2 booked for threatening dhaba owner
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 5 — The police has registered a case against a Mani Majra resident and his companion for allegedly threatening to kill a dhaba owner of Industrial Area here today.

According to police sources, Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Panchkula runs a dhaba in the Industrial Area. Satish, a frequent customer accompanied by his friend came in the afternoon and ordered food. As the joint was crowded, they were served according to their turn, which reportedly infuriated them and they started abusing him.

While Satish abused the dhaba owner, his companion pulled out a country-made pistol and threatened to shoot him. Not deterred by the threat, Sanjay grappled with the accused and managed to wrest the gun from him. Following this, the duo ran away.

A case under Sections 323, 506, 34, IPC, has been registered at the Industrial Area police station against the accused and efforts to nab them are afoot.

Drugged: Mr Rajbir Singh, a resident of Kurukshetra and driver of a Maruti van ( HR 03D 6212), reported to the police that he was drugged by two persons who fled away with his vehicle.

He said he picked up two passengers — Lakhwinder Singh and P. Bansal — from a guest house in Sector 22 who wanted to go to Amritsar. After travelling for some distance they decided to go to Delhi and stopped for some refreshments near Shahbad.

Here he was reportedly served with some spiked soft drink. He became unconscious after sometime only to wake up to find himself by a roadside.

The police has registered a case under Sections 406, 328, IPC.

Duped: Mrs Sunita Gupta, a resident of Ambala, reported to the police that she had been defrauded by the management of Indian Farms and Flats, an investment company with its head office in Sector 40, to the tune of Rs 1,10,000. The company was being managed by Vishal Attri, a resident of the Modern Housing Complex, Manimajra.

She said she had deposited Rs 55,000 with the company for a period of three and a half years and had been assured that the sum would double during this time. She was given a cheque drawn on a bank in Uttar Pradesh. However, when she presented the cheque to the bank it was dishonoured on the ground that the account of the firm had been closed.

A case under Sections 406/420/ 120-B, IPC, has been registered.

Held: The police has arrested Gopal Dass, a resident of Burail, on the charge of trying to outrage the modesty of a woman in Sector 47. A case has been registered under Section 354, IPC at the Sector 31 police station.

Eve-teaser held: The police has arrested Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Dadu Majra colony on the charge of eve teasing. A case under Section 294, IPC, has been registered.

Mr Ashwani Kumar, a resident of Sector 45, reported to the police that his scooter and Rs 22, 000 in cash has been stolen by Ram Lal, a resident of Dadu Majra colony. A case under Section 379, IPC, has been registered.

33 arrested: In separate incidents, the Chandigarh police has arrested 33 persons for committing various offences.

Twentyone persons have been arrested under preventive action, seven for roaming under suspicious circumstances, and five for creating nuisance at a public place while under the influence of liquor.

Kidney transplant cost claim allowed

CHANDIGARH, Aug 5 (UNI) — The local Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal has allowed an application, moved by Mr Prem Kumar Sabharwal, Superintendent (Grade-1) in the Controller, Printing and Stationery Department, Chandigarh Administration, for reimbursement of his medical claim, subject to verification by the All- India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

The tribunal Vice-Chairman, Mr R.K. Nehru in his judgement delivered last week, quashed the impugned orders of July 2, 1996, November 7, 1996 and July 15, 1998 and directed the respondent officers of the UT administration concerned to verify from the AIIMS expenses which were chargeable for treatment of kidney transplantation done on the applicant.

He observed that after verification from the AIIMS, the applicant would be reimbursed the same amount as was chargeable by it (AIIMS) for such treatment.

He directed the Director of Health Services, Chandigarh Administration, to grant ex-post factor sanction in favour of the applicant.

The entire exercise would be done by the respondents within three months from the date of receipt of the copy of this order, delivered on July 27. 

The applicant underwent transplantation of one of his kidneys with matching blood group of donor, from Noida Medicare Centre, Noida on April 25, 1996, after the PGI (Chandigarh) advised him to undergo transplantation elsewhere.

However, the respondents (UT Administration) had rejected his medical claim amounting to Rs 2,32,303 on the ground that he did not get his case for transplantation recommended by specialist of the PGI for getting treatment done outside Chandigarh. The other objection raised was that the petitioner did not seek permission from the authorities concerned for undergoing treatment at a private centre outside Chandigarh.

The Vice-Chairman after deliberating on the pleas and counter pleas of the applicant and respondents said, "I feel that the respondents have taken too hypertechnical objection in declining permission to the applicant".

This cannot be allowed, more so, when the applicant cannot be said to be at fault. He took every possible precaution to seek prior permission from the authorities before getting himself operated upon for kidney transplantation at a private institution.

"Rather it is a case where the state failed in its obligation. They cannot now turn around and support their action in rejecting the claim of the applicant on the premise that no prior approval was sought by the applicant before getting treatment for kidney transplant from a private institute". 

