Chennai is limping back to normalcy after cyclone Michaung rained havoc on the city on Monday. 

In a major respite for Chennaites, UPI payments which were completely disrupted on Monday and Tuesday have been partially restored. 

Several petrol pumps, restaurants and shops have started taking UPI and debit card payments. 

“Network issues are still there, which is why UPI payments are hard. But we are taking it if it works on the first try,” said the manager of Bharat Gas, Ambattur Estate.

Tuesday saw a huge demand for fuel as people rushed to fill their tanks amid the flooding. As a result, several petrol pumps closed down.

“We are running out of both petrol and diesel which is why we have limited our supply to 10-20 litres,” the manager added. 

Supermarkets, restaurants and even push cart fruit sellers are letting out a sigh of relief as online payments began working. 

“It is a relief that UPI has started working. Yesterday there was a complete shutdown of all online payments including card payments. It has been working well since morning,” said an accountant from Tender Cuts in Nolambur. 

The situation was exacerbated by ATM counters running out of cash as people were stuck with no options to even buy essentials. 

Several ATM counters including Indian Overseas Bank in Nolambur, INSC in Mogappair West and IDFC in Nolambur remain closed after witnessing huge cash withdrawals yesterday. 

Chennaites were also grappling with a prolonged power disruption and a halt in telecom services amid the crisis. Some telecom services have still not been restored. 

“I have been struggling to buy essentials. My mobile network has been down for two days now. I have run out of cash and most ATMs are out of order. I have been using my credit card wherever possible,” says Pichumani, who uses a Vi connection. 

“I went to the Anna Nagar showroom of Vi to complain. The telecom company has informed me that the connection will be fully restored only by Thursday,” he added. 

At the same time, some telecom services like Jio and Airtel were almost unaffected by the crisis. 

“For me, UPI has been working since yesterday itself. It has been helpful for my business,” said K Prakash, a fruit seller in Nolambur. 

Prakash claims that he did not face any network issues. He uses an Airtel connection. 

Meanwhile, some areas of the city are still in the dark. Power has not been restored in areas such as Kilpauk and Kattupakkam where people have been facing several issues including insufficient food supply and water. 

Two days after incessant rains and high winds brought severe destruction upon Chennai, including the deaths of at least 17 people, more than 19,000 people have been moved to relief camps. 

The Chennai airport had to suspend operations, affecting nearly 300 flights and leaving over 1,500 passengers stranded. 

Southern Railway also canceled several long-haul trains, with others terminating at Chengalpattu. 

Many areas, particularly low-lying ones like Medavakkam, Keelkattalai and Mudichur, remained submerged under 3-4 feet of water.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday has sought a relief fund of Rs 5000 crores from the Union government citing the destruction caused by the cyclone. 

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has set up an exclusive help desk at the State Disaster Management Control Room in Ezhilagam to coordinate the Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and individual volunteers who wish to involve themselves in the rescue and relief works being undertaken in the rain-affected areas in the four districts. 

Chief Minister MK Stalin has requested that individuals/volunteer teams/organizations can register their details with the help desk.  

They can contact the following officials through the contact numbers given: 

Sheik Mansoor, Assistant Commissioner (9791149789); Babu, Assistant Commissioner (9445461712); Subburaj, Assistant Commissioner (9895440669);and General contact number (7397766651).

After their registration with the government, the NGOs and volunteers would be deputed to places where there is a requirement.

An official release here said the cyclonic storm Michaung has caused unprecedented rains in the districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts and the government has been taking many steps to provide relief assistance to the needy. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force, personnel from Fire and Rescue Services departments are being engaged in relief and rescue operations.  People stranded in areas surrounded by flood water are being rescued using boats and other vehicles. 

Rs.10 lakh Govt official died on way to Chennai for relief works

Expressing deep grief over the death of Jayapal Moorthy, Sanitary Officer from Rajapalayam municipality in Virudhunagar district, who died in a road accident on his way to Chennai for relief works.  

He said suitable government employment would be given to one member of Jayapal Moorthy.  The CM also granted Rs 1 lakh to the driver of the vehicle Muruganandam who suffered injuries in the accident.

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sought Rs.5,060 crore to undertake relief and restoration works in the rain-affected areas due to cyclonic storm Michaung in the state. The CM wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard.

