Very much within law redress peoples grievances: Pondy Lt Guv

Appealing to all sections of people and political parties to extend cooperation in curbing activities of anti-social elements, Puducherry Lt Governor Virendra Kataria today said he "is very much within the law" to take steps to redress grievances of the people.
Making it clear that he had not complained to the Centre about any issue, a release from the Secretariat of the Lt Governor said he was, however, appreciative of the steps being taken now by the administration to ensure public safety.
The release said Kataria "is very much within the law as the administrator of the Union Territory to initiate action to redress people's grievances and instil confidence in them."

Referring to steps taken by the administration to curb criminal activities, the release said the Lt Governor wants the process to continue in the interest of public.
Stern action will be taken against rowdy elements and "operation goondaism would continue with full vigour and momentum".
On reports that some criminals had walked free as Goondas Act detention order had lapsed, the release said files for detention of criminals under the Puducherry Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act signed by the District Magistrate and Chief Secretary on September 2 were sent to the office of the Lt Governor only on the afternoon of September 7 at the stage of expiry of timeframe.

"This delay in such an important matter has resulted in the lapse of the detention orders. The files were sent obviously to the office of Lt Governor only after his effective intervention and also to pressure from the public, which he approved with instructions to review these cases immediately," the release said.

There was information to the Lt Governor that 40 such cases for detention got lapsed during the last three years "as the files were not presented him on time".
Earlier the 80-year-old Kataria made a surprise visit to the Central prison near here and discussed with jail officials various aspects of security. He was accompanied by the DIG of Police and other senior officials.

Kataria had recently made critical observations about the law and order situation in the Union Territory.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy had said the Lt Governor should have held a joint meeting of officials with him before airing such views. However, Kataria stuck to his critical remarks and shot down the suggestion about the joint meeting, saying it was Rangasamy's duty to take steps and apprise him of the action and take his advice.