UN tribunal to arbiter Delhi-Dhaka maritime border depute

DHAKA – The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has nominated three judges to constitute an arbitration tribunal on the Bangladesh-India maritime boundary dispute.

The judges are Rudiger Wolfrum of Germany, Tullio Treves of Italy and Ivan Anthony Shearer of Australia. Wolfrum will preside over the tribunal.
Bangladesh has nominated Alan Vaughen Lowe, a …. Source article  : UN tribunal to arbiter Delhi-Dhaka maritime border depute.

Court fines tenant for harassing owner

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has slapped a fine of Rs.350,000 on a tenant for prolonging a legal case and depriving the owner of the benefits of his property.

Justice S.N. Dhingra last week imposed the fine as an exemplary cost for the delay caused. He dismissed the petition.
Pulling up the petitioner for … Read more : Court fines tenant for harassing owner.

‘Liberated’ women manual scavengers meet US ambassador

NEW DELHI – It was a proud moment for the “liberated” women manual scavengers when they were received by US Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer and his wife Sally at their Roosevelt House residence here.

The group of 100 women have left behind their ignominious job of manual scavenging – cleaning human excreta with the hands, an …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘PMO approval not taken for ad featuring ex-Pakistani air chief’

NEW DELHI – The union ministry of women and child development did not seek the mandatory approval of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) before publishing the prime minister’s photograph in a controversial advertisement featuring a former Pakistani air force chief, the answer to a Right to Information (RTI) application has revealed.

The revelation was made by … Read : ‘PMO approval not taken for ad featuring ex-Pakistani air chief’.

Help civic agency solve water woes, court tells residents

NEW DELHI – Fed up with not receiving water supply for nearly three months, a resident of east Delhi’s Shahdara area has approached the Delhi High Court, which in turn has asked residents of the area to help the civic authorities solve the water crisis.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and … Read more >>>.

Yorkshire Ripper urges court to set him free

LONDON – British serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, who was convicted of murdering 13 women and attacking seven others in Yorkshire and Lancashire in late 1980, is reportedly seeking a High Court ruling which could see him freed.

Sutcliffe – dubbed as Yorkshire Ripper – is asking the High Court to grant him a “finite minimum sentence”, …. Source  : Yorkshire Ripper urges court to set him free.

Auckland jury retires from Indian-origin liquor store owner’s trial

AUCKLAND – An Auckland High Court jury has ended the second day’s deliberations in Indian-origin south Auckland liquor store owner Navtej Singh’s June 2008 murder without a verdict.

The jury that was adjourned just before 5pm was meant … Read more : Auckland jury retires from Indian-origin liquor store owner’s trial.

Concern over health of Cuban prisoner on hunger strike

Havana, March 2 (IANS/EFE) The health of Cuban dissident Guillermo Farias, who has been on a hunger strike for five days calling for the release of the country’s roughly 200 political prisoners, was worsening and he was showing signs of acute dehydration, his mother said.

“He has symptoms of dehydration, headaches and joint pain,” Alicia Hernandez, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Concern over health of Cuban prisoner on hunger strike.

O.J. Simpson, Fred Goldman, attorneys agree to donate ‘acquittal suit’ to Smithsonian

All sides agree to donate Simpson ‘acquittal suit’

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – After 13 years of legal battles, O.J. Simpson, his former agent, and Fred Goldman have agreed to donate Simpson’s so-called “acquittal suit” to the Smithsonian Institution.
The agreement came Monday during a court hearing after a judge called Simpson at a Nevada prison where he … Original article on : O.J. Simpson, Fred Goldman, attorneys agree to donate ‘acquittal suit’ to Smithsonian.

Haiti judge says he likely to order release of Americans detained in orphan case after hearing

Haiti judge: Likely to order Americans released

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A Haitian judge says he will likely order the release of the last two Americans detained for trying to take 33 children out of the country after the earthquake.
Judge Bernard Saint-Vil tells The Associated Press he expects to resolve the case after a hearing Tuesday.
Saint-Vil said …. Read the original article  : Haiti judge says he likely to order release of Americans detained in orphan case after hearing.

Judge overrules daughter, says Colo. woman’s remains can be frozen in hopes of future revival

Judge rules Colorado woman’s remains can be frozen

DENVER – The remains of a Colorado woman can be frozen by an Arizona nonprofit organization in hopes future technology will be able to revive her, a judge ruled Monday in granting the woman’s original wish, despite her daughter’s protest.
The final will of Mary Robbins, 71, gives custody … Read more >>>.

Man held after huge movie billboard draped on Hollywood building near Oscar site

LA man held after huge movie ad draped on building

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles businessman who was arrested for investigation of draping a huge movie billboard over a Hollywood building near the site of the upcoming Oscars is due in court after a weekend in jail.
City attorney spokesman John Franklin says 49-year-old Kayvan Setareh …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Merck: Last Vioxx payouts coming soon from $4.85B fund to settle heart attack, stroke lawsuits

Merck: Last Vioxx patient payouts to be made soon

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. – Drugmaker Merck & Co. says it’s finished paying $4.85 billion into its fund to settle tens of thousands of claims that withdrawn painkiller Vioxx caused heart attacks or strokes.
The final payouts to those patients or their survivors should be made by the end …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Utah woman gets another chance to save her home after losing title over unpaid $68 dental bill

Unpaid $68 dental bill dogs Utah homeowner

SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah woman who lost title to her house over an unpaid $68 dental bill has been given a reprieve.
The Utah Court of Appeals ruled Capri Ramos is entitled to another opportunity to void the sale of her house at a county auction for $1,550.
The …. Original article  : Utah woman gets another chance to save her home after losing title over unpaid $68 dental bill.

Supreme Court dismisses appeal of Chinese Muslims at Guantanamo Bay, says other options exist

Court dismisses Uighurs’ appeal in detention case

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal from the seven Chinese Muslim detainees at Guantanamo Bay because they have been offered another place to live.
The justices also said Monday lower courts should take a new look at their case, however. The court had been scheduled to hear …. Original article  : Supreme Court dismisses appeal of Chinese Muslims at Guantanamo Bay, says other options exist.

Auckland jury retires for third day from Indian-origin liquor store owner’s trial

LONDON – An Auckland High Court jury has ended the third day’s deliberations in Indian-origin south Auckland liquor store owner Navtej Singh’s June 2008 murder without a verdict.

The jury that was adjourned after 15 hours of deliberations was meant to ascertain whether seven people are guilty of various charges in connection with the June 2008 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Child services probes stun gun sent to Jackson home; attorney says children were never exposed

Child services probes stun gun at Jackson home

LOS ANGELES – An attorney for Michael Jackson’s mother confirms that child services workers are investigating the presence of a stun gun at the Jackson family home, but he says the late singer’s children were never exposed to the weapon.
Attorney Adam Streisand confirmed the investigation Tuesday but said …. Source article  : Child services probes stun gun sent to Jackson home; attorney says children were never exposed.

Family of California Highway Patrol officer killed in Lexus crash sues Toyota

Family of officer killed in crash sues Toyota

SAN DIEGO – Relatives of a California Highway Patrol officer killed along with three family members when their Lexus crashed in San Diego County have sued Toyota for product liability and negligence.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday in San Diego Superior Court names Toyota Motor Corp., several of its U.S. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Family of California Highway Patrol officer killed in Lexus crash sues Toyota.

Adani case: Gujarat High Court judge pulls up registrar

AHMEDABAD – A Gujarat High Court judge has pulled up the court registrar for placing before him a petition by “rich and powerful” businessman Rajesh Adani without completing the official procedure.

Justice A.S. Dave in an order reprimanded Registrar (judicial) G.K. Upadhyay Tuesday for “unnecessary haste” in moving the case before him. “The rich and the … Read more »»».

Mexico accuses 10 immigration agents, 3 airline workers of Chinese migrant trafficking

Trafficking probe nets 10 Mexican migration agents

MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s interior department says prosecutors have detained 10 Mexican immigration agents and three airline workers at Cancun’s international airport on suspicion of trafficking Chinese migrants.
The department says in a statement that the agents, along with the two Mexicana Airlines employees and a worker of Livingston Air, … Original article on : Mexico accuses 10 immigration agents, 3 airline workers of Chinese migrant trafficking.

Attorney says Michael Jackson’s children were never exposed to stun gun; investigation ongoing

Attorney: Jackson kids weren’t exposed to stun gun

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s children were never exposed to a mail-order stun gun recently delivered to the family’s home, an attorney for the late singer’s mother said Tuesday.
Child services workers are investigating the incident, but attorney Adam Streisand said the stun gun was confiscated before any harm … Original source on Gaea Times at : Attorney says Michael Jackson’s children were never exposed to stun gun; investigation ongoing.

US Supreme Court could declare individual right to own guns

WASHINGTON – The US Supreme Court appeared to be leaning toward granting all Americans the right to own firearms, in the latest landmark case Tuesday involving gun rights in the country.

The justices in the country’s highest court heard oral arguments over a three-decade-old city ban on handguns in Chicago. The debate revolves around how far [..] Read the original article: here.

APNewsBreak: Wash. changes execution method from three-drug cocktail to one-drug injection

APNewsBreak: WA changes execution method
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington state has changed its method of execution from a three-drug cocktail to a one-drug system, according to paperwork filed Tuesday with the state Supreme Court.

The filing by state Attorney General Rob McKenna reveals that the state made the decision last Thursday. It wants the high court to …. Original article  : APNewsBreak: Wash. changes execution method from three-drug cocktail to one-drug injection.

Smithsonian turns down donation of suit worn by OJ Simpson during 1995 acquittal announcement

Smithsonian turns down suit worn by OJ Simpson
LOS ANGELES – What O.J. Simpson wore when he was acquitted in 1995 of murdering his ex-wife and her friend was the suit seen around the world during one of the most watched televised moments in history.
But the Smithsonian Institution, America’s repository of historical artifacts, rejected …. Source article  : Smithsonian turns down donation of suit worn by OJ Simpson during 1995 acquittal announcement.