Dear Hon'ble PM Thiru. @narendramodi, in response to #CycloneMichaung's devastation, I have detailed the severe impacts on Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu in my recent letter. Our infrastructure is severely hit, impacting lakhs, and many are struggling with… pic.twitter.com/Wsq5rg7KNb

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 6, 2023

"Dear Prime Minister, in response to Cyclone Michaung's devastation, I have detailed the severe impacts on Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu in my recent letter. Our infrastructure is severely hit, impacting lakhs, and many are struggling with floodwaters," the chief minister said in his letter.

Stalin also requested an interim relief of Rs.5060 crore for immediate restoration efforts. "Additionally, we are in the process of preparing a comprehensive report to assess the need for further funds, ensuring a thorough recovery. Our people are facing unprecedented challenges, but I am confident that, united, we will emerge stronger from this adversity," he added.

The chief minister also said that currently, the state government is assessing the damages caused by the heavy rains and a detailed report would be sent to GOI for additional funds. The CM has also sought to depute a central team to assess the damage.

ALSO READ | Eight years on, the ghosts of 2015 revisit Chennai's Mudichur

Schools, colleges to remain closed in Chennai district on December 7 

Meanwhile, the government also announced that the schools and colleges in the Chennai district would remain closed on December 7 too since relief works are going on in many parts of the city.

ALSO READ | Cyclone 'Michaung': Grim reminder for the world to limit global warming, cut emissions

NEW DELHI: DMK MP D N V Senthil Kumar on Wednesday expressed regret in the Lok Sabha over his controversial 'north-south divide' remark which had sparked a backlash.

Kumar had on Tuesday used a pejorative to describe Hindi heartland states while attacking the ruling BJP.

His comments led to ruckus and adjournment in the House, and were expunged by Speaker Om Birla later.

MPs from the ruling BJP created a ruckus over the issue on Wednesday, and the House witnessed a brief adjournment during the Question Hour over the issue.

At noon, when the House reassembled for the Zero Hour, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal raised the issue, and asked if DMK leader TR Baalu, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi agree with the comments.

Demanding an apology, he said, "Is TR Baalu standing with him? Is Rahul Gandhi standing with him? Voters have made BJP victorious in three states, and this is what they say. This is the thinking of dividing India in north and south. We will not allow it," he said.

ALSO READ | Don't divide India on basis of north-south; Modi always unites people: Piyush Goyal tells DMK MP

Baalu, who raised the issue of floods caused by cyclone Michaung in Tamil Nadu and demanded that the Centre declare it as a national calamity, said the remarks made by Kumar were not correct.

"Statement made by Senthil Kumar was not correct. MK Stalin has warned the particular member," Baalu said.

Soon after, Kumar expressed regret over the comment. Kumar said the remarks were made "inadvertently" and if they have hurt the sentiments of people, he withdraws it.

The DMK MP had earlier tendered an apology for his comments on Tuesday.

"Commenting on the results of the five recent state assembly elections, I have used a word in a inappropriate way. Not using that term with any intent, I apologise for sending the wrong meaning across," he said in a post on X.

CHENNAI: Senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the challenging conditions people of Chennai are braving due to Cyclone Michaung, revealing that his own locality was dealing with a power outage that extended over 30 hours.

Cyclone Michaung has wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

Chennai witnessed some respite as rain stopped on Tuesday but the Tamil Nadu state capital struggled to cope with large scale water logging, power cuts and disruption in mobile networks "No power in my locality for more than 30 hours too. Guess that's the case in many places. Not Sure what options we have #ChennaiFloods," Ashwin posted on 'X', formerly twitter on Tuesday.

No power in my locality for
more than 30 hours too. Guess thats the case in many places.

Not Sure what options we have ]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 07:31:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunZWVLn9iUN4Jm7fhEn5oRuR https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYHuZL4xqgte3CrAHWlao0B Addressing reporters later, the CM’s secretary N Muruganandam said the state had also sought a central team to be sent to TN to assess the damage caused by the rains.

CHENNAI: As the death toll due to Cyclone Michaung rose to 17 in Chennai on Tuesday and with many parts of the city and its neighbouring districts facing waterlogging and power outages, Chief Minister MK Stalin said the state government is seeking `5,000 crore urgently from the government of India for immediate relief, rescue and restoration works. He said DMK MPs would raise this demand in Parliament too. 

Addressing reporters later, the CM’s secretary N Muruganandam said the state had also sought a central team to be sent to TN to assess the damage caused by the rains. The government also announced that schools and colleges will remain closed in the capital, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu on Wednesday as well. The state has also decided to postpone the Chennai Formula Street Circuit Racing events scheduled for December 9 and 10.

