Tag: december

Moral police fails to dampen New Year revelry in Kashmir

“There will be heightened security in Gulmarg on that day. We will make all arrangements. We will take all the precautionary measures, though there is nothing specific (threat). We will be taking enough security measures so that youth and visitors will participate in the New Year celebration,” Garib Das, deputy inspector general of police, North Kashmir range, told dna.

Ishfaq-ul-Hassan
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Delhi: December 30 dry run for odd even rule

However, transport minister from Maharashtra Diwakar Raote told dna, that Mumbai has an excellent rail connectivity and most public vehicles on the city’s roads run on CNG. “Everything is running well here. We will never need to do a Delhi-like experiment here,” Raote said.

dna Correspondent

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US fraudster held at international airport <!– /.block –>
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Grimmer details of Dadri lynching emerge, meat found from Mohamad Akhlaq’s home was goat’s

However police refused to comment whether or not Shivam had actually retrieved any mutton from the drain. While filing a charge sheet in Dadri lynching case, police had ruled out conspiracy angle into the murder. The move can prove it difficult for the victim’s counsel or prosecution to establish murder charges (302) against any specific person or persons as the chargesheet has not invoked conspiracy charges. It is yet to be confirmed whether or not any meat was recovered by the accused at all as it could put light on whether the entire incident was a pre-planned conspiracy.

Azaan Javaid

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No LPG subsidy for tax payers earning over Rs 10 lakh <!– /.block –>
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Gopal Subramaniam agrees to head DDCA probe panel; asks AAP govt to televise inquiry proceedings

Earlier, the Delhi assembly at a special session passed a resolution to set up a commission of inquiry to probe the alleged irregularities in the working of the DDCA. Kejriwal also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Jaitley for his involvement in the matters of the city’s cricketing association. Jaitley, who headed the DDCA for years, however, has rejected the allegations levelled against him.

Prabhati Nayak Mishra
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Also ReadIndiaTamil Nadu: Construction work on APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial to begin todayIndiaMoral police fails to dampen New Year revelry in KashmirIndiaDelhi: December 30 dry run for odd even ruleIndiaTwo South Mumbai women seek medical help for obsessive shoppingIndiaGopal Subramaniam agrees to head DDCA probe panel; asks AAP govt to televise inquiry proceedingsIndiaGrimmer details of Dadri lynching emerge, meat found from Mohamad Akhlaq’s home was goat’s <!– /.block –>

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Eurasian Thicknee comes calling for third time in 50 years

Maharashtra Nature Park (MNP) at Dharavi is attracting a lot of birdwatchers these days, thanks to the sighting of Eurasian Thicknee. It’s for the first time that this mid-sized bird has been sighted in the park. Experts say the bird is uncommon to Mumbai and has been sighted in the city only twice before in the last 50 years.It was a nature photographer, who while taking pictures inside MNP on December 26, first clicked the bird and showed the images to deputy director of the Park, Avinash Kubal, who identified it. “Though I knew that it had never been sighted at the Park, we still checked all the records – documented by several birders – and confirmed it,” said Kubal adding the news soon spread and he has been getting a lot of calls from bird-lovers who wanted to confirm it.Kubal found four individual Eurasian Thicknee – two of which seem to be chicks – at MNP. Visitors or nature photographers are being escorted by the MNP nature guides to see the bird to ensure that their habitat or surrounding is not disturbed. “We will keep our vigil,” said Kubal.Avid birdwatcher Adesh Shivkar, who has even prepared a guide, listing the birds sighted at MNP in 2014, sharing his delight said as per records this bird was sighted in 2000 at Dahisar, Gorai belt and in 1940 by Humayun Abdulali and Salim Ali at Andheri and never recorded at MNP.”This scrubland bird, which stays close to the forested patches and waterbody is common in many parts of India but uncommon to Mumbai. Its sighting at MNP should be cheered as it can be said that city has not lost all its biodiversity hotspots. In fact, we can see many birds at MNP, which are not found in city (excluding Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Aarey forest),” said Shivkar adding the bird has been spotted outskirts of Mumbai in places like Dombivli, Karjat and Uran.Shivkar said the sighting highlights the need and importance of green islands like MNP. “We have been hearing proposals to redevelop MNP with bridges and promenade, keeping it lit up till night. All these would only hurt the existing rich biodiversity of this place and time has come where we plan things keeping the biodiversity in mind and not human needs,” said Shivkar.Meanwhile, there have been reports of this bird being sighted in the Sewri mudflats too on Sunday.Eurasian Thicknee, with a length of 38-46 cm and wingspan of 76 to 88 cm, sports a strong yellow and black beak with large yellow eyes. The wings of this bird bears black and white markings.<!– /11440465/Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>

Ramdev likely to skip JNU visit amidst students protest, university stands by invitation

The three-day convention– organised by the university’s Special Center for Sanskrit Studies in collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, USA and the Center for Indic Studies, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth — began here on December 27. Ramdev has been invited to deliver the key-note address on December 30.

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December 28, 2015

Maharashtra: Shocking video shows cops thrashing, abusing youth in Ulhasnagar

उल्हासनगर : एका कोपऱ्यात उभा असलेल्या रिक्षात बसलेल्या तरुण अणि तरुणीला पोलिसांनी लाथा बुक्क्यानी मारहाण केल्याची घटना उल्हासनगरमध्ये उघडकीस आली आहे. इतकेच नव्हे तर वरिष्ठ पोलीस निरीक्षक पदावर कार्यरत असणाऱ्या या पोलीस अधिकाऱ्याने या मुलीला चक्क अर्वाच्य भाषेत शिविगाळ केली आहे. हा सर्व प्रकार एका मोबाइलच्या कॅमेऱ्यात कैद झाला आहे. या घटनेमुळे पोलिसांची दादागिरी पुन्हा एकदा चव्हाट्यावर आली आहे. पोलिसांच्या कार्यशैलीबाबत प्रश्नचिन्ह उपस्थित झाले आहे.मिळालेल्या माहितीनुसार उल्हासनगरमधील प्रभातनगर परिसरात गार्डन शेजारी उभ्या असलेल्या एका रिक्षात एक मुलगा मुलगी बसले होते. याठिकाणी हिललाईन पोलीस ठाण्याचे वरिष्ठ पोलीस निरीक्षक मोहन वाघमारे आपल्या पोलीस कर्मचाऱ्यासह पोहचले. त्यांनी या दोघांना जाब विचारात थेट त्या मुलाला लाथाबुक्क्यांनी मारहाण करण्यास सुरुवात केली. पोलीस अधिकारी वाघमारे इथेच थांबले नाही, तर त्यांनी चक्क मुलीला अर्वाच्य भाषेत शिवीगाळ केली. पोलिस – ती मुल घटनास्थळावरील आॅटो रिक्षात ₩अश्लील चाळे करत होते. अशी तक्रार गेली अनेक दिवस स्थानिक करत होते. त्याच रिक्षात बसून बीअर प्यायचे आणि गांजा देखील सापडलाय.व्हीडीओ पाहण्यासाठी लोगिन करा www.facebook.com/socialmedianews.org.in
Posted by Social Media News on Sunday, 27 December 2015

December 28, 2015

Indo-Pak ties: Brace for more Modi coups; two PMs have many meetings lined up in 2016

Pakistan’s recent appointment of a former army general, Naseer Khan Janjua, as its national security adviser, has also opened a fresh window for early negotiations on terrorism and cross-border violence. “That the Pakistan NSA represents the views of his military establishment is good because the shadow-boxing is over,” said former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan G Parthasarathy.The “mother of all coups” – Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar described Modi’s December 25 visit to Lahore – also had an important fall-out.Modi’s optics have succeeded in convincing Pakistani leaders once again that a hardline BJP was more decisive than the Congress.Congress prime ministers, right from Rajiv Gandhi to Narasimha Rao to Manmohan Singh, despite having agreed to settle issues like Siachen and Jammu and Kashmir, backed out because of indecision.Ministry of External Affairs officials concede that what Modi had achieved was something Manmohan had dreamt of for a decade, but was not allowed by his own party – the Congress.

Iftikhar Gilani
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December 28, 2015

Tamil Nadu elections: PMK says it will give Dy Chief Minister post to BJP

DMDK, PMK and MDMK were the prominent allies of BJP during last year’s Lok Sabha elections. While MDMK snapped ties with the BJP in December last, PMK asserted that its ties with the saffron party were only at the central level.

PTI
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December 26, 2015

Madras HC quashes order directing PIO activist to leave India

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Activist had received the order from the district Collector asking to leave the country within seven days with all his family members.

The Madras High Court on Thursday set aside an order of Udhagamandalam District Collector directing a lawyer activist attached to a US-based NGO and his family members, who are Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) holding US passports, to leave the country within seven days. In an urgent sitting on the petition by Gregory Omar Malstead, residing in the country since 2000, Justice K Kalyanasundaram quashed the December 14, 2015 order of the Collector and directed him to pass an appropriate order in accordance with law after giving a personal hearing to the petitioner as expeditiously as possible. While the petitioner contended that during his 15 years of stay in the country he had not violated any law or indulged in any objectionable activity, the central government submitted that Malstead was ‘propagating’ his religion under the guise of taking up the cause of exploitation of women and children. <!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Defending the District Collector’s order, senior central government Standing Counsel Rabu Manohar submitted that the petitioner had been propagating his religion under the guise of social activities in Udhagamandalam, a hill resort town. The Judge directed the petitioner to co-operate with the inquiry. He also made clear that any adverse order against the petitioner shall not be implemented for a period of two weeks. According to Malstead, he, his wife Rebecca Ann Malstead and two children are overseas citizens of India holding US Passports as per a January 9, 2015 order of the government recognising all Persons of Indian Origin as OCIs. He is a member of American Bar Association and Georgia State Bar Association.Initially, he was residing in Mumbai and was a consultant with International Justice Mission (IJM) when the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Branch, directed him to leave India immediately on the ground that his activities as a human rights activist amounted to alleged violation of visa rules.When he challenged it, the Mumbai High Court passed an order that he should be given personal hearing before passing any orders and the matter was put to rest thereafter. From March 2005, he was residing in Udagamandalam where he later become National Director of Freedom Firm, having registered office at Udagamandalam and a registered trust associated with the Freedom Firm, USA, a not-for-profit company involved in rescue of minors sold into the commercial sex trade, Malstead said.His children were studying in class 10 and 11 respectively in a school in the hill resort town. Whileso, he received the order from the district Collector asking to leave the country within seven days with all his family members.The petitioner claimed no opportunity was given to him before issuing the order and that he was completely unaware of the reasons for such a directive. He further contended his work for the social cause of exploited women was appreciated by authorities, including the District Judge and Chief Judicial Magistrate of Udagamandalam. On receipt of the order, he met the Collector on December 22 and sought more time to leave India citing his children’s studies. But the Collector refused to grant any more time.Malstead claimed the order was passed on the basis that he was a foreigner. However, he was holder of a PIO card which is now deemed to be an OCI card and as such he has the status of a citizen of India and consequently cannot be termed a foreigner .