AP Interview: Arenas shrugs off nerves as sentencing nears, ‘no problem’ returning to Wizards

AP Interview: Arenas shrugs off sentencing nerves

WASHINGTON – As he has done many times in the month of March, Gilbert Arenas took off his shirt in a building full of adoring fans.
This time, though, he was simply changing into a T-shirt with the PETA logo, not removing his Washington Wizards jersey to toss into the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : AP Interview: Arenas shrugs off nerves as sentencing nears, ‘no problem’ returning to Wizards.

Murdered Auckland Indian store owner’s family shocked over verdict

AUCKLAND – The family of Navtej Singh, the Indian-origin Manurewa liquor store owner who was murdered on June 7, 2008, has expressed shock over a high court’s not guilty verdict for three of the seven convicts involved in the case.

Daljit Singh, a close family friend, said while they respected the jury’s decision and the New …. Original article  : Murdered Auckland Indian store owner’s family shocked over verdict.

Colorado family won’t appeal judge’s decision to allow their mother’s remains to be frozen

Colo. family won’t file appeal for frozen remains

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A Colorado family has decided not to appeal a judge’s decision to allow their mother’s remains to be cryogenically frozen.
Mary Robbins, 71, signed a contract with Alcor Life Extension Foundation in 2006 and set aside $50,000 to pay for her preservation. She died of …. Original article  : Colorado family won’t appeal judge’s decision to allow their mother’s remains to be frozen.

Chinese fans abuzz over whether Yao Ming’s baby will be an American

China fans ask, will Yao Ming’s baby be American?

BEIJING – Chinese basketball fans want to know – will Yao Ming’s baby be an American?
The Houston Rockets center, who is sidelined this season with a broken left foot, recently returned to the United States with wife Ye Li. That prompted speculation among his followers that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chinese fans abuzz over whether Yao Ming’s baby will be an American.

Army bomb expert sues ‘Hurt Locker’ makers, claiming main character is based on him

Army bomb expert says ‘Hurt Locker’ based on him

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – An Army bomb disposal expert who served in the Iraq war is suing the makers of “The Hurt Locker,” claiming the Oscar-nominated film’s lead character is based on him and that they cheated him out of “financial participation in the film.
Attorney Geoffrey Fieger said … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Army bomb expert sues ‘Hurt Locker’ makers, claiming main character is based on him.

War crimes prosecutor suspects both parties guilty of stoking 2007 Kenyan election violence

Prosecutor has 20 suspects in 2007 Kenya violence

AMSTERDAM – An international prosecutor probing the deadly violence that rocked Kenya after the 2007 elections said Wednesday he believes top officials from both major parties were responsible for crimes against humanity, and he has a list of 20 suspects.
Luis Moreno Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : War crimes prosecutor suspects both parties guilty of stoking 2007 Kenyan election violence.

Michael Jackson’s ex Debbie Rowe wins $27k judgment against Florida woman in defamation case

Debbie Rowe wins judgment in defamation case

LOS ANGELES – A judge has granted Michael Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, a $27,000 judgment against a woman who she says gave false information to reporters about her after the singer’s death.
The amount includes $10,000 in damages for Rowe’s emotional distress that she says she suffered after the interview … Read more >>>.

Court questions if former Somali official can be sued by victims of atrocities in US courts

Court questions suit against former Somali leader

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court is questioning whether a former prime minister of Somalia can be sued in U.S. courts for allegedly overseeing killings and other atrocities.
Mohamed Ali Samantar was defense minister and prime minister of Somalia in the 1980s and early 1990s under dictator Siad Barre. But he … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court questions if former Somali official can be sued by victims of atrocities in US courts.

British court refuses bail for ex-Bosnian Vice President Ejup Ganic on war crimes charges

UK court refuses bail to former Bosnian politician

LONDON – A British judge has ordered former Bosnian Vice President Ejup Ganic held in custody despite a request to release him while he challenges a Serbian demand that he be extradited for alleged war crimes.
District Judge Quentin Purdy on Wednesday ordered Ganic detained until a future hearing … Original article on : British court refuses bail for ex-Bosnian Vice President Ejup Ganic on war crimes charges.

Pak SC gives two-week deadline to government to report about missing persons

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Supreme Court has given two weeks time to the federal government to submit report regarding all missing persons.

Hearing petitions filed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and relatives of those missing , a three-member bench of the apex … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pak SC gives two-week deadline to government to report about missing persons.

La. senator wants to see if deaths are linked to Chinese drywall; fed officials say no link

La. senator: Are deaths linked to Chinese drywall?

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Sen. David Vitter has called for federal officials to do a more thorough review of the deaths of several people who lived in homes that contained smelly, possibly toxic Chinese drywall.
Federal officials at the Consumer Protection Safety Commission said they have investigated and found …. Original article  : La. senator wants to see if deaths are linked to Chinese drywall; fed officials say no link.

Jury awards 13 plaintiffs $825K each in lawsuit against Premium Standard Farms in Mo.

Jury awards plaintiffs $11M total in hog lawsuit

A Jackson County jury awarded more than $11 million on Thursday to plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the odors from a Premium Standard Farms hog operation in northern Missouri.
The awards included $825,000 for each of the 13 plaintiffs. A 14th plaintiff was awarded $250,000, and the 15th got …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Jury awards 13 plaintiffs $825K each in lawsuit against Premium Standard Farms in Mo..

Son of photographer Ansel Adams sues to stop Calif. art museum from selling dad’s prints

Ansel Adams’ son sues Calif. museum over prints

FRESNO, Calif. – The son of legendary photographer Ansel Adams is suing the Fresno Metropolitan Museum to keep the now-defunct museum from auctioning off six of his father’s prints.
Adams’ son, Michael, filed a lawsuit Monday in Fresno County Superior Court to keep the board from selling his father’s … Read more »».

Judge denies NFL request to move lawsuits over Minn. Vikings suspensions back to federal court

NFL loses bid to move doping case to federal court

MINNEAPOLIS – The NFL has lost a last-minute bid to have a federal court hear a lawsuit by two Minnesota Vikings facing suspension for using a banned substance.
U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson on Thursday denied the league’s request to move the lawsuit filed by defensive tackles …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Judge denies NFL request to move lawsuits over Minn. Vikings suspensions back to federal court.

Former Infinity Ward studio heads sue Activision over firing

Former studio heads sue Activision after firing

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Two game studio heads fired by Activision this week are suing the video game publisher, saying it let them go to avoid paying hefty royalties from the popular “Call of Duty.”
In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, Jason West and Vince …. Source article  : Former Infinity Ward studio heads sue Activision over firing.

Appeals court overturns $5 million judgment against author Clive Cussler over ‘Sahara’ film

$5 million judgment against Clive Cussler reversed

LOS ANGELES – A California appeals court has overturned a $5 million judgment against author Clive Cussler in a long-running lawsuit over the film “Sahara.”
The ruling Wednesday by the California Second District Court of Appeal could restart the legal feud between Cussler and Crusader Entertainment that started in 2004.
In … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Appeals court overturns $5 million judgment against author Clive Cussler over ‘Sahara’ film.

NFL asks to move lawsuits over Minnesota Vikings suspensions back to federal court

NFL seeks to move doping case to federal court

MINNEAPOLIS – The NFL wants to move lawsuits by two Minnesota Vikings facing suspension for using a banned diuretic back to federal court – nearly on the eve of trial.
The league has filed notice that it wants to move the lawsuits filed by defensive tackles Kevin Williams … Read more »».

UK to restrict war crimes prosecution for events abroad after warrants issued for Israelis

UK to restrict prosecution for war crimes abroad

LONDON – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Thursday he would move to block private groups from launching war crimes prosecutions against visiting foreign dignitaries, following a controversy inflamed when an arrest warrant was issued for former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
Brown said that Britain’s principle of universal … Original article on : UK to restrict war crimes prosecution for events abroad after warrants issued for Israelis.

Obama calls in key senators to discuss immigration legislation

President to meet with key senators on immigration
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to focus attention on immigration next week by meeting at the White House with two senators crafting a bill on the issue.
White House spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said Obama will meet with Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican …. Original source  : Obama calls in key senators to discuss immigration legislation.

British soldier who refused to return to Afghanistan sentenced to jail

British soldier jailed for refusing Afghan tour

LONDON – A British soldier who refused to serve in Afghanistan and spoke out against the war has been sentenced to nine months in jail.
Lance Cpl. Joe Glenton failed to report to a barracks in 2007 before a second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He had served in the … Read more »»».

Wis. judge orders Mercedes-Benz to pay $482K in damages, fees in notable ‘lemon law’ case

Mercedes-Benz hit with large ‘lemon law’ judgment

MADISON, Wis. – A judge is ordering Mercedes-Benz to pay $482,000 in damages and legal fees to a Wisconsin customer who was sold a defective car and not given a refund on time.
Vince Megna, a lawyer who represents the customer, says the judgment could be the largest involving a …. Original source  : Wis. judge orders Mercedes-Benz to pay $482K in damages, fees in notable ‘lemon law’ case.

Wife of convicted UK aircraft bomb plotter found innocent of failing to pass on information

Wife of UK aircraft bomb plotter found innocent

LONDON – A London jury has acquitted the wife of a convicted bomb plotter of failing to pass on information to authorities.
Cossor Ali was declared not guilty on Friday following a three-week trial.
Her husband, Abdulla Ahmed Ali, was convicted in September of leading a conspiracy to murder hundreds …. Source  : Wife of convicted UK aircraft bomb plotter found innocent of failing to pass on information.

Lil Wayne set to be sentenced to year in NY jail for illegally having loaded gun on tour bus

Lil Wayne set to be sentenced to year in NY jail

NEW YORK – Lil Wayne has agreed to go to jail in a gun case, but it has proven unexpectedly hard to put him there.
First, the rap star’s sentencing was postponed last month so he could undergo surgery on his bejeweled teeth. Then, a fire … Original article on : Lil Wayne set to be sentenced to year in NY jail for illegally having loaded gun on tour bus.