Kodambakkam flooded for over a week

Raghavan P, a resident of VGP Selva Nagar, said although the rain stopped Monday night, water levels keep rising in their area.

“We believe water from surrounding areas is flowing here. We requested a boat service in the area but officials said they will come here only after completing rescues on the main road; we were also not offered food. Water is already at chest level and everyone is scared,” he said. Residents of TANSI Nagar in Velachery were rescued by boats from noon on Tuesday.

Part of the Velachery-Tambaram road was also flooded. In Madipakkam, Ram Nagar, LIC Nagar, Balaji Nagar and Kuberan Nagar were waterlogged. A 71-year-old dialysis patient was among those struggling to navigate their way through the inundated Ram Nagar stretch to reach the main road. In Central Excise Colony in Saidapet, water levels failed to recede even on Tuesday morning and residents were packing off to houses of friends and relatives.

At Rangarajapuram in Kodambakkam, which has been waterlogged for over a week, Cyclone Michaung only added to residents’ woes. Aziz Nagar, Subramania Nagar and Parangusapuram were inundated even before the cyclone. “We did not have power for more than a week. Even in streets where it had been partially restored, it was discontinued,” said Kirubha, a resident of Rangarajapuram. GN Chetty road in T Nagar, which witnessed heavy flooding on Monday, was free of inundation on Tuesday. However, major roads in the area, including North Usman Road and Bazullah Road, remain under water.

While fallen trees had been cleared on most main roads, some had yet to be cleared from interior roads. One fallen tree in Valmiki street in T Nagar cut an entire area from the main road. Street lights are off in key roads like North Usman Road and power has not been restored in many streets. Several streets in CIT Nagar at Saidapet continue to be waterlogged.

Water entered the houses of about 2,000 residents staying along the Buckingham Canal in Neelankarai and Palavakkam and did not recede until Tuesday evening. With the canal filled with water, it entered the houses on Monday evening. While there was no water stagnation on the East Coast Road (ECR), the arterial roads leading to the residential localities were flooded. “Last time we had water stagnation like this was in 2015. The canal is full and the authorities haven’t opened them up into the sea. The water from the entire city is flowing into the canal.

The overflowing water entered our houses on Monday evening and has not receded yet,” said 60-year-old K Prakashan, who was seated outside his house. He said his family moved to a relative’s house while he stayed behind to protect their belongings from thieves. The residents pooled in money for a generator and a water pump but they lay idle as there is no outlet for the water to drain. Vettuvankani, Injambakkam, Neelankarai and Palavakkam did not have electricity since early Monday morning. A family of five with two children and an elderly person had planned to leave city but couldn’t as water entered their house to about three feet.

(With inputs from Sinduja Jane)

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:54:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYHuZL4xqgte3CrAHWlao0B https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYS_SrWA9x5XUGb1Jh49AJn There are over 2,800 permanent and around 3,000 temporary sanitary working in CCMC. The permanent workers are mainly deployed in garbage collection and segregation works.

COIMBATORE: The permanent sanitary labourers working with the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) are irked as door-to-door garbage collection work that they have been handling so far has been given to temporary workers.

There are over 2,800 permanent and around 3,000 temporary sanitary working in CCMC. The permanent workers are mainly deployed in garbage collection and segregation works. The civic body outsourced garbage collection works to a private player. However, the move has received a lot of criticism from several quarters including the public, councillors and sanitary workers.

Recently, garbage collection and segregation duties were handed over to the temporary workers. The permanent workers are assigned with drainage cleaning, desilting, clearing clogged drains and other duties. Upset by this, permanent workers staged a protest at the CCMC head office on Monday.

A permanent worker, Koniyappan told TNIE, “All of a sudden, we are deployed in drainage cleaning and desilting duties. We have been looking after the garbage collection and clearing works for nearly 30 years now. What is the need to change our duties suddenly? “

The sanitary workers also demanded the civic body stop deducting `3,900 from their salary for the CPS (Contributory Pension Scheme) and provide them with the CPS amount that was deducted from their salary since 2007.

Speaking to TNIE, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said, “The garbage collection works have been given to private players now. So they have been assigning the work. We shall assign other works like park maintenance and cleaning to the permanent workers.”

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:46:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYS_SrWA9x5XUGb1Jh49AJn https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYS_SrWA9x5XeGkz6RCC25z Addressing media persons after handing over recovered mobile phones to their owners, he said online and job scams are rising in the district.

COIMBATORE: Superintendent of Police V Badrinarayanan on Tuesday said people in Coimbatore district have lost around Rs 18 crore to cybercrime so far in 2023.

