‘Water cess’ on hydro power projects unconstitutional: Himachal HC
The Sukhu government, soon after assuming charge, had decided to impose ‘Water Cess’ on power projects to generate Rs 1800 crore in the cash-strapped state.
The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has directed the Principal Secretary, Social Welfare and Empowerment to file his personal affidavit, stating the reasons which led to the delay in disbursement of Old-Age Pension to 82-year-old Hari Singh, resident of Bansai village in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh.
The Court further directed the District Welfare Officer, Solan to ensure that pension or money is personally delivered to the rightful claimant at his residence under proper receipt.
The Court directed the Principal Secretary to issue directions to all concerned for ensuring timely disbursement of the amount of pension under the Old Age Pension Scheme to the rightful claimants and also file an affidavit in this regard.
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A Division Bench comprising the Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel passed these orders on a petition taken up suo moto by the Court on a letter written to the Chief Justice by the applicant.
The applicant has alleged in the petition that he was getting old age pension through Post Office Goela Panner, but the welfare department had suddenly stopped his pension.
The petitioner has mentioned in the letter that he is 82-year-old and having no other source of income to earn his livelihood. The petitioner has further pointed out that he generally remains ill and due to stoppage of the said pension, he is not even able to buy his medicines.
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