Kansas City district once flush with cash is so broke official wants to close half its schools

Kansas City wants to close half its public schools

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City was held up as a national example of bold thinking when it tried to integrate its schools by making them better than the suburban districts where many kids were moving. The result was one school with an Olympic-sized swimming pool and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kansas City district once flush with cash is so broke official wants to close half its schools.

Lawyers’ role pivotal for any liberal democracy, says CJI K.G. Balakrishnan

NEW DELHI – Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan on Sunday said in any liberal democracy lawyers’ role is pivotal and the similar role was played by lawyers during Indian freedom movement as well as in framing of the Constitution of India.

Speaking on the occasion of conclusion of 9th Amity National Moot Court … Read : Lawyers’ role pivotal for any liberal democracy, says CJI K.G. Balakrishnan.

Vikings players will take on NFL’s drug policy in trial set to begin on Monday in Minnesota

Vikings vs. NFL trial set to begin Monday
MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Vikings Kevin Williams and Pat Williams are about to take their dispute with the NFL into a courtroom.

The long-running battle over whether the NFL can suspend the two defensive tackles goes to trial Monday in a Minnesota state court. A judge will consider whether the …. Source article  : Vikings players will take on NFL’s drug policy in trial set to begin on Monday in Minnesota.

Swiss vote on whether to appoint special lawyers to represent abused animals in court

Swiss vote on whether abused animals get lawyers

GENEVA – In a referendum cheered by animal rights activists, Swiss voters are deciding whether to appoint special lawyers for animals that have been abused by humans.
If passed, the vote would extend a system already in place in Zurich to all of Switzerland’s 26 cantons (states).
Antoine F. Goetschel, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Swiss vote on whether to appoint special lawyers to represent abused animals in court.

Remains of early Chinese immigrants unearthed in LA mass grave to be reburied

Remains of Chinese immigrants to be reburied in LA

LOS ANGELES – The remains of some of the nation’s earliest Chinese settlers, whose graves were discovered five years ago during construction of a light rail line, will soon be reburied in a cemetery that once denied them entry.
A memorial wall honoring the dead was dedicated Monday …. Original source  : Remains of early Chinese immigrants unearthed in LA mass grave to be reburied.

Attorneys for Texas Tech to question Leach under oath in fired coach’s lawsuit against school

Leach set to be deposed Friday in Lubbock
LUBBOCK, Texas – Mike Leach is expected to return to Lubbock later this week to answer questions under oath from attorneys for Texas Tech handling the former football coach’s lawsuit against the school.

Leach, who currently lives with his family in Key West, Fla., is set for oral and …. Read the original article  : here.

Lil Wayne begins sentence of year in NYC jail for having loaded gun on tour bus

Lil Wayne begins year jail term in NYC gun case

NEW YORK – Lil Wayne was sentenced Monday to a year in jail in New York City for having a loaded gun on his tour bus in 2007, then was taken away in handcuffs to begin his term immediately.
The Grammy Award-winning rapper, born Dwayne Carter, was …. Source article  : Lil Wayne begins sentence of year in NYC jail for having loaded gun on tour bus.

Minn. judge rules Vikings coach Childress can be called in players’ lawsuit against NFL

Judge: Childress can be called in Williams v. NFL

MINNEAPOLIS – A Minnesota judge has ruled that Vikings coach Brad Childress can be called as a witness in the labor dispute between two of his players and the National Football League.
Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson’s ruling came Monday as trial began in a lawsuit against the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Minn. judge rules Vikings coach Childress can be called in players’ lawsuit against NFL.

Sale of Atlantic City’s Tropicana Casino to billionaire Icahn expected to close Monday

Tropicana Casino sale expected to close Monday

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – It took more than two years, nearly $7.8 million in fees to lawyers and other consultants, and a billionaire’s bargain-basement bid to rescue Atlantic City’s Tropicana Casino and Resort.
But the sale to Carl Icahn is expected to close Monday afternoon.
The deal marks the activist investor’s … Read more »»».

UK justices to hear appeal against British effort to keep information secret in torture cases

UK justices to hear detainees’ torture appeal

LONDON – Lawyers for six former Guantanamo detainees on Monday launched an appeal against a ruling that the British government can use secret evidence to fight a claim of complicity in the men’s abuse.
The legal battle is part of an effort to expose what role Britain played in the …. Source article  : UK justices to hear appeal against British effort to keep information secret in torture cases.

Tajikistan court jails, fines dozens of members of banned Islamic group

Tajik court jails banned Islamic group members

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – Tajikistan’s Supreme Court has sentenced dozens of people to prison terms for belonging to a banned Islamic organization.
The court says 23 members of the Jamaat al Tabligh were ordered Wednesday to serve from three to six years in prison, and another 33 were ordered to pay … Read : Tajikistan court jails, fines dozens of members of banned Islamic group.

Lahore High Court rejects Lakhvi’s aquittal plea

RAWALPINDI – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has rejected the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s operation chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi’s acquittal plea sustaining the order of the trial court.

However, the court observed that Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai terror attacks, could file a petition later … Original source on Gaea Times at : Lahore High Court rejects Lakhvi’s aquittal plea.

Summary Box: Class-action lawsuits by disgruntled Toyota owners could cost co. at least $3B

Summary Box: Class-action suits against Toyota

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Toyota owners claiming that massive safety recalls are causing the value of their vehicles to plummet have filed at least 89 class-action lawsuits that could cost the Japanese auto giant $3 billion or more.
WHY THEY’RE SUING: Owners say Toyota concealed safety problems from buyers. They note Kelley Blue …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Summary Box: Class-action lawsuits by disgruntled Toyota owners could cost co. at least $3B.

Bank of America sued for mistakingly repossessing Pittsburgh-area woman’s home _ and parrot

Bank sued for seizing Pa. woman’s home and parrot

PITTSBURGH – Bank of America has apologized to a Pittsburgh-area woman after one of its contractors allegedly trashed her house and took her parrot while wrongly repossessing her home.
Forty-six-year-old Angela Iannelli sued the bank Monday. She claims her mortgage was up-to-date when one of the banking giant’s …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bank of America sued for mistakingly repossessing Pittsburgh-area woman’s home _ and parrot.

Letterman’s scandal is over, but what everyone wants to know now is, Can he beat Leno?

Letterman’s scandal is over, but can he beat Leno?

NEW YORK – Dave Letterman can heave a huge sigh of relief after the guilty plea Tuesday of a TV producer charged with trying to extort him.
No time-consuming legal mumbo-jumbo will be dogging Letterman. No more messy, embarrassing public revelations of his sexual affairs – real and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Letterman’s scandal is over, but what everyone wants to know now is, Can he beat Leno?.

Judge considers sending former John Edwards aide to jail over handling of candidate’s sex tape

Judge considers sending ex-Edwards aide to jail

PITTSBORO, N.C. – A judge said Tuesday he is considering whether to send a former John Edwards aide to jail for contempt over his handling of a purported sex tape showing the former presidential candidate.
Superior Court Judge Abraham Penn Jones said he was “troubled” by discrepancies in Andrew Young’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Judge considers sending former John Edwards aide to jail over handling of candidate’s sex tape.

TV producer pleads guilty in attempted blackmail that led Letterman to admit affairs

Producer admits to attempted Letterman shakedown

NEW YORK – A television producer has pleaded guilty to trying to shake down David Letterman over the comic’s sexual affairs.
Robert “Joe” Halderman entered his guilty plea to attempted grand larceny Tuesday in a Manhattan court. He is being sentenced to six months in jail and 1,000 hours of community …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : TV producer pleads guilty in attempted blackmail that led Letterman to admit affairs.

Texas judge takes back controversial ruling that declared the death penalty unconstitutional

Texas judge rescinds anti-death penalty ruling

HOUSTON – A Texas judge has rescinded his highly criticized ruling that the death penalty is unconstitutional.
However, the debate on the issue isn’t over. Judge Kevin Fine on Tuesday said he wants more information on whether the state’s death penalty statute is unconstitutional because it allows for the possible execution … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Texas judge takes back controversial ruling that declared the death penalty unconstitutional.

Dutch court asks US for more details in extradition case of Somali suspected of terror links

Dutch seek more info in alleged Somali terror case

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – A Dutch court has asked U.S. authorities for more information about the case of a Somali man wanted in Minneapolis for allegedly aiding an Islamist terror group.
Mohamud Said Omar, 44, is fighting his extradition from the Netherlands to the United States for allegedly … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dutch court asks US for more details in extradition case of Somali suspected of terror links.

SeaWorld, family of trainer slain by killer whale want to prevent release of attack video

Park, slain trainer’s family want video suppressed

ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld and the family of a trainer slain by a killer whale want to prevent video of the attack from becoming public.
Dawn Brancheau died last month after being pulled into the water by the 12,000-pound orca.
SeaWorld’s cameras recorded the death, and the tapes were voluntarily turned … Original article on : SeaWorld, family of trainer slain by killer whale want to prevent release of attack video.

Lawyers in Simon estate dispute seek to make sensitive court documents confidential

Lawyers seek secrecy for some papers in Simon case

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. – Attorneys in the dispute over the estate of billionaire shopping mall magnate Melvin Simon have asked a judge to set strict limits on who can see certain documents that are presented as evidence.
Judge William J. Hughes told the lawyers Wednesday that they wanted more …. Source  : Lawyers in Simon estate dispute seek to make sensitive court documents confidential.

Critics of Justice Dept lawyers who had terror detainee clients draw attention, condemnation

Critics of Justice Dept. lawyers under fire

WASHINGTON – A conservative group’s bashing of several Obama administration lawyers as the “al-Qaida Seven” has struck a nerve in the U.S. legal community, prompting even some fellow Republicans to denounce the group’s attack.
In a video ad circulated over the Internet, the group called Keep America Safe questioned the …. Source article  : Critics of Justice Dept lawyers who had terror detainee clients draw attention, condemnation.

Nalini Sreeharan’s plea for premature release to be heard today

MADRAS – The Madras High Court will on Thursday hear a report of the advisory board, which has called for the premature release of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassin, Nalini Sreeharan.

