Date for response from stakeholders on Telangana extended

NEW DELHI – The Justice Srikrishna committee appointed to look into the issue of statehood for Telangana Monday extended till April 10 the date for receiving views and suggestions from political parties and other stakeholders on the various terms of reference put out by it.

The decision was taken in view of requests that … Read : Date for response from stakeholders on Telangana extended.

‘Dr. Death’ jury asked whether prejudiced by prior knowledge of doctor’s publicity

MELBOURNE – Brisbane Supreme Court Justice John Byrne today asked on the first day of the trial the 12 jury members to consider whether they may have been prejudiced by any exposure to pre-trial publicity about former Indian-origin surgeon …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Dr. Death’ jury asked whether prejudiced by prior knowledge of doctor’s publicity.

India-born doctor caused three deaths, Australian court told

BRISBANE – India-born doctor Jayant Patel caused the deaths of three patients and left a man permanently impaired after he performed on him a “useless” and “careless” operation to remove his bowel, an Australian court was told.

Prosecutor Ross Martin gave an overview of the accusations against the former Bundaberg Base Hospital surgeon in his opening … Read more : India-born doctor caused three deaths, Australian court told.

British troops ran secret torture cell in Iraq: Report

LONDON – Britain’s military intelligence carried out a secret operation in Iraq under which its troops were authorised to torture prisoners, a media report said Sunday.

Fresh evidence has emerged that British military intelligence ran a secret operation in Iraq which authorised degrading and unlawful treatment of prisoners, The Independent reported.
Prisoners were kept hooded for …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pharma majors locked in legal battle over trademark

AHMEDABAD – A legal battle is afoot among the pharma majors and local companies of Gujarat over ownership of a trademark.

The issue came to the fore when multinationals Pfizer and Ranbaxy knocked the doors of the Gujarat High Court after two local pharma companies, Parth and Pearl, filed a complaint alleging illegal use of their … Read more : Pharma majors locked in legal battle over trademark.

Court accepts NDTV plea against child rights panel

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has said that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has no power to stay the telecast of a TV reality show without completing an inquiry.

Justice S. Muralidhar in an order passed last week said: NCPCR cannot on its own pass any directions without first completing …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Reopening of Swiss cases tantamount to trial of Benazir’s grave: Pak govt.

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) verdict to reopen the Swiss cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, saying that doing so would be tantamount to a trial of former premier Benazir Bhutto’s grave.

“An order to reopen cases abroad would be tantamount …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Reopening of Swiss cases tantamount to trial of Benazir’s grave: Pak govt..

“Dr. Death” Jayant Patel faced disciplinary action in US in 2000: Brisbane SC told

BRISBANE – Former Indian-origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel a.k.a. “Dr. Death” was disciplined by an American medical body in August 2000 for “gross acts of negligence”, the Brisbane Supreme Court has been told.

Prosecutor Ross Martin told the court that Dr. Patel, who has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of James Phillips, Mervyn Morris and … Original source on Gaea Times at : “Dr. Death” Jayant Patel faced disciplinary action in US in 2000: Brisbane SC told.

“Dr. Death” Jayant Patel lacked experience for major surgery: Brisbane SC told

BRISBANE – The Brisbane Supreme Court has been told that former Indian-origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel a.k.a. “Dr. Death” lacked the experience or medical support facilities to undertake major surgery on a patient who later died.

Prosecutor Ross Martin was speaking at the trial of Dr. Patel, who has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of … Original source on Gaea Times at : “Dr. Death” Jayant Patel lacked experience for major surgery: Brisbane SC told.

Pak government moves petition in LHC to quiz AQ Khan over proliferation disclosures

LONDON – The Pakistan government has moved a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking permission to quiz disgraced nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan regarding his disclosure to a foreign newspaper about his involvement in offering nuclear know how to Iraq and Iran.

