Stalling of Parliament, a shame on democracy 

Indian parliaments, both at the center and in the states, are characterised by repeated disruptions that appear to interfere with their ability to serve as forums for the translation of public sentiment into public policy. The question asked is “How can India be considered ‘the world’s largest democracy’ when parliamentary Institutions appear dysfunctional?”  If the legislatures of a country do not function properly, then that country is not a democracy.  India’s legislatures do not function properly. Therefore, India is not a democracy. This conclusion, though, contradicts the widely held belief that India is the world’s largest democracy. Parliament is the highest forum the people have chosen for voicing their views, and if they are silenced their democracy is silenced as much as it may be by a dictator. The virus of the discord which breaks out in that ‘well’ so often is spreading throughout the polity. It is depriving Indian democracy of its life-saving quality, that it has hitherto been consensual by nature.

In most countries where democracy has been smothered, only military dictators have dissolved and locked up Parliaments. Is the world’s largest democracy going to have the ignominy of its Parliament being shut down by veteran parliamentarians themselves? Paralysing House proceedings does not solve any problem. In the long run, it will only affect the credibility of Parliament as an institution. It is a disservice to democratic governance to bring Parliament to a grinding halt, paralyse its working and hold it to ransom unless demands, however justified, are met. If the institutions of democracy fail, democracy itself will fail.

The tactic of the BJP along with other Opposition parties in obstructing and stalling the Parliament proceedings is only a foul means adopted to achieve what they cannot achieve by fair means, apart from being a grossly undemocratic way of rendering a duly-elected and constituted Parliament dysfunctional. The second is to demonstrate power, by the ability to act forcefully. It seems to be an attempt to use the issue for a purpose other than its advancement. In this case, the stimulus is a pretext for the demonstration of power. Very few of the disruptions seem spontaneous, though some cases are more obviously carefully planned than others.

The Constitution secures to a Member of Parliament unfettered right to speak and vote but this is not a licence to interrupt or frustrate the proceedings of the institution rendering it powerless. The disruption of legislative bodies in India has changed the status of legislators and the popular view of legislative bodies. Today, Parliament and Legislatures create a new breed of heroes—the Well-rushing heroes, who hope to be elevated to instant national fame, straight from the Well of the House. The image which Parliament and the State Legislatures have projected on the public mind is one of disruption, indecorum, and shouting matches.” Democracy is the single most important achievement of independent India, a political miracle. We are among the few countries who have translated independence for our country into freedom for our people. Parliament is the symbol of that miracle. Parliament is the ultimate guarantor of the continuation and strengthening of our democracy. India does not have one authorized meaning of democracy, nor does it have any single set of practices that constitute ‘democracy’. Instead, democracy in India involves numerous claims and counterclaims, a bewildering web of contestations.

Ever since the United Progressive Alliance formed the government at the centre, the NDA is not able to get over its defeat and in the process has been acting like childish urchins and holding the nation to ransom. Defeat should be accepted in dignity and glory. Stalling the normal functioning of the House and abusive of the chair is nothing but a blatant subversion of democracy.  In democracy, the opposition by passing the Finance Bill without any debate or discussion amounts to a constitutional impropriety and a shame on Indian democracy. The most critical legislation, such as the budgets, gets passed, but often without debate. For example, a report on the 2001 Lok Sabha noted and opined that “The continued stand-off between the government and the opposition benches led to the travesty of parliamentary practice - the Railway budget was passed by a hurried voice vote – which was seen by many as a mockery of the Parliament, its main aims and procedures. Then was passed the Finance bill in the same way as the railway budget.”   These are simply examples of a trend. Regardless of whether it is or isn’t justified there is little doubt that such stalling of Parliament amounts to a grave abuse of the concept of democracy as Mahatma Gandhi had propounded it – a day of penance, self-introspection and soul-cleansing. The Gandhi premise was that acts of self-abnegation and renunciation in the face of others’ wrong doings would surely shame the errant side into reconsidering its decisions.

