Supreme Court provides relief to Lalu Yadav in disproportionate assets case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Thursday said the Government of Bihar has no authority to file an appeal against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav’s 2006 acquittal in a disproportionate assets case.

“The Bihar Government is not a competent authority to file an appeal in … Read more >>.

Two convicted, 10 acquitted in Kandhamal riots cases

BHUBANESWAR – A fast track court in Orissa sentenced two people to two years’ imprisonment and acquitted 10 people in two Kandhamal riots cases, an official said Thursday.

Ratnakar Pradhan and Parsuram Pradhan of Ketemaha village under Raikia police station area were accused of torching Sanu Naik’s house Aug 26, 2008. They were booked under several … Read more >>>.

New regulations allow disabled to drive vehicles in China

BEIJING – Around 28 million partially disabled people are heaving a sigh of relief in China as the government’s new regulations will allow them to drive vehicles from Thursday.

The newly-revised regulations on driver’s licence allow, for the first time, disabled people who are able to sit by themselves despite being paralysed from the waist down … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New regulations allow disabled to drive vehicles in China.

Warrantless wiretapping illegal, rules US court

WASHINGTON – Ruling that a Bush administration programme continued by President Barack Obama of domestic surveillance without a warrant is illegal, a federal judge has held the government liable for illegally wiretapping an Islamic charity.

Wednesday’s ruling by District Judge Vaughn R. Walker in Northern California District Court reaffirmed an earlier decision that the warrantless wiretaps …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Warrantless wiretapping illegal, rules US court.

Billionaire William Koch uncorks new NY lawsuit against Christie’s alleging wine auction fraud

Billionaire uncorks new lawsuit over rare wine

NEW YORK – The billionaire collector and yachtsman William Koch has uncorked another lawsuit in his 4-year-old battle against fraud in the rare wine business.
Koch sued the auction house Christie’s International in New York on Tuesday, claiming it ignored evidence of fakery in the 1980s when it marketed several …. Source article  : Billionaire William Koch uncorks new NY lawsuit against Christie’s alleging wine auction fraud.

ACLU: 2 mentally disabled immigrants detained for years in Calif. will be freed

ACLU: 2 mentally disabled detainees to be freed

SAN DIEGO – A civil rights group says two mentally disabled immigrants who were ruled incompetent for deportation hearings will be freed after spending up to five years in federal detention.
The American Civil Liberties Union says immigration officials will release Guillermo Gomez-Sanchez and Jose Antonio Franco-Gonzalez to their … Read more »»».

Nirma proposes to give land to break cement plant deadlock

GANDHINAGAR – Nirma Industries Ltd. Wednesday proposed before the Gujarat High Court that it can release 46 hectares of land allotted for its cement plant after petitioners alleged that the land for the proposed project was on a river bed.

The proposal came after a division bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhya and Justice Akil …. Read the original article  : here.

‘Bullet-proof jackets can’t protect from powerful weapons’

MUMBAI – The bullet-proof jacket worn by slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare returned to haunt the Maharashtra government Wednesday when the opposition Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party slammed it for purchasing sub-standard jackets.

Senior Sena leader Ramdas Kadam, who raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Wednesday evening, alleged that the vests purchased by the government … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Bullet-proof jackets can’t protect from powerful weapons’.

APNewsBreak: Swiss authorities to decide on Polanski extradition after Calif. appeal ruling

Swiss to decide on Polanski after Calif. ruling

GENEVA – Swiss authorities say they will decide on extraditing Roman Polanski after a California court rules whether he can be sentenced in absentia in a 33-year-old sex case.
Justice Ministry spokesman Folco Galli tells The Associated Press that a decision on sending Polanski back to Los Angeles was … Read : APNewsBreak: Swiss authorities to decide on Polanski extradition after Calif. appeal ruling.

Government ticked off for not contesting gay sex ruling

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday ticked off the Union government for its failure to challenge the Delhi High Court’s verdict legalising homosexual acts between consenting adults in private.

“This court is meant for deciding important questions of constitution and fundamental rights. You do not file appeals on such important issues. You did not file [..] Read the original article: here.

