Recent reports about the discovery of a large pile of cash from the official residence of Delhi HC Judge Yashwant Varma have become the hot topic of discussion in Mumbai legal circles. Old-timers recalled the controversy surrounding HC judge SK Desai, who was transferred to Kerala High Court following certain charges. For several weeks the controversy raged with the bar association and the advocate general, etc, coming down heavily on him. Finally, Desai, who was an otherwise brilliant judge, stepped down. The developments in Delhi should serve as a big lesson for the judiciary in Mumbai.
VIP Nuisance
“Recently me and my sister left our home in Worli to go to Jio Centre in BKC to watch ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. We took the sea link and reached BKC in a jiffy. But after that it was hell. It took us a full 40 minutes to reach the venue and we got late. Luckily we were allowed entry despite being late. When we enquired the reason for the massive traffic snarl, we were informed that there was ‘VIP movement’, because of which most motorists were made to wait till the neta’s convoy breezed through. This is absolutely ridiculous. Why can’t our VIPs use choppers and spare poor Mumbaikars the ordeal of getting stuck in traffic?” This is a message I received on my WhatsApp. High time the public protested against the nuisance caused by VIPs.
In Defence Of Pigeons
It is most unfortunate that a sustained campaign is being waged against poor pigeons. These innocent birds have been with us for ages. But all of a sudden they are being painted in the blackest of hues. They are the new villains accused of spreading a host of diseases. Wonder if the British were fools to set up kaburtarkhanas at several locations in the city on the lines of what they have in London.
The kaburtarkhanas opposite GPO, Dadar, Matunga and other places are an integral part of the urban landscape. The birds, including sparrows, feed on corn, puffed rice and cereals donated by well-meaning Mumbaikars. Earlier there were fountains at the centre of these kabutarkhanas, which helped the birds quench their thirst. A lovely kaburtarkhana in front of Khar Railway Station on the west side was demolished some time ago by the BMC for no reason.
I suspect the parking contractors’ lobby is putting pressure on the BMC to raze other kabutarkhanas as well so that more space is created for cars. This is absurd. Mumbaikars should raise their voice against this and ensure that more kaburtarkhanas are created. Incidentally, parking contractors appointed by the BMC are one of the reasons for the chaos on our streets.
In south Mumbai, for instance, they actively encourage double parking so they can earn more money. On any working day, cars are parked in the middle of Tamarind Lane opposite the high court. Complaints to the traffic cops fall on deaf ears because of the nexus between the police and the contractors.
Tailpiece
Why did the man order a chicken from Swiggy and egg from Zomato? Well, he wanted to find out which comes first! (Compiled by S Balakrishnan)