Shocking: Man sets wife on fire for not cooking mutton curry properly

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After eating it, he beat her up saying it wasn’t good enough and had a quarrel with her.

A 40-year-old woman on Thursday succumbed to injuries here after she was set on fire allegedly by her alcoholic husband for not cooking mutton curry properly four days ago, police said. Shanker Rao C, a labourer, allegedly poured kerosene on his wife Sulochana who worked as a maid and set her ablaze at their house in Katedan area on the evening of December 20, Mailardevpally Police Station Inspector S Venkat Reddy said. “Shanker had brought mutton and asked her to make curry.After eating it, he beat her up saying it wasn’t good enough and had a quarrel with her. Later, he poured kerosene on her and set her ablaze saying her living was useless because she didn’t know how to cook food,” the police officer said. Shanker was allegedly drunk at the time.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Sulochana’s mother and daughter, who were present, raised alarm after he set her on fire and the neighbours rushed and doused the flames, police said. She was then taken to at a state-run Osmania General Hospital. “The accused was arrested yesterday on the charge of attempt to murder and harassment. Today, she succumbed to burn injuries at the hospital,” the police officer said, adding a case of murder would be lodged against the husband.

Congress, NCP divided over compensation for Kandivali slum fire victims’ compensation

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However, Mumbai NCP president Sachin Ahir termed the amount as “meagre” and a “joke”.

While the city Congress on Thursday claimed that government increased the amount of compensation for the victims of December 7 fire at Damunagar slum in suburban Kandivali due to the party’s agitation, NCP termed the aid as a joke. Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam said the party workers’ relay hunger strike forced the state government to hike the compensation from Rs 3,800 to Rs 25,000 per family. However, Mumbai NCP president Sachin Ahir termed the amount as “meagre” and a “joke”. In a statement, Nirupam said the devastating fire had rendered over 2,000 families homeless, but no BJP or Shiv Sena leader bothered to visit them. The relay hunger strike by Congress forced the government to increase the compensation to Rs 25,000 per family, he claimed, adding that the government also agreed to probe the cause of the fire and accepted Congress’s demand for rehabilitating the victims on the same site or nearby. <!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The government should waive school fees of the children from affected families, he said. Ahir, on the other hand, termed Rs 25,000 aid as “meagre”. “This is like playing a cruel joke on the affected families. The government is trying to dodge the demand of on-site rehabilitation,” he alleged. Ahir demanded Rs five lakh to the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to the injured, Rs 50,000 to the affected families and permanent houses for them. Congress-NCP regime had rehabilitated the affected slum dwellers of Nargis Dutt Nagar in Bandra on the same site, he claimed.

AAP seeks cooperation from Centre, LG Najeeb Jung on anti-pollution drive

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In a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, Transport Minister Gopal Rai urged them to to issue instructions to Delhi Police authorities to support efforts of the city government in its endeavours in this direction.

AAP government on Thursday sought cooperation from the Centre and the Lt Governor in its efforts to curb pollution in the national capital, with initiatives like observance of ‘car-free day’. In a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, Transport Minister Gopal Rai urged them to to issue instructions to Delhi Police authorities to support efforts of the city government in its endeavours in this direction.On December 22, AAP government held its scheduled ‘car- free day’ at Vikas Marg in East Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar, but Rai in the letter alleged that during the event, some police officials were noticed “stopping” two-wheelers, taxis and even buses, causing huge traffic congestions in nearby areas. “The representatives of Delhi Police and Traffic police had also been part of this planning (‘car-free day’) exercise and a detailed pre-event strategy was chalked out with them.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>”However, it was noticed that the police staff at site was found stopping two-wheelers, taxis and even buses, causing huge traffic congestions in nearby areas. Police officials were also seen conveying that the traffic jam has happened due to the policies of Delhi government. This act on the part of police has put the Delhi government in a poor image…” Rai claimed in his letter.Rai said a CD containing visuals of the site during the event has also been enclosed along with the letter. “I request you to issue instructions to Delhi Police authorities to support the efforts of this government to reduce the pollution in the city and expect that Delhi Police will extend their full support and cooperation in this endeavour in future,” he added.

Winter has come: Mumbaikars shocked with 11.4 degree Celsius

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Today, Mumbai recorded minimum temperature of 11.4 degrees Celsius, which was six degrees below the normal for the month of December.

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The country’s financial capital has been witnessing lower than normal average temperatures for the last three days, an unusual phenomenon since a decade, a Regional Meteorology Centre official said on Thursday. Today, Mumbai recorded minimum temperature of 11.4 degrees Celsius, which was six degrees below the normal for the month of December. The minimum usually is 17 degrees Celsius at this time of the year. “This was the second lowest minimum temperature recorded during the last ten years,” the official said, adding that the lowest temperature in the month of December in Mumbai was recorded in 1949 when it touched 10.6 degrees Celsius. <!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Attributing the present chill to the cold northerly winds, the official said, these winds are reaching upto the north coastal Maharashtra from across Rajasthan and Gujarat and thus leading to drop in the minimum temperatures in all these areas. The maximum temperatures too have witnessed a slight dip in the city, the official said, adding that this cold spell would continue till the wind patterns do not change.

Kiren Rijiju asks IPS officers to be flag bearers of social change

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Encouraging the budding police officers, he said diligence, honesty and efficiency will have a big role to play in the personal and professional lives while holding important positions in the districts of their respective states

Kiren Rijiju

Indian Police Service officers should become the flag bearers of social change and champions of good governance, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday. Addressing the valedictory function of the 90th special foundation course for IPS officers at Haryana Institute of Public Administration in Gurgaon, Rijiju said as agents of change the young officers must sow creative seeds for furthering the progress of this great nation, which is known for unity in diversity. Encouraging the budding police officers, he said diligence, honesty and efficiency will have a big role to play in the personal and professional lives while holding important positions in the districts of their respective states.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The 15-week residential training course from September 13, 2015 to December 24, 2015 was conducted for 77 IPS officers belonging to various state cadres of the 2010, 2012 and 2013 batches who did not attend the regular foundation course with their batchmates. Out of these 15 weeks, 13 weeks have been devoted for the academic inputs to teach important subjects like law, economics, history, constitutional and politics, and also public administration besides the needed inputs in languages and ICT.One week village visit was also organised to study socio-economic scenario of the villages. During training they were involved in number of extracurricular activities like games, cultural functions and social services to ensure all round development of their personality.As an important part of training they were sent for trekking in Hamta Pass, Himachal Pradesh for a week. Rijiju said the objective and purpose of this course is to groom these officers in such a way that they acquire requisite knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and the administrative acumen required for efficient discharge of their duties.

Nip out Devadasi practice, Centre tells states in a stern advisory

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A Devadasi is girl “dedicated” to the worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life, after a dedication ceremony. The Supreme Court had slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on the Centre for failing to file timely affidavit on women being forced to become devadasis.

Almost a month after being slapped a fine by the country’s apex court, the Centre has directed the states to take stern measures to check the practice of Devadasi under the existing laws.A Devadasi is girl “dedicated” to the worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life, after a dedication ceremony. The Supreme Court had slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on the Centre for failing to file timely affidavit on women being forced to become devadasis.In a letter dated December 22, the home ministry said that all the states and Union territories are ‘expected to ensure the implementation of existing law strictly to prevent such practices under guise’ and stressed that all such instances and cases should be dealt with strictly and without exception as per extant law.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>”The Devadasi system is one of the heinous practices against women degrading them to the lowest level. It has come to the notice through various PILs and Media news that ‘Devadasi system’ still exists in the certain parts of the country especially in ‘Beriya’ and ‘Nat’ communities in the name of religious practices,” the home ministry letter said.Ministry further noted that though Devadasi system was abolished long back by passing various enactments by different state government, reports reveal that the absolutely inhuman practice against the dignity of women still persists.State level legislations such as the Karnataka Devadasis ‘Prohibition of Dedication Act, 1982, Maharashtra Devadasis Abolition Act, 2006, have completely prohibited such practices. The practice of Devadasi System in any form is in total contravention of the provisions under section 370 and 370A of the IPC as amended through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 and section 372 of IPC. Anyone found guilty under this section shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years and shall be liable to fine. An NGO, SL Foundation had filed a PIL in Supreme Court last year in February seeking Court’s intervention to prevent a temple function that where alleged Devadasi dedication was scheduled to take place.”States and UTs should initiate special drive to identify all such victims and suitably rehabilitate them by providing proper counselling, medical treatment, guidance, support and motivation to lead a dignified life,” home ministry has told the state governments.

Modi in Russia: Heritage on display in ‘Friends of India’ to greet Prime Minister

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The Prime Minister will address the gathering of ‘Friends of India’ event at the Expo Centre in Moscow. The cultural show, to be performed by Russian artistes, will have two components – ‘Abhinandan’ and ‘Abhivyakti’.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at Moscows Vnukovo II airport outside Moscow on December 23, 2015.

