India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) The Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commission of India's (ECI) SIR process in Bihar, said, "The question of probing so much will arise when there are genuine people". A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that there appeared to be "some confusion" over whether the voters added to Bihar's final electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) were among those previously deleted from the draft list or were entirely new entrants. The bench made this oral observation while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commission of India's (ECI) SIR process in Bihar. The petitioners have demanded that the ECI publish the names of 3.66 lakh voters who were additionally deleted from the final list and 21 lakh voters who were newly included. The Bench asked the ECI to obtain and present the relevant information and adjourned the hearing till next Thursday (October 9). Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), contended that the SIR exercise had disproportionately excluded women and Muslims, thereby "compounding the problems" instead of cleaning up the voters' list. He further submitted that the ECI had neither provided reasons for the deletions nor published the list of the 3.66 lakh voters who were removed after the draft rolls were released. When the Bench asked whether deleted voters could file appeals, Senior Advocate Dr A.M. Singhvi said that without knowing the reasons or the names of those deleted, filing appeals was impossible. "Persons who are deleted do not get notice or reasons. There is no question of appeal because no one knows. The least they can do is inform," Singhvi said. Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the ECI, countered that deletion orders had been issued to those concerned. Justice Kant remarked, "If anyone can give us the list of voters out of these 3.66 lakh who have not received orders, we will direct the EC to provide them. Everyone has the right to appeal." Bhushan urged that the list of deleted names be published on the ECI website. Dwivedi responded that no affected voter had approached the Court and that "only politicians and NGOs sitting in Delhi" were raising the issue. Justice Bagchi observed that there was still "confusion" over the nature of additions and deletions. "The final list appears to be an appreciation of numbers... There is confusion about the identity of the add-ons. Are they deleted names re-included, or entirely new ones?" he asked. Dwivedi clarified that most of the added names were new voters. Emphasising transparency, Justice Bagchi said, "This exercise is in aid of the electoral process, so that confidence in it is fortified." Justice Kant added that appropriate directions could be issued if any genuinely affected persons approached the Court. Bhushan insisted that the ECI must publish the lists, offering to produce "hundreds" of affected voters. He also handed over an affidavit from an individual whose name had been allegedly deleted. Justice Kant responded that the Court would pass directions if a prima facie case was shown. The bench reminded the parties that this should not turn into a "roving inquiry." Justice Kant observed, "The question of probing so much will arise when there are genuine people. There are also illegal immigrants who do not want to be exposed. Let's have a list of 100-200 people who say they want to appeal but don't have the order." Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for petitioner Ashwini Upadhyaya, opposed the demands of ADR and others, alleging that they were "defaming" the ECI through media campaigns under the label of "vote chori." During the hearing, the bench also took note of procedural issues, with the ECI objecting to documents being handed across the bar, insisting that submissions be made through proper affidavits. Dwivedi further cited Article 329, reminding the court that judicial interference in the election process is discouraged once it has commenced. Posting the matter for further hearing on October 9, the bench asked the ECI to "cull out" and provide the necessary data comparing the draft and final lists. Justice Bagchi said to the ECI's counsel, "You have the draft list and the final list. Omission is clear from the names, just cull out and give us information." Bhushan remarked that the ECI could do so "with the click of one button." On July 10, the Supreme Court had directed the ECI to consider the Aadhaar card, ration card, and EPIC as valid documents for voter inclusion. Subsequently, despite concerns over mass exclusions, the Court permitted the publication of the draft electoral rolls on August 1. Following this, ADR alleged that about 65 lakh voters were omitted from the draft rolls. The court, through subsequent orders in August and September, directed the ECI to publish the names of excluded voters, allow online claims for inclusion with Aadhaar verification, and treat Aadhaar as a valid proof of identity (but not citizenship) for voter registration. The petitions challenging the legality of the Bihar SIR process will now be heard on October 9 before the Supreme Court.