The Prison Board had earlier submitted its recommendation report [..] Read the original article: here.

Ga.’s system to defend the poor still struggling 5 years after costly courthouse killings case

Ga.’s system to defend the poor still reeling

ATLANTA – Georgia’s public defender system is still trying to recover its financial footing after a courthouse gunman racked up a $3 million defense tab on the way to his conviction.
Brian Nichols went on his rampage five years ago. Prosecutors said Nichols’ defense should have cost about $500,000, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ga.’s system to defend the poor still struggling 5 years after costly courthouse killings case.

NJ judge scolded for mocking Mexican defendant’s English skills, comparing other to OJ Simpson

NJ judge scolded for mocking defendant’s English

TRENTON, N.J. – The New Jersey Supreme Court’s disciplinary committee has publicly reprimanded a lower-court judge who belittled an immigrant defendant’s poor English skills and compared another defendant to O.J Simpson.
Ocean County Superior Court Judge James N. Citta (SIT’-uh) made the remarks during two sentencings. He disparaged a Mexican …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NJ judge scolded for mocking Mexican defendant’s English skills, comparing other to OJ Simpson.

NY judge declares 2nd mistrial for NJ blogger accused of threatening federal appeals judges

2nd mistrial declared in case against NJ blogger

NEW YORK – A New York judge has declared a second mistrial in the case against a New Jersey blogger charged with threatening federal judges.
The Brooklyn trial of Hal Turner was halted Wednesday after the judge received a series of notes from jurors saying they were hopelessly deadlocked. … Read : NY judge declares 2nd mistrial for NJ blogger accused of threatening federal appeals judges.

Lawyers for man accused of trying to bomb Dallas skyscraper to depose witnesses in Jordan

Lawyers to depose Dallas bomb suspect’s associates

DALLAS – Lawyers for a Jordanian man charged with trying to blow up a Dallas skyscraper plan to depose witnesses in Jordan who know the suspect.
A federal judge in Dallas last month granted a motion from Hosam Smadi’s attorneys that permits them to question their client’s Jordanian relatives and …. Source  : Lawyers for man accused of trying to bomb Dallas skyscraper to depose witnesses in Jordan.

Ga. judge says authorities can’t release photos of slain hiker to Hustler Magazine

Ga. judge bans release of photos of slain hiker

ATLANTA – A Georgia judge has barred authorities from releasing crime scene and autopsy photos of a 24-year-old University of Georgia graduate slain while hiking.
DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Dan Coursey said Wednesday releasing the photos of Meredith Emerson to Hustler Magazine would cause “irreparable harm.”
Authorities had …. Read the original article  : Ga. judge says authorities can’t release photos of slain hiker to Hustler Magazine.

Ohio children forced to sleep in cages by adoptive parents will share $1.2M settlement

$1.2M settlement reached in Ohio caged kids case

TOLEDO, Ohio – Eleven adopted and foster children forced to sleep in cages by their adoptive parents have reached a $1.2 million settlement with the Ohio county where they once lived.
Lawyers for the children contended that Huron County children’s services workers should have discovered what was before they [..] Read the original article: here.

After Martin Luther King’s children settle dispute, judge’s order dismisses claims in lawsuit

Ga. judge’s order dismisses claims in King dispute

ATLANTA – A Georgia judge has dismissed most of the remaining legal claims in a dispute between the children of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., months after the siblings reached a settlement.
A Fulton County judge’s Wednesday order also gives an interim custodian control over The King Center … Original article on : After Martin Luther King’s children settle dispute, judge’s order dismisses claims in lawsuit.

Former John Edwards aide returning to NC courtroom 3 days after narrowly avoiding jail

Former John Edwards aide returning to NC court

PITTSBORO, N.C. – A former aide to John Edwards is returning to court just days after a North Carolina judge nearly sent him to jail over his handling of a videotape purportedly showing the two-time presidential candidate in a sexual encounter.
Superior Court Judge Abraham Penn Jones scheduled a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Former John Edwards aide returning to NC courtroom 3 days after narrowly avoiding jail.

Centre constitutes Union Territory Security Commission

NEW DELHI – The Union Home Ministry has constituted a Security Commission for Union Territories in pursuance of directions of the Supreme Court.

There are seven Union Territories in India-Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep National Capital Territory of Delhi and …. Source  : Centre constitutes Union Territory Security Commission.

Law ministry unaware of judges’ files: RTI reply

NEW DELHI – The law ministry has no list of judges whose files for being elevated to the Supreme Court were returned at least once by the president. Nor is it aware of who might have this information, a reply under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed.

RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal had asked …. Read the original article  : Law ministry unaware of judges’ files: RTI reply.

Court orders permanent commissions for women in air force

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday ordered the granting of permanent commissions to women officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

A division bench of Justices S.K Kaul and M.P. Garg also ordered the reinstatement of all the short service commission women officers who had retired and who had approached the court seeking permanent … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Court orders permanent commissions for women in air force.

Pakistani apex court unhappy with Zardari case

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani Supreme Court Friday expressed unhappiness over the lack of action in reopening a Swiss money laundering case involving President Asif Ali Zardari. It has asked the country’s anti-corruption watchdog to speed up matters.

At a hearing, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) submitted that it was hampered in its efforts because records relating …. Original article  : Pakistani apex court unhappy with Zardari case.

Women get permanent commission in military

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday granted permanent commission to women officers in all three wings of the armed forces.

A division bench comprising Justices S.K. Kaul and M.P. Garg ordered the defence forces to reinstate all the women officers who had approached the court seeking permanent commission.
In its 32-page order, the …. Source  : Women get permanent commission in military.

Satyam’s Raju applies for bail in Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – B Ramalinga Raju, who resigned as chairman of Satyam Computer Services Ltd. after being charged for Rs 7,100 crore financial scam, has applied for bail in the Supreme Court.

The apex court may hear Raju’s petition today. Satyam’s founder is seeking bail on health grounds.
After spending more than a year in prison, Raju …. Source  : Satyam’s Raju applies for bail in Supreme Court.

India gets generally clean chit on human rights from US

WASHINGTON – The US has praised the Indian government for its human rights record, but expressed concern over reported extra-judicial killings of people in custody, disappearances, and torture and rape by police and other security forces.

The (Indian) government generally respected the rights of its citizens and made progress in reducing incidents of communal violence, said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : India gets generally clean chit on human rights from US.

End emergency, reconcile with Tamils, Canada tells Sri Lanka

TORONTO – Canada, home to the biggest Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora, Thursday urged Sri Lanka to lift the state of emergency imposed during the onslaught on the Tamil Tigers.

Urging Colombo to ease restrictions and work for reconciliation with the Tamil community, Ottawa also urged speedy resettlement of the displaced Tamils.
Canadian foreign affairs parliament secretary [..] Read the original article: here.

Pa. jury awards $95M to families who claimed loved ones died at hands of serial killer nurse

Pa. jury awards $95M in case of killer nurse

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A jury on Thursday awarded $95 million in damages to the families of eight people who claimed their loved ones were among dozens of patients murdered by a nurse considered to be one of the most prolific killers the U.S. health care industry has … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pa. jury awards $95M to families who claimed loved ones died at hands of serial killer nurse.

Pak SC asks accountability bureau ’stop playing hide and seek’ over Zardari’s immunity

ISLAMABAD – Reprimanding the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) over its dilly-dallying attitude, the Pakistan Supreme Court has asked the bureau to “stop playing hide and seek” over the immunity status granted to President Asif Ali Zardari and seek the custody of the documents relating to the …. Read the original article  : Pak SC asks accountability bureau ’stop playing hide and seek’ over Zardari’s immunity.

Gujarat legal eagles protest apex court decision on assets

GANDHINAGAR – A group of Gujarat legal luminaries has criticised the Supreme Court’s decision to appeal the Delhi High Court judgement on the disclosure of assets of judges and formed a panel to decide the future course of action and mobilise public opinion.

At a meeting of former judges, lawyers and social activists in Ahmedabad …. Source article  : Gujarat legal eagles protest apex court decision on assets.

Gujarat gets two new RTI commissioners

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat State Information Commission (GSIC), which was functioning only with a chief information commissioner so far, has got two new information commissioners following the high court’s intervention.

The new information commissioners are Netra Shenoy and Arvind Shukla. They have been appointed to help out Chief Information Commissioner R.N. Das.
Shukla is an Indian …. Source  : Gujarat gets two new RTI commissioners.

More women in parliament will change face of Indian politics (Comment)

In an inclusive democracy, political power is perhaps the strongest tool to eradicate all forms of inequality. The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha has brought forward some interesting scenarios for the Indian polity. This struggle for political rights by women’s groups has been the longest in the history of independent …. Original article  : More women in parliament will change face of Indian politics (Comment).

Netflix cancels sequel to movie-recommendation contest in response to privacy complaints

Privacy issues nix Netflix movie-picking contest

SAN FRANCISCO – DVD-by-mail service Netflix Inc. has canceled a sequel to a $1 million movie-recommendation contest, avoiding a potential courtroom drama over the privacy rights of its subscribers.
The retreat announced Friday settles a lawsuit alleging Netflix’s plans to release millions of movie-rental records that could have illegally exposed sensitive …. Original source  : Netflix cancels sequel to movie-recommendation contest in response to privacy complaints.

AB-InBev sues Illinois Liquor Control Commission after panel rejects bid to buy distributor

AB-InBev sues Ill. liquor panel
CHICAGO – Anheuser-Busch InBev has sued the Illinois Liquor Control Commission and its members after the panel rejected the brewer’s attempt to buy a controlling stake in a major distributor in Chicago.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, argues the panel was discriminatory against out-of-state beer producers in its ruling earlier in the day.
The … Original article on : AB-InBev sues Illinois Liquor Control Commission after panel rejects bid to buy distributor.

Orange County, Calif., sues Toyota over vehicle defects on behalf of consumers

Orange County prosecutor sues Toyota over defects

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Prosecutors in Orange County, Calif., have filed a lawsuit against Toyota because of continuing problems with its vehicles.
The district attorney’s office accuses the automaker of knowingly selling hundreds of thousands of vehicles with acceleration defects. The office says it has the right to bring consumer … Read more >>.