AFP photo
A cultural performance reflecting popularity of India’s rich heritage and traditions in Russia will be presented to greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public reception in Moscow on Thursday expected to be attended by around 3,000 people. The show will feature artistes staging a musical enactment of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous poem “Geet Naya Gata Hoon” rendered by Lata Mangeshkar just a day before the former Prime Minister’s birthday on December 25.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The Prime Minister will address the gathering of ‘Friends of India’ event at the Expo Centre in Moscow. The cultural show, to be performed by Russian artistes, will have two components – ‘Abhinandan’ and ‘Abhivyakti’.’Abhinandan’ – to feature performances by 52 artistes – envisages performance of Indian art forms by Russian artists. It will display the popularity of Indian cultural traditions in Russia and its importance of inter-cultural understanding while portraying the assimilation of India’s performing arts traditions by Russian artistes.’Abhinandan’ will commence with a Shloka recital and a creative rendering of Vande Mataram by Russian Brahmakumaris, followed by continuing sequence of brief Kuchipudi, Kathak and Dandiya Raas.The programme will conclude with the musical enactment of “Geet Naya Gata Hoon”.’Abhivyakti’ is an attempt to articulate and convey an authentic image of Indian traditions, history and culture by Russian artistes and enthusiasts, which resonates in the hearts, and minds of all Indians and well-wishers of India in foreign countries. It is a reflection of the feeling of brotherhood and amity that exists between the people of India and Russia.”‘Abhivyakti’ is dedicated to the expression of goodwill, joy, and enthusiasm aptly represented by our philosophy of ‘Vasudheva Kutumbakam’ that characterises our interaction with the rest of the world,” said organisers.This component of the show would contain performances by 100 artistes and will majorly consist of Namaskaram, Charishnu, Bharatnatyam, Rudra, Pandattam, Khoria, Lavni, Kalina Taal performances.

Rajya Sabha wasted half its time, Rs 9.9 crore, after disruptions during Winter Session

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While the Lok Sabha where the BJP enjoys a good majority worked worked for 115 hours the Rajya Sabha lost 55 hours due to interruptions by the Opposition.

The continuos disruptions happening in the Rajya Sabha where the government is in a numerical minority has led to the house losing Rs. 9.9 crore, reports NDTV. The report says that the cost of running the house is Rs 29,000 per minute. The productivity of the Upper House is far lower as compared to that of Lok Sabha.While the Lok Sabha where the BJP enjoys a good majority worked for 115 hours the Rajya Sabha lost 55 hours due to interruptions by the Opposition. Lok Sabha passed 14 bills and registered 104% productivity, Rajya Sabha passed nine bills with just 46% productivity. The Goods and Services Tax bill is still pending in Rajya Sabha.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The Lower House spent 50 hours on non-legislative business and 33 hours on legislation whereas the Upper House spent 37 hours on non-legislative work and less than 10 hours on legislation. 65 per cent of its time was spent on non-legislative business.In the Question Hour, the Lok Sabha got 87% productivity, clocking nearly 15 hours while the Rajya Sabha clocked in 14% productive time at just 2.4 hours.Regarding the Juvenile Justice Bill, the Rajya Sabha functioned non-stop for five hours on December 22 to pass the bill which was passed by the Lok Sabha in May.

One of three missing Mumbai youths suspected to have joined ISIS traced near Pune

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Wajid was last night traced near Pune, the ATS official said.

One of the three missing youths from Mumbai suspected to have joined terror outfit Islamic State (IS) has been traced near Pune and let-off after interrogation, an ATS official said on Wednesday. Three missing youths – Wajid Shaikh (25), Mohsin Sayyed (26) and Ayaz Sultan (23) — all from the Malvani area in western suburb of Mumbai — had left home and were suspected to have joined the IS. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) as well as local police were trying to locate their whereabouts after their parents lodged missing complaints with the Malvani Police. <!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Wajid was last night traced near Pune, the ATS official said. “Wajid Sheikh was in some part of south India, we followed him and tracked him near Pune,” he said. The youth was brought to Mumbai and allowed to go home this morning after being quizzed, he said, adding that the whereabouts of two other youths were not yet known.Sultan went missing on October 30 and Wajid and Mohsin since December 16, a police official had earlier said. According to police, Sultan left home on October 30 after telling his parents that he had to go to Pune in connection with a job offer he got from a Kuwait-based firm. Mohsin left home on December 16, saying he was going to attend a friend’s wedding. Wajid also left home the same day saying he had to get the name on his Aadhar card corrected, police had earlier said.

Don’t allow EDM fests in Goa till organisers pay tax dues: NCP

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“The state government should have recovered the money because we are a cash-starved state,” D’Mello said.

The Goa unit of NCP on Wednesday demanded that the government should not allow two electronic dance music (EDM) festivals to take place in the state till the organisers pay “tax dues” pending for the last two years. “The EDM festivals should not be allowed to take place this year by the state government as organisers of both the festival are yet to pay the tax money for last two events,” NCP Goa spokesperson Trojano D’Mello told reporters here. Two EDM festivals — Sunburn Goa and Supersonic — are scheduled to be held in the coastal state from December 27 to 30. “How can the government allow the organisers to stay without paying taxes for last two events? This is money of tax payers. The state government should have recovered the money because we are a cash-starved state,” D’Mello said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>”Both the event organisers together owe Rs 3 crore to the government,” he claimed. “There’s a state police report which says you cannot have both the festivals on the same day due to traffic and law order issues. But the government-appointed committee has given a go ahead for the festivals,” he said. Meanwhile, Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said that the state government is determined to recover tax money from EDM organisers. “The tax would be assessed by authorities and it would be collected. We are not lacking at any recovery,” he said. Parulekar said it would be wrong to blame the government for non-recovery of the taxes. “We are following proper procedure,” he added. Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director, Percept which hosts Sunburn Goa, said they are following process of law. “We are following process of law… We are law-abiding citizens and we are going by rules and regulations,” he said.

Babbar Khalsa International terrorist nabbed in Portugal

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Paramjeet Singh, alias Pamma, against whom a red corner notice was issued, was arrested from a hotel where he was staying with his wife and four children aged between seven and 11

Portuguese lawyer of Indian allegedly conspirator Paramjeet Singh Pamma, Manuel Luis Ferreira speaks to journalists outside the Evora city appeal court where Pamma was judged on December 21, 2015. Paramjeet Singh Pamma was arrested on December 18, 2015 in Algarve, Southern Portugal, under an InterPol warrant for conspiracy in the 2010 bombings in Patalia and Ambala

AFP
A Babbar Khalsa International terrorist, who is wanted for murder and bombing in Punjab, has been arrested in the southern Portugal town of Evora.Paramjeet Singh, alias Pamma, against whom a red corner notice was issued, was arrested from a hotel where he was staying with his wife and four children aged between seven and 11, sources said. India is likely to send an extradition request to Portugal soon as a court in Evora is awaiting for a formal request from New Delhi.Singh is a leader of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and wanted for conspiracy in two 2010 bomb attacks in Punjab and the 2009 killing of Rulda Singh, leader of a Hindu group, officials said.Paramjeet Singh lived in Britain, where he obtained political asylum in 2004.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Sources said several Sikh groups based in Canada and UK have been trying prevent Singh’s extradition to India. At least 6,000 Euros was collected in France and 20,000 pounds was collected in UK, apparently to fight Singh’s case to prevent him extradited to India, sources said.

Union Cabinet approves India’s INDC document at COP21

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INDCs were voluntary pledges that countries made to cut carbon pollution at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris from November 30 to December 12.

Days after India submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) before COP21, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its ex post-facto approval to the document.INDCs were voluntary pledges that countries made to cut carbon pollution at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris from November 30 to December 12.In its INDC submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India had announced that it aims at achieving around 40 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –> India in its INDC also pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.

Jitan Ram Manjhi’s kin arrested in murder case

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Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya, Garima Malik told reporters here Manjhi’s grandson Vikki Manjhi and his father Yogendra Manjhi were arrested and charged with the murder of Vikki’s 25-year-old wife Soni Devi on Saturday last.
File picture
PTI
In an embarrassment to the former chief minister and HAM (secular) president Jitan Ram Manjhi, his son-in-law and grandson were arrested in Gaya on Tuesday in connection with the alleged murder of his granddaughter-in-law.Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya, Garima Malik told reporters here Manjhi’s grandson Vikki Manjhi and his father Yogendra Manjhi were arrested and charged with the murder of Vikki’s 25-year-old wife Soni Devi on Saturday last. Vikki’s mother Sunaina Devi, who is the eldest daughter of Jitan Ram Manjhi and a ward member of Gaya Municipal Corporation, was allowed to go home following interrogation at a police station although the investigation in her role will continue, she said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Soni Devi was allegedly murdered at her husband’s home in Gaya town on the intervening night of December 19-20 and she was cremated by her kin at Vishnupad ghat the next morning, Malik said.Her father Ramdev Manjhi, a native of Sugaon village under Makhdumpur police station area in neighbouring Jehanabad district, had lodged an FIR charging his son-in-law and other family members with murdering his daughter and destruction of evidence.

Juvenile Justice Bill passed in Rajya Sabha; Nirbhaya’s parents welcome the Bill

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The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, which provides for lowering the age for trial from 18 years, was passed by Rajya Sabha with a voice vote after a walkout by Left parties which wanted it to be sent to a Select Committee.