Addressing media persons after handing over recovered mobile phones to their owners, he said online and job scams are rising in the district. “The people of Coimbatore district have lost Rs 18 crore in cybercrime cases so far in this year. People should not open unknown websites or links in order to prevent from falling prey to fraudsters.”

So far, 911 mobile phones out of 1853 complaints have been recovered and returned to their owners, he said, adding that 40 murders have taken place in 2023, out of which 12 murders were within the family.

On the steps taken to prevent sale of ganja and other narcotic substances, the SP said 662 kg of ganja was confiscated in 2023 as against the 540 kg seized in 2022. Last year 10 shops were sealed and this year up to 40 shops have been sealed. As many as 205 POCSO cases have been reported in 2023, Badrinarayanan added.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:38:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYS_SrWA9x5XeGkz6RCC25z https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYS_SrWA9x5XVhGNgNo2_0q After massive amounts of foam were accumulated in the tank, the city corporation deputed local experts and a two-member team from IISc had inspected the tank as well as the approach canal.

MADURAI: Taking note of a report from a team of experts from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru and Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) on the pollution in Avaniyapuram tank, the corporation has planned to establish permanent measures to prevent pollutants in water bodies. According to the report, the tank had a high presence of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD).

After massive amounts of foam were accumulated in the tank, the city corporation deputed local experts and a two-member team from IISc had inspected the tank as well as the approach canal. Samples were taken for testing at MKU in Madurai and also at Bangalore.

Primary reports showed that BOD is much larger in water, mainly due to the increase in invasive hyacinths. Official sources said apart from the presence of industrial waste traces, COD is at a higher level. Local activists alleged most of the pollution in the tank is caused by the discharge of sewage in water bodies. "The locality does not have a UGD system. The city corporation should take measures to remove water hyacinths so as to bring down the BOD, and the sewage flow in branch canals should be prevented.

Madhubala, city corporation commissioner, said, "Experts have said there is no short-term measure for addressing the pollution in the tank. We have asked the PWD to take action. A total of `452.42 crore has been allocated for placing new UGD lines in added areas, including Avaniyapuram." 

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:35:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYS_SrWA9x5XVhGNgNo2_0q https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYS_SrWA9x5XeQEmsPXZ5C9 In November 2021, when Pachaikili and her husband, Palraj, were travelling in a train from Virudhunagar to Chennai, Palraj accidentally fell down the train and died on the spot.

VIRUDHUNAGAR: The District Consumer Redressal Commission in Srivilliputhur directed an insurance company to pay a travel insurance of Rs 10 lakh, along with litigation expenses of Rs 10000, to the kin of a passenger who died after falling from a train in 2021. The commission observed a deficiency in service as the company refused to pay the amount, despite the family having availed the insurance during ticket reservation.

The commission, comprising President SJ Chakkkaravarthy and member M Muthulakshmi, issued the verdict in a petition filed by P Pachaikili, a resident of Mallankinaru, and her children against the manager and general manager of the insurance company in Madurai and Chennai, respectively.

In November 2021, when Pachaikili and her husband, Palraj, were travelling in a train from Virudhunagar to Chennai, Palraj accidentally fell down the train and died on the spot. The petitioners claimed that following the death, they approached the insurance company and sought a travel insurance of Rs 10 lakh. However, the company went on delaying the payment.

Meanwhile, the respondents stated that there was no proof regarding the reason for the demise of Palraj, and refused the insurance claim stating that the demise of Palraj was due to his carelessness. They further added that the claim must be filed within four months of the incident.

However, the commission observed that the respondents did not offer a proper reply when the petitioners approached them earlier and it was not fair to cite delay as a reason for refusing payment. The panel further cited that the company did not pay the amount, despite the fact that death is considered as an untoward incident and, in the case, it occurred as per the policies mentioned in the insurance claim.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:32:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunYS_SrWA9x5XeQEmsPXZ5C9 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunZMo1i4eMWuTAO5yOwvVe_2 The bank manager ruled out the possibilities of an unlawful transaction stating that their bank is highly protected.

THOOTHUKUDI: Thoothukudi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a nationalised bank to pay Rs 1.42 lakh to a school teacher, after she filed a complaint alleging inadequate service.

Latha, who works as a teacher in Keelapuliyur of Tenkasi district, had raised a complaint with the State Bank of India (SBI), Tenkasi branch regarding unlawful withdrawal of money from her savings bank account. The transaction, as per the messages received, was made using a fake ATM card, as the original card was in her possession.