The petition, which has come just ahead of the strategic dialogue …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pak government moves petition in LHC to quiz AQ Khan over proliferation disclosures.

Judge orders freedom for detainee described in 9/11 report as significant al-Qaida operative

Judge orders release of Guantanamo detainee

WASHINGTON – A judge has ordered the release of a Guantanamo Bay detainee who is described as a significant al-Qaida operative in the commission report about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The ruling in favor of detainee Mohamedou Ould Salahi was disclosed Monday in a two-sentence court entry.
The judge … Read more >>.

Judge: Opponents of gay marriage ban must surrender campaign documents to Prop 8 backers

Opponents of gay marriage ban must release memos

SAN FRANCISCO – Civil rights groups that campaigned against California’s same-sex marriage ban have lost an attempt to withhold internal memos and e-mails from lawyers for the other side.
U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker ruled Monday that the groups must surrender the campaign documents as evidence in a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Judge seeks settlement talks in bankruptcy case of exclusive Montana resort for millionaires

Judge seeks settlement in Yellowstone club case

BILLINGS, Mont. – A U.S. bankruptcy judge has ordered three days of settlement talks in May for the tangle of legal claims arising from the bankruptcy of the ultra-exclusive Yellowstone Club.
Creditors want $286 million out of the resort’s high-flying founder, Tim Blixseth, who they say bankrolled a luxury real …. Read the original article  : here.

Attorney: Israeli widow of Mumbai attack victim faces time limits in US to visit kids in NYC

Attorney: Mumbai widow’s time in US restricted

NEW YORK – Frumet Teitelbaum lost her husband in the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Now she may not be able to see her kids.
Teitelbaum, 37, was stopped at Kennedy International Airport last month after arriving from Israel, where she lives. She had come to visit her eight children, ages 2 … Read : Attorney: Israeli widow of Mumbai attack victim faces time limits in US to visit kids in NYC.

Lack of amenities in slums, violation of rights: UN

UNITED NATIONS – Lack of basic amenities in slums across the world is “a violation of human rights”, UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has said and asked global leaders to help the urban poor improve condition to stem environmental degradation

“Conditions in slums are a violation of human rights,” the secretary-general said in a message to the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Lack of amenities in slums, violation of rights: UN.

NYC settles class-action suit over strip searches in city jails for $33 million

NYC settles jail strip-search suit for $33 million

NEW YORK – Two women who claimed they were forced to have gynecological exams and others strip-searched in city jails have settled a class-action lawsuit with the city for $33 million.
The suit was filed on behalf of people arrested on misdemeanor drug and weapons charges and strip-searched at … Read : NYC settles class-action suit over strip searches in city jails for $33 million.

Fiji-Indian origin man who raped strict Hindu family girls in Auckland jailed

AUCKLAND – The rape victims, who came forward to help police arrest a Fiji-Indian-origin serial sex-offender despite their strict Hindu backgrounds, were lauded by Auckland High Court Justice John Priestley.

A Fiji-Indian origin man who raped and blackmailed several young women after taking advantage of their strict South Asian upbringing will spend at least 10 years … Read more >>.

“Dr. Death” Jayant Patel removed patient’s colon without proper investigation, court told

BRISBANE – Former Indian-origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel a.k.a. “Dr. Death” was too quick to remove a patient’s colon without adequate investigation over his cancer concerns, the Brisbane Supreme Court has been told.

Dr Marthinus Nel told the court that he referred one of his patients, Mervyn John Morris, for further tests after he became concerned …. Source article  : “Dr. Death” Jayant Patel removed patient’s colon without proper investigation, court told.

14 states challenge Obama’s historic healthcare reforms

WASHINGTON – Minutes after President Barack Obama signed sweeping health care reform legislation into law, 14 opposition Republican states went to court as the party vowed to do everything to undo the historic measure.

Obama hailed the legislation as the latest example of America facing up to major challenges for the benefit of all its people …. Source  : 14 states challenge Obama’s historic healthcare reforms.

