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CJAR condemns CJI Chandrachud for inviting PM Modi to his residence for Ganesh puja, has office in same Prashant Bhushan premises where Delhi anti-Hindu riot was first planed

OpIndia Staff
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CJAR condemns CJI Chandrachud for inviting PM Modi to his residence for Ganesh puja, has office in same Prashant Bhushan premises where Delhi anti-Hindu riot was first planed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the residence of CJI DY Chandrachud for Ganesh Puja on the 11th of September, and it triggered the cry of ‘democracy is in danger’ from left-liberals. After the visuals of the visit were shared on social media, the left-liberal ecosystem started claiming that the independence of the judiciary has been compromised, and the principles of separation of power have been risked. 

Politicians, journalists, lawyers, social media warriors, everyone from the ecosystem has come out to condemn the chief justice of India for inviting PM Modi for the puja at his residence, accusing him of ‘switching sides’, as they perceived CJI DY Chandrachud to be a member of the anti-Modi gang. The latest to join this is Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR), a group founded by Shanti Bhushan, father of activist-fake news peddler Prashant Bhushan.

In a statement issued on 12th September, CJAR expressed “deep concern over the manner and conduct of this event involving two constitutional functionaries, as setting an unwarranted precedent.” They claimed that “this precedent undermines the perception of judicial independence, raises critical questions about the separation of powers and the impartiality of the judiciary.”

As per CJAR, the CJI inviting the PM on his private capacity for an important Hindu festival questions the impartiality of the judiciary. The claimed that as both the Union of India and State Governments are the largest litigants before the courts, “such close association between the judiciary and political leadership undermines the ability of the judiciary to impartially adjudicate cases involving the government and the ruling political party”.

CJAR further added, “It casts doubt as to the objectivity of an institution tasked with checking executive power.” They therefore urged the “judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts to be mindful of the potential for such events to set a trend across states, where Chief Justices may meet Chief Ministers and other political figures in informal settings, shattering people’s faith in the judiciary.”

The statement added that “This is a serious issue that threatens the democratic principles of judicial independence and must be addressed promptly to preserve the integrity and credibility of the judiciary. CJAR appeals to the Bar and the legal community that it must stand united in ensuring that the judiciary remains free from any influence, perceived or real, and retains the confidence of the people in its role as an impartial guardian of justice.”

The reaction of CJAR to a minor event is shocking because this is not the first time that members of the executive and judiciary attended religious events. In the past, Iftar Parties were regularly held at Rashtrapati Bhavan and PM’s residence. Such parties were attended by several notable dignitaries, including the CJIs.

For example in 2009, then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh hosted an Iftar party at his residence which was attended by the then CJI K.G. Balakrishnan. However, nobody raked up ‘democracy in danger’ or ‘separation of state and church’ at that time. Only when it is a Hindu festival, it shatters faith on judiciary.

Notably, office of the CJAR is located in the same building where the first meetings planning the anti-Hindu riot were held. On the 8th of December 2019, a meeting was held between Yogendra Yadav, Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and others at a Jangpura basement. According to police chargesheet, a chakka jam was planned in this meeting, that led to violence in northeast Delhi.

Notably, the place where this meeting was held is also the address of Prashant Bhushan’s office. The address of the basement of 6/6 Jangpura is listed as one of the offices of Prashant Bhushan. And as per police, the meeting was held in the basement of 6/6 Jangpura. This means the meeting was held in this office.

6/6 Jangpura is also the address of the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Judicial Reform (CJAR) set up by Shanti Bhushan along with Prashant Bhushan. Although it was established to supposedly demand accountability in the Indian judiciary, CJAR has been at the forefront of anti-India propaganda for a long.

In 2017, for example, the Supreme Court fined CJAR ₹25,00,000 for its petition falsely accusing a judge of accepting bribes from a medical college to pass favourable orders. CJAR was also at the forefront of running propaganda against CJI Dipak Mishra and furthering the narrative of the 4 judges who had held a press conference against the CJI at the time.