Hong Kong compensates for death of Indian-origin lawyer

HONG KONG – The hospital authority in Hong Kong has agreed to pay compensation to an author after the death of his Indian-origin wife 10 years ago sparked off allegations of racism.

The hospital authority, which denied racism charges for the past 10 years, Thursday agreed to pay author Martin Jacques a substantial sum just 24 …. Original source  : Hong Kong compensates for death of Indian-origin lawyer.

Bangladeshi gives birth in India, faces arrest

DHAKA – A Bangladeshi woman who gave birth to a boy in West Bengal faces arrest for entering the Indian state illegally, a newspaper reported Friday.

Asma Bibi, 25, complained of severe labour pain Monday and was taken to the nearest medical facility, which was a hospital in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district, the Daily … Read more : Bangladeshi gives birth in India, faces arrest.

Pak SC gives five-day time to clear roadblocks in reopening Swiss cases against Zardari

ISLAMABAD – Tightening its noose around President Asif Ali Zardari, the Pakistan Supreme Court (SC) has given five days time and directed the Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan to clear all roadblocks in the way of reopening of the money laundering cases against Zardari …. Read the original article  : here.

Brit Indian science writer Simon Singh wins libel appeal

LONDON – A Brit Indian science writer has won the right to rely on the defence of fair comment in a libel action, in a landmark ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The British Chiropractic Association accused Simon Singh of libel over an article in the Guardian in 2008.
According to …. Original source  : Brit Indian science writer Simon Singh wins libel appeal.

Bangladeshi woman gives birth in Indian hospital

DHAKA – A Bangladeshi woman, living in an enclave near the international border, has given birth to a child at a hospital in Cooch Behar on the Indian side — but this has led to a piquant situation where the authorities are contemplating her arrest for getting medical facilities in India without proper documents.

Asma Bibi, [..] Read the original article: here.

Microsoft loses appeal on Word patent verdict

TORONTO – A tiny Canadian company i4i Inc. which had won a big legal battle and $290 million in fines against Microsoft over violations of its patent in Word applications, won yet another round Thursday when US federal appeals court turned down Microsoft’s plea for hearing of the case by a full bench.

In its ruling …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Actor John Malkovich’s lawyers complain he’ll only get $670K of $2.2M of claim in Madoff scam

Actor Malkovich in legal drama over Madoff claim

NEW YORK – Actor John Malkovich’s lawyers have complained to a judge in New York overseeing the bankruptcy of jailed financier Bernie Madoff that he’ll only get $670,000 of his $2.2 million claim.
The lawyers filed papers Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court saying the actor should be entitled to …. Source article  : Actor John Malkovich’s lawyers complain he’ll only get $670K of $2.2M of claim in Madoff scam.

Struggling Crystal Cathedral megachurch hit with $2 million in lawsuits over unpaid bills

Crystal Cathedral hit with $2 million in lawsuits

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. – Three businesses have sued the Crystal Cathedral megachurch in California for more than $2 million combined in unpaid bills.
It’s another blow for the pioneering Orange County ministry that airs the “Hour of Power” to viewers worldwide each week.
Last week, several vendors claimed the church … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Struggling Crystal Cathedral megachurch hit with $2 million in lawsuits over unpaid bills.

Prosecutors: Celeb stalker said he’d kill himself in Ivanka Trump’s NYC store, freed on bond

Ivanka Trump’s accused stalker freed on $10K bond

NEW YORK – A self-described celebrity stalker obsessed with Ivanka Trump threatened to kill himself in her jewelry store and “commandeer” her husband’s newspaper in e-mail and Twitter messages to the couple, prosecutors said Thursday.
“I won’t just be ignored,” Justin Massler wrote in an August e-mail to the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Prosecutors: Celeb stalker said he’d kill himself in Ivanka Trump’s NYC store, freed on bond.

Canadian police settle suit launched by the mother of unruly Polish traveler

Police apologize for Polish man’s death
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Canada’s national police force has apologized and settled a lawsuit involving the case of an unruly Polish traveler who died after being repeatedly zapped with a Taser at Vancouver’s airport.

The death of Robert Dziekanski was widely seen around the world after a bystander filmed it.
Royal Canadian …. Original source  : Canadian police settle suit launched by the mother of unruly Polish traveler.

