Deactivate child lock in cabs: Petitioner

Bengaluru: Following a petition seeking directions to authorities concerned to implement rules to deactivate the child lock feature in cabs, for the safety of women passengers, the High Court has sought for state government's response.

The petitioner, Dr Hema Divakar, had stated that she is aggrieved by the inaction of the authorities in ensuring the safety of women passengers, in the wake of increasing crimes against women.The petitioner submitted that the child safety locks are built into the rear doors of most cars to prevent the rear seat passengers, especially children, from opening the door while the car is in motion.

However, the petitioner felt the same feature in cabs was proving unsafe for women passengers.

In addition, as per the Karnataka On-demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules 2016 there is a a provision for switches/ buttons mechanism, to which the petitioner prays for amendment where an additional requirement could be added to disengage the child lock feature permanently. The matter stands adjourned.

5 Dandupalya gang members acquitted
The High Court on Wednesday acquitted five members of the dreaded Dandupalya gang, who struck terror in various parts of the State in the late 90s.

The court acquitted five people - Krishna, Thimma, Venkatarama, Dodda Hanuma, and Munikrishna in HRBR robbery case in 1999. Another accused in the case Chinnappa died during the trial.

They were sentenced to life imprisonment by a lower court, which they had challenged it before HC. The court on Wednesday acquitted them for lack of evidence.

With this the HC has disposed all 14 appeals filed by various members of the gang. Of the 14, the HC has quashed death penalty against them in at least 13 separate cases.