Unfortunately, denunciatory thoughts are furthest from the minds of the propents of the present boycott. Quite the contrary, the acquisitive instinct at its basest is at work here. It is of course, unexceptionable for citizens to harbour political ambitions. Opinions may differ, however, on the best to go about fulfilling such ambitions. The least one can expect is that the respective contenders clearly enunciate their political philosophies and take definite stands on points of principle. But in the confused milieu, clouded as it is by pernickety personality problems, principle has been relegated to the backseat. True the main debate centers on ‘tainted ministers’. But since there are no two opinions that crime and corruption are bad, there is no issue of principle here, which warrants a debate. Instead, the focus has been moved to debating whether specific individuals are guilty of crime or corruption. And in an impious situation where proof is as scarce as rhetoric is profuse, and biblical injunctions on casting stones stand brusquely ignored, tenets of morality, ethics and principle are natural causalities.

It must be made clear, of course, that all the players in the arena are equally guilty of gross malfeasance. Sobriety has been thrown to the winds. Dialogues are conducted through carp and bark instead of conversation. Standards of public conduct have truly reached their post-independence nadir. Nevertheless, all hope for propriety in public life is not yet lost. The recent sacking of Ashok Chavan, Raja and the likely arrest of Suresh Kalmadi is an eye-opener. But, the blackmailing of tainted Karnataka Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa, should make the opposition realize that they are no better. Earlier when in power BJP leaders L.K.Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi held crucial portfolios in the NDA government despite charge sheets against them in the Babri Masjid demolition case. It’s high time the opposition realises that one living in glass houses should not throw stones at others and instead respect the verdict of the people.

What we are seeing…is the biggest crime against democracy since Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency in 1975. Democracy is the lifeline of the whole system. Snap it, and the entire system will collapse, and that will hurt no one more than it will hurt the very people who need the system most. For them this is the only place where they can plead their case, lacking as they do the many other levers which others can use to bend Governments to their wishes.

People outside the Houses of Parliament actually ridicule the institution that it has become today. Is this the legacy that this current House wishes to leave behind? A legacy of indecency, of indecision and of inexcusable behaviour. One in which the focus is more on exchanging angry words rather than debating legislation? The general public at one time looked up to Parliament. It had what one would term social sanction. Today it suffers from social ostracisation. And that is something that will destroy this institution as time goes by, and this is what perhaps you need to stem. The consequence has been that the leaders have lost credibility. That a great deal of disruption arises from the reluctance and procrastination of the leaders to face the House on controversial matters. Growing criminalization of politics, corruption at all levels, absence of inner party democracy, the declining status and stature of members in public life, the growing cost of the electoral process, the ascendancy of party leaders are some other factors that have contributed to the decline of Parliament

Concluding, as noted, the skills required in a parliament where the ability to disrupt is highly valued are not the same as the skills required in a parliament where such an ability is not highly valued. An author rightly opined, “Our legislatures have ceased to be forums of the best and the brightest in the land. Instead, they have become the first refuge of scoundrels.” He cynically contended that “Before Independence we had great parliamentarians, but no Parliament. Today we have a grand Parliament House with grand allowances, but no parliamentarians. There is the story of Independence in two sentences.”

Kalina Talao gets nod to be beautified and developed into playground

Corporator Alice Therattil inaugrating the work of development of Kalina Talao at a coconut breaking ceremony

There has been a tussle over the development of the 400-year-old 7.5 acre Kalina talao. Many political parties and organizations have tried to take advantage and cheap mileage over the issue of development of the talao. The talao had been illegally encroached by the people of Kunchi Kurve Nagar and constructed slums on the pond. On several occasions BMC have managed to demolish the illegal slums. Also, the late MP Sunil Dutt, the then Sports Minister inaugurated the pond in the presence of Congress workers for setting up a full-fledged stadium.

However, the Kalina Recreation & Sports Club (KRSC) had put up a proposal for setting up a recreation club on the talao and was allotted an area of 21,830 sq. mtrs which was reserved for playground. But, due to objection raised by MLA Kripashankar Singh the allotment was reduced by 50% on adoption basis. Challenging this, KRSC filed a writ petition 2251 of 2004 in High Court and was asked to approach City Survey office with Rs 63,000 towards demarcation charges. The matter was pending in the Court. Meanwhile Kolovery Welfare Association filed a writ petition 2307 of 2006 in High Court for restoration of Kalina tank. However, demarcation could not be carried out due to strong opposition from local residents. In the meantime the talao was also used for illegal activities.

