Delhi HC issues notice on PIL seeking cashless transactions across all India Post offices

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to India Post on a plea seeking the introduction of QR-based or digital payment facilities across all postal offices to prevent over-charging due to cash-based transactions.

A bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) raising concerns about arbitrary tariff rounding, lack of digital payment options, and outdated infrastructure in postal services.

The petition cited specific examples to illustrate the systemic issues. In one instance, a customer was charged Rs 18 for a postal tariff of Rs 17.70 due to the unavailability of exact change, resulting in an overcharge of 30 paise. While this amount may seem negligible, when multiplied across crores of transactions nationwide, it translates into significant financial losses, contended advocate Ujjawal Gaur, the petitioner-in-person.

Conversely, in another example, a customer was charged Rs 41 for a tariff of Rs 41.30, leading to a waiver of 30 paise, which directly impacts the Consolidated Fund of India and highlights the inefficiencies in India Post’s cash-handling practices, added Gaur.

“This reliance on cash transactions leads to inefficiencies, delays, and situations where customers, unable to provide exact change, often forfeit the leftover balance, further compounding financial losses,” contended the petition.

Further, it said that the lack of digital payment facilities violates Article 14 of the Constitution as it discriminates against people who are solely reliant on cashless transactions.

Agreeing to examine the issue raised in the PIL, Justice Narula-led Bench issued a notice to India Post, the Union government and other respondents and sought their responses within four weeks.

“Issue notice to Respondents, by all permissible modes, upon filing of process fee, returnable on the next date of hearing. On service, such Respondents shall file a counter affidavit within a period of four weeks from the date of service,” it ordered.

The matter will be heard next on April 25, 2025.

–IANS

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BJP launches statewide membership drive at 5,628 centres in Jharkhand

Ranchi, Dec 22 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched its statewide membership drive, Sangathan Mahaparv, in Jharkhand at 5,628 centres across the state, where a large number of people joined the party.

Hundreds of new members were also registered online at each centre.

BJP state President Babulal Marandi participated in the event at Khoro village in his Dhanwar Assembly constituency. In his remarks on the occasion, he said the public response is overwhelming. “People are enthusiastic about the campaign, which aims to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence,” he added.

State convener of the membership drive, Rakesh Prasad, expressed satisfaction over the turnout, stating, “A large number of people reached every centre on the very first day of Sangathan Mahaparv. This overwhelming response reflects the faith people have in the BJP’s policies.”

Prasad added that the BJP received over 84 lakh votes in this year’s Lok Sabha elections and more than 59 lakh votes in the state Assembly elections, stressing the party’s growing support in Jharkhand.

As part of the campaign, BJP workers will engage with people at the grassroots level by visiting villages and households to enrol lakhs of new members.

The drive saw participation from top leaders and office bearers across the state. BJP’s state Working President Dr Ravindra Kumar Ray attended the event at Panchamba in Giridih district, while state General Secretary, Organisation, Karmveer Singh was present in Harmu, Ranchi.

Other prominent leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Kumar Verma, MP Aditya Prasad Sahu, and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, also actively participated at various centres.

Annapurna Devi, who renewed her party membership by using the BJP’s toll-free number, appealed to supporters and well-wishers to join the campaign. She emphasised the importance of public participation in strengthening the organization.

The BJP has made it convenient for people to join the party through both online and offline methods. Membership can be obtained via the party’s toll-free number or through the NaMo app.

–IANS

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Kerala HC directs govt to proceed with estate acquisition for Wayanad rehabilitation

Kochi, Dec 27 (IANS) The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to expedite the acquisition of two estates identified for rehabilitating families affected by the Wayanad landslides. Delays in acquiring these estates have hindered the construction of proposed townships for the displaced families.

The Wayanad district authorities had earmarked the Harrison Malayalam Estate (65.41 acres) in Nedumbala, Meppadi Grama Panchayat, and Elston Estate (78.73 acres) in Kalpetta for the project. The court issued its directive under the Disaster Management Act, enabling the government to move forward with the acquisitions while ensuring fair compensation to the landowners.

The landowners had previously approached the court seeking a stay on the acquisition. The High Court’s decision comes after months of inaction since the devastating landslide in July, which claimed 231 lives, left 47 missing, and caused widespread destruction across four villages. The disaster destroyed 145 homes completely, partially damaged 170, rendered 240 uninhabitable, and washed away 183.

Following the verdict, State Revenue Minister K. Rajan announced that the government is prepared to fast-track the rehabilitation efforts. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will oversee the implementation of the project, which includes the construction of approximately 1,000 single-storey houses, each measuring 1,000 square feet, across the two identified sites.

“The list of sponsors willing to cooperate with the government is ready, and we will coordinate all efforts to accelerate rehabilitation,” said Rajan.

Despite the court’s approval, challenges remain. The estate owners may approach the division bench for further relief, and the project also requires approval from the Union government.

The landslides that struck hilly areas of Wayanad district on July 30 when most residents were asleep, were the worst disaster to hit Kerala since 2018.

–IANS

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