18-Jun-2014
 
PATNA: A division bench of Patna high court, comprising Justice Navin Sinha and Justice Prabhat Kumar Jha, on Tuesday, while hearing a suo motu cognizance case, expressed its displeasure over the state government’s apathy towards the only mental hospital in the state, Bihar State Institute of Mental Health and Allied Sciences at Koelwar in Bhojpur district, and ordered the state government to ensure indoor facility of at least 500 beds at the hospital.
The bench had earlier directed the amicus curie in the case, advocate Anshuman, to visit the hospital at Koelwar on May 19, 2014 and review the revamping work of the hospital. On Tuesday, the amicus curie informed the bench that the state government had filed an affidavit in 2002 in the Supreme Court stating the hospital will have an indoor facility of 200 beds soon. However, till date it has not materialized.
“Why shall I not allow the amicus curie to file an affidavit in the Supreme Court regarding non-compliance of its orders,” observed Justice V N Sinha. The bench ordered the state government to ensure indoor facility of at least 500 beds at the hospital and inform it about the progress of the revamping mission of the hospital. It also said in case of failure to file an appropriate affidavit, principal secretary, state health department, will have to be present before the court. The case will again be heard on Wednesday.
Aanganwadi centres: The same bench while hearing a PIL filed by one Sogara Nahid regarding alleged financial improprieties and misappropriation of funds in construction of aanganwadi centres and schools under Thakurganj Block in Kishanganj district rapped Vigilance SP Parwez Akhtar for his ‘inappropriate ways’.
The court had earlier ordered the vigilance department to take over the case lodged with Thakurganj police station and submit an inquiry report. However, on Monday, the SP instead of filing an affidavit with report sent the report through a letter without serving a copy to the petitioner’s counsel. Expressing its displeasure, the bench had summoned the SP on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, when the SP was present in person, the bench rapped him for sending a letter without affidavit, saying “Are you SP of Vigilance or of the high court?” The bench further said, “You have caught all small fries and let off big ones. Why has the government not granted sanction for prosecution of other officers?”
When the SP said that the department had asked for sanction two months back but has not been granted yet, the bench observed that sanction was only a formality and directed the vigilance department to take action against the culprits. The case will again be heard after four weeks.
Read more here – http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/36737231.cms