The pond had been filled with debris over the years and the locals have always maintained that the entire plot should be converted back into a pond as it was a water-logging hindrance during the monsoons. The BMC initially had plans to revive the entire pond; instead it has now plans for other facilities. The local corporator Alice Therattil had met the Additional Municipal Commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar before the last Assembly elections and discussed on the revival plans of the pond. As per development plan, there were reservations for a pond and a cemetery. The cemetery plan has been cancelled. Instead, in the last meeting held last month a fund of Rs 10 crores has been sanctioned and to be funded for the beautification and development of a playground. Initially for bordering the area an amount of Rs 80 lakhs has been sanctioned.

The proposed talao will have a football ground, two badminton courts, two tennis courts, net cricket, children play area, community centre, meditation centre, Pergola with activity area, reading sit out and herbarium of medicinal and aromatic plants. The total plot area will comprise 34,263.92 sq.mtrs.

It is understood that the Kalina Recreation & Sports Club who had filed a writ petition against Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) for setting up a recreation club on the pond has been dismissed by the Court and orders have been passed by the court to construct a boundary wall all across the talao. Therefore, BMC directed their legal department to issue a letter of revocation of allotment of playground to KRSC in view of High Court judgment to writ petition. Even the contempt petition in writ 2251 filed by KRSC against MCGM was dismissed and final order was given to commence work. Also, BMC directed to modify the restoration of adjacent cemetery plot and cancel all allotments in larger interest of citizens and develop the talao surrounded by a beautiful playground.

In this regard Alice Therattil inaugurated the work of construction of boundary wall around the talao and removal of debris, in the midst of Party workers. When asked by this publication on the completion of project, Alice Therattil while speaking to Santacruz Patrika said, “A fund of has been sanctioned for bordering the talao and work has commenced. The project that was to be completed by 2009 had been delayed due to court litigations. However, I hope the project to be completed by end 2012, if everything goes smoothly.

Man 'set on fire' at Vakola finally dies in hospital

About one-and-a-half month ago we had carried a story that a Vakola housewife Jyoti Jaiswal residing at William Apartments, Yeshwant Nagar, Vakola allegedly set her husband Rajendra Jaiswal, on fire after an argument. Jyoti suspected her husband of being involved in an extramarital affair. Rajendra, who was set on fire one-and-a-half months ago, finally succumbed to his injuries at Masina Hospital in Byculla. 

Rajendra (33) was admitted with 75% burns after his wife allegedly set him on fire by pouring kerosene on him, following an argument. The Vakola police had registered a case of attempt to murder against his wife Jyoti (31). The police have now registered a murder case against Jyoti, who had in her complaint, accused her husband of making dowry demands. 
The deceased, a DJ Jockey, used to stay with his wife at William Apartments was suspected to be visiting another woman. Jyoti, who sustained 30% burn injuries, had claimed that Rajendra had tried to immolate himself to falsely implicate her in the case. Jyoti told the police that she sustained injuries because she tried to save her husband.  The incident had occurred on the afternoon of September 27, following a heated argument between the couple. Initially, Rajendra had been admitted to VN Desai Hospital from where he was shifted to a private hospital and later to Masina Hospital. 
Jyoti had also alleged that her husband was demanding a divorce in order to marry another woman. However, the deceased's family has denied the accusation levied by Jyoti. Instead, in their complaint, Rajendra's father had told the police that the couple, who got married in 2004, had heated arguments over various household matters and their daughter-in-law had falsely accused their son of having an extra-marital affair. 

Initially, police booked Jyoti for attempt to murder. She, on the other hand, had registered a case of dowry harassment against Rajendra. However, after her husband died due to his burn injuries, police have registered a murder case against her. "Initially, we filed cross complaints following the duo's statements. But after Rajendra's death, we have registered a case of murder against Jyoti but have not arrested her till now. We will investigate the case and then take action. The body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for post mortem," said senior police inspector Anil Kharade.

Ration Shop at Vakola accused of alleged irregularities

As for the Public Distribution System (PDS), the main problem is the diversion of food grains and other commodities by `ration shop’ owners to the open market, where they fetch much higher prices. This severely depleted the stocks available for poorer people, who should have been able to purchase food

and other essentials (like kerosene) at government-determined subsidised prices through the ration shops. There are allegations that ration shop owners purchase these goods at the official, subsidised price. But in practice, bogus names (or inflated quantities for genuine names) are listed in sale registers to make up for the amounts illegally diverted by shop-owners to the open market. It is also that ration shopkeepers send customers away on the pretext saying that there is no wheat, rice, sugar or kerosene but instead sell these items in black.