South Asian groups welcome revocation of ‘misguided’ travel policy

WASHINGTON – Leading South Asian groups have welcomed the rescinding of a “misguided policy” of enhanced security screening for passengers travelling from 14 predominantly Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, to the United States.

“The new policy announced today is a step in the right direction, and we call upon the Transportation Security Administration to apply it in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : South Asian groups welcome revocation of ‘misguided’ travel policy.

Supreme Court asks Justice Dinakaran to go on leave

NEW DELHI – Karnataka High Court Chief Justice P D Dinakaran, who is flooded with the alleged charges of corruption and land encroachment has been asked to go on leave by the Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan.

It has been reported that the acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High …. Source  : Supreme Court asks Justice Dinakaran to go on leave.

Apex court rap vindicates army officer who ‘lost all’ at 24

CHANDIGARH – The Indian Army is “the most neglected in the world”, says retired army officer C.S. Sidhu, who won a legal battle with the government over his meagre pension in a case that provoked the Supreme Court to rebuke the government for treating army personnel like “beggars”.

“It is a matter of shame that our …. Source  : Apex court rap vindicates army officer who ‘lost all’ at 24.

Give me justice, says retired judge

GANDHINAGAR – A retired senior judge of Gujarat is battling for justice after being charged with corruption and denied retirement benefits.

Vijay Shinde has challenged the administration of the Gujarat high court which stopped the benefits including pension after a departmental inquiry charged him with corrupt practices and for gross misconduct.
According to court records, …. Read the original article  : here.

Parents of 88,000 children deported from US, study shows

WASHINGTON – More than 88,000 children in the US were deprived of both or either of their parents who have been deported from the country over the last 10 years, said a study.

The study conducted by the University of California (UC) in Berkley revealed that the authorities deported 88,000 parents during a period between 1997 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Parents of 88,000 children deported from US, study shows.

Malaysian High Court allows Hindu mother to keep her children

IPOH – Kindergarten Malaysian Indian teacher M. Indira Gandhi, who is embroiled in a bitter custody battle with her Muslim convert husband, got a brief relief when a High Court ruled against her husband to obtain the custody of their three children.

Judge Wan Afrah Wan …. Source article  : Malaysian High Court allows Hindu mother to keep her children.

Court rejects sacked bus conductor’s plea

NEW DELHI – Delhi High Court has rejected a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus conductor’s plea challenging his dismissal for pocketing Rs.24 collected as fare from two passengers.

Justice Kailash Gambhir said: “No leniency or sympathy can be shown to a person who indulges in corruption even at a small level and, by all means, corruption …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court rejects sacked bus conductor’s plea.

Frivolous lawsuits: Apex court pulls up gatekeeper lawyers

NEW DELHI – They are meant to save the Supreme Court from being deluged with frivolous cases. But “advocates-on-record” – a select group of lawyers authorised to screen lawsuits – have been ticked off by the apex court for lending their names to petitions without examining the content.

The designation of advocate-on-record is granted to a …. Read the original article  : Frivolous lawsuits: Apex court pulls up gatekeeper lawyers.

Awan rejects Attorney General’s allegations of creating hurdles in reopening Swiss cases

ISLAMABAD – Rejecting former Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan’s allegations that the Law ministry was creating hurdles in implementing the Supreme Court’s order regarding reopening of Swiss cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Law minister Babar Awan has said his ministry was working in accordance with the apex court’s verdict.

Talking to reporters here, …. Read the original article  : Awan rejects Attorney General’s allegations of creating hurdles in reopening Swiss cases.

Fraud by BSNL employees in Aligarh unearthed

ALIGARH – Many of the taxis hired by the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) office in the past decade for official reasons have turned out to be scooters and tractors, pointing to a massive fraud, a Right to Information Act activist has discovered.

Bimal Khemani, an RTI activist, claims to have uncovered a multi-crore rupee … Read more : Fraud by BSNL employees in Aligarh unearthed.

Correction: Obit-Moyer story

Correction: Obit-Moyer story
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a story April 2 about the death of Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, The Associated Press erroneously reported that Ohio State University law professor Marc Spindelman had argued cases before the Ohio Supreme Court. Spindelman has not done so.
…. Original article  : Correction: Obit-Moyer story.