Ruling expected this spring on whether board can ban fish pedicures at Phoenix-area salon

Ruling expected this spring in fish pedicure suit

MESA, Ariz. – A judge is expected to rule within two months on whether the Arizona Board of Cosmetology can ban the practice of using toothless carp to remove dead skin during pedicures at a salon in suburban Phoenix.
A lawsuit filed by government watchdog group the Goldwater Institute …. Source  : Ruling expected this spring on whether board can ban fish pedicures at Phoenix-area salon.

Parents of girl killed by boat in junior lifeguard class sue city of Huntington Beach, Calif.

Parents of girl killed by boat sue Calif. city

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The parents of a Huntington Beach, Calif., junior lifeguard who was struck and killed by a boat during a training exercise have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city.
Rick and Pam Squirrell of Laguna Hills filed the suit last week in Orange …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Parents of girl killed by boat in junior lifeguard class sue city of Huntington Beach, Calif..

Jose Canseco tweets he’s been subpoenaed by grand jury investigating Roger Clemens

Canseco tweets about grand jury subpoena
NEW YORK – Jose Canseco says he has been subpoenaed by a grand jury investigating whether Roger Clemens lied to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Canseco posted on his Twitter page Tuesday that the FBI was about to visit his house, then said he had received a subpoena to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jose Canseco tweets he’s been subpoenaed by grand jury investigating Roger Clemens.

Judge: Burden is on government to disprove unlawful command influence in Marine’s Haditha case

Judge says burden is on government in Haditha case

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – An attorney for a Marine facing a court-martial in a case involving the deaths of 24 Iraqis says a judge has decided the burden is on the government to show there was no unlawful command influence.
Lt. Col. David Jones says he will rule … Read more : Judge: Burden is on government to disprove unlawful command influence in Marine’s Haditha case.

Oprah Winfrey settles Pa. lawsuit filed by ex-headmistress of her South African girls school

Oprah Winfrey settles headmistress’ Pa. lawsuit

PHILADELPHIA – Oprah Winfrey has settled a defamation lawsuit filed by a headmistress she had accused of performing poorly at her South African girls school, where some students claimed they were abused, lawyers said Tuesday.
The lawsuit by former headmistress Nomvuyo Mzamane claimed Winfrey defamed her in remarks made in the … Read more »»».

APNewsBreak: Winfrey settles Pa. defamation suit with ex-boss of South African girls school

APNewsBreak: Winfrey settles Pa. defamation suit

PHILADELPHIA – Oprah Winfrey has settled a defamation lawsuit filed by a headmistress she had accused of performing poorly at her South African girls school, where some students claimed they were abused, lawyers said Tuesday.
The lawsuit by former headmistress Nomvuyo Mzamane claimed Winfrey defamed her in remarks made in the …. Read the original article  : APNewsBreak: Winfrey settles Pa. defamation suit with ex-boss of South African girls school.

Yemen: 2 southern activists sentenced to jail amid secession struggle

Yemen: 2 southern activists sentenced to jail

SAN’A, Yemen – Yemeni security courts on Tuesday sentenced two opposition leaders to prison for allegedly working against national unity and calling for secession of the country’s south.
Yemen has been struggling with a secessionist movement in its south, where an increasingly vocal separatists have clashed with the central government.
Ahmed …. Read the original article  : Yemen: 2 southern activists sentenced to jail amid secession struggle.

Patient’s bowel was “poking out” after surgery by “Dr. Death”, Brisbane SC told

BRISBANE – The Brisbane Supreme Court has been told that one of the surgeries performed by former Indian-origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel aka “Dr. Death” had left a patient with his bowel “poking through” his wound.

Doctor Emma Igras, who served as a junior doctor under the guidance of Dr. Patel at the Bundaberg Base Hospital … Original article on : Patient’s bowel was “poking out” after surgery by “Dr. Death”, Brisbane SC told.

