Addl chief secy skips court,asked to be present today

The Bombay High Court Tuesday asked the state additional chief secretary Amitabh Ranjan to be present in court Wednesday in relation to a petition seeking a ban on national flags made of plastic.

The Bombay High Court Tuesday asked the state additional chief secretary (Home) Amitabh Ranjan to be present in court Wednesday in relation to a petition seeking a ban on national flags made of plastic.

On March 13,the court had directed the official to file an affidavit explaining his stand on the issue and to be present on Tuesday. However,the official did not remain present but filed an affidavit and expressed apology for not remaining present. The joint secretary was present.

A division bench of justices A M Khanwilkar and A P Bhangale said,Sitting in office and sending an apology is not sufficient. The court observed that the official is not asked to remain present in court on a routine basis.

A PIL by Hindu Janjagruti Samiti had sought strict implementation of a government resolution imposing a ban on plastic national flags. The GR was issued on August 27,2007. The petitioners contend it leads to an insult to the flag as plastic flags are often thrown on streets after Republic Day and Independence Day.

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