Parents of the December 16 gangrape victim welcomed the passage of the long-pending Juvenile Justice Bill.
File Photo
PTI
Juveniles aged 16 years and above will now be tried under laws for adults for heinous crimes as Parliament on Tuesday passed a much-expected bill in this regard against the backdrop of a juvenile convict being released in the gangrape-cum-murder case of December 2012.The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, which provides for lowering the age for trial from 18 years, was passed by Rajya Sabha with a voice vote after a walkout by Left parties which wanted it to be sent to a Select Committee. The bill was passed by Lok Sabha earlier.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Replying to the debate on the bill, Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi said the legislation was a “nuanced” one and was much needed to act as a “deterrent”. She said the incidents of heinous crimes by juveniles of the age of 16 years and above were on the rise and cited statistics to support her contention.Allaying concerns expressed by members about the implications of the proposed legislation, Gandhi said it was “not against children but rather provides for, protects, nurtures and keeps them safe.” While CPI(M) members led by Sitaram Yechury staged a walkout demanding that the Bill be sent to a Select Committee, most of the other parties including Congress welcomed the passing of the legislation.The bill was taken up against the backdrop of uproar over release of juvenile convict in the heinous gangrape-cum-murder of a 23-year-old girl on December 16, 2012. Parents of the victim have said that the convict could escape after spending three years in a correction home only because the law is weak.Parents of the December 16 gangrape victim today welcomed the passage of the long-pending Juvenile Justice Bill saying that it will deter juveniles from committing such crime against women even though they rued that their daughter has been denied justice.”Although we are satisfied that the amendments have been passed as these will help victims of heinous crime get justice, there is grief that our daughter Jyoti was denied justice. The juvenile convict who was the most brutal was set free despite our repeated pleas and demands,” said the mother Asha Devi outside Parliament.”This was a good thing that happened. Our efforts at least produced some results. By releasing the juvenile convict in this case, authorities had given out a wrong message but the new law will deter juveniles from committing heinous crimes against women,” said the father, Badri Singh Pandey.The parents watched the proceedings from the visitor’s gallery in Rajya Sabha throughout the day as lawmakers debated the bill.

ULFA gen secy Anup Chetia granted bail in TADA cases

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The Additional sessions judge granted Chetia bail on a personal bond of Rs one lakh and two sureties from two individuals.
File Photo
PTI
ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia, extradited from Bangladesh last month, was granted bail on Tuesday by a local court on a personal bond of Rs one lakh. Chetia’s counsel Bijon Mahajan told journalists that the Assam government had given a “no objection” certificate in writing in the event of Chetia getting released on bail.The Additional sessions judge granted Chetia bail on a personal bond of Rs one lakh and two sureties from two individuals, Mahajan said. Chetia was arrested in connection with four cases. While he has been granted bail in two cases, one more will come up for hearing on Wednesday.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>On December 17 the Designated Court here had allowed Chetia, now incarcerated in the Guwahati Central Jail, to go on bail in two TADA cases for facilitating his trial and participation in the ongoing peace process, he said.Chetia was handed over to India by Bangladesh where he was in jail since 1997 on charges of cross-border intrusion, carrying fake passports and illegally keeping foreign currencies.

Delhi CM Kejriwal faces court case for using ‘defamatory’ words against PM Modi

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The complainant, an advocate, has sought Kejriwal’s prosecution under sections 124A (sedition) and 500 (defamation) of the IPC. The plea was filed at Tis Hazari Courts and it would come up for hearing on January 4, 2016.
File Photo
dna Research & Archives
A private criminal complaint has been filed against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a Delhi for using “defamatory” words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the recent CBI raid at the office of his Principal Secretary.The complainant, an advocate, has sought Kejriwal’s prosecution under sections 124A (sedition) and 500 (defamation) of the IPC. The plea was filed at Tis Hazari Courts and it would come up for hearing on January 4, 2016.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Advocate Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi has in his complaint alleged that when CBI raided the Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar’s Delhi Secretariat office on December 15, Kejriwal made offensive remarks on his Twitter account against Modi.”Being fully aware of the autonomy and independence of the CBI, the accused (Kejriwal) owing to his personal interest and political enmity, made some offended remarks on his Twitter account towards the Prime Minister of this country, just because of the said raid by the CBI,” the complaint said.”On December 15, the accused posted the remarks on his Twitter account which reads as, ‘Modi is a coward and a psychopath’. The remarks were made against the democratically elected Prime Minister of the largest democracy of the world,” it said.The complainant alleged that Kejriwal had “intentionally” used such defamatory words with a view to spreading a sense of “hatred and contempt” towards the Prime Minister. Dwivedi said he was aggrieved by the alleged defamatory and seditious remarks of Kejriwal.

Juvenile Justice Bill shouldn’t be passed, says Ram Jethmalani

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“I don’t know if it will be passed, but according to me it shouldn’t be passed,” Jaithmalani told reporters.

Former law minister Ram Jethmalani

File Photo
Former law minister Ram Jethmalani, on Tuesday, said that there is no need to amend the Juvenile Justice Bill, adding that it was totally ‘unnecessary’ to change it just because of one incident.”I don’t know if it will be passed, but according to me it shouldn’t be passed,” Jaithmalani told reporters.”The Juvenile Justice Bill is completely fine and there is no need to amend it just because of one incident. It is totally unnecessary,” he added.The BJP had earlier assured disappointed Nirbhaya’s parents that the Juvenile Justice Bill would be passed in the Parliament, on Tuesday.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien said the Bill should be passed in the Parliament without any further delay after having a healthy discussion.The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on also stuck to their guns in opposing the Juvenile Justice Bill, saying ‘lowering the age of juveniles is not in the interest of justice’.With the Supreme Court is showing its inability to prohibit the release of the juvenile in the Nirbhaya gangrape case in the absence of laws, telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said, on Monday, the ruling dispensation at the Centre is keen to pass the Juvenile Justice Bill and was also ready to bring supplementary agenda on it in the Parliament.The apex court had dismissed the petition of Delhi Commission of Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal against the release of the juvenile offender in the December 16 gang rape case, saying ‘there has to be a clear legislative sanction’ in this regard.Rejecting the DCW’s petition, the apex court earlier said that under existing law detention cannot go beyond three years.

Mumbai double murder: Chintan Upadhyay sent to police custody till January 1

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The rest of the accused have been sent to police custody till December 28.

Hema Upadhyay

Artist Chintan Upadhyay who was produced in a local court after being arrested late on Monday night, has been sent to police custody till January 1, while the rest of the accused have been sent to police custody till December 28.Chintan, was a suspect in the murder case of his estranged wife Hema Upadhyay and her lawyer Harish Bhambani and was detained last night after fresh evidence in the case surfaced, the police said. Additional CP (North) Fatesingh Patil had said that Chintan was arrested after the police found inconsistency in his statements. <!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Besides Chintan, the police have arrested four persons in the case — Azad Rajbhar, Pradeep Rajbhar, Vijay Rajbhar and Shivkumar Rajbhar alias Sadhu and have booked them for murder and causing disappearance of evidence.Except Sadhu, who was nabbed from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, the remaining three — who are in the business of manufacturing and selling fibre glass used by Hema and Chintan for their installations — were picked up from Kandivali.The bodies of noted installation artist Hema (43) and Harish (65) wrapped in plastic and packed in separate cardboard boxes were found dumped in a drain in suburban Kandivali on December 12.Hema, a Baroda-born installation artist, was locked in bitter divorce proceedings with Chintan. She had in 2013 filed a case against him alleging that he painted obscene pictures of women on the walls of their matrimonial home in Mumbai to harass her. Harish had represented Hema in this case.

India artist arrested over wife murder

Indian artist Chintan Upadhyay is arrested in connection with the murder of his estranged wife Hema and her lawyer Harish Bhambani.

Proposed Bill to lower culpability age violates international treaties: Experts

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Currently, under the Indian law, juveniles cannot be tried as per adult laws, and the minimum age under which a juvenile can be charged for an offence under the Indian Penal Code is seven years.

As the debate to pass the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) of Children Bill, 2000, hots up in Parliament, with the Bill most likely to come up for discussion on Tuesday, several voices have come up against the Bill’s passing. Many experts argue that it needs an afterthought as it violates several international treaties.Currently, under the Indian law, juveniles cannot be tried as per adult laws, and the minimum age under which a juvenile can be charged for an offence under the Indian Penal Code is seven years. The juvenile offender, as per present law, can’t be sent to jail. If the Bill is passed, juveniles involved in cheating, theft, etc, will serve anywhere between three and seven years in prison. And for heinous crimes (murder, rape and robbery), punishments will be the same as for adults — life imprisonment with a possibility of release. There will be, however, no death penalty for juvenile offenders.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>In the United States, those aged under 13 committing assault, murder, robbery, aggravated sexual abuse and drug abuse are punishable like adults, with the exception of life imprisonment and death penalty. In England, the juvenile culpability starts at 17, with those involved in murder, rape and causing explosions endangering life or property facing the same punishment as adults, without life imprisonment or death penalty.In Germany, however, children above 14 who commit sexual abuse, child abuse leading to death, and abuse of the disabled are punishable for up to 10 years. In France, children above 16 who commit murder, armed robbery, serious drug offences and rape are punishable on case by case basis with the maximum punishment being life imprisonment. In Australia, Pakistan, Syria and Thailand among others, the minimum age of criminal culpability is seven. While in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, the age is 18.The Justice Verma Committee, formed in the aftermath of the December 16 gang rape, recommended that the age of juvenile culpability should not be lowered to 16.Article 37 (A) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that no child aged under 18 should be subjected to capital punishment or life imprisonment without the possibility of release. India became a signatory to it and ratified it in 1992. The Bill also violates Article 14 (right to equality) and Article 21 (requiring that laws and procedures are fair and reasonable) of the Indian Constitution.The Bill has also been criticised because of the number of rapes committed by juveniles formed 3.1% of all rapes, and the number of murders constituted 1.2% of all murders.

Death sentences for India rape-murder

A court in India sentence seven men to death for the brutal rape and murder of a Nepalese woman in February.

Nirbhaya’s parents meet Ghulam Nabi Azad, seek passage of Juvenile Justice Bill in Rajya Sabha

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On a day the Supreme Court rejected a plea against the release of juvenile offender in the December 16 gangrape case, the government said the amendments to Juvenile Justice Act that will allow children between 16-18 years to be tried as adults in heinous crime cases will come up before Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Nirbhaya’s parents participated in a candlelight march at Jantar Mantar in the national capital along with hundreds of youths and activists.