Adani Ports signs agreement for major berth at Kandla port, company’s 95% acquisition of Gopalpur port also gets Odisha cabinet nod

OpIndia Staff
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Adani Ports signs agreement for major berth at Kandla port, company’s 95% acquisition of Gopalpur port also gets Odisha cabinet nod

India’s largest port developer and operator, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), made a significant move by signing a concession agreement with the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) to develop and operate Berth No 13 at Kandla’s Deendayal Port in Gujarat. According to Adani Group’s press release, this strategic expansion underlines the group’s commitment to enhancing its presence on the western coast of India.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) for the agreement was received by Adani Ports in July 2024. This agreement grants APSEZ the rights to develop the berth under a 30-year concession period using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model.

The berth is 300 meters long and offers an annual capacity of 5.7 million metric tonnes (MMT). It will be dedicated to handling multipurpose clean cargo, including containers. The berth will become operational by FY27, diversifying Adani Ports’ capabilities at Deendayal Port, where it already handles dry bulk cargo.

Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ, said in a statement, “This development is a significant step for us as we aim to provide enhanced service to our customers in Gujarat and North India. The multipurpose clean cargo handling at Berth No. 13 will allow us to cater to a broader range of cargo requirements, reinforcing our position on the western coast.”

Adani Group’s major acquisition in Odisha’s Gopalpur Port

Apart from the western coast expansion, Adani Ports has also marked its presence on the eastern coast of India by finalising the acquisition of Gopalpur Port in Odisha. The Odisha Cabinet has approved the transfer of 95% of equity shares of Gopalpur Port from Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Pvt Ltd and Orissa Stevedores Ltd to Adani Ports.

The value of this acquisition is around Rs 3,500 crores. It will enable APSEZ to transform Gopalpur Port into an all-weather deep seaport under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model known as Build Own Operate Share Transfer (BOOST).

Stretegic importance of Gopalpur Port

Gopalpur Port holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the upcoming green hydrogen and green ammonia plants at the TATA Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which are predominantly export-oriented. This acquisition positions Adani Ports to leverage the growing demand for export facilities linked to these green energy projects.

Strengthening presence in Odisha with two major ports

With Gopalpur Port, Adani Ports will now control both major developing ports in Odisha, as it has already established its presence at Dhamra Port. Notably, the deal for Gopalpur Port was finalised on 26th March 2024 during the tenure of the former state government led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The newly formed government under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has now given the required go-ahead, clearing the path for Adani Ports to proceed with the expansion plans.

Assam: Several cops and an officer injured in mob attack during eviction drive on encroached land, two attackers Haider Ali and Juwahid Ali killed in police firing

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: Several cops and an officer injured in mob attack during eviction drive on encroached land, two attackers Haider Ali and Juwahid Ali killed in police firing

An eviction of illegal encroachment near Guwahati turned violent on Thursday, as a large Muslim mob attacked the authorities injuring several cops. Later two attackers died in police firing in the incident that took place in Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati. The two deceased have been identified as Haider Ali and Juwahid Ali, who succumbed to bullet injuries.

The violence broke out when police and administration officials reached Kachutali village in Sonapur area in the eastern suburbs of Guwahati. The drive was carried out to evict alleged illegal settlers from a 100-bigha plot of land in the area. Approximately 150 people from the Muslim community had settled on govt land in the area.

The eviction has been going on for the last few days without any incident, but the situation turned volatile on Thursday, as a mob of over a thousand people attacked police armed with sticks and sharp weapons.

The mob also pelted stones at police personnel and vehicles, damaging several vehicles. Several police personnel including a female constable were injured in the attack. Revenue Circle Officer Nitul Khatoniar was also injured in the attack by the mob.

As a result, police tried to disperse the mob by firing in the air. But when the situation could not be brought under control, police had to open fire on the mob, and several of the attackers were shot. As per police, the mob was so violent that the cops were forced to flee from the spot.

The injured were taken to the Sonapur District Hospital, where Haider Ali and Juwahid Ali succumbed to bullet injuries. All the injured were later shifted to Guwahati Medical College Hospital, including one Shahjahan Ali.

