SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Better sense prevailed, Assange is finally free
WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, who had been in the crosshairs of the world’s most powerful nation ever since he exposed its wrongdoings in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is a free man atlast. He was first arrested in Britain in 2010 on a European warrant over sex crime allegations reported in Sweden. His journey also highlights the fragility of free speech and press freedoms in the West, where laws meant to prosecute government officials for leaking protected information were used to imprison a journalist.
It’s difficult to predict how the story would play out in the coming US presidential elections as the Trump administration was more vocal about his arrest. In 2016, a Russian hand was suspected when WikiLeaks released emails that possibly harmed the electoral prospects of Hillary Clinton and boosted Donald Trump.
Fortunately, better sense seems to have prevailed and under pressure from right activists and journalists, the Biden administration has let him go.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Future of youth in jeopardy
In a controversial, move the state government on Tuesday reportedly notified a tweak in the Excise Duty Rules 1964 by which licenses for liquor shops in hitherto banned zones which is within 100 meters radius of schools, colleges and other educational institutions as well as religious sites will now be permitted.
However 100 percent additional license fees will be charged for shops in these restricted zones in relaxation of the rule 90 (4) of the Goa Excise Duty Rules, 1964 since the government can provide relaxation of the rule with a view to promote tourism in the state. This move will have a devastating effect on the future of students, especially college students. Students could be tempted to have a quick drink during the break. Several Goans have fallen prey to alcoholism. This is seen by the number of people undergoing treatment for liver problems at GMC Hospital including liver cirrhosis.
Many start consuming alcohol at an early age and having liquor outlets close to educational institutions will only lead to more youth falling prey to the addiction. Sale of tobacco products is prohibited within 100 meters from educational institutes as per Section 9 of the Goa Prohibition of Smoking and Spitting Act, 1997 (Act 5 of 1999). If so, how can sale of alcohol be permitted near schools and colleges? The future of the youth cannot be jeopardized in the name of promoting tourism.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Urgent need of speed breakers in Fatorda
It’s pertinent to note that Padre Pedro Ferrao Road is linking two highways in Fatorda. Besides on this road within a distance of 200 metres there are institutions like a Health Clinic, Bank, Supermarket, Church, School, Main Gate of PJN Stadium and several shops all located close to each other as well as inner roads connecting different housing complexes.
Before the last hot mixing of the road due to the visit of the Prime Minister for the inaugural function of National Athletics and Games, there were rumblers on the road that slowed down the traffic considerably, consisting of two wheelers and four wheelers. This allowed the pedestrians and school children to cross the road safely. Presently elderly and school children find it very risky to cross the road.
For the sake of sparing the road users from any danger to their lives it would be highly advisable if the speed breakers or rumblers are reinstalled urgently in order to avoid any serious unfortunate mishaps from happening.
Requesting the concerned authorities to take note of the situation and initiate prompt action.
Antonio Diniz, Fatorda
Safeguard rights of domestic workers
Recently, a Switzerland court sentenced some members of a fabulously wealthy family to four-and-half years in prison after finding them guilty of exploiting domestic workers. The labour and human rights of domestic and gig workers in India must be safeguarded too.
The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the Union labour and employment ministry on allegations against an e-commerce giant for forcing workers to work without even toilet and water breaks. A probe into this matter must immediately be undertaken. Customers should stop patronising the company unless it is given a clean chit.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Law and order going for a toss in Goa
The demolitions of a residential house in Assagao without proper court orders and engaging the service of bouncers and a bulldozer is very shameful besides being inhuman. Is there a rule of law in this State of Goa which boasts of 100% in government functioning? The land scams in Goa are plenty and with Delhi or outsiders having the money power and maybe top influence helps the buyers to use the bulldoze culture enacted in UP State.
Some years ago, the famous Souza Lobo restaurant was in the news.
The role of the police in helping bouncers and bulldozers is suspicious. The licence of the bulldozer owner should be first suspended since it is mandatory for the operator to carry all the permissions obtained from the authorities.
The law should be respected in letter and spirit and the bulldozer culture should be down away with. Unless this is not done, the high and mighty with money power and political influence will muscle out Goans from their homes.
Gregory E D’Souza, Siolim
Need for responsible pet ownership
The health and life of pedestrians and others on the street are imperilled by all breeds of dogs. Owners are punishable under section 289 of the IPC for negligently allowing their pets to harm others. Those bitten by dogs may serve a legal notice to the owners seeking compensation. If the dog owner refuses to acknowledge the incident, the aggrieved can file a complaint in a police station or a municipal authority, thereby paving the way for a legal battle. Compensation can be sought for medical expenses, loss of work due to the bite, pain and suffering.
It is important to collect evidence immediately after the bite to substantiate compensation claim. Medical reports, wound photos and onlooker version, if any, have to be scrupulously collected and appended as these may have to be produced before the appropriate authorities. As per a November 23 Delhi High Court order, the State is primarily responsible for compensating the people bitten by stray/wild/pet/deserted dogs and other street animals like bulls, oxen, donkey, buffaloes and nilgai.
Financial assistance shall be at a minimum of Rs 10,000 for tooth mark and 20,000 for a
0.2 cm wound when flesh is propping out. People should be conversant with the ‘Law of Torts’ that has unequivocally allowed for remedial action on an individual for civil wrongs.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
