was a taboo word.

"Till about 2002-03, relatives used to just dump the patients outside the gate and go away and there would be no visitors. It created a lot of problems in taking care of the patients and it had a very bad effect on the morale of the patients," said Sister Tresa, Administrator, St Ann’s Snehsadan.

To combat the growing indifference of the families towards the patients, the hospital came up with a strict rule that no patient would be admitted without an attendant.

"We even refused many patients who were not accompanied with family members. After an HIV test is conducted, the patient is given counselling and we involve the family member in this also," Sister Tresa said.

"Now, there has been a marked change in the attitude of the family members of patients. During the visiting hours, the garden and recreation hall are full of near and dear ones of those admitted here," she said.

"Spouses or family members of those patients who have passed away also come and sponsor meals here on their loved ones’ death or birth anniversary," she added.

The 14-acre care centre nestled in nature’s lap is in the midst of fruit trees like mango, jack fruit and banana and also has its own dairy farm.

"We have two beds in a room where we keep the dying patients separately. Here, the family members are allowed to spend time with their loved one," Sister Tresa said.

"When they pass away, the body is properly sanitised as the virus remains for two to three hours after death. The body is taken out through the back door so that the other patients are not disturbed on seeing it," she said. (PTI)

Kasmiri chefs in demand - thanks to marriages

SRINAGAR, May 11: The traditional Kashmiri chefs are smiling all the way to the bank — thanks to the surge in demand for the local ‘wazwan’ delicacy in marriages scheduled before the state goes to polls later this year.

"I am receiving at least ten to 15 enquiries from clients everyday and everybody wants to get done with their weddings before the end of August this year," Mushtaq Ahmad Waza, a master chef based in the Valley, said.

With Assembly elections due in October and the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan taking out the traditional September wedding month, the chefs are faced with an unprecedented situation of huge orders but no time to fulfill all of them.

Waza said it was difficult to accept all the orders due to an already packed schedule.

"I have divided my team of chefs into four groups and I have hired another 30 ordinary labourers for this season. I do not want to lose any of my regular clients, but I cannot take all orders as well," the veteran chef said.

While chefs like Waza command a price of Rs 70,000 for cooking one tonne mutton over a period of three days, the cramped schedule for marriages this year has come as a boon for the lesser known names in the Waza community of the Valley too.

Fayaz Ahmad Wani, a chef from Nowgam area in the outskirts of the city, he has hiked his asking price to Rs 60,000 from Rs 45,000 for the season.

"Business is done on demand and supply basis... We are in demand and we have decided to make most of it. We are not opportunists as we will surely be out of business in September and october owing to fasting month and polls," Wani explained.

Kashmir valley in general and the capital in particular is wearing a festive look as every evening a dozen odd grooms make way to fetch their brides. This is in stark contrast to the earlier years when the marriage season would begin in late August and continue well into early November.

"Our experience tells us that it is better to avoid any festive celebrations when the elections process is in progress. The violence picks up and there are all kinds of activities going on. So I have decided to get my son married in August this year," Mohammad Ashraf, a businessman, said.

The chefs are surprised that Kashmiris have even ignored the ‘Wahraat’ period while fixing the dates of marriages.

"Wahraat is the 40-day dry spell in Kashmir during which the temperatures can go up to 38 degrees celsius, which is too high for the local people. Generally, people would not get married in this period but this rule has an exception now," Waza said. (PTI)

Rise in cases of custodial deaths in the country

NEW DELHI, May 11: With the number of custodial deaths showing an increasing trend, the Union Home Ministry has issued guidelines to all State Governments and Union Territories to inform the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) about such incidents within 24 hours of occurrence.

In 2007-08, the number of police custodial deaths was 188, up from 118 in 2006-07, Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said. There were 136 such deaths in 2004-05 and the figure rose to 139 in the next year.

"The NHRC has recommended departmental or disciplinary action as well as initiation of prosecution against delinquent officials in cases where, prima facie, cases of custodial violence is established," Jaiswal said.

During the last three years and the current year, the NHRC has recommended disciplinary action in eight cases and prosecution in three cases, he said, adding the NHRC has also awarded a total interim relief or compensation of Rs.69.45 lakh in cases of deaths in police custody.

Concerned over the increase in the number of custodial deaths, the Home Ministry has circulated important guidelines, as directed by the Supreme Court, to be followed by all authorities concerned while making arrests, he said.

The States and Union Territories have been directed to monitor closely the implementation of the guidelines.

Amendments have been proposed in the CrPC through the code of Criminal Procedure (amendment) Bill to incorporate the guidelines and certain other provisions regarding arrests, Home Ministry sources said.

The section 176 of the CrPC has already been amended to provide that in case of death or disappearance of a person or rape of a woman while in custody of police, there shall be a mandatory judicial inquiry.