The injured female constable said that the mob included a large number of women. She said that the cops were only guarding the eviction operation when the mob attacked then using stones, machetes, sticks and other weapons.

Police have launched an investigation into the case, but have not released any statement regarding the incident yet. The situation in Kosutoli remains tense, and additional forces have been deployed in the area.

The eviction drive was started after locals complained that illegal settlers have been occupying govt land and tribal belt land areas. It was found that suspected illegal foreigners were arriving in the area using the waterway of Kalang and Digaru rivers and constructing houses on govt land. Locals also reported tractors transporting construction materials in the night to the area.

After the complaints, the administration conducted a survey in the area, checked documents, and found that they were illegally encroaching on government land. The administration then served them several notices to vacate the houses. But when the residents refused to vacate on their own, the administration started an eviction drive.

CJI DY Chandrachud led bench allows Dhol Tasha celebration in Pune during Ganpati Visarjan, overturns NGT order that put restrictions

OpIndia Staff
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CJI DY Chandrachud led bench allows Dhol Tasha celebration in Pune during Ganpati Visarjan, overturns NGT order that put restrictions

On Thursday (12th September), the Supreme Court stayed the order of the National Green Tribunal limiting the number of members of each Dhol-Tasha-Zanj troupe to 30 persons during the idol immersion rituals of Lord Ganesha in Pune.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued notices to the Maharashtra government, Pune authorities, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and others.

“Let them do their Dhol-Tasha, this is the heart of Pune,” said the Supreme Court. The NGT had directed to restrict the total number of Dhol-Tasha-Zanj troupes to only 30 per group, along with real-time monitoring of noise pollution around each Ganesh pandal and initiating criminal proceedings against the violators.

Advocate Amit Pai, the counsel appearing for the petitioners said that ‘Dhol Tasha’ has a very deep cultural significance in the Ganesh festival in Pune. He told the court that the appellants are not dissatisfied with the NGT’s other directions for limiting noise pollution during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations but are only opposed to limiting the number of Dhol-Tasha performers.

“Issue notice… Mr. Amit Pai submitted that the direction (no. 4) will affect the Dhol-Tasha groups, pending the next day of listing there shall be stay of operation of direction no. 4. Let them do their Dhol-Tasha, it’s the heart of Pune,” said the bench.

On 30th August, NGT Western Ghat ordered real-time monitoring of noise around Ganesh pandals and during immersion processions in Pune as part of various directives aimed at curbing noise pollution during the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival, which began on September 7.

The NGT had put restrictions on loudspeakers beyond a total capacity of 100 watts (W) in a pandal, prohibition on the use of tolls (metallic high noise-making unit) and DJ sets during Visarjan (immersion) processions. Additionally, there were limitations on the number of members of each Dhol Tasha Zanj troupe to 30 among other directions.

Shimla illegal mosque: Following massive protests, Muslim side asks administration to seal the unauthorised structure, says will demolish it after court order

OpIndia Staff
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Shimla illegal mosque: Following massive protests, Muslim side asks administration to seal the unauthorised structure, says will demolish it after court order

Amid the row over an illegal mosque in Shimla, representatives of the Muslim welfare committee on 12th September submitted a memorandum to the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Bhupender Kumar Attri. They requested the commissioner to issue orders to seal the unauthorised portion of the illegal mosque at Sanjauli. They added that the welfare committee would demolish the illegal part of the structure themselves in accordance with the court order. The representatives included the Imam of the mosque, members of the Waqf board, and members of the mosque management committee.

They claimed that the Muslims living in the area are permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh. The committee representatives said they would take steps to preserve harmony and brotherhood in the region. Speaking to PTI, Mufti Mohammad Shafi Kasmi of the welfare committee said, “We have sought permission from the Shimla municipal commissioner to demolish the unauthorised part of the mosque situated in Sanjauli.”