PTI
Parents of the December 16 gangrape victim on Monday met Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, seeking the passage of the Juvenile Justice Bill which will allow children between 16-18 years to be tried as adults in heinous crime cases.”We have been assured that the bill will be passed tomorrow and we believe that. Now, it is not the right time to talk about him (the juvenile convict of the gangrape case) as he is a free man and there is no law to hold him back. Our fight is not only for us but for all women and girls,” the victim’s father Badri Singh Pandey told reporters after meeting the Congress leader at the latter’s residence.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>On a day the Supreme Court rejected a plea against the release of juvenile offender in the December 16 gangrape case, the government said the amendments to Juvenile Justice Act that will allow children between 16-18 years to be tried as adults in heinous crime cases will come up before Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.However, Congress had earlier in the day termed this move as “brazen mischief” by the government, alleging it was to “defame the opposition” and divert attention from DDCA issue.”Let them not do this mischief. This is a total brazen mischief on the part of the government… This is only to divert the attention of the opposition from raising other issues, about DDCA,” Azad said, adding that the Congress will support the Juvenile Justice Bill in the Upper House.Before meeting Azad, Nirbhaya’s parents participated in a candlelight march at Jantar Mantar in the national capital along with hundreds of youths and activists. Amid protests, the juvenile convict in the case was sent to an NGO in Delhi yesterday.The victim’s mother Asha Devi said notwithstanding the release of the juvenile convict yesterday, she and her husband will continue their fight to ensure death penalty for the rest of the convicts who are currently lodged in Tihar jail.

Gujarat HC notices to Gujarat govt and police on Hardik Patel’s bail plea

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Hardik is at present behind the bars in two separate sedition cases.
File Photo
PTI
The Gujarat High Court on Monday issued notices to the state government and police on Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel’s bail plea in a sedition case filed against him by the city crime branch.Justice A J Desai issued the notices and kept the next hearing on January 6.Hardik is at present behind the bars in two separate sedition cases. This particular bail plea was in reference to the second sedition case filed against him and five others by the city crime branch, in which they were charged with inciting people to resort to violence during the quota agitation.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The bail plea says that the sedition charge against Hardik are politically motivated. It also mentions that charging Hardik and others Patel quota agitation leaders with sedition was an attempt by the state government to suppress a legitimate agitation for reservation.Today when the court proceedings begun, the high court faced a dilemma as two bail applications were filed in the same sedition case. While one application was filed by his old lawyer B M Mangukia, the other one was filed by lawyer Rafiq Lokhandwala and Zubin Bharda. However, Hardik’s family members said they have appointed new lawyers, after which Mangukia withdrew the plea filed by him.The crime branch had charged Hardik and five of his key aides under Indian Penal Code sections 121 (waging war against government), 124 (sedition), 153-A (promoting enmity between different communities) and 153-B (assertions prejudicial to national integrity). However, the high court had recently removed section 121, 153-A and 153-B from the FIR, while sedition charge was upheld.Hardik’s bail plea has been rejected by Additional Sessions Judge N G Dave earlier. Hardik has also filed an application in the high court seeking bail in the first sedition case filed against him in Surat. The sessions court in Surat had also rejected his bail plea on December 10.Surat police booked him under sedition charge for allegedly inciting a fellow activist to kill policemen instead of committing suicide.

Lakhanbhaiya fake encounter: Bombay HC stays Govt’s decision to suspend conviction of 11 cops for 6 months

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Lakhanbhaiya was shot dead allegedly by the policemen in suburban Versova. The 11 policemen were released from jail on December 3.
File Photo
dna Research & Archives
In a blow to the 11 policemen whose life sentence was suspended for a period of six months by Maharashtra government, the Bombay High Court on Monday granted an interim stay on the suspension order and directed them to surrender by January 4.The state government had last month passed an order by which it suspended for six months the life sentence imposed on 11 policemen convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the fake encounter of alleged Chhota Rajan gang member Ramnarayan Gupta alias Lakhanbhaiya in November 2006.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Lakhanbhaiya was shot dead allegedly by the policemen in suburban Versova. The 11 policemen were released from jail on December 3. Lakhanbhaiya’s brother Ramprasad Gupta, a practising advocate, approached the high court challenging the government’s decision and terming it as “illegal, null, void, bad in law, perverse, unreasonable, arbitrary, cryptic, vague and liable to be quashed and set aside.”A division bench of justices R V More and V L Achiliya on Monday heard the petitioner’s advocate Yug Choudhary, the policemen’s counsel Girish Godbole and prosecutor Usha Kejriwal at length.”The government cannot take such decision of suspension in a case where a public servant has been convicted on a charge punishable with death. Such a suspension amounts to release of a convict from prison,” Justice More said.”There are hundreds of prisoners who are suffering from serious medical ailments. The government should consider their cases also for such suspension of sentence orders,” Justice Achiliya said.The court, while admitting the petition, granted stay on the suspension order and directed the policemen to surrender by January 4. The petition has been posted for further hearing on March 7. A sessions court had earlier convicted 21 people in the case, including the 11 policemen, and awarded them life imprisonment, while acquitting only encounter specialist Pradip Sharma in July 2013.

Juvenile convict released: We will continue our fight, say Nirbhaya’s parents

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Nirbhaya’s mother Asha Devi said notwithstanding the release of the juvenile convict on Sunday, she and her husband Badri Singh will continue their fight to ensure death penalty for rest of the four rapists who are currently lodged in Tihar jail.
File Photo
PTI
“We will take our battle for justice across India to awaken governments and law makers,” said a heartbroken Asha Devi, mother of the December 16 gangrape victim, after Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea against release of the juvenile convict in the case.Devi said notwithstanding the release of the juvenile convict on Sunday, she and her husband Badri Singh will continue their fight to ensure death penalty for rest of the four rapists who are currently lodged in Tihar jail.”Despite our repeated pleas and demands for not setting the juvenile free, he has been released. We are dejected, shattered. But we will not stop and continue our fight to ensure that the other four rapists are hanged. We met with disappointment at every door, we are heart broken, but not crushed,” Devi told PTI.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The Supreme Court rejected the plea by Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal against release of the juvenile offender. Devi said both she and Singh had felt that the plea would be rejected and that their sufferings were being used by others to hog the limelight.”Supreme Court’s verdict was what we had expected. How many more rapes, how many more murders will have to take place for the government to change laws? Nothing in India has changed since December 16, 2012. All promises and statements made by our leaders and ministers have turned out to be shallow. Our suffering gives them their moment in limelight,” she said.The parents of the victim along with hundreds of youths and activists gathered at Jantar Mantar for the third consecutive day demanding death penalty for the convicts of the gangrape case.

Nirbhaya case | Juveniles given certificate to rape: Victim’s mother on SC verdict

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Nirbhaya’s mother also insisted that she would not be demoralised by this decision but would continue her fight to make change in the Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill.

PTI
Disappointed with Supreme Court’s decision to reject the petition filed by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) against the release of the juvenile offender in the December 16 gang-rape case, Nirbhaya’s parents on Monday said that the women of this country will never get justice.”I knew that the petition would be dismissed as the Supreme Court had dismissed my petition in 2014 also. By releasing the juvenile convict, all the courts have given encouragement to this heinous crime and have given certificate to all the juveniles that there is no provision in the law which can punish them and therefore they can commit any crime such as rape etc,” Nirbhaya’s mother said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The courts are actually concerned about the convicts and not the victims. The women of this country have always been betrayed and this has happened once again also. Nobody is concerned about women safety and there would never be any change in the Indian laws and women will never get justice,” she added.She also insisted that she would not be demoralised by this decision but would continue her fight to make change in the Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill.Rejecting the DCW’s petition, the apex court earlier said that under existing law detention cannot go beyond three years.The parents of the victim protested in the national capital yesterday. Hundreds of sympathisers joined them at Rajpath near India Gate to show solidarity. The victim’s mother had said that she wanted justice for her daughter and said steps should have been taken long before to not set him free.Six persons, including the juvenile, had assaulted and raped Nirbhaya in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16, 2012.The victim succumbed to her injuries in a Singapore hospital. Four of the accused were awarded death penalty by the trial court which was later confirmed by the Delhi High Court. Their appeals are pending before the Supreme Court. Another accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail in 2013.

Nirbhaya case | Black day for women of country: Maliwal on Supreme Court plea dismissal

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“It is a black day for women in history of the country. I also believe that the Rajya Sabha has cheated the country by keeping the law pending which could have facilitated stronger punishment for juveniles in heinous crimes,” the chief of Delhi Commission for Women told reporters outside the Supreme Court.

DCW chief Swati Maliwal on Monday termed it a “black day” for women after the Supreme Court dismissed her last-minute plea against the release of juvenile convict in December 16 gangrape case and said the country has been “cheated” as a proposed law which could have allowed stronger punishment to him remains pending in Rajya Sabha.”It is a black day for women in history of the country. I also believe that the Rajya Sabha has cheated the country by keeping the law pending which could have facilitated stronger punishment for juveniles in heinous crimes,” the chief of Delhi Commission for Women told reporters outside the Supreme Court.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>She was referring to the bill to amend the Juvenile Justice Act which remains stuck in the Rajya Sabha. The proposed amendment bill seeks stringent punishment for children aged 16-18 years involved in heinous crimes.”The judges told me that they share our concerns but there is no provision to subvert the existing law. I think the time for candle marches is over and women should pick up mashaals (torches) instead to demand for justice,” Maliwal added.Hours before the juvenile was to be freed from an observation home on completion of his three year term at Majnu Ka Tila, Maliwal had moved the Supreme Court on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday in a last-ditch effort to try and stall the release.In its post midnight order, the Supreme Court had declined to stop the release of the juvenile offender and posted the matter before a vacation bench to be heard on Monday.Amid continued protest by the victim’s parents, the juvenile convict was yesterday released and sent to an NGO at an undisclosed destination with police no longer guarding him.The Supreme Court today dismissed Maliwal’s plea saying “there has to be a clear legislative sanction” in this regard.The vacation bench comprising justices A K Goel and U U Lalit’s bench also did not agree with the submission that the juvenile offender can be subjected to the reformation process for a further period of two years under the juvenile law.

