HC summons, then praises district collector

Nagpur: Peeved over failure of Katol Municipal Council members from to comply with its order, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on Wednesday summoned collector Dr Vipin Itankar. However, after coming to know that Itankar had taken charge only last month, yet he filed compliance report by personally attending the proceedings on a short notice, the court appreciated his efforts.
The collector was summoned after the council members failed to submit a compliance report on providing access to Chendkapur villagers to samaj mandir, as per the HC’s earlier orders. Following this, the government sought time, but later Itankar informed the HC that the villagers have been allowed to use the facilities there since August 8.
A division bench comprising justices Sunil Shukre and Govinda Sanap also applauded the assistance rendered by former government pleader Ketki Joshi, on her last day in office.
Joshi will continue to work as additional government pleader in the HC.
The HC reaction came while hearing a PIL filed by Kishor Parteti and others seeking removal of encroachments in the form of idols on the premises of samaj mandir (social meeting hall) at Katol and install them at some other place. The petitioners had prayed for allowing Chendkapur residents to have unhindered access to the samaj mandir and allowing them to utilise facilities there.
Before adjourning the hearing, the judges granted green signal to remove the idols from samaj mandir and file a compliance report within two weeks.