The Imam of the Sanjauli mosque said, “There is no pressure on us; we have been living here for decades, and this decision has been taken as Himachalis. We want to stay in peace, and brotherhood should prevail.” MC Commissioner Attri confirmed receipt of the representation from the members of the welfare committee.

Members of the Dev Bhoomi Sangarsh Committee, who had called for protests against the unauthorised construction in the mosque, have welcomed the move. A member of the committee, Vijay Sharma, said, “We welcome the move of the Muslim community and would be the first to hug them for taking this initiative in the larger interest.”

The representation by the Muslim community representatives was submitted a day after protesters demanded the demolition of the illegal portion of the mosque in Sanjauli, Shimla, which led to clashes with security personnel on 11th September. The protesting members of the Hindu community broke the barricades and pelted stones after police used water cannons and batons to disperse them. Ten people, including police personnel and women, were reported injured in the clashes.

Vikramaditya Singh, a minister of the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government, expressed concerns over the escalation of the situation. He said he was keeping a close watch on the developments and was in touch with the central leadership and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He stated, “We are in touch with the central leadership and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. I have also spoken with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and party in-charge Rajiv Shukla, and they are concerned that there should be no deterioration in the law and order situation.”

Earlier, traders’ union Shimla Vyapar Mandal called for half-day bandh over police lathicharge on Hindu protesters on 12th September from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Protests against the illegal structure in Shimla

On 11th September, protesting members of the Hindu community raised slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Hindu Ekta Zindabad” as they gathered at Sabzi Mandi Dhalli. They marched towards the Sanjauli market despite prohibitory orders by the administration. On the way, they broke barricades erected by the police near the Dhalli tunnel and gathered at Sanjauli Chowk.

When they attempted to enter Sanjauli and broke a second barricade near the mosque, the police used batons and water cannons to disperse them. Some of the protesters were detained by the police. Kamal Gautam, secretary of the Hindu Jagram Manch, was one of the detained protesters. Despite the use of force by the police, the protesters refused to leave and continued to raise slogans against the administration.

Background of the issue

The 14-year-long dispute took a violent turn when some Muslim youths launched a deadly assault with rods and sticks on Hindu traders in the Malyana region on 30th August. 37-year-old businessman Vikram Singh endured critical injuries while four other businessmen were also hurt. The incident further escalated the tensions as the local Hindu community took to the streets to protest against the attack as well as the illegal mosque.

Waqf Board recently gave a submission to a Shimla court that it owns the mosque and the argument was only about its further development. The Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court heard both parties in the mosque case and fixed the next hearing for 5th October.

On the other hand, the matter was also raised in the state assembly which sparked disagreements among the leaders of the ruling Congress party. According to MLA Harish Janartha, the mosque was built on land owned by the Waqf Board before 1960. He did, however, add that three stories were erected unlawfully in 2010 and asserted that they were taken down. He claimed that both outsiders and local Muslims were using the mosque and alleged that some elements were exacerbating the problem.

Minister Anuridh Singh, however, refuted him during his speech in the house and pointed out, “I am not against any community but they started work in 2010 without permission. Afterwards, unauthorised construction of 2500 square feet was completed. A hearing was again held on the matter in 2012, however, these people didn’t comply. There were four more illegally built floors by 2019. How was the four-story building constructed by 2019 when the lawsuit was still pending in 2010? Where was the administration sleeping? There’s another surprising detail, the government of Himachal Pradesh owns the land (where the mosque is built).” He also asked how a map was approved on the government land.

He further added, “Our administration does not oppose anyone. However, I would ask the chief minister to ascertain the origins of every person involved in this. Women now find it challenging to go around the Sanjauli market. Objectionalibale comments are passed. I have personally witnessed it. They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities. They built a 5-storey mosque. This entire matter should be investigated.”

Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary, passes away at 72

OpIndia Staff
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Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary, passes away at 72

On 12th September, 72-year-old veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, Sitaram Yechury passed away. He was admitted to AIIMS in Delhi on 19th August and was on respiratory support, according to an earlier statement from the party.  