The Vice-Chairman further observed that the applicant was admittedly suffering from a serious ailment which does not knock or warn through the bell giving time to a patients.

Such cases required immediate treatment, and if, with a view to comply with the administrative procedure, one has to wait for long, then it could be a fatal. One may not, in such cases, live if such a procedure is strictly followed and adhered to. Under the circumstances, "I find merit in the claim of the applicant", he added.

He said that fact of the case were not at all in dispute. The applicant had admittedly applied on March 20, 1996, well in advance to the respondents seeking permission for getting his kidney transplantation at the Noida centre or any other institute duly recommended by one of the respondents vide his letter dated April 12, 1996, to the superior authorities.

This showed the bona fides on part of the applicant that he never wanted to go to a private institute for his treatment without seeking permission of the authorities concerned.

"It is indeed unfortunate that inspite of waiting for long, the applicant did not receive any communication from the authorities in this regard. In such a situation, he was left with no option but to undergo operation for kidney transplantation at the Noida Medicare Centre".

The judgement said there was no dispute that the PGI entertained only such patients of kidney transplantation who got matching blood of a blood related donor.

It felt that defence of the respondents was really strange, rather unacceptable, in declining such a request by the applicant. The controversy in the matter was no longer valid in view of the judgement of the apex court in the State of Punjab and others versus Ram Lubhaya Bagga case, wherein it is held... ." The right of a citizen to live under Article 21 casts an obligation on the state. This obligation is further reinforced under Article 47, it is for the state to secure the health of its citizens. No doubt, the government is rendering this obligation by opening government hospitals and health centres, but in order to make it meaningful, it has to be within the reach of its people as far as possible, reduce the queue of waiting lists, and it has to provide all facilities for which an employee looks for another hospital".

Parks cleared of encroachments
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 5 — The enforcement wing of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) today cleared 10 parks of encroachments in Indira Colony, Mani Majra.

According to sources, shuttering and other construction material and 'malba' was removed. Ten unauthorised 'khokhas' and 15 'jhuggis' were also removed.

As many as 150 pig stys and 10 cattle and tin sheds each were also removed in the drive, which began at around 10.30 a.m. and lasted for over four hours.

A JCB and 10 vehicles were pressed into service in the peaceful operation.

Price monitoring cell: The Mayor, Mr Kewal Krishan Addiwal, while welcoming the setting up of a price monitoring cell by the UT Administration, said the cell should take care of slum-dwellers. The cell should create a network around the areas inhabitated by slum-dwellers so that the prices of essential commodities were kept under control.

Writ petition adjourned
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 5 — Mr Justice T.H.B. Chalapathi, a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, today adjourned to August 10 the writ petition filed by advocate Kulwant Kaur praying for directing the Chandigarh Administration to identify the people who held demonstration against the High Court judgement on the use of helmets.

The demonstration was telecast by Siti Cable in its programme “City Halchal”.

Pursuant to the directions of the High Court issued on the last date of hearing, Mr Rajnish Khanna, Branch Manager of the Siti Cable, and Mr Ranjit Singh, who had received the summons issued by the court were present in the courtroom.

They produced before the court the cassette pertaining to the “City Halchal” programme.

In her petition Mrs Kulwant Kaur stated that by holding demonstration the demonstrators undermined the authority of the court.

She urged the court that if the Administration established the identity of the protesters, contempt of the court proceedings could be launched against them.

Sanjay School win sub-jr soccer
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, Aug 5 — Sanjay Public School, Sector 44, became the winner of the Chandigarh Sub-junior (under-16) Soccer Tournament which concluded here this evening at DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8. In the final which kept spectators to the edge of their seats, the team of SD Public School, Sector 32, which had won by a narrow margin in the semi-final yesterday, fought a valiant game today.

Mr Suresh Harmilapi, Director In Charge of the Sports Authority of India's northern centre in Chandigarh, gave away the prizes.

As the match began on a wet ground because of the morning rain, moves of players were a bit slow. SD School boys began the game on an offensive note but the tight defence of Sanjay Public School never let any goal opportunity to materialise.

In the 19th minute of the match, the team of Sanjay Public School missed a chance of making scoring a goal. SD Public School boys were also unable to score in the 24th minute when Gopal Thapa could not get through a sitter. At the end of the first half, both teams were levelled at 0-0.

In the second half, Gopal again tried to strike but missed yet another sitter in the 37th minute of the match. Later, SPS player Amandeep scored the first goal in the 47th minute of the game, giving his team an edge in the match. Another golden chance was missed by SPS player Chetan in the 50th minute of the match. Finally, Sanjay Public School team clinched the match, 1-0.

Badminton tourney : The district Badminton Association, Panchkula, will organise the Inter-School Badminton Tournament for the schools of Panchkula as part of Independence Day celebrations from August 12 to 14, according to Mr T.R. Tuli, Secretary of the association.