BJP eyes ordinance to change poll dynamics in Assam

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Technically, the Centre can bring in an ordinance after the end of winter session of Parliament on December 23 as government cannot promulgate ordinances when Parliament is in session.

Tarun Gogoi

To steal show over Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government in Assam ahead of assembly elections due in April next year, BJP government is preparing to grant scheduled tribe status to six communities that right now are clubbed as Other Backward Castes (OBCs).Sources said that as the bill to grant status to these six communities – Tai Ahom, Moran, Muttock, Koch Rajbongshi, 97 groups of tea tribes and Adivasis and Sooteas – is still stuck at cabinet note stage and given the current status of Parliament logjam, the government may bring in an ordinance within next two months.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Technically, the Centre can bring in an ordinance after the end of winter session of Parliament on December 23 as government cannot promulgate ordinances when Parliament is in session.Sources said that PMO could either decide to take up change in rules for granting ST status in a cabinet meeting or directly approve an ordinance in which case, the Parliament will have to pass a constitutional amendment within six months from the issuance of the ordinance.The BJP knows that promulgation of an ordinance could drastically improve its chances in coming state assembly elections as it would pave the way for sealing a peace accord with the pro-talks faction of United LiberationFront of Asom (ULFA) led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa. Efforts are on an advance state to make ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia a part of it. A successful peace accord with ULFA can change the election dynamics for the BJP that is already breathing down the neck of Congress in Assam.Besides the six communities in question, a large number of native Assamese are keen to have the arrangement in place to as it would take care of the fear that stems from the influx of Bangladeshis.Granting ST status to these communities will bring more than 40 per cent population of Assam under the tribal status that in terms of assembly strength would bring as many as 80 out of 126 assembly seats under reserved tribal status.Gogoi government knows the impact the ordinance can have and is trying to assert its claim over it.In fact, the process to grant scheduled tribe status to these communities had begun during fag end of Congress led UPA-II rule, it could not pick up speed as it required inclusion of five norms to declare a community as scheduled tribe.These included socio-economic, including educational backwardness vis-à-vis rest of the population of the state; historical geographical location; consideration of autonomous religious practices where the priests or ojas are from the community; distinct language or dialect; presence of a core culture relating to life-style, marriage, songs, dances, paintings and folklore; and, endogamy or marital relationship primarily with other Scheduled Tribes. Upper handThe BJP knows that promulgation of an ordinance could drastically improve its chances in coming state assembly elections as it would pave the way for sealing a peace accord with the pro-talks faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa. Efforts are on an advance state to make ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia a part of it. A successful peace accord with ULFA can change the election dynamics for the BJP that is already breathing down the neck of Congress in Assam.

White fly attack: Swaraj Abhiyan to fight case legally for Punjab farmers

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Yadav said that in the past few months he had visited 10 states in India which were drought affected and which were struck with famine like conditions.

Yogendra Yadav

Swaraj Abhiyan has decided to fight the case of Punjab farmers whose crops were destroyed in white fly attack in courts, and claimed the government cannot shirk its responsibility in the supply of “spurious” pesticides to the cotton growers.Stating this here this evening, Swaraj Abhiyan leader and national convenor of Jai Kisan Andolan Yogendra Yadav and Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi said noted Supreme Court lawyer and Abhiyan’s national leader Prashant Bhushan will meet the affected farmers and hold a legal camp at Bathinda on December 27 in this regard. Jai Kisan Andolan is a Swaraj Abhiyan-led farmers movement. “Bhushan will fight this case like innumerable other such cases free of cost,” Yadav said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Yadav said that in the past few months he had visited 10 states in India which were drought affected and which were struck with famine like conditions. “Swaraj Abhiyan after a detailed survey of these states had submitted memorandums to chief ministers of these states demanding immediate steps for the distressed. However, in the wake of inaction by these states, Parshant Bhushan ji knocked on the doors of Supreme Court on behalf of these drought affected farmers… “Now he will fight a case on behalf of the cotton farmers of Punjab and demand damages for massive loss to cotton crops in the state,” Yadav told reporters here.Both the leaders held the alleged anti-farmer policies and widespread corruption in the government machinery responsible for the white fly induced destruction of cotton crop in the state this year. “This is not a natural disaster. This is not a matter in which the government can extend some small relief measures to the farmers. This is a matter where the government is criminally culpable. Therefore, we have decided to take the matter of farmers crop loss to the court, not demand relief and compensation, but the damages which the government owes.”For this purpose, we have called a public hearing of the affected farmers in Bathinda on December 27, which Prashant Bhushan will attend. Here farmers will be invited and requested to join this petition and to file their cases to be taken to the court demanding damages,” Yadav said. Yadav, who was expelled from AAP, along with Bhushan, alleged, “This is a case involving criminal culpability of those in power. Therefore, we also demand that Agriculture Minister Tota Singh must resign because his continuing in power will seriously affect the nature of investigation in this case.” “This was not a natural disaster but a result of fake and spurious pesticides sold by the connivance of unscrupulous government officials, politicians and corporates,” Yadav said.A few days ago, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held state-wide protests against the SAD-BJP regime, demanding resignation of Agriculture Minister Singh in connection with the pesticide scam. A top official of Punjab Agriculture Department had been arrested around two months ago for his alleged role in the supply of “spurious” pesticides to cotton growing farmers, whose crops was damaged in pest attack.The state government had also ordered a probe into the sale of “spurious” pesticides by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three Inspector Generals of Police under the direct supervision of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Crime.

Delhi gang rapist freed amid protests

The youngest convict in the notorious 2012 Delhi gang rape case is released, his lawyer says, amid protests from the victim’s parents.

Six Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Lankan navy

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On December 17, four Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested for fishing near Neduntheevu islet off Lanka.

Representational Image

dna Research & Archives
Six fishermen of Pudukottai district were arrested by Sri Lankan navy while they were fishing near the Lankan coast, authorities said on Sunday.Assistant director of the fisheries department, Sekar, said the fishermen of Jegathapattinam village were fishing at Neduntheevu last night when the Lankan navy arrested them.The fishermen along with their boat were later taken to Kangesanthurai, he added. On December 17, four Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested for fishing near Neduntheevu islet off Lanka.Chief Minister Jayalalithaa recently sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention in securing the release of 41 fishermen from the state detained in Sri Lanka, besides 56 boats.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>

Nirbhaya case: Everyone in India is against release of the convict, says DCW Chief Swati Maliwal

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Everybody has their hands tied, until the Juvenile Justice Act is amended.

DCW chief Swati Maliwal

dna Research & Archives
The Supreme Court has decided to hear the plea of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) against the release of the juvenile in the December 16 gang rape case on Monday, ruling out that there will be no stay on his release.DCW chief Swati Maliwal reached the Supreme Court, Saturday night, after DCW decided to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the apex court to stall the release of the convict.”I strongly feel that the Supreme Court has seen merit and that is why the Supreme Court was open at 2 o’ clock in the night. This petition of Delhi Commission of Women against release of the juvenile and rapist in Nirbhaya’s case has been accepted, and it has been listed as item number three on Monday. I am hopeful because the kind of matter we have, the Supreme Court will take cognizance and will rule in our favour,” said Maliwal.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>”I think the case is subjudiced now, so I don’t think this man can now walk free on Sunday. We will be bringing this particular issue that this case is now subjudiced to the notice of all the authorities concerned, including the Juvenile Justice Board. There will be a proper discussion and debate in the Supreme Court and then take a decision on this account,” she added.She urged President Pranab Mukherjee, Chief Justice of India TS Thakur and the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to intervene in the matter.”I also met Vice-President Hamid Ansari ji and I realized that everybody is finding their hands absolutely tight and until I go into a SLP in the Supreme Court, nothing will happen,” she said.Maliwal further said that each and every person is against the release of the convict, however, everyone is feeling tied down by the Juvenile Justice Act.”The Act is there for the protection of children and it is an important piece of legislation. But it needs to be amended a little, for which we are trying,” she added.The convict, who is now 20 years old and was known to be the most brutal of the attackers, has been taken to an undisclosed location from a correction home in North Delhi amid concerns that there was a threat to his life.Earlier, the parents of the gang rape victim, along students and activists were detained by the police as they staged a protest against the release of the juvenile convict. The police action was condemned by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.In December 2012, the teenager was part of the six member gang that lured a 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist and her male friend onto a bus, where the girl was gruesomely raped and her companion brutally beaten. The girl subsequently succumbed to her injuries 13 days later in Singapore.The incident caused nationwide outrage and led to widespread outpouring of anger against the rapists, including the teenager.

Mother of Sikh student in US asks bomb threat charges be dropped

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Kaur said the family didn’t learn of Armaan’s arrest until hours after it happened.

Armaan Singh, left, the 12 year old boy arrested by police in Arlington for allegedly making a bomb threat

Image Source: Facebook
The mother of a Sikh middle school student accused of threatening to detonate a bomb at his Texas school is asking police to drop charges, saying that her son never made such a threat. Armaan Singh, 12, was arrested on December 11 after police said he admitted to making the threat while they were questioning him without his parents present. He spent three days in juvenile detention before being released and placed under house arrest with ankle monitor. He also was suspended from school. His mother, Gurdeep Kaur, said a classmate asked whether a battery in Armaan’s backpack was a bomb, and that he said it wasn’t, but the classmate told the teacher he said it was. There was no bomb in the backpack.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –> Kaur said the family didn’t learn of Armaan’s arrest until hours after it happened. She told The Associated Press that she panicked when he didn’t come home from school, and after searching the apartment complex, they went to the school to look for him. She said they called the principal, who told them Armaan had been taken into custody. “She told them that he was with the police but she didn’t know which facility,” said Arlington schools spokeswoman Leslie Johnston. Kaur said the family finally learned Armaan was in the detention center four hours after his arrest when they called police. She said when they arrived at the detention center late on Friday, Armaan, who has had three open-heart surgeries, asked to be taken home. But she said there was no judge available to arrange his probation. Police have rejected allegations that the boy’s Sikh religion played a part in his arrest. Sikhism, a monotheistic faith, was founded more than 500 years ago in Southeast Asia and has roughly 27 million followers worldwide, most of them in India. Even though Sikhs aren’t Muslim, reports of Sikhs being harassed have increased with the recent rise in anti-Islamic sentiment. Even though all four of her children were born in the US, Kaur said she wonders if Armaan’s background factored into his arrest. “I know they’re taking it very seriously, but is this thing what they do with a 12-year-old because his parents are not from here? My husband and I are from India,” Kaur said.