Story so far: India celebrated its 75th year of adoption of its Constitution on Tuesday (November 26, 2024) with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session of parliament. While the Constitution of India hits its diamond jubilee this year, event commemorating is as 'Constitution Day' was started only in 2015. Prior to this, it was called 'National Law Day' -- first initiated by former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Laxmi Mall Singhvi in 1979. "The Indian Constitution is a live, progressive document," said Ms. Murmu adding, "I urge all citizens to imbibe the constitutio ...Read More >
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) "On the face of it you are a corrupt person. Crores of rupees were recovered from your premises," the Supreme Court on Wednesday told former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, held in an alleged cash-for-job scam in the state. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, which reserved its verdict on the bail plea of Chatterjee, questioned the enforcement directorate (ED) over his continued incarceration saying he cannot be kept inside for an indefinite period. "On the face of it you are a corrupt person. Crores of Rupees were recovered from your premises. Wha ...Read More >
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (November 26, 2024), indicated a level of hypocrisy attached to criticism about Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), saying ""EVMs are tampered when you lose and fine if you win". The oral remark was made by Justice Vikram Nath before dismissing a petition filed by evangelist K.A. Paul, who urged for a judicial order to return to paper ballots. Also read:EVM-VVPAT case | Cannot disclose 'source code' of EVMs, will result in misuse: Supreme Court Justice Nath, during the hearing, asked Mr. Paul whether he wanted to turn the court into a political arena. Mr. Paul sa ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
The Congress leadership was aware it was losing ground to the ruling Mahayuti following the gains made during the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, several party leaders privy to an internal survey less than a month ahead of the November 20 elections have said, adding that the outcome shouldn't exactly come as a shock. As per a report in The Indian Express, several party leaders it spoke to admitted that a survey conducted in 103 "strong MVA seats" showed the Maha Vikas Aghadi ahead in only 44 seats out of 54 it was ahead in during the Lok Sabha elections. On the contrary, the Mahayuti, wh ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 2 (UNI) UPSC teacher and motivational speaker Awadh Ojha joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in New Delhi on Monday in the presence of AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Addressing the media, Arvind Kejriwal said, "With Ojha's entry into politics, the country's education sector will be strengthened." "Awadh Ojha has empowered lakhs of youth by providing quality education, enabling them to secure employment and lead better lives. His joining the Aam Aadmi Party will further strengthen the country's education system," he add ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Jacobite Syrian Church to hand over the administration of six churches in Kerala to the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church faction. The matter came up before a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan. The bench said that the members of the Jacobite Syrian Church were in contempt for "wilfully disobeying" the 2017 judgment. The bench directed the Jacobite faction to hand over the administration of three churches each in Ernakulam and Palakkad districts to the Malankara faction. The bench also asked the Jacobite faction to file a ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Axis Securities on Wednesday settled a case involving front-running trades by Vikrant Bhimrao Kadam, who worked as its dealer, and his friend, after paying Rs 14.62 lakh towards settlement amount to Sebi. It was alleged that as a stock broker, Axis Securities failed to exercise appropriate due diligence in the matter in its dealer and branch manager compliance policy. Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: Apply for 98 Court Officer, Assistant and Other Posts of NCLT Recruitment 2024; Know Salary and Other Details Here. The order came after Axis Securities ...Read More >
New Delhi, [India], December 11 (ANI): The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the growing tendency to misuse Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which penalises cruelty by husbands and their relatives against married women. While quashing a Section 498A IPC case against a husband and his parents, a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh said that the Section became a tool for unleashing personal vendetta against the husband and his family by a wife. Also Read | RBI Will Remain Alert and Agile to Meet Challenges, Says New Governor Sanjay Malhotra (Watch Video). " ...Read More >
