Chhattisgarh

• 12 Jan 2024

Annual Free Train Scheme to Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Why in News?

Recently, the Chhattisgarh government sanctioned an annual free train travel scheme for devotees who want to visit the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.

• It will be implemented by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board and the state tourism department would allocate a necessary budget for the same.

Key Points

• Not everyone can avail this scheme as of now as a committee would be set up under the collectors to select pilgrims.
  • As per a state government release, those eligible to avail this scheme should be fit individuals aged between 18 and 75 years and those above 55 years will be given priority in the initial phase.
• Around 20,000 people would be taken to Ayodhya on yearly pilgrimage by train.
  • Stations for boarding are Raipur, Durg, Raigarh, and Ambikapur, with the 900-km journey culminating in Ayodhya.
  • There is also a stopover at Varanasi for devotees to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and attend the Ganga Aarti.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will also be signed with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to implement the scheme.
• A weekly special train will also be arranged for pilgrims wanting to visit Ayodhya.

Note

• The state government had declared January 22 as a dry day in the entire state, given the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
• Chhattisgarh is the 'nanihal' (the place of his maternal grandparents) of Lord Ram.
  • Chandkhuri, a village located 27 km from Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, is considered as the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya, mother of Lord Ram.
  • The ancient Mata Kaushalya temple situated in the village was given a magnificent look during the previous government in the state.

Prafull Bharat: New Advocate General of Chhattisgarh

Why in News?

According to the sources, the Chhattisgarh government has appointed Prafull Bharat as the new Advocate General (AG) of Chhattisgarh.

Key Points

• He served as the Additional Advocate General of Chhattisgarh from 2014 to 2018.
• With an extensive legal career, Bharat has been practicing at the High Court of Chhattisgarh since November 2000, specializing in Civil, Constitutional, Arbitration, and Criminal matters.
• His legal expertise also extends to his tenure at the High Court of Madhya Pradesh from 1995 to 2000 and the District Court in Jagdalpur, Bastar from 1992 to 1995.
• Bharat succeeds Satish Chandra Verma, who quit as AG after the new government assumed office after the recent assembly elections.

Advocate General of State

• The Advocate General of state is responsible for advising the State Government on legal matters referred to him by the Governor.
• This is a Constitutional post and authority duly appointed under Article 165 of the Constitution of India. He/She acts as the highest law officer in the State.
  • Under Article 165 of the Constitution of India the Governor of each State shall appoint a person who is qualified to be appointed as a Judge of a High Court to be Advocate General for the State.

Concerns over Hit-and-Run Law

Why in News?

The recent protests by transporters and commercial drivers in states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Punjab shed light on the contentious Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

Key Points

• This section, which stipulates severe penalties for hit-and-run incidents, has become a focal point of discontent among the driving community.
• The countrywide truckers' strike has been called off after the government assured that it would consult stakeholders before implementing a contentious law against hit-and-run.
• Transporters and commercial drivers are demanding the withdrawal or amendment of Section 106 (2) of the BNS, 2023.
  • They argue that the prescribed penalties, including a 10-year imprisonment and Rs. 7 lakh fine, are excessively severe.

Provisions of Hit-and-run Law

• The hit-and-run provision is part of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which is set to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, 1860.
  • Section 106 (2) of the BNS, 2023 stipulates a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine for fleeing an accident spot and failing to report the incident to a police officer or a magistrate.
  • However, if the driver reports the incident immediately after the accident, they will be charged under Section 106(1) instead of Section 106(2). Section 106(1) provides for a punishment of up to five years for causing death by any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide.