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Bombay HC Grants Relief To 2 Youths Disqualified Over Height In CAPF Recruitment

Bombay High Court Grants Relief to Candidates Disqualified Over Minor Height Deficiency in CAPF Recruitment

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has come to the aid of two 21-year-olds who were disqualified from recruitment in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) after they fell short of the prescribed height limit by a fraction of a centimetre. The court directed the authorities to extend the benefit of relaxation available under the 2015 Revised Uniform Guidelines, noting that the disqualification was “illegal and arbitrary.”

Details of the Candidates and Recruitment Process

A division bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Ashwin Bhobe heard petitions filed by Sushant Sarode from Malegaon and Sahil Patil from Kolhapur. Both candidates were barred from proceeding to the Detailed Medical Examination (DME) stage despite clearing earlier phases.

Sarode and Patil had applied for the posts of Constable (General Duty) in CAPF and SSF, Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles, and Sepoy in the Narcotics Control Bureau Examination, 2025. The recruitment process consists of three stages: a computer-based test, a physical standard and efficiency test, and finally a medical examination.

Both candidates successfully cleared the written test and the physical efficiency test. However, they were declared ineligible during the physical standard test conducted in Pune. Their heights were measured at 164.7 cm and 164.6 cm, respectively, just short of the required minimum of 165 cm. Consequently, rejection slips were issued on August 23 and August 25.

Legal Arguments and High Court Decision

Challenging their disqualification, their advocate V.A. Shastry cited clause 2(d) of the Uniform Guidelines for Medical Examination in CAPFs and Assam Rifles dated May 20, 2015. This clause specifies that “fractions of a centimetre less than 0.5 cm will be ignored and 0.5 cm or more will be rounded off to the next higher cm.”

Shastry argued that, based on this rule, both petitioners should have been considered as meeting the 165 cm height criterion.

The central government’s counsel, P.B. Chavan, opposed the plea, contending that the rounding-off rule applies only at the medical examination stage and not during the physical standard test. She urged the court to uphold the disqualification.

However, the bench disagreed with the government’s stance. It observed that the petitioners had applied under the ‘Maratha’ category, which itself prescribes a minimum height of 165 cm. Furthermore, the guidelines extend relaxation benefits to Marathas as well as certain other communities and regions.

Court Verdict

“Disqualifying the petitioners at the stage of physical standard test on account of their height being 164.7 cm and 164.6 cm, respectively, is illegal and arbitrary,” the judges held. “We are of the considered opinion that the petitioners are entitled to the benefit of height relaxation.”

Allowing both petitions, the High Court directed that Sarode and Patil be declared eligible to proceed to the detailed medical examination stage.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-grants-relief-to-2-youths-disqualified-over-height-in-capf-recruitment

Survey Reveals 40% Of Gen Z Women In Mumbai Rely On Social Media For Fertility Advice

**Mumbai: New Survey Reveals Significant Gaps in Fertility Awareness Among Gen Z Women**

A recent reproductive health survey has highlighted notable gaps in fertility awareness and reproductive health management among Gen Z women in Mumbai. The survey, conducted by Motherhood Hospitals and Nova IVF Fertility across metros and tier-1 cities, polled over 200 women aged 23–30.

For context, “Gen Z women” refers to the demographic born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s.

### Key Findings on Hormonal Health

In Mumbai, the survey found that:

– 35% of respondents believed they had no hormonal issues.
– 40% reported having hormonal issues but said they were managing them.
– 25% admitted to being diagnosed with conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or endometriosis but were not managing them effectively.

These findings shed light on how young women perceive fertility timelines, available options, and their sources of reproductive health information.

### Sources of Reproductive Health Information

The survey revealed a strong reliance on informal channels for reproductive health advice among Mumbai’s Gen Z women:

– 40% relied on social media.
– 35% sought advice from friends.
– 15% depended on TV or movies.
– Only 10% turned to family for information.

Experts have raised concerns that this dependence on informal sources, coupled with a lack of proactive health management, can have serious long-term consequences.

### Expert Insights on Awareness and Testing

Dr. Rita Modi, Senior IVF Consultant at Motherhood Fertility and IVF, Kharghar, emphasized the existing knowledge gaps:
“Over 50% of women have heard of the AMH test, yet many don’t understand its significance. This knowledge gap, combined with untreated lifestyle-related issues such as obesity, PCOS, and thyroid disorders, poses serious risks for future parenthood.”

Dr. Sneha Sathe, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Chembur, added:
“While 55% of women believe fertility declines only after 35, problems can arise much earlier. Tests like AMH, semen analysis, and ultrasounds provide valuable insights. Alarmingly, 40% of respondents didn’t know what AMH was, and only 20% believed fertility tests should be part of routine health check-ups.”

### Changing Attitudes Towards Parenthood

The survey also reflected evolving views on parenthood among Mumbai’s young women:

– 27% planned to delay having children due to career or financial readiness.
– 18% expressed no desire to have children at all, illustrating the growing popularity of the “DINK” (Double Income, No Kids) lifestyle.

### Call for Increased Awareness and Support

With India’s fertility rate steadily declining, experts are calling for:

– Stronger awareness campaigns on reproductive health.
– Workplace fertility benefits, such as egg freezing.
– Proactive reproductive health education to help young adults make informed decisions about their futures.

As reproductive health becomes an increasingly important topic, addressing these gaps and misconceptions is crucial for empowering Gen Z women in Mumbai and beyond.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/survey-reveals-40-of-gen-z-women-in-mumbai-rely-on-social-media-for-fertility-advice

Attention Mumbaikars! CSMT’s Platform No. 18 To Remain Closed For 80 Days From October 1 For Redevelopment Work; Find Out Which Trains Will Be Affected

**Mumbai: Major Redevelopment Work to Suspend Train Operations at CSMT Platform 18 for 80 Days**

Train operations at Platform 18 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) will be suspended for 80 days starting October 1, as the Central Railway undertakes significant redevelopment work at the historic terminus. The block, scheduled until December 19, is part of a major revamp project being executed by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA).

According to railway officials, the shutdown is necessary to carry out foundational work and erect safety barricades on the platform. Train services will only resume after the construction is completed and Platform 18 is handed back for passenger use.

While suburban services will remain unaffected, long-distance trains that usually operate from Platform 18 will be reassigned to other platforms. Officials added that although maintenance windows for premium trains may be slightly tighter during this period, passenger safety will not be compromised.

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### Train Adjustments & Daily Traffic

Platforms 11 to 18 at CSMT handle nearly 40 to 45 long-distance trains every day, with Platform 18 catering to six to eight of them. Thousands of commuters depend on this platform daily.

Earlier this year, Platforms 12 and 13 were upgraded to accommodate 24-coach trains, which temporarily disrupted schedules. A similar adjustment process will now take place at Platform 18 during this block.

Due to this suspension, two express trains will be affected:

– **12112 Amravati–CSMT Express**
– **11002 Ballarshah–CSMT Nandigram Express**

Both trains, with journeys commencing on September 30, will be short-terminated at Dadar until further notice, as reported by *Mid-day*.

Central Railway (CR) has appealed to passengers for understanding and cooperation, emphasizing that the inconvenience is temporary but essential for long-term improvements at the iconic terminus.

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### Upcoming Mega Block on Sunday: Impact on Mumbai Division

In addition to the CSMT works, CR’s Mumbai Division will carry out a mega block on Sunday to undertake engineering and maintenance activities across the Main Line and Trans-Harbour Line.

#### Main Line Block
A block will be operated on the 5th and 6th lines between Vidyavihar and Thane from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. As a result, several long-distance trains will face minor diversions and delays of around 10–15 minutes.

**Impact on DOWN trains (LTT departures):**

– 11055 LTT–Gorakhpur Express
– 11061 LTT–Jaynagar Pawan Express
– 16345 LTT–Thiruvananthapuram Netravati Express
– 17222 LTT–Kakinada Express

**Impact on UP Mail/Express trains (CSMT-bound):**

– 11010 Pune–CSMT Sinhagad Express
– 12124 Pune–CSMT Deccan Queen
– 12126 Pune–CSMT Pragati Express
– 12140 Nagpur–CSMT Sevagram Express
– 22226 Solapur–CSMT Vande Bharat Express
– 12321 Howrah–CSMT Mail
– 11012 Dhule–CSMT Express

**Impact on UP LTT-bound trains:**

– 13201 Rajgir–LTT Express
– 17221 Kakinada–LTT Express
– 12168 Banaras–LTT Superfast Express
– 12812 Hatia–LTT Express

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#### Trans-Harbour Line Block
The Trans-Harbour Line will also face a block between Thane and Vashi/Nerul from 11:10 am to 4:10 pm. During this period, all UP and DOWN services between these sections will remain suspended.

Services between Thane and Vashi/Nerul/Panvel from 10:35 am to 4:07 pm (Down) and from 10:25 am to 5:09 pm (Up) have been cancelled.

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Central Railway advises passengers to plan their journeys accordingly and stay updated with official announcements to minimize inconvenience during these essential maintenance activities at Mumbai’s key railway routes and CSMT.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/attention-mumbaikars-csmts-platform-no-18-to-remain-closed-for-80-days-from-october-1-for-redevelopment-work-find-out-which-trains-will-be-affected

Bombay HC Raps State On Pothole Deaths, Seeks Policy For Victim Compensation

Mumbai: Taking a serious view of accidents occurring due to potholes, the Bombay High Court on Thursday urged the state government to consider framing a policy to compensate victims or their kin. The court emphasized that contractors should be held accountable and penalties should be recovered from the salaries of the concerned civic officers.

### Court Pulls Up BMC and Other Authorities

A bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Sandesh Patil expressed severe displeasure over the passing of the buck by various agencies and authorities regarding road maintenance and pothole repairs.

“Each one of you is passing the buck,” the court chided the counsels representing these agencies.

### BMC’s Pothole Claim Questioned

BMC counsel Anil Sakhare informed the bench that only 688 potholes remain to be repaired under its jurisdiction. He claimed the BMC receives pothole complaints and fixes them within 48 hours.

Sakhare added that the BMC had received 15,526 complaints from citizens, and junior engineers had detected 11,808 potholes across Mumbai and its suburbs.

However, the court was unsatisfied with this explanation and questioned the BMC over the recurrence of potholes on newly constructed roads, which often lead to accidents.

“If a pothole fills with water, a person may not see it,” the bench observed.

### Deaths Highlight Gravity of the Issue

The court was informed that six deaths due to potholes had occurred in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) during this monsoon season — three in Bhiwandi-Nizampur, and one each in Thane, Kalyan, and Mumbai.

The judges criticized the respective civic bodies’ counsels when they claimed that the deaths were due to negligence of truck drivers or bikers and not the potholes.

“To avoid a pothole, one may take a detour. That is the main cause,” the judges emphasized.

### ‘Why Potholes at All?’ Asks the Bench

When the BMC claimed that pothole complaints had decreased over the years, the judges questioned why potholes should exist at all.

“Why should roads constructed by you develop potholes in one rain? What action have you taken against the contractors?” the bench asked pointedly.

In response to the court’s observation that there were no potholes outside the High Court for years, Sakhare replied, “Yes, outside the High Court.”

### Accountability and Compensation

The civic counsel argued that other agencies — the MMRDA, MSRDC, PWD, MHADA, and Port Trust — were also responsible for maintaining roads under their jurisdiction.

To this, the bench responded, “We are on a larger issue. If a person sustains injury or dies due to a pothole, who is to be held responsible? There has to be accountability.”

The court further suggested that civic officers found to be corrupt or in collusion with contractors should be held accountable and face consequences.

### State Told to Frame Policy

When the counsels for the corporations of Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander, and Thane, along with other authorities, claimed their roads were well maintained, the court again chided them for passing the buck.

“Each one of you, see how you are passing the buck. We don’t know who it is. We will direct the state,” the bench said, asking government pleader OS Chandurkar to take instructions on whether the government was willing to formulate a policy for awarding compensation to victims and their kin.

“Can the state come up with a policy for pothole-related injury and death? Making corporations accountable for their actions. Recovering compensation from the salaries of civic officials. It should not be a small penalty. They should feel the pinch,” the bench added.

### Directives for Quick Repair

The bench then directed municipal officers present in court to make contractors accountable for shoddy work and ensure that potholes in their jurisdiction are repaired within a week.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-raps-state-on-pothole-deaths-seeks-policy-for-victim-compensation