City, lawyers predict success for $675M settlement for 9/11 workers suing over illnesses

Lawyers urge WTC workers to take $657M settlement

NEW YORK – Lawyers and city officials say they are confident they can get ground zero responders to agree on a settlement for sick people who toiled in the ruins of the World Trade Center.
Thousands of workers who claim to have been sickened by dust and debris will … Read more »».

Testifying at players’ doping trial, Vikings coach Childress says he didn’t leak test results

Childress testifies at Williamses’ drug lawsuit

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams could learn in May if their suspensions for violating the NFL’s anti-doping policy will be upheld.
Attorneys for the players and the league presented closing arguments Friday in a Minnesota courtroom. Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson says he may rule … Read : Testifying at players’ doping trial, Vikings coach Childress says he didn’t leak test results.

BSP rally must not disrupt normal life, says court

LUCKNOW – The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Friday told officials to ensure that the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) March 15 rally must not disrupt normal life in the state capital.

A division bench comprising Justice Pradeep Kant and Justice Shabihul Hasnain summoned top officials of the state government as well as senior … Read : BSP rally must not disrupt normal life, says court.

A papad seller fights for his rights – for 28 years

NEW DELHI – Mohammad Samad Khan, a papad seller in West Bengal, has been fighting for his rights with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the energy giant, for the past 28 years but has not lost hope.

It started in 1982 when the NTPC acquired the land of Khan and others for the Farakka thermal …. Read the original article  : A papad seller fights for his rights – for 28 years.

Malaysian Indian businessmen seek 100,000 workers

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s Indian business community says it needs a foreign workforce of 100,000 as it has exhausted avenues for hiring locals.

There is a dire need for 100,000 new foreign workers among the Indian business community, Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) president K.K. Eswaran told The Star newspaper.
He …. Original source  : Malaysian Indian businessmen seek 100,000 workers.

For women, where there’s a bill, there’s a way

NEW DELHI – Perhaps one shouldn’t expect too much too soon from the women’s reservation bill – but besides changing the face of politics, it is bound to alter the gender dynamics of Indian society gradually, say experts.

Counsellor Sameer Parikh says quotas are sometimes required to initiate change. The women’s reservation bill will surely have … Read : For women, where there’s a bill, there’s a way.

‘Tamils have not given up demand for separate homeland’

TORONTO – Reacting sharply to reports from Colombo that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has given up its demand for a separatist demand, the Canadian Tamil Congress here said Saturday that the Tamils have not given up their demand for a separate homeland.

“The TNA has been misquoted. They are in constant touch with us and …. Source article  : ‘Tamils have not given up demand for separate homeland’.

Lifetime film, ‘Rachel Maddow Show,”Brothers & Sisters’ among GLAAD Media Award winners

ABC, Lifetime among winners of GLAAD Media Awards

NEW YORK – Joy Behar (BAY’-har), Cynthia Nixon and the ABC series “Brothers & Sisters” are among this year’s recipients of media awards from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
Presented Saturday in New York, winners of the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards also include the NBC sitcom …. Original source  : Lifetime film, ‘Rachel Maddow Show,’ ‘Brothers & Sisters’ among GLAAD Media Award winners.

Thousands protest against Italy Prime Minister

ROME – Two weeks before regional elections across Italy, tens of thousands of protesters once again came out Saturday to protest Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and those allied to him.

Gathering at the Piazza del Popolo, protesters especially spoke out against an order that allowed members of Berlusconi’s party to appear on ballots even though … Read more : Thousands protest against Italy Prime Minister.

Strengthen Lok Adalats: Minister

PANCHKULA – The government Saturday said that alternate dispute redressal mechanisms like Lok Adalats should be strengthened to prevent the piling up of cases in courts.

“Strengthening our judicial system not only ensures fair, swift and affordable justice but it is also the catalyst for development. Serious efforts should be initiated to reinforce our Lok Adalats …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Badal seeks day-to-day trial of 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal Saturday sought day-to-day hearing of the over 25-year-old 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases.

Badal, who is also the president of Punjab’s ruling Akali Dal, sought the intervention of the Supreme Court to order day-to-day trial of the anti-Sikh carnage to expedite the justice delivery system.
Badal said … Read more >>.

Delhi judges seek action against striking lawyers

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Judicial Service (DJS) Association Saturday asked the Delhi High Court intervene and take action against lawyers who went on strike earlier this week.

Lawyers of all the district courts had abstained from work March 11 protesting against corruption in the judiciary.
The DJS Association, in its letter to acting Chief Justice …. Source article  : Delhi judges seek action against striking lawyers.

Bengal for equal rights for backward sections: Buddhadeb

KOLKATA – West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Saturday said his government would work towards ensuring equal rights for the socially and economically backward sections – including Muslims – in the state.

“We can only progress if we can provide equal rights to the economically and socially backward sections of our society. We have to provide …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NRI’s lawsuit seeks contempt action against Kolkata hospital

NEW DELHI – A US-based Indian origin medical practitioner has moved the Supreme Court seeking contempt of court proceedings against a Kolkata hospital for ignoring the court’s order to pay a penalty of Rs.500,000 for causing his wife’s death due to medical negligence.

Kunal Saha of HIV/AIDS Research Center, Columbus, Ohio, has moved the court, pointing … Read this article on Gaea Times at : NRI’s lawsuit seeks contempt action against Kolkata hospital.

South African President condoles Fatima Meer’s death

PRETORIA – South African President Jacob Zuma has expressed codolence over the death of anti-apartheid stalwart Fatima Meer.

Meer, a friend and biographer of Nelson Mandela, died Friday at a hospital in Durban after suffering from a stroke for the past two weeks. She was 81.
“Our condolences go out to her family, especially her two … Read more >>.

Beggars off Delhi roads before Games, court assured

NEW DELHI – Roads in the national capital will be free of beggars before the Commonwealth Games in October, the city government told the Delhi High Court. It added that letters have gone to different states to rehabilitate the beggars.

In an affidavit filed earlier this week, the government informed a division bench of Justice …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Beggars off Delhi roads before Games, court assured.

Georgian opposition to sue TV channel over fake invasion report

Tbilisi, March 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A leading Georgian opposition party Sunday said it was preparing a lawsuit against a television channel over a fake news report about a supposed Russian invasion and murder of President Mikheil Saakashvili.

The lawsuit will be prepared by the Democratic Movement-United Georgia party led by ex-parliamentary speaker Nino Burdzhanadze and filed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Georgian opposition to sue TV channel over fake invasion report.

California man sentenced for leading ring that bilked $7 million from casinos across the US

Calif. man sentenced for bilking $7M from casinos

SAN DIEGO – A San Diego man who led a card-cheating scheme that bilked dozens of casinos across the country out of a total of $7 million has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison.
Phuong Quoc Truong was sentenced Monday in San Diego after pleading guilty … Original source on Gaea Times at : California man sentenced for leading ring that bilked $7 million from casinos across the US.

Some Toyota drivers sue in US, want to return vehicles for a full refund after safety recall

Some Toyota drivers suing in US for a full refund

MIAMI – Some Toyota drivers worried about the safety of their cars are suing for a full refund.
Lawsuits filed Monday in Washington and Arizona have asked a judge to allow Toyota owners to return vehicles and get their money back.
Toyota is already the target of dozens … Read more >>>.

School teacher gets 18 months’ jail for dowry demands

CHANDIGARH – A local court here Monday sentenced a Sanskrit teacher in a Chandigarh government school and his parents to 18 months’ rigorous imprisonment for harassing his wife for dowry.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Anshul Berry found Dharminder Shastri and his parents Bhoop Singh and Chanderpatti guilty of harassing Anjala and sent them to jail.
According … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : School teacher gets 18 months’ jail for dowry demands.

Jethmalani appeals Supreme Court to recall order on SIT probe

NEW DELHI – Noted advocate Ram Jethmalani on Monday filed an application before the Supreme Court seeking recall of its directions ordering a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the 2002 Gujarat riots incidents.

Jetmalani moved the plea while appearing on behalf of former Bharatiya … Read more : Jethmalani appeals Supreme Court to recall order on SIT probe.

High court to hear pleas of Godhra accused Tuesday

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court will Tuesday hear the plea of 79 accused in the Godhra train burning case, challenging a designated court’s decision to consider the confession of the accused as evidence.

Earlier this month, a special court at the Sabarmati prison had turned down the accused’ plea and started to consider the … Original article on : High court to hear pleas of Godhra accused Tuesday.

Ohio woman: Pa. doctor botched breast surgery, gave wrong implants on fiance’s advice

Ohio woman says Pa. doc gave wrong breast implants

PITTSBURGH – A lawsuit says a Pennsylvania doctor gave an Ohio woman the wrong kind of breast implants after asking her fiance whether to continue with the botched operation.
Brittany Daly of Steubenville, Ohio, says she decided on silicon breast implants on the advice of her doctor, Beverly …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ohio woman: Pa. doctor botched breast surgery, gave wrong implants on fiance’s advice.

DAV asked to pay Rs.10 crore to Dabwali fire victims

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday ordered the DAV Trust, running hundreds of educational institutions in the country, to pay an interim sum of Rs.10 crore for relief and rehabilitation of victims, killed and injured over 14 years ago in a raging fire at a school it ran in a Haryana town.

A bench of … Original article on : DAV asked to pay Rs.10 crore to Dabwali fire victims.

Ignoring trial procedure may lead to corruption: Court

NEW DELHI – Pulling up a trial court for not following the laid down procedure, the Delhi High Court Monday said that statutory provisions cannot be ignored during trials as it would create chaos, breed contempt for law and infuse corruption.

Justice S.N.Dhingra, while setting aside the trial court’s order for allowing a litigant to file …. Original article  : Ignoring trial procedure may lead to corruption: Court.

North Korea a ’state of fear’: UN expert

GENEVA – The North Korean government runs a “state of fear” while people are denied sufficient quantities of food, the UN human rights expert on the country said Monday.

