The Managing Trustee of – NGO. Save Aam Vypari, is Mr. Avishek Goenka !!

Currently all his energies are directed towards – citizen welfare and hence he is working as a – Citizen Cause Activist and takes up issues, which adversely affect the well being of citizens of India and in his endeavour to deliver public good, he initiates – Public Interest Litigations in the – Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble High Courts (when he finds that the Central or State – Government, is not acting on his representation). Note worthy is that, he although not being a lawyer, presents most of the cases, all by himself.

Filing of petitions in – Public Interest, is an activity of continuity for him.

The sincerity of his efforts, has led to the (03) Judges’ Bench headed by the Chief Justice of the Hon’ble Supreme Court – to term him as “Public Spirited Citizen” !!

Following are the summary of the, initiatives undertaken by him, in Citizen Interest –

˃ Mandatory Physical Verification of Prepaid Mobile Connections ((Writ Petition (Civil) 285/2010)). It was only after his initiative in the Hon’ble Supreme Court that, the (3) Judges’ Bench, in interest of – National Security and Citizen Safety, formed an expert committee, consisting of representatives from – DOT. and TRAI. and policy to ensure – proper verification of – Prepaid SIM Cards and bar on Pre-Activated SIM Cards, was implemented. In this case, legal luminaries like – Mr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Mr. Harish Salve, Mr. Vikash Singh and Mr. Ramji Srinivasan, among others, were pitched against him and Mr. Avishek Goenka, who is not a lawyer, appeared in personal capacity.

˃ Ban of Black Films, on Transparent Glasses of Vehicles ((Writ Petition (Civil) 265/2011)). It was only after his initiative in the Hon’ble Supreme Court that, the (3) Judges’ Bench, in interest of – National Security and Citizen Safety – specially – women & children, barred the use of – Black Films on – Transparent Glasses of vehicles. In this case, legal luminaries like – Mr. Mukul Rohatgi and Mr. Soli J. Sorabjee, among others, were pitched against him and Mr. Avishek Goenka, who is not a lawyer, appeared in personal capacity.

˃ The Hon’ble High Court, at Calcutta (W.P.33290 (W) of 2013) on a petition – to ensure – protection of RTI. Applicants, by allowing queries through E.Mail & Post Box – ruled that, the applicant need not provide any personal details, if ‘ Post Box’ number is extended. The Central Government thereafter, acted in compliance with the order – vide Circular dated (08/01/2014) and numbered as DoPT OM No.1/31/2013-IR. The matter was moved in the Hon’ble High Court after, the Hon’ble Supreme Court had given him the liberty to pursue the matter, with any High Court ((Writ Petition (Civil) 427 of 2012)).

˃ The Hon’ble Supreme Court has issued notices to – Ministry of Health & All India Institute of Medical Sciences, on his petition ((Writ Petition (Civil) 459 of 2012) ) – to ensure availability of all – [[medicines+surgical items+implants+orthotic inputs+prosthetic inputs]] at (56%) discount on Mrp. However, he has not asked for discounts by way of generic medicines, but suggested incorporation of discounts on – branded medicines, manufactured by reputed brands. The matter is still being heard.

˃ In ((Writ Petition (Civil) 463 of 2013)) – to ensure – population control, by adopting the global best voluntary practices, the Hon’ble Supreme Court observed that the – Writ Petition, may be considered as a representation and the Ministry can take into consideration the suggestions made by the petitioner. The Central Government through – PMO. reference, has extended the matter to – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

˃ In ((Writ Petition (Civil) 489 of 2020)) – to ensure – uniform pricing, for similar categories of treatment, in similar rooms, in similar category of Private Hospitals and immediately direct the insurance companies to immediately settle, full claims, which are raised as per Government specified rates. After issue of notice on (05/06/2020) the Central Government, hours before the next date of hearing, issued a Circular on (15/06/2020). The Circular was numbered as – SECY (HFW)/COVID/2020. The circular had the following instructions, to all State Governments – It is important to engage with the private healthcare providers to facilitate enhanced bed availability and critical care health facilities as well as to ensure fair and transparent charges for services provided.

˃ Multiple other petitions in citizen interest, have been initiated or are in pipe line !! To know more about his work in field of Public Interest Litigation, please go to Google & search – Avishek Goenka.