About ten days ago, Yogesh Damodar Morajkar an NCP worker and member Rashtravadi Grahak Saurakshan Samiti, Bandra Taluka approached the shop owner of Ration shop No 23 D/152 with several complaints received from customers saying that they are not being allotted their ration quota or if demanded are used filthy language. Since Yogesh was not given a positive response but instead was alleged of extortion he approached Santacruz Patrika who took up the matter with the ration shop owner.

While confirming with Santacruz Patrika, the shop owner clarified and said, “My books are transparent and I have been allotting ration to ration card holders according to the availability of stock. I have not been receiving my full quota of supplies and it becomes extremely difficult to distribute ration to the 1,500 card holders. Despite several reminders and payment the supplies from government have not been coming on time.” “If I do not have the stock from where do you expect me to supply ration to the card holders”, exclaimed Kantilal. Further, he clarified that the wheat which we are receiving are of extremely sub-standard quality and no one is ready to buy the wheat.” We are left with huge quantities of unsold wheat,” admitted the shop owner.

However, Yogesh along with 150 women approached the ration shop to sort out their grievances and complaints. Yogesh was accompanied by Shankar Kishan Deshmukh, President, Rashtravadi Grahak Saurakshan Samiti, Mumbai North Central and Archana Pale, Rationing Kruti Samiti who took up the matter with the ration shop in regards to irregularities and alleged misappropriation in ration supplies to customers. Later, the following day they along with the shop owner approached the Ration Officer to sort out the complaints and ensure regular and full supply of ration goods. The Ration Officer assured the shop owner of regular and full supply of ration goods. Similarly, Shankar Deshmukh and Archana Pale too assured prompt action in the matter.

However, while clarifying with K.A.Bastivala, NCP District President on the issue he told Santacruz Patrika, “I had received a call from the corporator stating that the shop owner is being pressurized by NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti. Hence, I objected as the Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been dissolved. But while questioning Deshmukh as to when the NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been dissolved, how come they represent the cell. To this Deshmukh clarified and said, “After receiving a complaint from Yogesh that many people are deprived of their subsidized ration quota, as a loyal NCP worker I took up the issue in public interest. As a NCP worker my first responsibility is towards public welfare irrespective of posts or cells.” “As far as my knowledge the NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been kept in abeyance and not dissolved,” remarked Deshmukh.

While, Santacruz Patrika questioned Yogesh Morajkar on being alleged to pressurizing the ration shop owner, he clarified and said, “Since I am a NCP worker I have been fighting for customer’s rights which did not go well with many. Hence the allegations have been leveled against me.” Further substantiating he said, “Last week my mother went to procure ration from this shop and was allotted sugar and dal vide receipt No 001131 dt 27/10, while on the ration card allotment of rice too was ticked as allotted. This is illegal and I objected.” While confirming with the shop owner he admitted that the tick on the ration card had been cancelled and the allegations are baseless. For rice we have a separate receipt book and on the receipt No 001131 as highlighted we cannot issue rice.”

Further, there were allegations that Palmolein Oil, Tur dal and other goods were sold at higher prices than the stipulated subsidised rates.  However, the shop owner refuted all charges and termed them as maligned and baseless. 

VIEWS & OPINIONS - Should Rakhi Sawant should be arrested and TV channel banned?

There’s trouble brewing for Rakhi Sawant, as a contestant on her show 'Rakhi Ka Insaaf' allegedly committed suicide after suffering abuse on the show. An FIR has been lodged with the Jhansi police against TV star Rakhi Sawant and three others in connection with the death of a youth allegedly of acute depression after participating in a reality TV show 'Rakhi Ka Insaaf". FIR under sections 504 (insult intended to promote breach of peace), 306 (abetment of suicide) and 120 (cheating) IPC has been registered at Prem Nagar police station of Jhansi on the complaint of the mother of the deceased Laxman. As per the complaint by the mother, Savitri Devi, a local scribe Raunak Ali and two others (Satish Misra and Anju Sandhya) contacted Laxman to participate in the show for resolving his marital dispute with Anita whom he had married in February this year. "We reached the Goregaon studio in Mumbai on October 13 where Anita, her parents and another person were already present and during the programme Rakhi publicly humiliated Laxman, shouted at him and termed him as impotent", the mother said in the complaint. Laxman's uncle Balbir, who had accompanied the deceased, was also humiliated and serious charges were levelled against him, the woman charged adding that when they objected to it they were threatened by the bodyguards and subjected to foul language. 