The CPI(M) also mentioned that Yechury was receiving treatment in the hospital’s intensive care unit for a severe respiratory tract infection. “Veteran CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury dies at 72 after a prolonged illness,” stated PTI.

“He is on respiratory support, and a team of doctors from various specialities is closely monitoring his condition, which is currently critical,” the party’s official handle informed on social media. Yechury was admitted to AIIMS’s emergency department after experiencing a high fever. According to a source cited by news agency PTI, he was hospitalized due to pneumonia, and his condition was not considered serious. The CPI(M) leader had also recently undergone cataract surgery”.

Earlier this year, Yechury had declined an invitation to the hallowed consecration ceremony at the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya, dismissing the sacred ritual as a state-sponsored event. In 2019, Sitaram Yechury sparked controversy by stating that both the Ramayana and Mahabharata are full of violent episodes, questioning the idea that Hindus are inherently non-violent.

Speaking at an event, Yechury remarked, “The Ramayana and Mahabharata contain numerous instances of violence and warfare. How can one recite these epics as a pracharak and still claim Hindus are incapable of violence? What’s the reasoning behind saying that one religion engages in violence while Hindus do not?”

RG Kar rape and murder case: Mamata govt rejects demand of protesting doctors for live broadcast of their meeting

OpIndia Staff
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RG Kar rape and murder case: Mamata govt rejects demand of protesting doctors for live broadcast of their meeting

On Thursday, 12th September, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant offered an additional notification to junior doctors protesting against the rape and murder of a woman doctor. The state authority invited them to attend a 5 p.m. meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, the state administration denied the doctor’s request for a live telecast of the conference but agreed to allow the debate to be recorded for transparency.

In his letter, Pant further restricted the delegation size to 15 doctors while confirming Mamata Banerjee’s attendance for the talks aimed at resolving the ongoing struggle. “The meeting shall not be Live telecast. However, the same can be recorded to maintain transparency. This will serve the purpose intended from your end, while also maintaining the sanctity of the proceedings, ensuring that all discussions are accurately documented,” the Chief Secretary stated in his letter.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the government’s refusal to live telecast the meeting, and questioned its promise to record it for “transparency”.

“A petrified Mamata Banerjee refuses live telecast of meeting with the protesting Junior Doctors, which is a critical demand, for the sake of transparency. The Chief Secretary says the meeting will be documented. Well, the WB Govt couldn’t preserve the vaginal swab of the rape and murder victim of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. They couldn’t even produce the challan, a mandatory document before a body is sent in for post-mortem, and they expect the Junior Doctors to trust them? Mamata Banerjee is a LIAR. What is she scared of and who is she trying to defend?” BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya posted on X.

The doctors have been holding a sit-in outside the West Bengal Health Department’s headquarters in Salt Lake, demanding justice for their colleague, who was raped and murdered on August 9th at RG Kar Medical College. Their protest, which has halted healthcare services at state-run institutions, is now in its 34th day.

The government invited to discuss the demands on Wednesday, but doctors demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s presence and the Live broadcast as prerequisites. “We will continue our agitation and ‘cease work’. But, we did not want to continue this. The state government is not open to holding any meetings with us. And, we want to make it clear that there is no politics behind our stir,” one of the protesting doctors was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the government is trying to single out the protesters saying that they shall join their duties by 2 pm today. Malviya posted a government letter on X which asked the protesting doctors to follow the Supreme Court orders and asked them to join their duties by 2 pm today.

Junior doctors have demanded improved security for woman healthcare workers, as well as the suspension of numerous authorities, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner, over suspected case mismanagement.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, as ordered by the Calcutta High Court.

Shimla Mosque Row: Traders’ union calls for half-day bandh over police lathicharge on Hindu demonstrators

OpIndia Staff
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Shimla Mosque Row: Traders’ union calls for half-day bandh over police lathicharge on Hindu demonstrators

A half-day market shutdown on 12th September from 10 am to 1 pm has been called by the Shimla Vyapar Mandal in response to the unlawful construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli region of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The bandh (strike) is being observed one day after a significant agitation by Hindu organisations and locals which resulted in lathi charges and water cannons on the demonstrators which resulted in wounds to at least ten people.