Lawyer fighting case against Koda seeks security

RANCHI – A lawyer fighting corruption cases against former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda and some bureaucrats has sought security from the state government as a precautionary measure.

The request has been made by Rajiv Kumar, the lawyer of Durga Oraon who filed a public suit in the Jharkhand High Court in 2008 seeking a Central … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lawyer fighting case against Koda seeks security.

India hiring UAE lawyers to provide aid to 17 Indians on death row

NEW DELHI – The Indian consulate in Sharjah has been talking to prominent lawyers of UAE for legal aid assistance for seventeen Indians on a death row.

Government sources here said that the authorities in Sharjah have been meeting prominent lawyers to seek their assistance and the appeal to the higher court …. Read the original article  : here.

High Court adjourns Rathore bail plea till July 19

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of a bail plea filed by former Haryana police chief S P S Rathore till July 19.

Rathore filed the bail application in connection with new cases registered by Haryana Government against him.
The cases are under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation …. Source  : High Court adjourns Rathore bail plea till July 19.

Court rejects plea against Padma Bhushan for Chatwal

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday dismissed a plea challenging the Padma Bhushan awarded to NRI hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal, saying no rules were flouted in his selection.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta dismissed the petition by S.K. Shah, a freelance journalist, who claimed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tweets not sweet: Can spell trouble in divorce cases

NEW DELHI – Anu Sharma, 30, suspected that her husband was lying to her every time he cited urgent business tours to stay out of the house. One day she finally got proof in the form of a tweet. The next day, she filed for divorce, using the tweet as evidence.

When it comes to fighting … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tweets not sweet: Can spell trouble in divorce cases.

Dubai court rejects plea of British couple jailed for kissing

DUBAI – A Dubai court Sunday rejected a British couple’s appeal against their jail sentence for kissing in a restaurant in the city-state, the couple’s lawyer said.

Their arrest late last year followed a complaint from a UAE national. Many Emiratis say they fear their conservative culture is under threat from the thousands of foreigners who … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dubai court rejects plea of British couple jailed for kissing.

PoK Supreme Court Chief Justice deposed

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Supreme Court’s Chief Justice, Riaz Akhtar Chaudhry, has been removed from his post.

According to a private television channel, senior judge Manzoorul Hassan Gilani has replaced Chaudhry, who was appointed the chief justice of the apex court during former President General Pervez Musharraf’s regime.
According to sources, PoK Prime Minister … Read more : PoK Supreme Court Chief Justice deposed.

Madras High Court rules out general amnesty for Nalini Sriharan

CHENNAI – The Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassin Nalini Sriharan, for her early release under a general amnesty scheme.

Sriharan had moved the High Court challenging the decision of the Tamil Nadu Government that had rejected her plea for premature release.
The Karunanidhi- led Dravida Munettra Kazhagam … Read more »»».

Khodorkovsky to take the stand for first time in yearlong politically driven trial

Khodorkovsky to speak in own defense
MOSCOW – Imprisoned former Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky is in court and expected to testify for the first time since his second trial began more than a year ago.
He is charged with embezzling more than $25 billion worth of oil and laundering most of the proceeds, charges … Read more >>.

EU brings common visa code for Schengen zone travellers

BRUSSELS – Majority of European Union countries have put in place a common visa rule for their citizens travelling across the Schengen zone.

The new visa code implemented since Monday will provide visa to the citizens of 22 countries through common easy procedure, EU’s Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said.
The EU member states will now [..] Read the original article: here.

Nicollette Sheridan sues producer of ‘Housewives’ for assault, wrongful termination

Nicollette Sheridan sues producer of ‘Housewives’

LOS ANGELES – Nicollette Sheridan, the actress who played a divorced real estate agent in ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” is suing the show’s creator and producer.
In the lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Sheridan alleges that producer Marc Cherry hit her in the face on the Wisteria Lane set … Original article on : Nicollette Sheridan sues producer of ‘Housewives’ for assault, wrongful termination.

Odesnik tops Janowicz at clay court championships

Odesnik tops Janowicz
HOUSTON – Jerzy Janowicz was not happy to be facing American Wayne Odesnik at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships on Monday.