The Supreme Court of India has said that mere harassment is not sufficient to hold someone guilty of the offence of abetting suicide, and there must be clear evidence of direct or indirect incitement. Photograph: ANI Photo The observations came from a bench of justices Vikram Nath and P B Varale which delivered its verdict on an appeal challenging a Gujarat high court order which refused to discharge a woman's husband and her two in-laws for allegedly harassing her and driving her to suicide. ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (VOICE) The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that no fresh suits would be registered under the Places of Worship Act in the country, and in the pending cases, no final or effective orders would be passed till further orders of the Apex Court. A Special Bench headed by CJI Sajiv Khanna asked the Union government to file within four weeks its reply to the clutch of petitions challenging the validity of the 1991 Act, which prohibits the filing of a lawsuit to reclaim a place of worship or seek a change in its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947. The Bench, also c ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to introduce ballot paper in place of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale rejected the prayer to return to the ballot system due to the alleged manipulability of EVMs. "When you lose, EVMs are tampered with; when you win, EVMs are fine," remarked the apex court, when the petitioner referred to the statements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his predecessor Jagan Mohan ...Read More >
BUDAUN: A court hearing a plea of a Hindu outfit, which had sought permission to worship at Jama Masjid Shamsi here claiming it was a temple, on Tuesday asked the Muslim side to complete their arguments by December 10. Arguing his case, the lawyer for Shamsi Shahi Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee and Waqf Board Asrar Ahmed questioned the locus standi of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha to file the petition in the matter. Urging the court to dismiss the plea, the counsel submitted that the mosque is about 850 years old. He stated that there is "no existence of a temple" there and worship by Hin ...Read More >
The Supreme Court overturned a Madras High Court decision. The high court had refused to dismiss defamation charges against Union minister L Murugan. Murugan faced these charges over statements made in 2020. The Supreme Court accepted Murugan's argument. He said he did not intend to defame the Murasoli Trust. The case is now closed.The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed criminal defamation proceedings against Union minister L Murugan on a complaint filed by the Chennai-based Murasoli Trust for his ...Read More >
The Supreme Court halted new temple-mosque legal battles. The court will review the 1991 law impacting religious site status. This law froze the status of religious sites as of August 15, 1947. Several cases, including Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah, challenge this law. The law's validity is being questioned. The court's decision impacts ongoing and future disputes.In its ruling on the keenly-watched Place of Worship Act case, the Supreme Court said on December 12 that no new Mandir-Masjid suits are to ...Read More >
Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 12 (PTI) Tensions flared in the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday as BJP MLAs barged into Speaker U T Khader's chamber, expressing strong objections to his handling of the proceedings. The confrontation came amidst heated debates over the recent police lathi charge on Panchamasali Lingayat protesters, with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP trading accusations. The issue arose when Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar, himself a leader of the Panchamasali Lingayat community, criticized the decision of previous BJP government to scrap the 4 per cent Muslim reservati ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Expressing deep grief over the death of six persons in a fire accident that took place in a private hospital in Dindigul on Thursday night, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday announced a solatium of Rs.3 lakhs each to the bereaved families. Also, those who suffered serious injuries would be given Rs. 1 lakh and minor injuries, Rs.50,000. The persons who have lost their lives have been identified as J Manimurugan (30) and J Mariammal (50) of Thadikombu; K Suruli (50) of Seelayampatti in Theni district; R Rajasekar (36) and R Gopika (6) of NGO Colony in Dindigul. ...Read More >
With the deadline for free Aadhaar updates approaching on December 14, 2024, the UIDAI is urging those who received their cards over 10 years ago to update their details. However, updating is recommended, it is not mandatory. To prevent fake identities, Aadhaar assigns a unique number to each person, linked to their biometric data, making duplication impossible. Although updating is optional, it helps improve services, ensures accurate authentication and simplifies daily life. Aadhaar is a vital identification document for every Indian citizen due to its reliability, legal compliance, and ea ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking to revert to ballot paper voting in elections in the country. "What happens is, when you win the election, EVMs (electronic voting machine) are not tampered. When you lose the election, EVMs are tampered (with)," remarked a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P B Varale. Apart from ballot paper voting, the plea sought several directions including a directive to the Election Commission to disqualify candidates for a minimum of five years if found guilty of distributing money, liquor or other material inducement to the voters d ...Read More >