The matches will be played at Community Centre, Sector 7. The events to be conducted include, primary schools' boys' and girls' under-14 (upto Class VIII) and under-19 (Class IX and above) matches.

The winning school will be awarded a running trophy in addition to the prizes. The matches will be conducted between 10 am and 5 pm daily. All the primary and higher secondary schools of the district are eligible to take part in this tournament. Every team should not consist of more than four players, two for singles and a pair for doubles, say the organisers. The matches would be decided on a best of three pattern, said Mr Tuli.

Squash tourney : The three-day squash ranking tournament organised by the Yadavindra Public School, SAS Nagar, will begin tomorrow at the school premises, according to a press note of the school. School teams of the region which are expected to take part in the tournament include Lawrence School, Sanawar (HP), Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, Army Public School, Dagshai (HP), St Stephen's School, Sector 45, Chandigarh, St John's School, Sector 26, Chandigarh.

On the first day, the qualifying rounds will be organised. The events in the age groups of under-12, under-14 and under-16 will be conducted.

Guru Nanak school win
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 5 — Guru Nanak Public School, Sector 36, defeated Vivek High School, Sector 38, by three goals to nil in the opening match of the sixth Shivalik Trophy Football Tournament (under-12) being organised by the Chandigarh Football Association which commenced at the Sector 17 football stadium here today.

Tribhavinder Badwal scored two goals for the winners while the third goal was scored by Amandeep Singh.

Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated by the DPI (Schools) Chandigarh, Mr DS Saroya. As many as 31 schools, including 17 government schools, took part in a colourful march-past.

From tomorrow, the matches will be played at the Panjab university grounds.

Dev Samaj, Carmel cagers win
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, Aug 5 — Hosts IS Dev Samaj Girls Senior Secondary School, Sector 21, and Carmel Convent School, Sector 9, today surged ahead in their respective pools by winning their matches on the opening day of the Shriman Ishwar Singh Memorial Basketball Tournament for girls of local schools here at IS Dev Samaj Girls Senior Secondary School, Sector 21. Twelve school teams of the city are taking part in this five-day tournament.

The first match was played between the teams of Carmel Convent School and Shivalik Public School, Sector 41, From the beginning, Carmel girls dominated the proceedings and Ultimately won the match, 19-6.

Neha Kohli of the winning team was the top scorer for her team when she scored 12 points while Shriya Singh scored four points. Ramya and Neha scored four and two points, respectively, for the losers.

The second match was played between the teams of Dev Samaj Girls School and Shishu Niketan School, Sector 22. Here, the host school girls who appeared fitter than Shishu Niketan girls were leading till half time, 24-6.

In the second half, before a large number of spectators which included chief guest Mr M. Ramsekhar, Deputy Commissioner and Director of Sports of the Chandigarh Administration, and the Deputy Commissioner of Ropar, Mr K.S. Sidhu, besides others, Dev Samaj girls never let the Shishu Niketan team to score any further and took 16 points in a row and won the match, 40-6. Manpreet was the top scorer with 16 points. Navneet with 12 and Harpreet with 8 points were other scorers for the winners. For the losers, Sandhya scored four points.

This five-day tournament organised for the first time in the memory of Shriman Ishwar Singh by the Shriman Ishwar Singh Society would be made an annual feature, said the organisers.

Mr M. Ramsekhar who is himself a sportsman, in his brief speech, complimented the efforts of the organisers and assured them and everybody connected with sports of maximum help. Mr J.P.S. Sidhu, Joint Director of Sports of the Chandigarh Administration, was also present. Ms S. Kanwar who is Secretary of the society and an international basketball player, said that next year, the spectrum of the tournament would be widened.

The teams which took part in the today's two matches were as follows: Carmel Convent — Shriya Singh, Deepika Mohan, Simrit Tiwana, Ayesha Bal, Manpreet Ghuman, Garima Sobti, Neha Kohli, Mandakini Dev, Praneet Brar, Jasleen Chattwal and Gagandeep Kaur.

Shivalik Public School, Sector 41 — Ashima, Neha, Ramiya, Mandeep, Neha Mehta, Damita, Amandeep, Rami, Simran, Inderpreet, Harsimran and Geetika.

Dev Samaj School — Kavita, Deepika, Puranjit Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Harpreet, Rajni, Navneet, Vandana, Neha, Amandeep, Meena, Shweta, Sangeeta, Nirmal, Deepak and Mandeep.

Shishu Niketan School — Monika, Richa, Sandhya, Rohini, Meenu, Nitasha, Shashi, Nivedita, Shweta, Ravneet, Rajni and Ayushi.

Tomorrow, the matches will start in the morning at 6.30 am and the first match will be played between Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 16, and Dev Samaj Junior Model School, Sector 21, followed by Guru Nanak Public School, Sector 36, versus Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sector 8.

In the afternoon at 3.30 pm, two matches will be played, first between Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sector 18, and Shivalik Public School, Sector 41 followed by the match between Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 16 and Sacred Heart School, Sector 26.