Judge dismissed 1 criminal sexual conduct case against ex-Detroit Lion Tommie Boyd

Judge dismisses 1 case against ex-Lion Tommie Boyd

ROSEVILLE, Mich. – A judge has dismissed one of the criminal sexual conduct cases against former Detroit Lions wide receiver Tommie Boyd.
Boyd was accused of forcing the girl to have sex in 2006 at Fraser High School, where he was a substitute teacher and track coach. The now-19-year-old … Read : Judge dismissed 1 criminal sexual conduct case against ex-Detroit Lion Tommie Boyd.

Bangladesh mourns martyrs, to begin trial of `war criminals’

DHAKA – Bangladesh observes its 40th Independence Day Thursday, when it also sets in motion the trial of the “war criminals”, the Islamist militia who killed unarmed civilians during the freedom movement.

The intervening night of Thursday-Friday would be mourned as the “black night”, marking the crackdown on civilians by then Pakistan Army. Bangladesh was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bangladesh mourns martyrs, to begin trial of `war criminals’.

Michigan coach Rodriguez named in $1M lawsuit over Alabama condo project

Rodriguez named in $1M Alabama condo-loan suit

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez has been sued along with several business partners by a company that says it has yet to be repaid for a $1 million loan.
The suit filed in federal court last month by the West Columbia Trading Company of South Carolina claims a …. Read the original article  : Michigan coach Rodriguez named in $1M lawsuit over Alabama condo project.

NYC judge again sides with CIA on withholding names of harshly treated Sept. 11 detainees

NY judge: CIA can keep secrets despite ACLU demand

NEW YORK – A New York City judge has for a second time denied efforts by the American Civil Liberties Union to force the CIA to release names and documents relating to Sept. 11 detainees who were interrogated harshly.
Lawyers for the ACLU and the government argued before …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NYC judge again sides with CIA on withholding names of harshly treated Sept. 11 detainees.

Accessing passport records results in probation for State Department employee

State Dept employee sentenced to probation

WASHINGTON – A State Department employee has been sentenced to a year of probation for accessing the passport applications of more than 60 celebrities and their families.
During an appearance Wednesday before a federal magistrate, Debra Sue Brown also was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.
Brown pleaded guilty in …. Source article  : Accessing passport records results in probation for State Department employee.

Supreme Court delays Texas execution of man who wants DNA testing

High court blocks Texas execution
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has blocked the execution of a Texas man who says DNA testing could clear him of the triple slaying that has sent him to death row.

The justices’ order Wednesday could allow Hank Skinner access to evidence that he says could demonstrate his innocence. The 47-year-old Skinner …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court delays Texas execution of man who wants DNA testing.

Fla. jury finds for dead smoker’s widow, puts blame partly on Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds

Fla. jury awards $30 million in smoker’s death

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Florida jury has awarded $20 million in punitive damages to the widow of a longtime smoker who died of lung cancer.
Robin Cohen’s attorney, Adam Trop, says the six-person jury in Fort Lauderdale found that Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds each shared a … Read more »».

Judge denies dismissing case against ex-Mass. speaker but is weighing hearing on newer charges

Judge: Case against ex-Mass. speaker can proceed

BOSTON – A federal judge has declined to dismiss corruption charges against former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and three co-defendants.
But Judge Mark Wolf also said Wednesday that he would consider holding a hearing on whether allegations included in an expanded indictment last fall should be included in the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Judge denies dismissing case against ex-Mass. speaker but is weighing hearing on newer charges.

Colorado balloon boy father Richard Heene completing sentence at home with ankle monitor

Balloon boy dad completing sentence at home

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Colorado man who pleaded guilty to falsely influencing the sheriff by saying his son had floated off in a runaway balloon is completing his sentence at home.
Larimer County sheriff’s spokeswoman Eloise Campanella said Wednesday that Richard Heene (HEE-nee) finished his time in jail and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Colorado balloon boy father Richard Heene completing sentence at home with ankle monitor.