Addressing the UN’s Human Rights Council, Vitit Muntarbhorn, an independent special rapporteur, said Pyongyang was running a “distorted” food policy which put the military ahead of ordinary … Read : North Korea a ’state of fear’: UN expert.

Satyam’s founder Raju denied bail

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday denied bail to scam-hit Satyam Computer Services Ltd’s founder B. Ramalinga Raju, saying that he is the main accused in the case.

A bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justice Deepak Verma and Justice B.S. Chauhan also apprehended that if he was given bail, Raju might try to interfere …. Read the original article  : here.

N D Tiwari in fresh trouble over paternity suit

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined the plea of former AP Governor N D Tiwari on a paternity suit filed by a youth, who is claiming to be his biological son

The court will now hear the paternity filed by the youth Rohit Shekhar on April 7, who had earlier challenged a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : N D Tiwari in fresh trouble over paternity suit.

9th Circuit Court of Appeals: Seminarians not covered by overtime laws

Appeals court: OT laws don’t cover seminarians

SEATTLE – The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that seminarians are not covered by overtime laws.
The appeals court on Tuesday upheld a lower court ruling in the case of Cesar Rosas, a Catholic seminarian in Mexico who was assigned to a ministry training program in Washington …. Read the original article  : here.

Autopsy reports show heat stroke, organ failure caused Arizona sweat lodge deaths

Autopsy reports released in AZ sweat lodge deaths

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. – Two people who were overcome in an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony last year were unconscious when emergency crews arrived, and an autopsy concluded they died of heat stroke upon arrival at a hospital.
Autopsy reports released Tuesday show multi-system organ failure was the cause of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Autopsy reports show heat stroke, organ failure caused Arizona sweat lodge deaths.

Authorities: 58 illegal immigrants found in west Phoenix drop house after car chase

58 suspected illegal immigrants found in Phoenix

PHOENIX – Authorities say they found 58 illegal immigrants in a west Phoenix drop house Tuesday following a lengthy police pursuit on a state highway.
Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman Bart Graves says nine suspected illegal immigrants were found in the bed of a truck underneath some plywood after …. Source article  : Authorities: 58 illegal immigrants found in west Phoenix drop house after car chase.

Hearing set in lesbian teen’s lawsuit to force Miss. school district to hold prom

Hearing set in lesbian teen’s suit to force prom

JACKSON, Miss. – School officials in a rural Mississippi county told a lesbian student to get “guys” to take her and her girlfriend to a high school prom and warned the girls against slow dancing with each other because that could “push people’s buttons,” according to documents … Read more >>.

Journalists testify in lawsuit claiming New Orleans police threaten people who film them

Journalists describe New Orleans police encounters

NEW ORLEANS – Several journalists are testifying in New Orleans as part of a lawsuit by two men who claim New Orleans police routinely arrest or threaten people who film or photograph them.
Jurors heard testimony Tuesday from Associated Press Television News videojournalist Rich Matthews, whose crew filmed a 2005 arrest … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Journalists testify in lawsuit claiming New Orleans police threaten people who film them.

Winfrey set for March 29 defamation trial in Philly over comments on abuse at S. Africa school

Winfrey due in Philly for 2-week defamation trial

PHILADELPHIA – Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is expected to spend two weeks in Philadelphia defending a defamation case linked to a sex-abuse scandal at her South African girls’ school.
The trial is set to start March 29.
Winfrey’s lawyers say in recent filings she must attend as a named … Read : Winfrey set for March 29 defamation trial in Philly over comments on abuse at S. Africa school.

AG Holder says Osama bin Laden will never face US trial because he will not be taken alive

Holder: Osama bin Laden will never face US trial

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder says Osama bin Laden (oh-SAH’-muh bin LAH’-din) will never face trial in the United States because he will not be captured alive.
Holder sternly rejected criticism from Republican lawmakers on a House Appropriations subcommittee, who contend it is too dangerous to put … Read more >>>.

NJ appeals judges: Tea party group must wait for final ruling on effort to recall US senator

NJ court: Tea party bid to oust senator must wait

TRENTON, N.J. – A New Jersey appeals court has put on hold a conservative tea party group’s effort to throw a Democratic U.S. senator out of office.
The three-judge panel Tuesday initially ordered the secretary of state to accept the group’s petition seeking to recall Sen. Robert … Read more : NJ appeals judges: Tea party group must wait for final ruling on effort to recall US senator.

US judge: Winfrey must defend Pa. defamation suit filed by S. Africa school’s ex-headmistress

Judge: Winfrey must defend ex-headmistress’s suit

PHILADELPHIA – Talk show host Oprah Winfrey must defend a defamation suit over remarks she made about a headmistress at her girls’ school in South Africa after a sex-abuse scandal erupted there, a U.S. judge ruled.
The case is now set for trial on March 29 in Philadelphia.
Judge Eduardo Robreno refused … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US judge: Winfrey must defend Pa. defamation suit filed by S. Africa school’s ex-headmistress.

Labor Department to help immigrant crime victims get visas while helping police

Labor Dept to help crime victims get special visas

SAN FRANCISCO – Immigrants who have been victims of crimes and help authorities prosecute perpetrators can now get help from the U.S. Labor Department with applications for a special type of visa.
U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis says investigators of workplace violations have been authorized to certify applications … Read more »».

Disability advocate’s family sues after he dies during repairs to his wheelchair

Activist’s family sues over Mass. wheelchair death

BOSTON – A wheelchair company and its technicians are to blame for the death of a disability advocate who died after his wheelchair malfunctioned during routine repairs, pinning his legs under a tabletop and causing him to suffer seizures, according to a lawsuit brought by the man’s family.
The suit, …. Original article  : Disability advocate’s family sues after he dies during repairs to his wheelchair.

SMS OMG: Indian’s couple’s steamy text messages lands them in Dubai jail

Steamy text messages lands couple in Dubai jail

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A string of steamy text messages has resulted in a jail sentence for an Indian couple, local media announced Wednesday, in the latest case of passions clashing with the law in the cosmopolitan, yet occasionally conservative, Gulf city of Dubai.
The conviction said the … Read more »»».

Top US commander says goal still to take bin Laden alive, despite attorney general’s testimony

US military: Goal still to capture bin Laden alive
WASHINGTON – The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said Wednesday that it remains the goal of U.S. troops to capture Osama bin Laden alive and “bring him to justice.”
The comment by Gen. Stanley McChrystal to reporters was in … Original article on : Top US commander says goal still to take bin Laden alive, despite attorney general’s testimony.

Hindu lawmakers walkout from Pak national assembly to protest links with terror slur

ISLAMABAD – Hindu legislators staged a walkout from Pakistan’s National Assembly in protest against remarks made by Lahore High Court Chief Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif.

Sharif had reportedly stated that terrorists were getting financial help from Hindus.
The lawmakers also demanded Chief Justice of Pakistan …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hindu lawmakers walkout from Pak national assembly to protest links with terror slur.

German twins to get special adoption treatment

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central Adoption Resources Agency (CARA) to make exception in the German twins adoption case and permit their biological parents to adopt them, so that they can move freely to Germany.

The Central Adoption Resources Agency (CARA) was … Read more >>>.

PIL filed against Bahujan Samaj Party over 25th anniversary expenses

ALLAHABAD – A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court asking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the expenses by the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on March 15 to mark the 25th anniversary of the party.

The PIL has been filed by three lawyers, …. Source article  : PIL filed against Bahujan Samaj Party over 25th anniversary expenses.

Myanmar frees jailed US citizen

WASHINGTON – The US welcomed the release of a naturalised US citizen and democracy activist who had been jailed since September in the Asian country.

Nyi Nyi Aung was freed by a Myanmar court Thursday and put on a flight to Bangkok. He had been sentenced to a three-year jail term in February after being convicted … Read more >>.

Venezuela high court authorizes gov’t to request former president’s extradition from US

Venezuela: OK to seek ex-president’s extradition

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s Supreme Court has cleared the way for the government to seek former President Carlos Andres Perez’s extradition from the United States.
Perez is wanted for trial on charges stemming from violence during 1989 protests over gasoline and transportation prices.
Prosecutors allege Perez ordered a harsh crackdown in which …. Source  : Venezuela high court authorizes gov’t to request former president’s extradition from US.

Venezuela asks authorities in Spain for specifics of accusations against ETA suspect

Venezuela asks for details of charges in ETA case

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela has asked authorities in Spain to detail their accusations against an alleged ETA operative accused of helping the Basque separatist group arrange explosives training with Colombian rebels in Venezuela.
Venezuela asked Interpol in Madrid for details of the indictment naming Arturo Cubillas Fontan, who … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Venezuela asks authorities in Spain for specifics of accusations against ETA suspect.

Producer files $30M suit against Lady Gaga in NYC, says she ditched him as her career soared

Producer files $30M suit against Lady Gaga in NYC

NEW YORK – A songwriter and music producer who claims he helped launch pop star Lady Gaga says she squeezed him out of her lucrative career after he co-wrote some of her songs, came up with her stage name and helped get her record deal.
Rob Fusari filed … Read more »»».

Sex.com creditors put off NY auction of domain name; among potential bidders was PETA

Sex.com creditors say domain’s too hot for NY sale

NEW YORK – The suitors for Sex.com have been put off for now.
An auction for the much-sought-after domain name was canceled Wednesday after three creditors filed a petition forcing the owner into bankruptcy.
Mike Mann, an investor with all three creditors, said the petition was filed to stop … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sex.com creditors put off NY auction of domain name; among potential bidders was PETA.

Music producer files $35M lawsuit against Grammy Award-winning singer Lady Gaga in NYC court

Producer files $35M suit against Lady Gaga in NYC

NEW YORK – A songwriter and music producer who claims he helped launch pop star Lady Gaga says she squeezed him out of her lucrative career after he co-wrote some of her songs, came up with her stage name and helped get her record deal.
Rob Fusari filed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘We need a national advisor to PM on disability’

NEW DELHI – In order to ensure the rights of people with disabilities, there is a need for a national advisor on the subject to the prime minister, former chief justice of the Delhi High Court Ajit Prakash Shah said Thursday.