Suresh Acharya, Business

There is no point in condemning both of them. Reality shows are cheap and people getting into it should know what to expect. It’s meant for cheap people like the ones we are seeing here and also for a cheap audience. I don’t see any point in showing compassion on any of them. This is nothing but a publicity stunt by the channel just to remove any doubts from the minds of public that it is not a reality show. But public is not a fool to fall trap to these types of publicity stunts of the channel to increase the TRP of the show. All the characters in the show are professional strugglers and C grade artists of the acting industry and controversies shown in the show are scripted stories. I appeal to all the general public not to write any comment about the show by taking it as a reality show otherwise you will help the channel to achieve its purpose to fool the innocent people of the Nation. Very very shameful on the part of channel for producing and showing such kind of indecent and cheap show with all the vulgarity which can not be watched with your family members.

Audrey D’Silva, Student

She is mean bitch doing for cheap popularity. She should be arrested for murder. Rakhi Sawant has crossed her limits, she should be arrested and sent to prison on the basis of mental torture & public humiliation, defamation acts against a person resulting in death. Rakhi ‘kaun sa dhoot ka dulla hai’. She has no right to comment on any person. Yes, she could condemn the atrocities faced by his wife and advise accordingly. But she cannot insult a person in public like that.

Vijay Prabhu, Service

The participant is not enough having courage to prove is not what she called the moment she expressed impotent. If he displayed his pole would she not use such unconstitutional and unfair language in the episode which is watched by several lakh people across the world? So program producer and script team must take care about such kind of things would do not appear again next time and also respect everyone within the framework of the society in an acceptable manner. No one is above the moral, ethics and principal of the society. Her life is not good and how can she speak about others and criticize. What morale she is having. Now a day a lot of reality shows broadcast these kinds of absurd programmes on national and regional Channels. They should be particular in broadcasting programmes which would not hurt anyone and must produce such programs for the fun, entertainment and awareness purpose that should not lead to suicide or some other kind of crime.

Premanand Shetty, Business

Rakhi Sawant should be publicly sentence in a street Court for the crime and the TV Channel which produced and aired should immediately be closed by the government. That is what TV media is capable of? It is the media that should be tried in court. I happened to watch one of her episodes recently and was shocked to hear her way of speaking. Except GOD, none has the right to judge anyone. In fact our conscience is GOD, so all of us should go according to that and life would be smooth. What right has Rakhi to pass such lewd comments? Both she and the serial should be banned. It does no good to the viewers.

Chavan replaces Chavan as CM of Maharashtra

Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan with the new Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar during the swearing-in ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai 

Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan's previously greatest disqualification to hold his new job, his lack of experience in state politics, in fact swung things in his favour as the Congress chose him to replace Ashok Chavan. “It is true, I have never been in state politics, but I guess that actually worked in my favour,” he said with a laugh in between answering phone calls congratulating him on his new assignment. After the fiasco over the Adarsh Society scam, Prithviraj Chavan is being sent from Delhi precisely because he is an outsider to the linkages between several Maharashtra politicians and the unique complex of real estate moguls and industrialists who are an integral part of the scam.

One of the most overburdened ministers in the Union government, Chavan also dismisses what was considered his other drawback in his new job, the frayed equations between him and Congress ally Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar. The deal between the congress and the NCP saw Chavan's home turf of Satara and Karad go into NCP hands, something he holds close to his heart till today.

“I don't think that is an issue at all. In fact Sharad Pawar called me this morning and I am meeting him,” he said. What about his new deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar? “I dont know him very well, but my attempt will be to carry everyone along,” he said. Chavan's name was apparently the considered choice of AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi who felt that Chavan's outsider status and clean image along with his engineering degree and UCLA, Berkeley education was just the right note to strike in the most industrialised state.

Chavan's entry into politics was through the usual route, through his family. In 1991, while Chavan was working on developing an Indian language computer in the US, he met Rajiv Gandhi and took the plunge from the family pocket burrough.