Norwegians face probe for killing New Zealand birds

WELLINGTON – Five Norwegian men were reported Saturday to be under investigation at home and in New Zealand where they filmed themselves shooting protected wildlife.

The five reportedly removed a video of their hunting exploits in New Zealand from You Tube following a storm of protest.
New Zealand Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said she was “absolutely …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Norwegians face probe for killing New Zealand birds.

Wizards coach Flip Saunders calls Arenas’ sentencing closure; teammate happy he avoided jail

Wizards’ Saunders calls Arenas sentence ‘closure’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – At the same time suspended Washington guard Gilbert Arenas was sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house for a felony gun conviction on Friday, Wizards trainer Eric Waters was in the hospital awaiting surgery to remove his appendix.
“We always have something going on with our team,” …. Read the original article  : here.

Court: Sears chairman Lampert must give deposition in age bias lawsuit by former employee

Court says Sears chairman Lampert can be deposed

DETROIT – An appeals court says Sears Holdings Corp. Chairman Edward Lampert must give a deposition in a lawsuit filed by a former Kmart employee who says he was the victim of age discrimination.
The former employee, David Marsico, says he had a conversation with Lampert in 2003 after … Original article on : Court: Sears chairman Lampert must give deposition in age bias lawsuit by former employee.

Southern Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled immigrants held years in detention

Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled

LOS ANGELES – Civil rights groups are asking federal courts in Southern California to free two mentally disabled men who’ve been held for several years in immigration detention centers.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups filed petitions Friday in Los Angeles and San Diego. They argue the men … Read more : Southern Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled immigrants held years in detention.

Court OK’s Seattle police use of stun gun on pregnant woman stopped for school zone speeding

Court: Seattle police OK to Taser pregnant woman

SEATTLE – A federal appeals court says three Seattle police officers were justified when they used a stun gun on a pregnant mother who refused to sign a traffic ticket.
Malaika Brooks was driving her son to school in 2004 when she was stopped for doing 32 mph in … Read more >>>.

Black farmers’ settlement at risk as plaintiffs await funding approval

Black farmers’ settlement still not a done deal

WASHINGTON – A $1.25 billion settlement between black farmers and the Agriculture Department is at risk of unraveling after Congress adjourned for a two-week break without approving the spending.
The settlement, to which the Obama administration agreed last month, has been hailed as the final chapter in a decades-long …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Black farmers’ settlement at risk as plaintiffs await funding approval.

Asian states urged to ratify criminal court treaty

BRUSSELS – The European Union (EU) Friday welcomed the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) by Bangladesh, EuAsiaNews reported.

“This ratification Tuesday, bringing the number of ICC states parties to 111, marks a further significant step forward in the international community’s efforts to combat impunity for war crimes, crimes against …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Asian states urged to ratify criminal court treaty.

US tennis player Wayne Odesnik pleads guilty to HGH import; fined $7,000, 2-year ban possible

Tennis player Wayne Odesnik fined over HGH

BRISBANE, Australia – Wayne Odesnik, an American tennis player ranked No. 98, pleaded guilty Friday to importing human growth hormone into Australia before a tournament leading to the Australian Open. He was fined more than $7,000 and could be banned from tennis for two years.
The 24-year-old player was stopped …. Read the original article  : US tennis player Wayne Odesnik pleads guilty to HGH import; fined $7,000, 2-year ban possible.

Prince ordered to pay Irish concert promoters for canceled Dublin show

Prince ordered to pay Irish concert promoter

DUBLIN – A Dublin judge has ordered Prince to pay $2.95 million to Ireland’s major concert promoters for canceling a 2008 concert at the last minute.
High Court Justice Peter Kelly made public the damages total Friday because the singer has yet to pay the amount to Dublin promoters MCD … Read more : Prince ordered to pay Irish concert promoters for canceled Dublin show.

