To Goanet - Yesterday's hearing was taken up both in the morning and the afternoon sessions. The reports in the English newspapers today (see below) are as usual patchy.
Incoming Justice Bobde has decided to sequentially address all the issues cited in my petition. To that end he has appointed an Amicus Curiae (John Lobo) to assist me. In the initial round, the matter of public defecation/urination and sanitation was taken up. The Justice was senstitive to both aspects of the problem - to ensure that people had facilities for discharge as well as the proper enforcement of the law for violators. A couple of news reports are appended below. r **O Herald** http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=2236&cid=2 Fine for relieving yourself in public places BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 7 Beware! You might find yourself on the wrong side of the law if you use a public place in Panjim as a toilet. If you are caught urinating or defecating at any public place in the city , you may end up paying a fine of Rs 50. You may also be penalised if you throw garbage/ rubbish at places other than those notified by the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP). The Bombay High Court at Goa on Monday issued a couple of directions to the CCP and police to co-ordinate and keep the city clean from filth and litter. A division bench of Justices S A Bobde and N A Britto has directed the superintendent of police, North Goa, to constitute a cell to deal with complaints pertaining to hygiene and sanitation and for enforcement of orders issued by the CCP. On the other hand, counsel for the CCP Shivan Dessai told the court that Sulabh toilets are being placed at certain places in the city and are well maintained too. Persons using the same are charged a nominal fee. However, the court felt that imposition of fee for usage of Sulabh toilet is acting as a deterrent to the poor. The court directed the CCP to find out a suitable method to make public urinals inexpensive. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Panjimite, Rajan Parrikar who brought out the issue of uncleanliness in the city. In support of his petition he also produced pictures showing people defecating and urinating at public places in Panjim . Amicus Curiae John Abreu Lobo told the court there are provisions in the CCP Act, to provide for civic facilities like toilets and bathing Section 164 gives the corporation power to set up toilets while Section 187 provides for public bathing premises and Section 183 deals with collection of waste. The CCP has been directed to promulgate and notify places for dumping rubbish so that public complaints are taken care of. The police have been asked to co-ordinate with CCP in enforcing the law. The court said CCP has been provided with sufficient powers under the Act to set-up places for disposal of rubbish, sewage, etc. However adequate number of places have not been notified, and thus directed the commissioner to survey important areas in the city so that such locations are notified. It has granted two weeks time for the corporation to comply with these directions. **Navhind Times** http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=040863 HC orders CCP to consider revision of public latrine fees NT Legal Correspondent, Panaji, April 7The division bench of the Bombay High Court comprising of Mr Justice S A Bobde and Mr Justice N A Britto, today, while hearing the letter petition filed by Mr Rajan Parrikar has directed the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) to consider revision of fees for using latrines and urinals by the public so as make them inexpensive. The order was passed by the court considering that the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002 casts a duty on the corporation for providing latrines and urinals for the use of the public. The court has asked both the corporation and the Department of Police to cooperate with each other and take steps to enforce the provisions of the Corporation Act so that there is no accumulation of filth. The Superintendent of Police, North, has to set up a cell to redress complaints pertaining to hygiene and sanitation as also enforcement of orders passed by the CCP. The court has directed the commissioner to notify the orders passed by him at public places so that the public is aware of the same. Action will be taken against those who violate the orders promulgated under Section 188 of the IPC and Section 34 of the Police Act, the order has said. Pointing to the provisions of Chapter XIV of the Act, for deposit of rubbish, offensive matter, sewage and carcasses, the court has asked the commissioner to identify the places for deposit of such matter. The court observed that it is high time that corporation should act in view of the persistent demands made by the citizens for keeping the city clean. CCP has been given two weeks time to comply with the orders.