The bank manager ruled out the possibilities of an unlawful transaction stating that their bank is highly protected. Despite her repeated appeals to the bank ombudsman, the bank did not address her complaint or reimburse the lost money. With her complaints pending at the bank, Latha received some messages about withdrawal of money from her account. She took the matter to the High Court, which ordered Tenkasi cyber crime police to register an FIR.

Latha also approached Tirunelveli Thoothukudi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for justice. The case was shifted to Thoothukudi consumer court. While hearing the case on Monday, Thoothukudi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission President Thiruneela Prasad, members A Sankar and Namashivayam, ordered the Tenkasi branch of SBI bank to pay a total of Rs 1,42,131, including the Rs 1,07,131 that was unlawfully withdrawn from her bank account, and a compensation of Rs 25,000 towards the mental agony, and Rs 10,000 for the case expenses, within a period of one month.  

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:27:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunZMo1i4eMWuTAO5yOwvVe_2 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunZMo1i4eMWuTLmyhX6zo8SW District collector Kranthi Kumar Pati held a consultation with officials from the revenue, town panchayat and forest department to find a way for carrying materials to the settlement.

COIMBATORE: Out of the total 150 houses alloted for tribal people in Tiruppur district, tribes in Nagaruthu settlement in Pollachi Taluk will get 38 houses, under the particularly vulnerable tribal groups scheme (PVTGs) said, district collector Kranthi Kumar Pati, after visiting the hilly areas of Nagaruthu-2 settlements.

Officials,  led by the collector, visited the settlement by trekking over three km of hilly path from Sarkarpathi, to study the feasibility of carrying construction materials to the hilly settlement, which has no road.  According to officials, Pati is the first collector to visit Nararuthu - 2 settlement. He discussed with the tribal families about possibility of taking construction materials to the place via hill slopes.

He also held a consultation with officials from the revenue, town panchayat and forest department to find a way for carrying materials to the settlement.  Speaking to TNIE, Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati said, 50 houses are allotted to tribals, who are living in plain areas and remaining 100 houses to tribals in hilly areas. In which, Nagaruthu - 1 settlement is allotted 11 houses and Nagaruthu - 2 settlement is 27 houses. There is no constraint for carrying work in plain areas. Whereas, taking up construction materials to Nagaruthu - 2 is not an easy task.”

He added that, they were planning to initiate the work with a support of a private engineering firm from Pollachi at Nagaruthu - 2 settlement. “In the discussion, a plan for building a house under ‘precast’ method has been proposed. Under this method, a house would be built in a trial basis,” and added that Rs 4.95 lakh and Rs 4.3  lakh would be allotted for each beneficiary in hill and plain respectively under the scheme.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:15:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunZMo1i4eMWuTLmyhX6zo8SW https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunY9MCw36kD8AqgHTd9OkkKt The SHRC had imposed the penalty following a complaint lodged by the Thoothukudi District Committee of CPM, on behalf of the victim.

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently dismissed a petition filed by three police personnel in 2006 against an order passed by the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) imposing a penalty of Rs 10,000 each on them for assaulting a man in a Thoothukudi police station.

The SHRC had imposed the penalty following a complaint lodged by the Thoothukudi District Committee of CPM, on behalf of the victim. The facts were that the victim, Ganesan, was summoned by Soorankudi police in Thoothukudi for inquiry in connection with a case.

When he had gone to the police station with his uncle, he was beaten up by the police and was only allowed to leave after he paid Rs 10,500 to settle the case. Ganesan suffered severe injuries and underwent treatment in a hospital as an inpatient. SHRC found three police personnel (now retired)--S Muthupillai, R Narayanasamy and KP Pasumpon--guilty and imposed the penalty. Challenging this, the trio moved the HC in 2006.

Hearing the plea last week, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay V Gangapurwala and Justice KK Ramakrishnan noted that the SHRC has arrived at the conclusion based on evidence. The government also initiated departmental inquiry against the trio and while the charges against Muthupillai were dropped, the other two were slapped with a punishment of reduction in salary for two years with cumulative effect, the judges added. Since the commission has come to a probable conclusion and no procedural violations were found, the judges dismissed the plea. 

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:51:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunY9MCw36kD8AqgHTd9OkkKt https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunY9MCw36kD8AqJCIqJppjfU Nearly 20 transpeople have been appointed in various government departments including police, health departments (hospitals and medical colleges), it added.

MADURAI:  Responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking implementation of the NALSA judgment, passed by the Supreme Court in April 2014, the state government told the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that TN is a pioneer state in implementing various welfare measures for the transgender community. 