Wayne Odesnik fined for importing HGH, faces 2-year ban from ITF

Odesnik fined for importing HGH
BRISBANE, Australia – Wayne Odesnik faces a ban from tennis after pleading guilty in an Australian court on Friday to importing human growth hormone into the country.

The 24-year-old American was stopped by customs officers on Jan. 2 as he arrived in Australia ahead of the Brisbane International and Australian Open, and … Read more »».

Africans still in detention centre despite acquittal

NEW DELHI – For 12 African nationals languishing in a foreigners’ detention centre in the Indian capital, returning home seems a distant dream despite their acquittal from criminal cases.

In a letter to President Pratibha Patil, Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan, the home ministry and their high commissions, the Africans have complained about ill-treatment at …. Read the original article  : Africans still in detention centre despite acquittal.

Modi appears before SIT

GANDHINAGAR – Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Saturday appeared before the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning over the 2002 communal riots.

Modi reached the SIT office at noon. This is the first time Modi is being interrogated in a riot case.
An official spokesman said Modi’s decision to submit himself for questioning was …. Source  : Modi appears before SIT.

Dial four wrong entries to talk to railway enquiry executive!

NEW DELHI – Tired of trying to reach a call centre executive in Indian Railways’ passenger information system 139? Just dial the number and then make four wrong entries and your call will be directly transferred to an executive.

It is weird but that’s how it works. The revelation was made by an official of the …. Original source  : Dial four wrong entries to talk to railway enquiry executive!.

Norwegians face probe for killing New Zealand birds

WELLINGTON – Five Norwegian men were reported Saturday to be under investigation at home and in New Zealand where they filmed themselves shooting protected wildlife.

The five reportedly removed a video of their hunting exploits in New Zealand from You Tube following a storm of protest.
New Zealand Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said she was “absolutely … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Norwegians face probe for killing New Zealand birds.

Wizards coach Flip Saunders calls Arenas’ sentencing closure; teammate happy he avoided jail

Wizards’ Saunders calls Arenas sentence ‘closure’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – At the same time suspended Washington guard Gilbert Arenas was sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house for a felony gun conviction on Friday, Wizards trainer Eric Waters was in the hospital awaiting surgery to remove his appendix.
“We always have something going on with our team,” … Read more >>.

Court: Sears chairman Lampert must give deposition in age bias lawsuit by former employee

Court says Sears chairman Lampert can be deposed

DETROIT – An appeals court says Sears Holdings Corp. Chairman Edward Lampert must give a deposition in a lawsuit filed by a former Kmart employee who says he was the victim of age discrimination.
The former employee, David Marsico, says he had a conversation with Lampert in 2003 after …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court: Sears chairman Lampert must give deposition in age bias lawsuit by former employee.

Southern Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled immigrants held years in detention

Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled

LOS ANGELES – Civil rights groups are asking federal courts in Southern California to free two mentally disabled men who’ve been held for several years in immigration detention centers.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups filed petitions Friday in Los Angeles and San Diego. They argue the men … Read more : Southern Calif. courts asked to free mentally disabled immigrants held years in detention.

Court OK’s Seattle police use of stun gun on pregnant woman stopped for school zone speeding

Court: Seattle police OK to Taser pregnant woman

SEATTLE – A federal appeals court says three Seattle police officers were justified when they used a stun gun on a pregnant mother who refused to sign a traffic ticket.
Malaika Brooks was driving her son to school in 2004 when she was stopped for doing 32 mph in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Black farmers’ settlement at risk as plaintiffs await funding approval

Black farmers’ settlement still not a done deal

WASHINGTON – A $1.25 billion settlement between black farmers and the Agriculture Department is at risk of unraveling after Congress adjourned for a two-week break without approving the spending.
The settlement, to which the Obama administration agreed last month, has been hailed as the final chapter in a decades-long … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Black farmers’ settlement at risk as plaintiffs await funding approval.

