Endosulfan: SC allows activists to file intervention application

[email protected] (CD Network)
July 21, 2011

SC

Mangalore, July 21: The Supreme Court has allowed Navdanya, a recognised premier network of organic farmers headed by Dr Vandana Shiva and human rights activist and environmentalist Dr Ravindranath Shanbhag to file an intervention application in the case filed by Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) seeking a country-wide permanent ban on Endosulfan.

According to a press release, the apex court on May 13 had banned the production, sale and use of pesticide Endosulfan in the country, holding that human life is more important than anything else. It then had appointed joint committee to submit its interim report on endosulfan within two months. In the application, both Vandana Shiva and Dr Ravindranath Shanbhag cited that their concern for the life and health of a large section of people who are directly affected with the use of the life threatening pesticide Endosulfan had compelled them to file an intervention application.

The application highlighting the deformities in poor people exposed to hazardous chemical pesticide attached pictures of victims suffering from life – threatening diseases like congenital abnormality to neurological problems.

The copies of report, in the application, submitted by KMC to ICMR in 2003 revealed that Endosulfan altered genes in humans.

Copies on the study of Aminosalicylic Acid reversing Endosulfan – induced Testicular Toxicity in male rats and National Institute of Occupational Health's (Indian Council of Medical Research) report on the unusual illness in Kasargod district submitted to National Human Rights Commission in July 2002 were attached with the application.

Copies of 40 journals highlighting the disastrous effects of the use of Endosulfan compiled by D Ravindranath Shanbhag was also attached with the voluminous application.

The applicants were forced to approach Court to secure Fundamental Right of lakhs of helpless citizens as the Government was not taking any steps to ban use of Endosulfan.

Every Citizen has a Fundamental Right to live a quality life of dignity and good health.

Poison free food is a necessity and our Fundamental Right and is included under article 21 as Right to Life, they stressed in the application.

The application with Supreme Court besides praying for a country-wide ban on the use and sale of Endosulfan in any form urged the court to set up a Committee to medically examine pregnant women in Kerala and Karnataka states for physical and mental abnormalities.

The report should be submitted to the court, the applicants said.


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News Network
November 22,2025

Mangaluru: Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H has warned of strict action against individuals spreading rumours and attempting to create insecurity within the Muslim community and fuel hatred between Hindus and Muslims through social media.

Referring to a recent social media post alleging that police personnel had entered a masjid premises to check whether beef was being cooked, the commissioner said miscreants were attempting to push their communal agenda. 

“A group of people, both from Mangaluru and abroad, are trying hard to spread rumours. For the past 10 days, they have been attempting to rake up old issues, highlight routine matters as controversies, or fabricate news altogether,” he said.

He reiterated that any such attempts to disturb communal harmony would invite legal action. “Cases will be registered and the accused will be brought to book,” he stated.

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News Network
November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.
 

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News Network
December 3,2025

arrival.jpg

Mangaluru, Dec 3: A group of Congress workers gathered at the Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday to welcome AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, but the reception quickly turned into a display of support for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Venugopal arrived in the city to participate in the centenary commemoration of the historic dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Narayana Guru. The event, organised by the Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, in association with the Mangalore University Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair, is being held on the university’s Konaje campus.

KPCC general secretary Mithun Rai and several party workers had assembled at the airport to receive Venugopal. However, the moment he stepped out, workers began raising slogans backing Shivakumar.

The university programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

This show of support comes just a day after Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar would lead the government “when the high command decides.” The chief minister made the comment after a breakfast meeting at Shivakumar’s residence—another public display of camaraderie between the two leaders amid ongoing attempts by the party high command to downplay their leadership rivalry.

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