The state has taken serious efforts in ensuring their right to live with dignity, right to privacy, freedom of expression and also provides them easy access to education and public employment, the government said in its counter affidavit. 

In the NALSA judgment, the apex court had directed the union and state governments to give legal recognition to the gender identity of transpeople and provide them necessary help in education and employment among other walks of life. Alleging that the said directions were not being executed properly, S Muthukumar, who is a Madurai-based advocate, sought a direction to the Union Cabinet, secretary of Law and Justice and state chief secretary, to implement the judgment. 

Refuting the allegations, the state government told a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay V Gangapurwala and Justice KK Ramakrishnan that a welfare board called ‘Third Gender Welfare Board’ for transpeople has been formed and identity cards are issued to them. 

Nearly 7,574 transpeople have been identified and 6,553 of them have been issued with identity cards, the government said. Besides this, the government has also provided 2,541 ration cards, 1,671 house-site pattas, 1,489 health insurance cards, among others to the community members, the counter affidavit said. Nearly 20 transpeople have been appointed in various government departments including police, health departments (hospitals and medical colleges), it added. 

The state government further said apart from implementing the Supreme Court directions, it has taken various innovative measures for the welfare of community such as creating a mobile application for spreading awareness about welfare schemes and benefits, conferring an annual award titled ‘Third Gender Award’ with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to encourage them and forming a tailoring cooperative society to improve their livelihood, the counter affidavit further said. Recording the steps taken by the government, the bench disposed of the PIL

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:49:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunY9MCw36kD8AqJCIqJppjfU https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunY9MCw36kD8At5ZnUTwRGH7 During the previous hearing, the special court for the exclusive trial of cases registered under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities)

PUDUKKOTTAI: The hearing into the CB-CID’s request for subjecting 10 suspects in the Vengaivayal water contamination case to a polygraph test was adjourned to December 8 after the police expressed inability to appear before the special court on Wednesday citing the rains in Chennai. The CB-CID officials had gone to the state capital in connection with a separate case at the Madras High Court.

During the previous hearing, the special court for the exclusive trial of cases registered under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act instructed the CB-CID to submit before Tuesday a detailed report on the polygraph test after the suspects hailing from the SC community in Vengaivayal raised concerns over its efficacy and feared medical consequences.

Sources from the court said following the directions the CB-CID submitted a report ahead of Wednesday’s hearing. The report, however, was found “complicated”, and a revised one was sought from the CB-CID. 
The police investigating the discovery of faeces in the overhead tank at Vengaivayal in December 2022 is now expected to submit the revised report on December 8, based on which a decision would be taken on the polygraph test, sources added.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:45:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunY9MCw36kD8At5ZnUTwRGH7 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunbJPZSY7i8ZMEoy9CZgXDJO When the bail petition came for hearing, DVAC advocates objected and appealed to the judge against granting bail.

DINDIGUL: Chief Judicial Magistrate J Mohana on Tuesday dismissed the bail petition of enforcement officer Ankit Tiwari, who was arrested on Friday by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for allegedly taking bribe of Rs 20 lakh from a doctor. He is currently under judicial custody at a central prison in Madurai. 

When the bail petition came for hearing, DVAC advocates objected and appealed to the judge against granting bail. Following this, the judge cancelled Tiwari’s bail petition. He was arrested for allegedly taking a bribe from Dr Suresh Babu, who works at a government hospital in Dindigul, after threatening that latter of registering a case against him.  

Addressing media persons, Ankit Tiwari’s lawyer Vivek alleged that the DVAC officials did not carry out any inquiry against Suresh Babu, who was also part of the crime as he had given the bribe on November 1 itself. 

He further stated that the FIR was prepared before the registration of the case, and hence the court can grant bail to Tiwari. But, due to objections raised by DVAC, court denied bail. So far, Ankit Tiwari has not faced any charges in his department, he added.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:24:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunbJPZSY7i8ZMEoy9CZgXDJO https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunbJPZSY7i8ZMO9WSSr4-0sP The suspect, who lives in Vadamadurai near Thudiyalur, allegedly sexually harassed and misbehaved with a 14-year-old girl studying in Class IX on several occasions.

COIMBATORE: The Perur all-women police on Tuesday arrested a 38-year-old physical education teacher of a government school near Alandurai after a student levelled sexual harassment allegations against him. The school education department has placed the teacher under suspension. 