“There is a need for a national advisor on disability to the prime minister, as …. Source  : ‘We need a national advisor to PM on disability’.

Racism row as British firm seeks Indian origin applicant

LONDON – A British computer company’s advertisment seeking an applicant “preferably of Indian origin” has been dubbed racist by campaigners.

The advertisement for the 38,000 pounds a year post was branded quite clearly racist by agitated campaigners who claimed it showed anti-British discrimination and urged the equalities watchdog to launch an immediate investigation, Daily Express reported … Original source on Gaea Times at : Racism row as British firm seeks Indian origin applicant.

‘India needs 152,000 professional trainers for disabled’

NEW DELHI – The country faces a major dearth of trained professionals who can provide basic educational and vocational skills to the disabled population, the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) said Thursday.

At the inauguration of a two-day national meet on disability in the capital, J.P. Singh, executive head of the RCI, said the country needs …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘India needs 152,000 professional trainers for disabled’.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Hearing against Sajjan from March 27

NEW DELHI – A city court Saturday sent two 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases involving Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and nine others to a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge for hearing March 27.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Lokesh Kumar shifted the cases to the sessions court while refusing to take up a plea filed …. Source article  : 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Hearing against Sajjan from March 27.

Will torch myself if not given a home, says poor Dalit

PATNA – Many rural poor are upset over alleged corruption in getting houses under a central government scheme and a 30-year-old Dalit woman has threatened to set herself on fire if she does not get a home due to her.

Ramvati Devi, a resident of Begusarai district, has threatened to set herself on fire April 1 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Will torch myself if not given a home, says poor Dalit.

Lady Gaga fires back at music producer in NY court, files response challenging $30M lawsuit

Lady Gaga fires back in NY court at music producer

NEW YORK – Lady Gaga is firing back at a music producer who claims he launched her career and is suing her for $30.5 million
Her lawyer says in a court filing made public Friday that the agreement at the heart of the suit was “unlawful.”
Song writer …. Read the original article  : Lady Gaga fires back at music producer in NY court, files response challenging $30M lawsuit.

Estate of Anna Nichole Smith loses $300 mn court fight

SAN FRANCISCO – The estate of Anna Nichole Smith is not entitled to the $300 million that the late reality TV star was claiming from the heir of her oil-tycoon ex-husband, a federal

appeals court in San Francisco ruled Friday.
The ruling follows a 10-year battle between the late Smith and the son of J. Howard …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Court: Anna Nicole Smith estate to get none of $300M-plus she said late oil baron promised her

Court: Anna Nicole Smith gets none of oil fortune

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal appeals court says Anna Nicole Smith’s estate will receive none of the more than $300 million that she claimed her late billionaire husband had promised her.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is the latest stop in the 15-year legal battle over …. Original source  : Court: Anna Nicole Smith estate to get none of $300M-plus she said late oil baron promised her.

Attorney General Holder defends lawyers who work for unpopular clients like terror detainees

Holder defends lawyers for terror detainees

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder is defending lawyers who represent unpopular clients like terror suspects. Holder says such attorneys are patriots who deserve respect.
Holder was answering critics who questioned the values of lawyers who once worked on behalf of detainees and are now at the Justice Department. He spoke … Read more »».

Defense lawyers say alleged NY terror plot was hatched, directed by federal informant

Defense says NY synagogue-bomb plot was feds’ idea

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Four men accused of trying to bomb synagogues in New York last spring and shoot down planes are asking a court to dismiss the case against them, saying they did little more than go along with a fake plot proposed, directed and funded by …. Original source  : Defense lawyers say alleged NY terror plot was hatched, directed by federal informant.

Jail inmates to be brought before courts – virtually

GHAZIABAD – Now jail inmates in Uttar Pradesh need not be taken physically to the courts, they will be presented virtually – through video conferencing.

The state government has planned to introduce video conferencing system in seven prisons in June.
“The new technology is being introduced in jails taking into account the heavy rush of inmates, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jail inmates to be brought before courts – virtually.

Rework contract of auto scrap dealer: CIC

NEW DELHI – The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Delhi government to relook at the contract of a man who has been given the monopoly to scrap old auto rickshaws.

The decision came on an application filed by Om Prakash Tiwari, who had sought to know from the Delhi government how auto rickshaws …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rework contract of auto scrap dealer: CIC.

Woman ordered to pay $9M to lover’s wife in affair case will appeal judgment by NC court

Woman to appeal $9M judgment in NC affair case

GREENSBORO, N.C. – A New York woman ordered to pay $9 million to her lover’s wife in North Carolina says she plans to appeal the judgment.
The News & Record of Greensboro reports that 49-year-old Anne Lundquist of Aurora, N.Y., didn’t attend the two-day trial in Greensboro earlier … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman ordered to pay $9M to lover’s wife in affair case will appeal judgment by NC court.

US House expects showdown over vote on health legislation

WASHINGTON – Democrats in the US House of Representatives were preparing for a showdown over a critical vote Sunday on a sweeping overhaul of the health care system.

President Barack Obama was on Capitol Hill Saturday rallying Democratic lawmakers, who believed they had secured enough support – the 216 votes needed for the health legislation to …. Original source  : US House expects showdown over vote on health legislation.

FIR against Obama over drone attacks sought by Pak human rights group

LAHORE – A petition has been moved in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking the registration of a first information report (FIR) against US President Barack Obama and other top American officials holding them responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians during drone strikes in the country.

The petition filed by Khalid Khawaja, spokesperson … Read more >>.

Bank told to pay Rs.11 lakh for negligence

NEW DELHI – The Delhi consumer commission has asked the State Bank of India (SBI) to pay Rs.11 lakh for ignoring a request from an Italian company not to honour cheques from a lost cheque book.

Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission president Barkat Ali Zaidi and member M.L. Sahni pulled up the Defence Colony branch …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bank told to pay Rs.11 lakh for negligence.

Health Care Vote Details

New York (GaeaTimes.com) The House will finally decide on the health care overhaul by voting this Sunday, March 21, 2010. There will be two separate bills on the Senate health care bill and the reconciliation ‘fix it’ bill. If both bills are passed by the House, the Senate Bill will be signed into …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Health Care Vote Details.

Tripura announces economic aid for girl child

AGARTALA – The Left Front government of Tripura Saturday announced a special economic package for girl child in families living below the poverty line (BPL) to continue their education and maintain the minimum required nourishment.

“Under the scheme, the state government would provide Rs.300 to the mother of girl child every month for their care and …. Source  : Tripura announces economic aid for girl child.

BJP legislator among 14 acquitted in Kandhamal riot case

BHUBANESWAR – A fast track court in Orissa’s Kandhamal district Saturday acquitted 14 people, including a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator, in a Kandhamal riot case, an official said.

“Fourteen people have been acquitted in the case,” public prosecutor Bijay Pattnaik said.
BJP legislator Manoj Pradhan and 13 others were acquitted in absence of evidence against … Read more : BJP legislator among 14 acquitted in Kandhamal riot case.

Life term for student leader’s killer who shot witness’ father

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Saturday sentenced a man, already convicted for gunning down a students union leader of a Delhi University college in 1999, to rigorous imprisonment for life for also killing the father of a witness who had informed the police.

Jitender alias Kalla was served with a second punishment days after he …. Original article  : Life term for student leader’s killer who shot witness’ father.

Hooters workers sue against skimpy uniforms, short pay, long hours

SYDNEY – The employees of five Hooters restaurants have filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status against the business owners in the Sacramento area, Fresno and Bakersfield, claiming employees are treated unfairly under California labour laws.

In a complaint filed in Sacramento Superior Court, employees claim they paid for their own uniforms, worked through breaks, worked “off … Read more >>.

West Bengal to hike women’s quota in civic agencies

KOLKATA – West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Saturday said the women’s quota in the elected seats of panchayat and municipal committees will be raised to 50 percent.

“I have told the panchayat and municipality and municipal affairs departments to amend the acts for this,” Bhattacharjee said at a State Summit organised by Bengali news channel … Read more »».

Delhiites to queue up outside toilets to spread sanitation message

NEW DELHI – Realising that simply talking about an issue is of little help, an NGO here has gathered the support of scores of people in resettlement colonies to stand in queues in front of public toilets to draw the government’s attention to the lack of proper sanitation in the capital.

Ahead of World Water Day …. Read the original article  : here.

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.

First Parliamentary meeting should not be considered as first session, says Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by the Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale, saying the first meeting of Parliament each year could not be necessarily considered as its first session.

Athawale had challenged Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to treat the first meeting … Read more >>>.

Law tightens noose around Haryana’s community courts

CHANDIGARH – After having a virtual free-run through their illegal diktats which resulted in criminal fallouts, Haryana’s notorious “khap panchayats” (community courts or kangaroo courts) have now started getting a taste of the law themselves.

The decision of a sessions court in Haryana’s Karnal town, 125 km from here, last week convicting six people for the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Verdict in 1996 Delhi blast likely on March 30

NEW DELHI – A city court is likely to pronounce its verdict March 30 in the 1996 Lajpat Nagar bomb blast which killed 13 people.

Ten people, all hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, are on trial for allegedly carrying out the blast at the Central Market in Lajpat Nagar locality here.
District and sessions …. Read the original article  : here.

Supreme Court grants relief to anti-Sikh riots case accused Sajjan Kumar

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday granted relief to Congress party leader Sajjan Kumar, who is one of the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, saying it would not intervene with a Delhi High Court order that granted bail …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court grants relief to anti-Sikh riots case accused Sajjan Kumar.

Maggots crawl on ignored ailing woman

MELBOURNE – An elderly Australian woman who had numerous ulcers on her body and gangrenous feet was made to lie on the floor of her home for five days before being hospitalised in a serious condition, her flesh rotting and maggots crawling on her, a court was told.

She was put on ventilator but died.
The …. Original source  : Maggots crawl on ignored ailing woman.