All stores in the city and surrounding areas were closed and a march was held by the Lower Bazar area traders to the District Collector’s office. Most of the private hotels, restaurants and shops were shut as the trade unions participated in the shutdown.

“We are carrying out this protest against the lathi charge that was used on our brothers yesterday who were heading towards Sanjauli. We just want to say that the lathi charge just shows the failure of the government,” Vinod Lakhanpal, one of the protesters stated. “We are carrying the protest till 1 pm today. After this, if the government does not meet our demands, we will take action,” warned another person.

“Peaceful protests by Hindu organisations were being done yesterday. But the administration instigated them and launched a lathi charge on them. We are protesting against that. We are Hindus first. We demand that SP (Superintendent of Police) Shimla be removed from his post,” demanded Shimla Beopar Mandal president Sanjeev Thakur. He added that there was a complete shutdown in the town as the traders joined the protest.

Protesters had assembled in Sabzi Mandi Dhalli at the invitation of several Hindu groups and carried signs reading “Jai Shri Ram” and “Hindu Ekta Zindabad” as they marched towards the Sanjauli market. While another crowd formed at Sanjauli Chowk, the agitators ripped down a roadblock that had been built near the Dhalli tunnel. Police dispersed them with water cannons and lathi charges as they broke over a second barricade close to the mosque. Police also detained a few activists, including Hindu Jagran Manch secretary Kamal Gautam.

Meanwhile, Minister Vikramaditya Singh expressed, “The agitation that happened in the Sanjauli area of the state is concerning. The government sympathises with the protestors. We want the issues to be solved, and everything should be done according to the law. This matter has been pending for a long period. As far as the construction of illegal buildings is concerned, the government has taken cognisance of it. I have also strongly said in the assembly that as soon as the decision comes on this within the ambit of law action will be taken, it will be demolished if it is found to be illegal. But we have to move ahead with the process of law. We want an atmosphere of peace to prevail in Himachal Pradesh.”

The government, he claimed, was gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation and the developments were being closely monitored by the authorities. “We are in touch with the central leadership and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and myself have talked to party president Mallikarjun Kharge and party in-charge Rajiv Shukla and they are also concerned that there was no deterioration in the law and order situation,” he informed.

Background of the issue

The 14-year-long dispute took a violent turn when some Muslim youths launched a deadly assault with rods and sticks on Hindu traders in the Malyana region on 30th August. 37-year-old businessman Vikram Singh endured critical injuries while four other businessmen were also hurt. The incident further escalated the tensions as the local Hindu community took to the streets to protest against the attack as well as the illegal mosque.

Waqf Board recently gave a submission to a Shimla court that it owns the mosque and the argument was only about its further development. The Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court heard both parties in the mosque case and fixed the next hearing for 5th October.

On the other hand, the matter was also raised in the state assembly which sparked disagreements among the leaders of the ruling Congress party. According to MLA Harish Janartha, the mosque was built on land owned by the Waqf Board before 1960. He did, however, add that three stories were erected unlawfully in 2010 and asserted that they were taken down. He claimed that both outsiders and local Muslims were using the mosque and alleged that some elements were exacerbating the problem.

Minister Anuridh Singh, however, refuted him during his speech in the house and pointed out, “I am not against any community but they started work in 2010 without permission. Afterwards, unauthorised construction of 2500 square feet was completed. A hearing was again held on the matter in 2012, however, these people didn’t comply. There were four more illegally built floors by 2019. How was the four-story building constructed by 2019 when the lawsuit was still pending in 2010? Where was the administration sleeping? There’s another surprising detail, the government of Himachal Pradesh owns the land (where the mosque is built).” He also asked how a map was approved on the government land.