After December 14, updates will incur a fee of Rs 50 per request at Aadhaar centers. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has extended the deadline for free Aadhaar updates to December 14. This initiative allows individuals to update their Aadhaar details, such as name, address, or date of birth, online and at no cost. The process is simple and can be completed from the comfort of your home. UIDAI recommends updating Aadhaar details if it has been over 10 years since the last update. Keeping Aadhaar information updated ensures that your records are current, facilitates seamle ...Read More >
The Supreme Court on Monday (December 2, 2024) refused to relax emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) dealing with air pollution in the national capital till it noticed a downward trend in the AQI level. A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih further sought the presence of the chief secretaries of NCR states to appear through video-conferencing to inform it whether or not any compensation was paid to the construction workers who were without work owing to the restrictions. Delhi air pollution: Air quality in Capital plunges to 'very po ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, Dec 11 (PTI) The 6th Edition of 'Abhivyakti - The City Arts Project', Gujarat's longest art and culture showcase and an endeavour of UNM Foundation of Mehta Family's Torrent Group, concluded with an assemble of art admirers from different walks of life enjoying the art performances across genres. The 16-day Project, which had begun on November 21, received an unprecedented footfall of over 3.24 lakh art lovers of different age groups and from varied walks of life, a press statement issued by the organisers said. Apart from the lakhs of art lovers of the city, the project was also ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Election Commission (EC) on a PIL challenging its decision to increase the maximum number of voters per polling station from 1,200 to 1,500, saying it is "concerned".A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar asked senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the poll panel, to file a short affidavit explaining the rationale behind the decision. ...Read More >
Kuldeep Singh Sengar is also serving a 10-year jail term in connection with the custodial death of the Unnao rape victim's father. Kuldeep Singh Sengar sought interim bail on the grounds that he was suffering from various ailments The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted a two-week interim bail on medical grounds to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar who is serving life term for raping a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017. A bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh suspended the sent ...Read More >
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to eight convicts in the infamous 1987 Hashimpura massacre case of 38 persons by the personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary. IMAGE: File photograph of Muslims in Meerut staging a protest demanding justice in the 1987 Hashimpura massacre case. Photograph: PTI Photo/Rediff archives A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih took note of the submissions of senior advocate Amit Anand Tiwari, appearing for four convicts, that t ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 11 (ANI): The case of Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhash who died by suicide citing alleged harassment by his estranged wife has opened up a debate on misuse of ant--dowry lawy. Mumbai-based lawyer Abha Singh described the case as a 'gross misuse of law,' stating that false charges and harassment led to the death of the victim, suffering from harassment from his wife and in-laws. Lawyer Abha Singh also emphasized that the misuse of dowry laws could ultimately deny justice to those who genuinely need protection. Also Read | Atul Subhash Suicide Case: 4 People ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 13 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Friday granted conditional future bail to former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee in a money laundering case related to the cash-for-job scam. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said that Chatterjee shall be released on February 1, 2025 subject to the trial court framing charges before the winter vacation and examination of vulnerable witnesses by the second and third week of January 2025. The top court said upon his release Chatterjee shall not hold any public office but can continue as MLA. The bench said that a suspect canno ...Read More >
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 2 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah claimed that Muslims are feeling unsafe and stated that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also said that the government should treat Muslims without any discrimination. "...There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the govt of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean. They (the govt) should treat Muslims equally, there is no di ...Read More >
NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule is consulting experts on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) following Maharashtra's assembly poll results. The opposition questions EVM credibility after the Mahayuti coalition's significant win. Sule advocates for ballot papers, citing other countries' adoption, and will announce a final decision soon.NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Saturday said the opinion of experts is being sought over the "EVM issue" in the wake of the Maharashtra assembly polls' mandate as she b ...Read More >