Police are holding inquiries with the school administration through the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC) as it was alleged that some teachers did not act on the victim’s complaint. The suspect, who lives in Vadamadurai near Thudiyalur, allegedly sexually harassed and misbehaved with a 14-year-old girl studying in Class IX on several occasions. According to police sources, on April 15, the girl complained about it to the headmistress, but no action was taken against him. 

Recently, she revealed the harassment with another teacher, who informed the police. Based on the information, a police team approached the girl and received her complaint. The Perur All-Woman police booked the teacher under sections 9(f) and 10 under the Pocso Act on Monday and remanded him on Tuesday. The same day, Chief Educational Officer R Balamurali who had conducted a parallel inquiry, placed the teacher under suspension.  

“Despite her complaint a few months back, the school administration did not take any action through their department or the police. The delay forced the victim to face more traumas, both physically and mentally. Hence the matter has been referred to the District Child Welfare Committee. Once they confirm the allegation, legal action would be taken against those who were reluctant on the victim’s complaint,” said a police officer. 

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:18:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunbJPZSY7i8ZMO9WSSr4-0sP https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunbJPZSY7i8ZMGFk24e89-qg Another nine stations in the city, including Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam received rainfall in excess of 20 cm.

CHENNAI: Chennai has got a much-needed breather and time to recover from the onslaught of cyclonic storm Michaung, which dumped record rains triggering floods. The forecast for the next five days says only light to moderate rains are expected. Heavy rainfall warning was issued to the ghat region and a few southern districts of Tamil Nadu on December 9 as there is a possibility of a depression forming in the Arabian Sea.   

Otherwise, by and large, rainfall has reduced considerably. In the last 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Tuesday, Poonamallee received the highest rainfall of 34 cm followed by Avadi 28 cm. Another nine stations in the city, including Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam received rainfall in excess of 20 cm. 

On why flood water was not draining despite the state spending hundreds of crores on building stormwater drains, environmentalist Nityanand Jayaraman said, “You can’t flood-proof the city, which doesn’t acknowledge the limits to the growth. SWDs are micro drains that connect to macro drains like canals that join mega drains like Cooum, Adyar and Kosasthaliyar, which empty the flood water into sea. 

The capacity of mega drains is limited and fixed and that flood discharge capacity and ability to hold water has been compromised by urbanisation. So, the increasing built-up area increases the road run-off and heightens the flood risk,” Jayaraman said. 

“The rivers have already reached their maximum, which we know from 2015. Since then, we only increased the risk by encroaching rivers like in the case of Kosasthalaiyar in Ennore. The government should seriously relook at its model of development,” he added.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:11:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunbJPZSY7i8ZMGFk24e89-qg https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunZVD5gyJcb8NK8qfTAM-Smm TNIE spotted people wading through waist-deep water to get breakfast and lunch as relief food packets did not reach them.

CHENNAI: Even as arterial roads were largely cleared of waterlogging by Tuesday morning, many parts of north and south Chennai remained waist-deep in water, with residents forced to haul their children, pets and belongings with them as they tried to move to safer ground.

Parts of Velachery, Madipakkam, Saidapet, Adyar, Pallikaranai and Karapakkam continued to be severely inundated, although rains eased from Monday night. By then, the 24-hour spell of intense rains brought by Cyclone Michaung had done its damage. 

In northern parts of the city, residents in Vyasarpadi, Old Washermanpet and Perambur were stranded amid heavy waterlogging and no power. With the Captain Cotton canal overflowing, nearby streets in Kodungaiyur and Mullainagar became inundated with water entering many houses. The Perambur Barracks Road, which connects northern parts of the city to the centre, had to be closed due to inundation. 

In southern Chennai, families in TANSI Nagar, AGS colony, Baby Nagar, Ram Nagar, VGP Selva Nagar were evacuated by boats by the State Disaster Response Force personnel although residents said the 20 boats deployed were hardly enough.

TNIE spotted people wading through waist-deep water in these areas to get breakfast and lunch as relief food packets did not reach them. With mobile connectivity remaining curtailed, many people were seen engaged in heated arguments with auto drivers and grocery stores staff who insisted on cash payments. Without connectivity, residents were unable to make UPI payments and most ATMs did not have cash. One 26-year-old, who did not want to be named, said even share autos were charging more than `100 for a ride from the Velachery bridge to Guindy. 

Both sides of the Velachery bridge were inundated. Residents crossing the bridge to get to Pallikaranai or Velachery were seen carrying milk packets, that an Aavin van was distributing on the bridge. Residents, however, said this was of little use as they had already vacated their houses and food packets would have been more helpful. 

