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HC agrees to hear Defence Ministry plea against AgustaWestland
New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a plea by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) challenging the arbitration proceedings going on between AgustaWestland and the MoD.
The Ministry has moved the high court seeking order to restrain hearing in Arbitration Tribunal which was initiated by AgustaWestland.
However, Justice Pratibha M. Singh refused to grant any interim order to stay the proceedings before the Arbitration Tribunal. The Tribunal will hear the matter on January 10.
The high court has asked AgustaWestland to file reply on the MoD plea within three weeks. The Defence Ministry would file a rejoinder to the AgustaWestland’s response within two weeks.
Thereafter, the court has listed the matter for further hearing on February 28.
AgustaWestland had invoked the arbitration process after the government cancelled the helicopter deal.
The government had terminated the Rs 3,600-crore deal with AgustaWestland for the purchase of 12 VVIP choppers over allegations of kickbacks having been paid to fix the deal.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Pinky Anand told the court that various allegations were raised in respect of the entire transaction. She said that the matter cannot be heard by a tribunal as the allegations of corruption, fraud and bribery have surfaced.
The ASG told the court that the arbitral proceedings deserve to be stayed as the mandate of the Arbitral Tribunal stands terminated in terms of Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
Senior Counsel Arun Kathpalia, appearing for the Agusta, submitted that the present case is not governed by the provisions of Section 29A of the Act, inasmuch as the arbitral proceedings had commenced much prior to the Amendment Act of 2015 coming into force.
Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act deals with the time limit, laying down that the arbitral award shall be made within a period of 12 months from the date the arbitral tribunal enters upon the reference.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.