Odesnik, playing for the first time since pleading guilty to importing human growth hormone into Australia, beat the 19-year-old Janowicz of Poland 6-3, 6-4 in a first-round match.
Odesnik pleaded guilty late last …. Read the original article  : Odesnik tops Janowicz at clay court championships.

NYC judge orders disclosure of those who deleted or destroyed records in ‘HOPE’ artist case

Evidence ordered released in ‘HOPE’ artist case
NEW YORK – A judge says lawyers for artist Shepard Fairey must disclose the identities of anyone who deleted or destroyed records related to a copyright dispute over the Barack Obama “HOPE” image.
Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein ruled Monday in favor of The Associated Press in most of … Original source on Gaea Times at : NYC judge orders disclosure of those who deleted or destroyed records in ‘HOPE’ artist case.

San Francisco Giants’ ballpark Coca-Cola slide the target of personal injury lawsuits

SF Giants’ Coca-Cola slide the site of injuries

SAN FRANCISCO – The famous Coca-Cola bottle slide at the San Francisco Giants’ waterfront ballpark is becoming known for another reason: lawsuits.
The team, which starts its season Monday, is facing a $6 million suit by Chad Mello, who injured his left knee and ankle in July 2008 on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : San Francisco Giants’ ballpark Coca-Cola slide the target of personal injury lawsuits.

Court orders probe against two Gujarat IPS officers

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Monday ordered the state criminal investigation department (CID) to probe involvement of two Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in the alleged assault on senior lawyer Yatin Oza during a protest in 1998.

Also called into question by the high court is the “C” summary report filed by the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Court orders probe against two Gujarat IPS officers.

Mass. judge rules in favor of female golfer barred from playing men’s tournament

Court sides with woman in golf-discrimination case

BOSTON – An amateur golfer has won a federal discrimination lawsuit she filed after a Massachusetts municipal golf course barred her from playing in a men’s tournament.
Elaine Joyce sued the town of Dennis and others after she was told she couldn’t play in a 2007 men’s tournament at the [..] Read the original article: here.

Shoaib doesn’t want to tarnish other girl’s image: lawyer

NEW DELHI – Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik does not want to tarnish the image of the girl whom he had taken to be Ayesha Siddiqui by releasing her photographs in public, his lawyer said here Monday.

“Shoaib has specifically told me not to disclose the photographs of the girl as it will harm her image,” senior …. Original article  : Shoaib doesn’t want to tarnish other girl’s image: lawyer.

Supreme Court’s special team verifies malnutrition complaint in UP village

ALLAHABAD – A special team of the Supreme Court has verified reports of malnourishment in Ganne village of Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad District.

The conditions have been found to be very poor, as the villagers have no employment and no source of income.
The committee has called for providing means of livelihood to the villagers.
“The budget of the … Read : Supreme Court’s special team verifies malnutrition complaint in UP village.

Nepal’s passport deal with India taken to court

KATHMANDU – The growing controversy in Nepal following the government’s decision to award a sensitive passport contract to an Indian company continued to snowball with two individuals now challenging the decision in court.

Lawyer Hem Mani Subedi and law student Nar Bahadur KC filed separate public interest litigation applications in Nepal’s Supreme Court Tuesday, asking it …. Source  : Nepal’s passport deal with India taken to court.

Court gives Tiwari time to reply in paternity suit

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday gave former Andhra Pradesh governor N.D. Tiwari a last chance for filing his response in a paternity suit filed by a 34-year-old man who claims the Congress leader is his biological father.

The court directed Tiwari, 86, to file a written reply to a plea by Rohit Shekhar …. Source  : Court gives Tiwari time to reply in paternity suit.

Nepal’s decision to give MRP printing contract to India challenged in court

KATHMANDU – A writ petition was filed before Nepal’s Supreme Court on Tuesday against a government decision to award the contract for the printing of Machine Readable Passports (MRP) to an Indian government-owned firm.

Advocate Hem Mani Subedi filed the petition, stating that the decision to award the contract to India without bidding was illegal.
He said …. Read the original article  : Nepal’s decision to give MRP printing contract to India challenged in court.

