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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

HC orders fresh elections in three months

Dr. Rumi F. Beramji Mumbai: In a jolt, the Bombay High Court has directed the state government to hold elections to the Maharashtra Council of Acupuncture (MCA) - which is managed by an Administrator for past three years – within three months, here on Friday. A division bench of the Bombay High Court (Aurangabad Bench) comprising Justice Ajit Kadethankar and Justice Vibha Kankanwadi were disposing off a petition filed a senior medical practitioner, Dr. Laxman Bhimrao Sawant through his...

HC orders fresh elections in three months

Dr. Rumi F. Beramji Mumbai : In a jolt, the Bombay High Court has directed the state government to hold elections to the Maharashtra Council of Acupuncture (MCA) - which is managed by an Administrator for past three years – within three months, here on Friday.   A division bench of the Bombay High Court (Aurangabad Bench) comprising Justice Ajit Kadethankar and Justice Vibha Kankanwadi were disposing off a petition filed a senior medical practitioner, Dr. Laxman Bhimrao Sawant through his lawyer Sharad V. Natu, seeking different reliefs.   These included alleged serious irregularities in the functioning of the MCA and challenging the continuation of the Administrator for a prolonged period pending the elections. The matter was highlighted in detail by  ‘ The Perfect Voice’   on April 21.   Strong Observations In its order uploaded today, Justice Kadethankar and Justice Kankanwadi noted the petitioner’s contentions that the Administrator, Dr. Rumi F. Beramji was appointed for only one year, and that period is over.   “It should be the endeavour of the State to implement the various provisions of the Act, that is, the Maharashtra Acupuncture System of Therapy Act, 2015. Holding of elections and formation of the council as per Section 3 of the said Act should be adhered to by the State Government and it cannot be then postponed in infinity,” said the court.   Accordingly, Justice Kadethankar and Justice Kankanwadi directed the state government, through the Medical Education & Drugs Department (MEDD) to conduct the MCA elections within a period of three months.   Prolonged Tenure Among other things, the petitioner had termed the appointment and prolonged tenure of former MCA Chairman Dr. Rumi F. Beramji as “illegal and arbitrary,” and detrimental to the cause of Acupuncture.   Elected as the inaugural head (May 2018-May 2023) of the five-member statutory body, Dr. Beramji, was subsequently appointed its Administrator after the MCA’s term expired.   Adv. Natu pointed out that the Administrator’s appointment was intended to be a stop-gap arrangement for one year to facilitate the polls, but it was subsequently ‘extended’. However, nearly three years later, Dr. Beramji continued without fresh elections being conducted, raising questions over adherence to statutory norms and principles of governance.   Directionless Members Dr. Sawant further contended that while Dr. Beramji was installed as Administrator, the remaining members of the council were effectively superseded, leaving the regulatory body without its mandated collective structure, and over 6500-members directionless.   He argued that the excuse cited for delay in conducting elections was ostensibly an incomplete voter list, but this reason was flimsy considering the extended time lapse.   The petition, which was heard and disposed of on April 22, also levelled serious allegations against the style of functioning of the MCA Administrator, decisions were taken unilaterally, whimsically and without transparency or institutional accountability.   Selective Targeting It also made accusations of ‘selective targeting’ of certain prominent members who attempted to raise valid issues, including the globally-renowned noted acupuncture expert Dr. P. B. Lohiya of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.   Other members raised doubts over approvals granted to more than a dozen acupuncture colleges and some two dozen Continuous Acupuncture Education (CAE) centres in undue haste, purportedly in violation of prescribed norms and alleged shady deals. Many of these institutions, it was claimed, either exist only on paper or lack essential infrastructure, faculty and facilities.   The petitioner called for a comprehensive review of the Administrator’s tenure, a financial audit of the MCA's affairs, and an independent probe by the MEDD into the approvals granted to the institutions in recent years.   Dr. Sawant had sought quashing Dr. Beramji’s appointment as MCA Administrator and setting aside all policy decisions taken during his tenure in the last three years, and ordering the government to hold elections to the body.

I refuse to believe he is dead: Sister

Badlapur: A tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad airport has claimed the lives of all 242 passengers onboard, including Badlapur resident and senior cabin crew member, Deepak Pathak, plunging the town into deep sorrow. The ill-fated flight was en route from Ahmedabad to London when the devastating accident occurred, shocking the nation and leaving families heartbroken.

 

Deepak Pathak, a dedicated employee of Air India for over 11 years, was known for his professionalism and warmth. On the morning of the crash, Deepak had informed his mother over a phone call that he was leaving from Ahmedabad for London. As usual, he sent his mother a “Good Morning” message and said, “Mom, I’m leaving now.” It was the last communication the family received from him.

 

Initially, when news of the crash broke, the family was gripped by anxiety. Deepak's phone became unreachable, and later, though it began to ring, no one answered—fueling hopes that he may have survived. However, the lack of official confirmation from Air India has left the family in a painful state of limbo.

 

While Speaking to, 'The Perfect Voice', Deepak's younger sister, Srishti Pathak, expressed disbelief. “Unless Air India confirms officially that my brother is no more, I refuse to believe it. I feel like he is still there,” she said, holding back tears. “We’re just watching the news and hoping for a miracle.”

 

Deepak's brother-in-law shared, “He was an executive crew member flying to London. Air India has arranged a special flight for us at 5 AM to the crash site for identification. But so far, we have no clear information.”

 

Family members, friends, and neighbors have gathered at the Pathak household in Badlapur, offering emotional support to the grieving family. His elder sister, Varsha Pathak, recalled how their mother first saw the news and immediately informed the rest of the family, fearing the worst.

 

The community of Badlapur stands united in grief, remembering Deepak not only as a devoted professional but also as a kind-hearted son, brother, and friend. His untimely demise has left a void in the hearts of many who knew and admired him.

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