In case of death, examination of the body has to be conducted within 24 hours of death.

Besides, components relating to human rights have been incorporated in the training curriculum for Police and Central Para-Military forces.

The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) as well as the State Police authorities on Human Rights issues regularly conduct seminars and workshops.

Police at all levels are being sensitised to issues related to human rights, they said.

States and UTs have been directed to constitute the State Human Rights Commissions.

"But there are many states that have not yet done so despite repeated reminders from the Centre," Jaiswal said.

He said those states, mostly small ones, take the alibi of shortage of funds. "Every state should realise that this is an important issue and should not be ignored," he added. (PTI)

Sexual harassment at workplace includes
misconduct outside: HC

NEW DELHI, May 11: A man can be accused of sexual harassment at workplace even in cases where the misconduct has been committed outside the office premises, the Delhi High Court has said.

"If an officer indulges in an act of sexual harassment with an employee, it would not be open for him to say that he had not committed the act at workplace but at his residence and get away with the same," a bench headed by Justice A K Sikri said.

The court referred to the recent phenomena of senior officials of the private sector running their businesses from their residences with the advancement in information technology.

"An officer or teacher may work from the accommodations allotted to him. He would not be allowed to say that it is not a workplace," the bench also comprising Justice Vipin Sanghi said, adding "a person can interact or do business conference with other persons while sitting in some other country by means of video conferencing".

The court passed its order on a petition filed by suspended Director of National Academy of Audit and Account (NAAA) S K Mallick, facing departmental inquiry for allegedly indulging in sexual harassment with his senior woman officer.

Mallick had contended that he could not be accused of sexual harassment at workplace as the alleged misconduct took place not at the workplace but at an official mess where the woman officer was residing.

The court turned down a plea of Mallick, who contended that he could not be accused of sexual harassment of an officer who was senior to him and he was not in position to extend any sort of favour to her.

"The conduct rules clearly stipulates that a Government servant shall not indulge in any act of sexual harassment of any woman at workplace. The expression `any woman’ is broad enough to include a woman who may be senior in status as well," the court said.

In the case, Mallick had allegedly entered the room of the woman officer at Shimla in an inebriated condition on March 30 last year and misbehaved with her.

The woman filed an FIR the next day and also intimated senior officials of the conduct of Mallick, leading to a departmental inquiry against him.

Mallick was suspended in May on the basis of criminal case pending against him.

He then approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) seeking to stay the departmental inquiry contending that the alleged misbehaviour did not come fall under the ambit of sexual harassment at workplace.

He filed a petition before the High Court after the CAT refused to stay the departmental proceedings. (PTI)

Intersexuals need Govt’s attention: HC

NEW DELHI, May 11: Intersexuals are a neglected and unfortunate class which needs the Government’s serious attention for their rehabilitation and social security, the Delhi High Court has said.

"They (intersexuals) need proper rehabilitation and social security and you (Government) would do great social service by providing them jobs and proper rehabilitation," a bench of Justices T S Thakur and Sidharth Mirdul said.

The court was perturbed that Government was not serious in taking the plight of intersexuals and directed it to state as to "what it was doing for such persons who are neither male nor female".

The bench took strong exception to the contention of the counsel appearing for the Human Resource Development Ministry who said that the matter does not come within the purview of the ministry.

"Government cannot abdicate its responsibility by saying that it is not the work of one ministry," the bench said.

"Union of India consists of all the ministries. We are not concerned with a ministry. It has no legal entity. We are concerned about the Union of India as the issue affects Government of India," the bench observed.

The bench was hearing a pil seeking a direction to the Government to form guidelines for equal treatment of intersexuals on par with other citizens of the country without discrimination.

Advocate Rakesh Prabhakar, appearing for the petitioner contended that that the physical abnormality in the "intersex" people is natural and there is no medical remedy for it.

"It is a naturally occurring phenomena and not aided by operation or hormones," the petitioner said citing three recent instances of alleged ill-treatment of such people.

In one case, a person claiming to be a girl from Orissa had to loose her job during her training in CISF after failing to clear the gender test in November last year, the petitioner alleged.

He cited another instance in which an athlete, who won a Silver Medal in 2006 Asian Games, had tried to commit suicide after she failed to clear the gender test for a job in the Indian Railways.

The petitioner also pointed out that the community do not have voting rights as they do not come either in the male or female category.

Expressing concern on the discrimination and neglect faced by the community, the court said, "it’s a sarcasm on the society that people elected one such person in election."

"They can be great nuisance to the society if they are not given proper opportunity and occupation," the court said when pointed out that people from the community harass the general public for money.

"They do it because they do not have any social security. It is the most neglected and unfortunate class," the bench said while directing the Centre to file its response by the next date of hearing. (PTI)