EDITORIAL - What a shame! $ 2 billion home constructed on ‘Orphanage’ property

While the Adarsh Apartment land scam and Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan’s involvement has gained wide coverage, the ‘Wakf’ land scam is one of the biggest land scams in India’s history. What a shame! The land that was pledged in the name of God to be used for the opening of charitable hospitals, schools, colleges or the earnings to go to upkeep of orphans, widows, destitute and scholarship to poor students, Mukesh Ambani has deprived the needy for his personal luxury. He has constructed a $ 2 billion 27-storied skyscraper residential project on a ‘Wakf’ property.

‘Wakf’ can be described as a religious endowment made in the name of Allah for the benefit of the poor and needy in the Muslim community. There are approximately 3,00,000 registered ‘Wakf’ properties in India on about four lakh acres of land. It is a national resource that should have been developed for the welfare of the community but according to Maharashtra ‘Wakf’ minister, the government has encroached nearly 65% of ‘Wakf’ properties in Maharashtra. When any Muslim permanently dedicates his movable or immovable property in the name of Allah for pious, charitable or religious purpose such dedication is called ‘Wakf’ and such property is called ‘Wakf’ Property. The definition of ‘Wakf’ includes “Wakf' by user” (Masjid, Dargah, Kabrastan etc.). In general all the Masjid, Dargahs, Kabrastans, Ashoorkhanas, Idgahs, Khankhas, Chillas, Imambadas, etc. which are used by general public (Muslims) are invariably included under the definition of ‘Wakf’ Institution. The Masjid, Dargah, Kabrastan which have been traditionally under use from a time immemorial is covered under the definition of “Wakf by user”. ‘Wakf’ also include charitable institutes like Madarsa, Hospitals, Orphanage, School etc created out of ‘Wakf’ funds or properties.
Lending a twist to the land deal for Mukesh Ambani's Antilia, a skyscraper residential project cleared by the Maharashtra ‘Wakf’ Board, the Central ‘Wakf’ Council said no ‘Wakf’ property could be sold or transferred. ‘Wakf’ properties are not transferable nor can they be sold. All such deals are illegal. The state ‘Wakf’ Board had given a no-objection certificate to the deal after receiving Rs 16 lakh as ‘Wakf’ charges from an orphanage trust that transferred the land to Ambani. Even, the Maharashtra Government admitted that the property belongs to ‘Wakf’ Board and termed the transaction as ‘illegal’.
For over a millennium, Muslims in India have been setting aside property [or part of property] and pledging it, in the name of God, for charitable works. The purpose was that the earnings would go to the upkeep of orphans, widows and for other social causes. Even in rural areas there are 'Waqf' properties that can fetch earnings to the tune of crores. But this money that should go in establishment of orphanages, opening charitable hospitals, schools, colleges, disbursing pensions to destitute and scholarships to poor students. For example, if a widow dies, and before his death she had pledged that her land should be deemed ‘Waqf’ property, and a girls' school ought to be founded on it, it is not possible to change the intent. Though a ‘Waqf’ property can not be sold or its use changed till eternity, the exact opposite happens, because lands are mostly in prime locations. When ‘Waqf’ property can not be sold and its intent can not be changed, how did Mukesh Ambani construct a residential skyscraper?

Bastiwala plans protest against Mukesh Ambani’s $2 billion home on Wakf land

Mukesh Ambani has built a 27-storey building which is 550-feet above sea level. The building includes 6 floors just for parking. It is to be noted that he is the fifth richest person around the world and the richest resident in India. The house constructed is the costliest ever in the planet. The entire cost for constructing the building is $2 billion according to Forbes. The 4,00,000 square-feet building was constructed in a span of four years. Back in March 2008, Mukesh Ambani was ranked the fifth richest person in the world with $43 billion. The only comparable building to that of Mukesh Ambani’s house is the triplex penthouse at New York which was built at a cost of $70 million.

The particular place from the building is designed to offer a panoramic view of the city. There is a separate gym for each family member, open air gardens in four floors, a theatre that can accommodate 65 people along with wine and snack bar. This is not yet. The list goes on with a spa, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, personal helipad etc. Something special about the building is that Mukesh Ambani is planning to build an Ice room to cut of the Mumbai heat. Each floor is constructed with twice the height of a normal one which will make the building twice as tall as other tall building in the locality. The number of people working everyday in order to maintain things will be around 600.

It has been the most talked about residential property in India for sometime now. Housed in Mumbai's up market Altamount Road, Mukesh Ambani's 27-floor residence, currently standing high, is in a bit of a controversy. Antilia, as it will be called, is a 4,532 square metre piece of land, which was bought by a company called Antilia Commercial, owned by Ambani, in 2002 for around Rs 20 crore.

