'Ensure NRIs Are Not Restricted From Working For Flood Victims, Deploy Armed Forces If Needed': Punjab NRI Commission Tells DC, SSP
The Punjab Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Commission today directed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to ensure that no obstruction is caused to NRIs who wish to carry out philanthropic work in flood-affected areas of Punjab. It further directed that, in case any threat is posed to them, armed forces be deployed in the area.
A complaint was made by the two NRIs that they are not allowed to work for the flood victim.
Chairman of Punjab NRI Commission Justice Sureshwar Thakur said, although, the Commission has no jurisdiction to pass any mandamus, to ensure NRIs are able to carry on the social service. However, in terms of the aims and objects of the Punjab State Commission for Non-Resident Indians Act, 2011, which is for protecting and safeguarding the interests of the Non- Resident Indians in the Punjab, it can recommend remedial measures for their welfare and for the matters connected therewith.
"Resultantly, this Commission, deems it necessary to pass directions and the upon SSPs concerned, to ensure that the undertakings of philanthropic activities by the present NRrs, which naturally are maneuvered towards mitigating flood disaster, thus, do not face any hindrances from any mischief mongers, especially when therebys, aII the ill-effects of the present agony(ies), thus ensuing from the ravaging floods sweeping the state of punjab, but would become ebbed," it added.
The Commission added that "In case any other NRI besides the present complainants, who belong to punjab, and intend to undertake similar philanthropic works in their respective areas' thereupon the District Collectors concerned, and the SSPs concerned shall ensure the forwarding(s) of their mission through providing them personal security. Moreover, a posse of armed police men be deployed at the relevant sites, wherebys the threats meted to the NRIs concerned are warded off."
While listing the matter for November 27, the Court "appreciated, the undertakings of philanthropic work by the present complainants and expects them to even contribute to alleviate the misery which has befallen the people of Himachal Pradesh, thus on account of the devastating floods and landslides which have also occurred there..."
Justice Sureshwar Thakur retired from the High Court on May 16 after having served as a High Court judge for over 11 years. Landmark judgements delivered by him can be accessed here.