Asian states urged to ratify criminal court treaty

BRUSSELS – The European Union (EU) Friday welcomed the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) by Bangladesh, EuAsiaNews reported.

“This ratification Tuesday, bringing the number of ICC states parties to 111, marks a further significant step forward in the international community’s efforts to combat impunity for war crimes, crimes against …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Asian states urged to ratify criminal court treaty.

Larsen & Toubro gets court backing in highway project

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has restrained the road transport ministry from interfering in one of the first highway projects awarded on a build-operate-transfer basis to Larsen and Toubro (L&T) at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

“I am satisfied that in the absence of grant of interim relief, the prayer made by the petitioner would … Original article on : Larsen & Toubro gets court backing in highway project.

Ecuadorian journalist gets jail for insulting official

Quito, March 28 (IANS/EFE) An editorial writer for Ecuadorian daily El Universo was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for insulting the head of a government agency in one of his columns.

As part of Friday’s sentence, which is subject to appeal, Judge Carmen Arguello also ordered Palacio to pay $10,000 in legal costs. …. Source article  : Ecuadorian journalist gets jail for insulting official.

European Union, Libya, end visa strife

SIRTE/LONDON – The European Union and Libya have ended their visa strife as Libya late Saturday said it had lifted travel restrictions against EU citizens, according to media reports.

The Libyan Foreign Ministry confirmed the lifting of restrictions in a statement, according to Libya’s state Jana news agency cited by BBC and Al-Jazeera broadcasters.
The Spanish … Read more : European Union, Libya, end visa strife.

Modi grilled for nine hours by SIT (Third Intro Roundup)

GANDHINAGAR – Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was grilled Saturday by a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel for over nine hours in two separate sessions that ended past midnight over his alleged complicity in not doing enough to stop the 2002 communal riots which claimed more than 1,000 lives.

The chief minister came out of the Special …. Original article  : Modi grilled for nine hours by SIT (Third Intro Roundup).

British Airways flights disrupted by fresh strikes

LONDON – A new walkout by British Airways cabin crews forced the cancellation of 93 flights at Heathrow Airport Saturday, according to the BBC.

The new walkout, set to last four days, follows a three-day strike by cabin crews which ended March 22.
BA pledged that it would seek to limit the effects of the new …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : British Airways flights disrupted by fresh strikes.

Agra lawyers strike work, demand high court bench

AGRA – Lawyers in Agra observed a day’s strike Saturday to demand a bench of the Allahabad High Court in the city.

The lawyers took out a protest march and Nitin Sharma, a member of the lawyers committee, said that one lakh signatures would be sent to the president of India shortly in this regard.
The …. Source  : Agra lawyers strike work, demand high court bench.

India\’s law is supreme: Modi

GANDHINAGAR – \”India\’s law is supreme,\” Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday after a five-hour questioning by the Supreme Court-appointed panel to probe his role in the 2002 riots.

\”As a citizen and as the chief minister, I am bound by the constitution and law. Nobody is above the law,\” Modi said as he came … Read more »»».

Texan strip clubs fight over ‘$5 pole tax’

LONDON – Strip clubs in Texas are fighting against the state enforced 5-dollar admission fee, known as the “pole tax”, in the Supreme Court.

The Texas Entertainment Association, which represents strip clubs across the state, want the fee to be dropped, calling …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Texan strip clubs fight over ‘$5 pole tax’.

Modi’s appearance before SIT shows nobody’s above law, says Moily

NEW DELHI/ GANDHI NAGAR – Union Minister for Law and Justice Veerappa Moily on Saturday said that even if the appearance of Gujarat Chief Minister Narender Modi before the Supreme Court appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) was most unfortunate, it did reflect that all were … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Modi’s appearance before SIT shows nobody’s above law, says Moily.