PM Modi greets Goans on occasion of State Liberation Day

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Goa was liberated from 450-year-long Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961 after Indian Army marched in the region.

Narendra Modi

PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted people of Goa on the occasion of the state Liberation Day. “Greetings to the people of Goa on Goa Liberation Day. We salute the courage & bravery of those who were a part of the movement to free Goa,” the Prime Minister tweeted. Goa was liberated from 450-year-long Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961 after Indian Army marched in the region. The day is celebrated as State Liberation Day annually. There were various functions held across the state with the state-level event being organised at the Campal ground where Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was the Chief Guest. <!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>

December 16 gangrape case: Juvenile convict’s village divided over his release

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Residents of the convict’s native village in Badaun district maintained that the youth, who did such a heinous crime, had no place in the village.
File Photo
dna Research & Archives
Even as the juvenile convict in December 16 gangrape case is set to walk free on Sunday after serving three years in a correction home, some residents of his native village here are not happy with the prospect of his return. The youth, now 20-years-old, was convicted of brutally assaulting and raping a 23-year-old medical student in a moving bus in Delhi on December 16, 2012, along with five others. The girl succumbed to her injuries in a Singapore hospital on December 29, 2012.Residents of the convict’s native village in Badaun district maintained that the youth, who did such a heinous crime, had no place in the village. A senior resident Phoolchandra said that the incident has brought much infamy to the village and the country in the eyes of the world. He claimed that after the infamous episode, the village youth studying outside were also looked at contemptuously and are usually denied employment. As a result of which, employment is increasing in the village, he said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>In a stark contrast, the poverty-struck family members of the youth are eagerly waiting for his return. The family members said that the youth should be given a chance to repent and start a new life after returning to the village.The convict’s mother said that though no family member would go to Delhi to receive him, it was her wish that he returned to the village and helped the family living in abject poverty. She said that her husband was mentally challenged and her two daughters worked as labourers to support the family, therefore she needed her son to come back.Haji Tauseef Raza and few other village residents also seconded her opinion. They said that the youth, having served his sentence, had learnt a big lesson and should be allowed to start afresh. Raza said people of the village would fully support him.The Delhi High Court had on Friday refused to stay the release of the convict, stating he could not be stopped from walking free under the existing provisions of law. Meanwhile, the youth’s release was widely criticised by the parents of the victim and various other bodies, saying he must be kept in observation home until his reformation was ascertained.

December 16 gangrape case: Juvenile convict moved to undisclosed location ahead of his release tomorrow

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Brushing aside the public outcry against his release, High court on Friday had said BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s plea seeking stay on the release of juvenile convict cannot be allowed as the statutory and existing law was coming in its way.

The juvenile convict in Nirbhaya rape case is set to be released tomorrow.
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dna Research & Archives
The juvenile convict in the December 16 gangrape case was shifted from remand home to an undisclosed location on Saturday. The juvenile is scheduled to be released on Sunday as he has completed his 3 years jail term. The convict, who is now 20 years old, has been sent to an undisclosed location amid concerns that there was threat to his life, and several agencies are keeping an eye on the matter, said a highly-placed source.Brushing aside the public outcry against his release, Delhi High court on Friday had said BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s plea seeking stay on the release of juvenile convict cannot be allowed as the statutory and existing law was coming in its way. <!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>On Saturday, the victim’s parents with several other activists was seen protesting outside the remand home. “Having regard to the fact that the maximum stay that can be directed in the Special Home under Section 15(1) of the Act is three years and that the respondent No.1 (convict) would be completing the period of three years by December 20, 2015, there cannot be any direction to continue his stay in the Special Home beyond December 20, 2015. Hence, we decline to issue any direction as prayed by the petitioner,” a bench headed by Chief Justice G Rohini said.”Crime has won and we have lost (jurm jeet gaya, hum haar gaye). Although we haven’t seen him, nor met him, but despite all our efforts, a criminal will walk free,” said a dejected Asha Devi, mother of the victim on Friday.The mother, who waited for the order alongwith her husband Badri Singh Pandey, in the court, said, “Despite all our efforts for three years, our government and our courts have released a criminal.”The assurance we were given was that we will get justice but that has not been delivered. We are very disappointed,” she had said about the order of the Bench which also directed the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to interact with the convict, his parents and concerned officials of Department of Women and Child Development regarding his “rehabilitation and social mainstreaming”.Delhi government has said it had submitted a rehabilitation plan for the juvenile convict in December 16 gangrape case.The government said that as per the plan, a one-time financial grant of Rs 10,000 will be given to the youth and a sewing machine will be arranged for him so that he can rent a tailor shop.The convict, who is now 21, is to release on December 20 after his three years stay in the observation home as part of the sentence for the offence of rape.

Shiv Sena blasts Devendra Fadnavis for ‘backing’ Advocate General on separate Vidarbha

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AG had said on December 5 at Nagpur that the Centre should hold a referendum for separate state of Vidarbha.

Devendra Fadnavis

Coming down heavily on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for allegedly supporting Advocate General of Maharashtra, Shrihari Aney over his controversial statement on a separate Vidarbha state, Shiv Sena on Friday said “this is because of faulty blood”.”Fadnavis and other BJP ministers have firmly supported Aney. This is not surprising. It is a case of faulty blood. What else to expect from those who don’t have the blood of ‘United Maharashtra’ flowing through their veins,” an editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana said. “How can Fadnavis say that what Aney said is his personal opinion ? If a minister eats dung, can the CM say it is his personal view ?” the Sena said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>There is united Maharashtra today because of the sacrifice of 105 martyrs. The posts of CM and Assembly Speaker exist because there is Maharashtra, it said. “Shiv Sena won’t change its stance on the (Vidarbha) issue,” it added. “People like Aney should remember that those like Prashant Bhushan who spoke of plebiscite in Kashmir were beaten up in their office,” the editorial said.Maharashtra State Assembly speaker, Haribhau Bagde, had recently rejected the Shiv Sena’s notice on privilege motion against Aney. The Sena had demanded his removal from the constitutional post for his statement on creating a separate state of Vidarbha.Aney had said on December 5 at Nagpur that the Centre should hold a referendum for separate state of Vidarbha. He had also said the 105 persons martyred in January 1960 had not given up their lives for keeping Vidarbha in Maharashtra but only to ensure that Mumbai remained in Maharashtra. PTI VT DK

Nirbhaya case: Juvenile convict trained as tailor, to be paid Rs 10,000 for setting up profession

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The convict is set to walk free on Saturday despite opposition by the prosecution and the victim’s parents.

Protests against Delhi gangrape

The juvenile convict in the December 16 Delhi gangrape case has been trained as a tailor, and could get a sum of Rs 10,000 to work as one after he is released.The convict would require space for opening a tailoring shop on a rental basis, a sewing machine and other equipment such as scissors, measuring tape and cutting table. A one-time grant of Rs 10,000 from the Delhi government is being considered for the purpose.The convict is set to walk free on Saturday despite opposition by the prosecution and the victim’s parents.Related Read: Nirbhaya case: Delhi High Court refuses to stay release of juvenile convict, to be released<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>According to a Hindustan Times report, a management committee headed by the district child protection officer, set up as per the Juvenile Justice Rules, had prepared a ‘post release plan’’with respect to the juvenile convict that was submitted to the Delhi HC.As per the plan, the management committee had recommended that, “the juvenile should lead a new life with a new identity provided by the appropriate government as applicable in his case if permissible to avoid any backlash or violent reaction”.The juvenile is now an adult aged 21 and has been counselled by experts from the Mental Health Unit, said the report quoting the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).It is not clear whether he will be handed over to his parents or close relative in a private arrangement.As per JJB rules, management committees are formed before the release of juvenile convicts to chart out plans for their rehabilitation and mainstreaming.

Nirbhaya rape accused to walk free tomorrow

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The victims’ parents, who were present in the court, were crushed and heartbroken upon hearing the order. Visibly moved with tears in eyes, Asha Devi, the mother vowed to carry on the fight for justice.

Nirbhaya’s mother Asha expresses her disappointment after the Delhi High Court refusal to stay release of the juvenile convict on Friday.