He further added, “Our administration does not oppose anyone. However, I would ask the chief minister to ascertain the origins of every person involved in this. Women now find it challenging to go around the Sanjauli market. Objectionalibale comments are passed. I have personally witnessed it. They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities. They built a 5-storey mosque. This entire matter should be investigated.”

(With inputs from ANI)

Agra: Dr Dilshad Hussain sexually assaults 11-year-old girl in hospital on the pretext of check-up, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Agra: Dr Dilshad Hussain sexually assaults 11-year-old girl in hospital on the pretext of check-up, arrested

On Wednesday, 11th September, Dr Dilshad Hussain, a junior doctor in SN Medical College, Agra, was arrested by the police for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The assault took place on the night of 10th September. As per reports, the victim was admitted to the emergency department for treatment on 6th September. She was moved to the general ward of the pediatrics department on 9th September after her condition improved.

On the day of the incident, Dilshad allegedly took the girl to his chamber under the guise of treatment where he allegedly assaulted her. He has been accused of putting his hands inside the victim’s clothes and inappropriately touching her private parts. The girl ran out of his chamber screaming and clung to her mother who was waiting outside.

Seeing the girl in distress, the family protested against the junior doctor. The principal of the medical college, Dr Prashant Gupta, swiftly took action in the matter and suspended Dilshad. Furthermore, the college has set up a committee to investigate the matter. The police were also informed about the matter. A case has been registered by the MM Gate Police Station for misconduct under relevant sections of the POCSO Act. The accused was subsequently arrested.

It has been alleged that initially, there were attempts to suppress the case. The family of the victim was offered money not to file the case. However, the family protested and the accused Dilshad Hussain left the scene before the police arrived. The case was registered with the help of a Hindu organisation who stood by the family the whole time leading to Dilshad’s arrest.

Reports suggest that Dilshad is a resident of Bareilly and was a first-year postgraduate student at the college. By the time this report was published, the victim’s statement in the court was pending.

Daughter-in-law is not ‘family’: Karnataka HC rejects woman’s plea to read down civil services compassionate appointment rule

OpIndia Staff
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Daughter-in-law is not ‘family’: Karnataka HC rejects woman’s plea to read down civil services compassionate appointment rule

The Karnataka High Court denied a petition moved by a woman seeking a compassionate appointment at the state’s rural drinking water and sanitation department after her father-in-law passed away.

A division bench comprising Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice Vijaykumar A Patil upheld the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal’s earlier ruling, which dismissed Priyanka Halamani’s case.

The court decided that the applicable laws’ statutory definition of “family” does not include a daughter-in-law, and the court has no authority to alter that definition.

“The Legislature has clearly defined the ‘family’ for compassionate appointments, and the daughter-in-law is not included. Courts cannot alter or expand this definition.” Halamani’s counsel argued that Rule 2(b)(ii) of the Karnataka Civil Services (Appointment on Compassionate Grounds) (Amendment) Rules, 2021, should be interpreted to include the daughter-in-law,” the bench said.

The court stated that the “reading down” approach, which is used to refine laws with overly broad provisions, did not apply in this case since there was no constitutional or legislative challenge to the law.

Furthermore, the bench stressed that defining eligibility for compassionate appointments is a question of public policy that lies under the Legislature’s jurisdiction.

“The law maker as a matter of policy has framed the definition of ‘family’ to include specific relatives of the employee dying in harness and the daughter-in-law is not one of them. It is not within the domain of Courts to expand or constrict a statutory definition,” the bench said.

The court added: “The doctrine of reading down may be invoked and applied if the statute is silent, ambiguous or admits more than one interpretation. But where it is express, and clearly mandates to take certain action or to mean certain things, the function of the Court is to interpret it plainly.”

Dismissing the plea, the court said: ““For the purpose of compassionate appointment, who all can lay a claim, is a matter of public policy that falls within the domain of law-maker, and the Courts being his coordinate branch, cannot run a race of opinions with him. A greater wisdom lies in confining to the conventional limits of judicial process, leaving the legislative one to the other coordinate branch, than otherwise. More is not necessary to specify.”

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