Canada’s new law to shut doors on bogus refugees

TORONTO – With bogus refugee claimants from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and many other countries leading to a virtual breakdown of its immigration and refugee system, Canada Sunday announced a new law to fix the crisis.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said he will introduce the legislation Tuesday to weed out fake claimants from genuine cases.
Canada … Read more : Canada’s new law to shut doors on bogus refugees.

Brisbane Supreme Court discharges third juror in Dr. Death’s trial

BRISBANE – The Supreme Court in Brisbane on Monday discharged a female juror in connection with the manslaughter trial of Indian-born surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel.

The female juror informed Justice John Byrne that she was currently employed on a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Brisbane Supreme Court discharges third juror in Dr. Death’s trial.

Sukhna case: Supreme Court to hear Lt. Gen. Prakash’s appeal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will on Monday hear an appeal filed by former Military Secretary Lieutenant General Avadesh Prakash in connection with the Sukhna land scam case.

The Armed Forces Tribunal had on February 22 given interim relief to Lieutenant General Prakash.he court also granted permission to Lt. …. Original source  : Sukhna case: Supreme Court to hear Lt. Gen. Prakash’s appeal.

Modi’s appearance before SIT deserves commendation, says Venkaiah

CHENNAI – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said that the appearance of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi before the Supreme Court appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) deserves the highest commendation.

“Why Congress people make absurd statements at BJP leaders for each and everything? It is in everybody’s knowledge that they (Congress) are …. Original article  : Modi’s appearance before SIT deserves commendation, says Venkaiah.

China begins trial of activist who sought help for children sickened in tainted milk scandal

Tainted milk activist goes on trial in China

BEIJING – A man who organized a support group for parents of children sickened in one of China’s worst food safety scandals pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of inciting social disorder, his lawyer said.
Zhao Lianhai was behind a push for greater accountability and compensation for the victims …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lawyers for Dodgers owner, wife to argue on date for trial that will determine club ownership

Trial date arguments due in Dodgers divorce case

LOS ANGELES – A day after hearing about how Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his estranged wife spent millions of dollars during their 30-year marriage, a court commissioner will deal with a more mundane topic on Tuesday – setting a trial date.
At issue is whether Frank …. Original article  : Lawyers for Dodgers owner, wife to argue on date for trial that will determine club ownership.

Dr. Death’s claim that dead patient’s bowel was cancerous not true, says pathologist

BRISBANE – A pathologist has told the Brisbane Supreme Court that a section of a bowel removed from a patient by Indian-born surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel failed to reveal any sign of cancer or a reason for his rectal bleeding.

Giving evidence today, Dr. Vasanthamala Varmin said she examined Mervyn John Morris’s sigmoid colon after its …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Dr. Death’s claim that dead patient’s bowel was cancerous not true, says pathologist.

War crimes trial: Dhaka drops lawmakers from panel

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government has dropped two ruling party lawmakers from a panel of public prosecutors aiding the “war crimes trial” to avoid criticism of the process being considered partisan.

Nurul Islam Sujon and Sanjida Khanam were dropped from the twelve-member prosecution team as questions regarding their eligibility had been raised. Both are lawyers and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : War crimes trial: Dhaka drops lawmakers from panel.

Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingyas starve in Bangladesh

DHAKA – Thousands of Rohingyas, Muslim tribals from Myanmar who have taken refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh following years of persecution, are allegedly facing “arbitrary arrest, illegal expulsion, and forced internment”, a charge hotly denied by Dhaka.

An international rights group has accused Bangladesh of “violating human rights” in its crackdown on the unregistered refugees.
Physicians for …. Original article  : Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingyas starve in Bangladesh.

Death penalty used as political weapon: Amnesty

LONDON – The death penalty is still used as a political weapon in many countries including China, Iran and Sudan, a report released Tuesday by human rights organisation Amnesty International said.

“Even as world opinion and practice shift inexorably towards abolition, the extensive and politicised use of the death penalty continues,” it said.
China executed more [..] Read the original article: here.

Fla. woman says Pittsburgh Steeler Santonio Holmes attacked her in nightclub over VIP couch

Fla. woman says Steeler attacked her in nightclub

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Florida woman is suing Pittsburgh Steeler Santonio Holmes, saying he attacked her in an Orlando nightclub.
Anshonoe Mills claims in the lawsuit that Holmes grabbed her face and threw a glass at her when he objected to her sitting on a couch in the Rain …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fla. woman says Pittsburgh Steeler Santonio Holmes attacked her in nightclub over VIP couch.

Punjab migrants welfare board chief appointed

CHANDIGARH – Migrant labour leader Ram Charan Yadav Monday took over as chairman of the newly established Punjab Migrants Welfare Board.

“Punjab is the first state in the country which constituted the board for the welfare of migrant labourers coming here from other states. The board would look after the rights and interests of migrant labours,” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Punjab migrants welfare board chief appointed.

Ex-nanny sues Paul McCartney’s ex-wife Heather Mills in Britain over sex discrimination claim

Heather Mills in UK court battle with ex-employee

LONDON – The former nanny to Paul McCartney’s ex-wife Heather Mills described her Monday as a bitter and dishonest employer who forced her to work overtime without pay and demanded her staff say positive things about her to a documentary film posted to the Internet.
Sara Trumble, 26, is …. Original article  : Ex-nanny sues Paul McCartney’s ex-wife Heather Mills in Britain over sex discrimination claim.

Correction: Immigrants-Crackdown-Class story

Correction: Immigrants-Crackdown-Class story

PHILADELPHIA – In a March 26 story about a Temple University course called “War in Hazleton: Main Street Meets the Global Village,” The Associated Press erroneously reported that the professor, Lori Zett, had spent time in Colombia. She spent time at Columbia University in New York.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Correction: Immigrants-Crackdown-Class story.

Nalini Sriharan to challenge government’s order in Madras High Court

CHENNAI – Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassin Nalini Sriharan is expected to move the Madras High Court challenging the decision of the Tamil Nadu Government that had rejected her plea for premature release.

Nalini informed about this to her lawyer P Pugazhendhi, who met … Read more >>.

New Canadian law to kick out bogus refugees

TORONTO – To throw out bogus refugee claimants, Canada Tuesday introduced a new bill that will usher in a new system within a year. Though Canada accepts about 260,000 new immigrants each year legally, thousands of people entering this country on tourist visas or fake papers stay back to apply for refugee status on grounds …. Source  : New Canadian law to kick out bogus refugees.

Journalist accuses Ecuador’s Correa of orchestrating his prosecution on slander charges

Journalist: Ecuador’s Correa targeting critics

QUITO, Ecuador – A journalist facing a 3-year prison sentence for defamation accused Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa on Tuesday of orchestrating his prosecution as a warning that critics of the government will be severely punished.
Emilio Palacio, an editorial writer for the newspaper El Universo, claimed Correa was behind a judge’s decision … Original article on : Journalist accuses Ecuador’s Correa of orchestrating his prosecution on slander charges.

Calif.-based Christian broadcast network TBN settles gay harassment case, amount undisclosed

Christian network TBN settles harassment lawsuit

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A gay former engineer at the Christian broadcast giant Trinity Broadcasting Network has settled a civil lawsuit that alleged his employer harassed him for his sexual orientation.
Court papers filed in federal court in Orange County show Brian Dugger settled out of court last month with TBN …. Source  : Calif.-based Christian broadcast network TBN settles gay harassment case, amount undisclosed.

Lead plaintiff in Indian trust suit says tribes must urge Congress to sign off on settlement

Indian suit plaintiff: Settlement a stepping stone

TOPPENISH, Wash. – The lead plaintiff in a lawsuit that accused the federal government of mismanaging American Indian trust lands says tribal members must urge Congress to quickly sign off on a $3.4 billion settlement.
The Interior Department manages about 56 million acres of trust land and leases the land …. Read the original article  : here.

August trial set for McCourt divorce case; proceedings could determine who owns LA Dodgers

August trial slated in McCourt divorce case

LOS ANGELES – A trial that could determine whether ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers is shared because of a divorce has been set for August.
Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon on Tuesday said the trial will begin on Aug. 30 and be spread over 11 days.
Additional time may be … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : August trial set for McCourt divorce case; proceedings could determine who owns LA Dodgers.

UK lawmakers block quick reform to libel laws, say more consultation is needed on changes

UK lawmakers delay reform of tough libel laws

LONDON – Freedom of speech campaigners accused British lawmakers Tuesday of blocking attempts to reform the country’s notoriously tough libel laws.
A committee of House of Commons legislators voted to delay proposed changes to current laws, which would sharply cut fees charged to both defendants and complainants by lawyers …. Original article  : UK lawmakers block quick reform to libel laws, say more consultation is needed on changes.

3 financial advisers file gender discrimination suit against Bank of America, Merrill Lynch

3 sue Bank of America alleging discrimination

NEW YORK – Bank of America Corp. and Merrill Lynch have made female employees “second-class citizens” by purposely giving their male counterparts opportunities to make more money, according to a gender discrimination lawsuit filed Tuesday.
The suit brought in federal court in Brooklyn by two former Bank of America financial …. Read the original article  : here.

Credit Suisse says plaintiffs in $24 billion predatory lending lawsuit have no claims

Credit Suisse says lending lawsuit without merit

BOISE, Idaho – Defense attorneys want a federal judge to throw out a $24 billion predatory lending lawsuit filed against Credit Suisse Group by investors in broke resorts in the West and the Bahamas.
The investors contend Credit Suisse set up a branch in the Cayman Islands to skirt U.S. … Original article on : Credit Suisse says plaintiffs in $24 billion predatory lending lawsuit have no claims.

Utah jury decides ownership battle for Unix computer systems in favor of Novell Inc.

Utah jury decides Unix battle in favor of Novell

SALT LAKE CITY – A jury has decided in favor of Novell Inc. in an ownership battle over Unix computer server operating systems.
Following a three-week trial in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City, the jury ruled that Waltham, Mass.-based Novell owns copyrights to Unix, even though … Original article on : Utah jury decides ownership battle for Unix computer systems in favor of Novell Inc..