PTI
The juvenile convict in the Nirbhaya gangrape case will walk free on Sunday. The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to extend his stay in the observation home saying the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2000 has stipulated the maximum period of three years. “Having regard to the fact that the maximum stay that can be directed in the Special Home under Section 15(1) of the Act is three years and that the respondent No.1 (convict) would be completing the period of three years by December 20, 2015, there cannot be any direction to continue his stay in the Special Home beyond December 20, 2015. Hence, we decline to issue any direction as prayed by the petitioner,” a bench headed by Chief Justice G Rohini said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –> The victims’ parents, who were present in the court, were crushed and heartbroken upon hearing the order. Visibly moved with tears in eyes, Asha Devi, the mother vowed to carry on the fight for justice. BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy, the petitioner in the case, was seen consoling the parents in the courtroom, assuring them that he has not given up. “This fight is not just for your daughter alone, it is now for the nation,” Swamy said. Two days ago, the victims’ parents had staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar here protesting against the release of the juvenile. At that time, the mother had said she would continue her fighting till the very last moment. In its order, the high court also directed the Juvenile Justice Board to take a final decision on his rehabilitation and the management committee of the Delhi government would keep a watch on him for two years as per the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Rules. The convict, who is now 21, is to release on December 20 after his three years stay in the observation home as part of the sentence for the offence of rape. The bench directed Juvenile Justice Board (JJB-II) shall interact with the juvenile his parents/guardians as well as the officials concerned of the department of women and child development, Delhi government regarding the “post-release rehabilitation and social mainstreaming” of the juvenile and pass appropriate orders in accordance with the provisions of the JJB Act and Rules. It referred to the Rules 55 which makes it mandatory for the Management Committee to consider and review periodically post-release or post restoration follow up. Rule 65 also provides for a detailed procedure of restoration of the juvenile back to the family and the follow-up action by the Juvenile Justice Board. The bench also recorded the Rule which restrains the JJ Board from sending the juvenile to his family in case he is reluctant to go home. According to the Rule, a quarterly follow-up report to the JJB by the concerned Child Welfare Officer or Probation Officer or the non-governmental organization for a period of two years. The bench, however, never closed the petition saying the issue raised by the petitioner is “of public importance” which needs deeper consideration. The court has to ascertain the factum of reformation of the juveniles in conflict with law before they are released from the Special Home on expiry of the period of stay ordered by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). The court sought response from the Centre and Delhi government to file response on the issue within eight weeks, while posting the matter for March 28, 2016. The court’s order came on Swamy’s plea against the release of the “unreformed” juvenile convict. He cited the Intelligence Bureau (IB) report about him having been radicalised after being shifted with a juvenile apprehended in connection with the Delhi High Court blast case. The Centre had told the court that juvenile’s stay in an observation home should be extended till all aspects including mental health and post-release rehabilitation plans are considered by the authorities. The juvenile, who was under 18 when arrested for brutal rape and murder of a para-medical student on December 16, 2012, was tried under the Juvenile Justice Act. He was ordered to be kept in a remand home for three years.Swamy in his plea asked the court to pass order that “such unreformed juvenile not be released until it is demonstrably assured that he has reformed, ceased to be radicalised and is not a menace to the society”. Meanwhile, a trial court had awarded death penalty to four rapists which was upheld by the high court. Out of the six convicts, prime accused Ram Singh was found dead in Tihar Jail and the juvenile was sent to reform home.The appeals for four convicts are pending before the Supreme Court.

Aamir to star at festival in Mulayam’s sefa

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The festival will open with a recital by Mulayam Singh Yadav’s younger daughter-in-law, Aparna, an accomplished singer. Ghazal singer Penaz Masani and contestants from reality TV show ‘India’s Got Talent’ will perform on the second day.

Aamir Khan, Mika Singh and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will star at the ‘Sefai Mahotsav’, the annual jamboree held at chief minister Akhilesh Yadav’s native village in Etawah district, to be held from December 26 to January 11.AR Rahman had performed at a concert in Sefai on Mulayam Singh Yadav’s birthday on November 22. Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit had added Bollywood glamour to the Sefai festival last year. In earlier years, too, megastars from the celluloid world, including the Bachchans, have been part of the glitzy show in this remote but privileged village.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Though opposition parties have often slammed the ruling Yadav clan for the alleged “ugly display of power and money”, they have carried on regardless, contending that not a single penny of government funds is spent on the festival.The festival will open with a recital by Mulayam Singh Yadav’s younger daughter-in-law, Aparna, an accomplished singer. Ghazal singer Penaz Masani and contestants from reality TV show ‘India’s Got Talent’ will perform on the second day.A dance drama based on Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s ‘Madhushala’ is to be staged on the same day as Mika Singh’s performance on December 29.Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan would be performing on January 8.A fireworks show will light up new year’s night on December 31, followed by an entertainment night with TV stars on January 1.The grand finale on January 11 is expected to feature some Bollywood biggies.Given Mulayam’s penchant for ‘kushti’, a wrestling championship will be part of the ‘mahotsav’ in keeping with the festival’s tradition.Volleyeball and badminton tournaments besides Indian Gramin Cricket League (IGCL) matches are also planned.A women’s self-defence display, aimed to set a record as the world’s largest exercise of its kind, is planned on January 5.A cycle marathon, folk music programmes and a grand performance by 200 folk dancers would be other highlights of this ‘mahotsav’.

Gangrape convict released: Delhi govt submits rehabilitation plan for juvenile

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The official noted that the government will act as per the existing Juvenile Justice Act.

The release of the juvenile was widely criticised by the parents of the victim and several actors.
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Delhi government on Friday said that they have submitted a rehabilitation plan for the juvenile convict in December 16, 2012 gangrape case, who is all set to walk free on Sunday. The government said that as per the plan a one-time financial grant of Rs 10,000 will be given to the youth and a sewing machine will be arranged for him so that he can rent a tailor shop.”Government has already submitted its report in the court on the rehabilitation of the juvenile convict who has turned 20-year-old now,” said a senior government official.The official noted that the government will act as per the existing Juvenile Justice Act. In its report, Delhi government said that the juvenile needs help to sustain a business for an initial period of at least six months and meet the expenses such as renting a shop and procuring tailoring material.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The convict in the brutal December 16, 2012 gangrape-cum-murder case will walk free on December 20 after spending three years in the probation home with the Delhi High Court today refusing to stay his release.Meanwhile, the release of the youth was widely criticised by the parents of the victim and various other bodies, saying he must be kept in observation home until his reformation was ascertained.

Lt Guv Najeeb Jung appears to be sceptical about odd-even scheme

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As his comments left the audience in splits, Najeeb Jung promptly said a policy on the formula is yet to come.
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Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on Friday appeared to be sceptical about effective implementation of AAP government’s ambitious odd-even scheme to cut air pollution but asserted there was a need to make sacrifices.”I will restrict myself to the party line which is that environment is very bad, pollution is awful. We need to make sacrifices,” Jung said in a lighter vein, speaking at an interactive session at FICCI.As his comments left the audience in splits, Jung promptly said a policy on the formula is yet to come.”In any case a policy is yet to be firmed up and this experiment is for 15 days. They (government) may announce the policy by December 25. Moreover, they are looking for various exemptions including for women motorists. Now what happens to the husband sitting next to the lady, I do not know,” Jung said amid guffaws.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Continuing in the same vein, he added, “Will a child be allowed, if so, at what age. Will a male child be allowed or a female child be allowed?”Jung’s comments prompted FICCI president Jyotsana Suri to come out with a comparison of the medieval era Sultan of Delhi Muhammad bi Tughlaq with the present dispensation regarding the odd-even formula.”I would like to say that Delhi has got a luck. Muhammad bin Tughlaq was then and now he has come,” she said without naming anyone.Further, she added that “our condition will be miserable in these 15 days.”Tughlaq who ruled Delhi in 14th century is considered as one of the most remarkable rulers of his time. In spite of his high qualification and knowledge, he was characterised to be suffering from hastiness and impatience that led to failure of his ambitious projects earning him a tag of an ‘ill starred idealist’.

President Mukherjee begins his 14-day southern tour

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Governor ESL Narasimhana and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao along with some of his ministerial colleagues and senior officials received the President at Hakimpet Air Force base

Pranab Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee today arrived here for his 14-day southern sojourn upto December 31, at the Rashtrapati Nilayam.Governor ESL Narasimhana and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao along with some of his ministerial colleagues and senior officials received the President at Hakimpet Air Force base. During the sojourn, the President will attend the convocation of Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), Secunderabad on December 19, an official release had said earlier. The President would attend the second convocation of the Central University of Karnataka on December 22 at Gulbarga in Karntaka. On the same day, he will inaugurate the Magneto Encephalography Equipment and renovated heritage building of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>He will also dedicate NIMHANS to the nation as an institute of national importance. On December 23, the President will attend the 150th anniversary of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School and lay the foundation stone of the State Cancer Institute at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru.On December 25, the President will inaugurate the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam’s Veda-Patasala at Ai Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh. On December 27, Mukherjee would deliver the inaugural address at the Indian Economic Association’s Annual Conference at Prof Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad. On the same day, he will also attend the ‘Purnahuthi’ of ‘Ayutha Chandi Maha Yagam’ being organised by the Telangana Chief Minister at Erravelli village in Medak in Telangana for ‘Lok Kalyanam’ (universal prosperity) and ‘Vishwa Shanthi’ (universal peace).ESL Narasimhan, Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will host a dinner in honour of the President on December 29. The President will host a reception for senior dignitaries of the state, Ministers, officials and others at the Rashtrapati Nalayam, Secunderabad on December 30. The Nilayam is one of the Presidential Retreats. It is customary for the President to visit the Nilayam at least once a year and conduct official business from there.

Shashi Tharoor’s private bill to decriminalise homosexuality defeated in Lok Sabha

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The Congress leader tweeted: “Intro of Pvt.Member’s Bill2decriminalize consensual sex btwn consenting adults defeated in LS 71-24. Surprising to see such intolerance.Notice of intent to oppose introducn of Bill came so late there was no time 2rally support. Will try again in future. We shall overcome!”

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Shashi Tharoor’s Private Bill to decriminalise homosexuality and do away with Section 377 was turned down in Lok Sabha. The Congress leader tweeted: “Intro of Pvt.Member’s Bill2decriminalize consensual sex btwn consenting adults defeated in LS 71-24. Surprising to see such intolerance.Notice of intent to oppose introducn of Bill came so late there was no time 2rally support. Will try again in future. We shall overcome!” Earlier, transgender rights activist Laxmi Tripathi told ANI, “Section 377 must be discussed in the Parliament. It should not be considered on morality value, but as a human and constitutional right. Section 377 should be dismissed.” Hundreds of gay rights activists on Sunday danced to drum beats and held colourful balloons as they marched in the ‘Queer Pride Parade’ in Delhi, celebrating the diversity of gender and sexuality. Speaking at the Times Lit Fest , Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the apex court should not have reversed the Delhi High Court order de-criminalising consensual sex among homosexuals. “When you have millions of people involved in this (homosexuality) you can’t nudge them off,” Jaitley said. In December 2013, the Supreme Court had overturned the Delhi High Court’s July 2009 judgement, which had declared Section 377 as unconstitutional. The apex court had stated that amending or revoking Section 377 should be a matter left to the Parliament and not the judiciary. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalises homosexual acts, stating it is ‘against the order of nature’.