80% of power supply, 70% of mobile networks restored: Chief Secretary

The CM said Chennai received unprecedented rainfall of 43cm in Meenambakkam and 44cm in Perungudi on Monday. Massive flood prevention works were undertaken at a cost of `4,000 crore considering the aftermath of the 2015 rains.

“Chennai escaped from such a huge rainfall after 47 years only because of the flood prevention works carried out by the DMK government. The volume of rains received now is very high compared to the volume of rains received in 2015.

Further, in 2015, as many as 199 people died in rain related incidents,” he said. The CM, in his tweet, said he has directed all government staff to work towards bringing normalcy in rain-hit areas. Stalin said he was personally monitoring relief and restoration works. He said some more time is needed for water to recede from all areas.

Responding to queries of reporters after visiting rain-affected areas, the CM said 61,666 persons were sheltered in relief centres in nine districts and 11 lakh food packets distributed to affected people. From Tuesday morning, one lakh milk packets and essential commodities have been distributed.

CM recalled that an artificial flood was created in 2015 by releasing water from the Chembarambakkam lake. But this year, water was released in a phased manner. Addressing reporters, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena said 80% of power supply and 70% of mobile networks had been restored. The remaining 30% of towers were not operational due to power outages.

Revenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran, told media, the government has started distributing food to people living in multi-storey buildings in north Chennai by helicopters. Earlier, CM visited a community hall in Kannappar Thidal, a medical camp at Kalyanapuram and a school at Elephant Gate, before going to the control room in city corporation building and meeting cleanliness workers sent from other districts to Chennai.

61K people in relief centres in 9 districts
 As many as 61,666 people have been sheltered in relief centres in nine districts and 11 lakh food packets have been distributed to the affected people. From Tuesday morning, one lakh milk packets and all other essential commodities have been distributed, CM Stalin said

Chennai airport resumes operations
Chennai Airport resumed its operations more than 24 hours after it wound down on Monday due to inundation, heavy rain and gusty wind. A Vistara flight from Mumbai was the first to land at 11.19 am on Tuesday

Relief for Chennai South TN to see rain
In a breather for Chennai and north TN, the forecast for the next five days says only light to moderate rains are expected. But a heavy rainfall warning was issued to the ghat region and a few south TN districts.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 03:54:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunZVD5gyJcb8NK8qfTAM-Smm https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunY_1PsTKGzryhtLdxSOwF-n Sasikala had challenged her removal from the post of interim AIADMK general secretary

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed the petitions filed by VK Sasikala, a close of aide of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, challenging her removal from the post of interim AIADMK general secretary and upheld the orders of the civil court in rejecting her plaint and an application for amending the plaint. Incidentally, the order, originally listed for Monday, has come on the death anniversary of Jayalalithaa.

A division bench of justices R Subramanian and N Senthilkumar pronounced the verdict on the appeals challenging the order of rejection of her plaint by the civil court and the civil revision petition challenging the order refusing the prayer for amending the plaint.

Sasikala had filed the petitions in her capacity as the interim general secretary of AIADMK (Amma) challenging her removal from the post in 2017. However, the existence of AIADMK Amma led by her, before being overthrown by then Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, ceased to exist owing to an order of the Election Commission of India on the party name and symbol favouring EPS-OPS combine and it was upheld by the Supreme Court.

In this context, the civil court found that the petitions of Sasikala have become infructuous and the application to amend the plaint could not be accepted as it would change the very nature of it. “The trial judge has concluded that the amendment if allowed would put in place a completely different controversy before the court which is not permissible. We are in complete agreement with the views expressed by the trial judge on the effect of the amendment. We therefore, do not see any reason to interfere with the order rejecting the prayer for amendment,” the bench said in the order.

Referring to the appeals, the court concluded that the amendment application cannot be allowed and what is on hand is the original plaint filed in 2017. “Therefore, the suit as it stands today is a completely meritless suit and the second plaintiff (Sasikala) cannot in this suit attempt to enforce her rights as the general secretary of AIADMK.”

Regarding the petitions becoming infructuous due to consequent actions/developments, the division bench reasoned, “… we will have to necessarily conclude that the suit as it stands today cannot be retained on the file as it espouses the right of a splinter group, that was created by an interim order of the Election Commission, which has ceased to be in existence upon the final orders. We are, therefore, unable to fault the trial court for having rejected the plaint.” 

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 03:45:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/0MDOjwFcunY_1PsTKGzryhtLdxSOwF-n