It now transpires that the land belongs to the Wakf Board and questions are being raised over the deal. The Maharashtra government has termed the transaction as "illegal" and has issued a show cause notice to the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Board for the Wakfs. The alleged irregularities in the sale of the land, as alleged by the government, is something that the Wakf Board will have to clarify on. The original owner of the property is said to be the Currimbhoy Ebrahim Khoja Orphanage. As things stand, the Wakf Board issued a notice to Antilia Commercial asking why the property should not be restored to the Wakf Board as it was acquired in contravention of the Wakf rules.

The Ambani house, as envisaged, will be among the most extravagant residential projects in the country. Apart from a mammoth outlay of Rs 400 crore, the house is expected to have a six-floor parking, a health club, a swimming pool, an entertainment centre and helipads. While speaking to Santacruz Patrika, the District President of NCP K.A.Bastiwals said, “The property belongs to Wakf Board which cannot be sold nor the title altered. Since it was use for an orphanage it is shameful to note that one of India’s wealthiest person has constructed his residential skyscraper which housed an orphanage. In this regard I am contemplating to take a morcha to Haji Ali in solidarity protest for orphans.” When contacted, the Reliance Industries spokesperson was not available to comment.

Kalina lady injured in tree fall to be compensated by BMC

While more people fall victims to unpruned trees falling on them, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the housing societies are pointing fingers at each other. The civic body alleges housing societies don’t take action and the societies say the BMC takes its own sweet time in granting permission to trim the trees. Nearly four cases of tree collapses were reported in housing societies over last two months, the most recent being that of a Kalina resident, Annie Fernandes (37), who sustained grievous injuries when a tree fell on her. The BMC drew flak for the incidents and it decided to take action on the housing societies. The BMC has given a 15-day deadline to societies to prune overgrown trees or cough up Rs 5,000 as penalty. . A lot of cars are parked under them, and children play in the compound in the evenings. So if a branch falls, someone is likely to get hurt. Also, to trim a tree, one needs to take permission from the BMC which sometimes takes more than two months.

It was a month ago, Annie Fernandes, 37 years and a widow resides at Kolivery Village, Kalina. On that fateful day while she was crossing the road a tree fell on her. She was grievously injured and was lying at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Hospital where she underwent treatment. Annie being a widow lost her husband about 3 months ago and has a 2 year-old child. Her father works as an employee in the office of Our Lady of Egypt Church, Kalina.

After the accident, the Asst. Commissioner and Engineer, Garden dept visited the site. But when the time came to paying the injured lady compensation it is alleged that the Asst. Commissioner showed reluctance. However, Rev. Fr. Adrian Ferreira, Parish Priest, Our Lady of Egypt, Kalina intervened and shot a letter to the Corporator, Alice Therattil. After a lot of persuasion and follow-up by Alice Therattil with the Mayor, garden Dept of BMC, Municipal Commissioner, Anand Walhalkar, AMC and C.B.Rokade, DMC she finally managed to get an amount of Rs 50,000 cleared by BMC for the injured Annie Fernandes.

As per report in the media it was mentioned that BMC is ready to pay Rs one Lakh to relatives of dead and Rs 50,000 to injured. Hence, in this case-Why should Annie Fernandes not be compensated by BMC? While confirming with Alice Therattil she spoke to Santacruz Patrika and said, “After a lot of persuasion with BMC I finally managed to get compensation sanctioned for Annie Fernandes.” When asked if Annie has received the payment Alice replied that she will be receiving the compensation shortly.

The biggest hurdle to this problem is that trees are not allowed to be trimmed or cut without BMC’s permission. According to the rules, the permission should be granted within 30 days. However, there are hardly any cases where the permission is given within that period. This delay can sometimes lead to accidents. The recent accidents have made the BMC conscious and they want to take all the precautionary steps so that no other mishaps occur in the future and they don’t have to compensate anyone.
While clarifying with an Asst Commissioner of BMC on tree cutting or trimming he said, “First and foremost, everyone needs to know that every single tree in the city belongs to the BMC because it has been registered under the tree census. Even if the tree is in one’s housing society, one cannot cut or trim it without permission from the civic body. And to take permission, citizens need to take a photograph of the society with an application for trimming the branches.”