UAW sues GM, saying automaker owes union $450M for retiree health care as part of settlement

UAW sues GM over retiree health care payment

DETROIT – The United Auto Workers union has sued General Motors Corp., saying the automaker owes it $450 million for retiree health care.
In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in Detroit, the UAW said that in 2007, GM agreed to pay $450 million to settle a UAW … Read more »».

375 gm of oil sparks 27-year legal ordeal

NEW DELHI – Twenty seven years after a grocer was held guilty of selling adulterated oil and set about to prove his innocence, the Supreme Court has rejected his plea in a case that exposes the huge backlog of cases in Indian courts.

A bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice Cyriac Joseph held Roorkee shopkeeper …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

KC and the Sunshine Band member Finch pleads not guilty in Ohio of having sex with teen boys

KC and Sunshine Band member pleads in Ohio case

NEWARK, Ohio – A music producer and member of KC and the Sunshine Band has pleaded not guilty in Ohio to charges he had sexual contact with teenage boys.
Richard R. Finch appeared in Licking County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday. He was arrested last month and faced … Read : KC and the Sunshine Band member Finch pleads not guilty in Ohio of having sex with teen boys.

NKorea sentences US man to 8 years’ hard labor for illegally entering country and hostile acts

NKorea sentences US man to 8 years of hard labor

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea says it has sentenced an American man to eight years’ hard labor for entering the country illegally and unspecified hostile acts.
The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said in a brief dispatch Wednesday that Aijalon Mahli Gomes acknowledged his wrongdoing …. Source article  : NKorea sentences US man to 8 years’ hard labor for illegally entering country and hostile acts.

OJ Simpson’s acquittal suit acquired by Newseum for display with other trial items

Simpson acquittal suit goes to Newseum for display

LOS ANGELES – The suit, tie and shirt that O.J. Simpson wore on the day he was acquitted of murder have been acquired by the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
The clothing donation was announced Tuesday, ending a dispute involving the former football star, Fred Goldman, whose son was killed, … Original source on Gaea Times at : OJ Simpson’s acquittal suit acquired by Newseum for display with other trial items.

Correction: Britain-Pope story

Correction: Britain-Pope story
LONDON – In an April 4 story about lawyers examining papal immunity, The Associated Press erroneously described Liberia… Original source on Gaea Times at : Correction: Britain-Pope story.

Sudanese aid worker sues over ‘forced disappearance’ in Guantanamo case

Sudanese man sues after release from Guantanamo

SEATTLE – A Sudanese aid worker freed from Guantanamo Bay in 2007 sued U.S. government officials Wednesday over what he called his forced disappearance and torture.
Lawyers for Adel Hassan Hamad, 52, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Seattle seeking damages for ongoing physical and emotional problems and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sudanese aid worker sues over ‘forced disappearance’ in Guantanamo case.

France’s first lady dismisses rumors of infidelity in presidential couple as ‘insignificant’

French first lady dismisses rumors of infidelity

PARIS – Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on Wednesday dismissed as “insignificant” rumors of infidelity by her and her husband, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and brushed off theories that lies were planted in a plot to bring down the glamorous couple.
She said in an interview with Europe 1 radio that she and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : France’s first lady dismisses rumors of infidelity in presidential couple as ‘insignificant’.

Kyrgyzstan riots toll rises to 40 (Second Lead, changing dateline)

Moscow, April 7 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The toll in the riots in the Kyrgyz capital has risen to 40 Wednesday as clashes between protesters and the police continued, forcing the president to declare a state of emergency to quell the unrest.

Kyrgyz health ministry said 40 people were killed and some 400 injured in the clashes …. Source  : Kyrgyzstan riots toll rises to 40 (Second Lead, changing dateline).

Court asks cop why charge sheet in 1984 riots case missing

NEW DELHI – A city court Wednesday summoned the then Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajiv Ranjan April 17 to explain why one of the charge sheets is missing in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases in which Congress leader Sajjan Kumar is an accused.

The court asked as to why the charge sheet number 67/87 is …. Source article  : Court asks cop why charge sheet in 1984 riots case missing.

17 killed, over 140 injured in Kyrgyzstan riots

Bishkek, April 7 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 17 people were killed and more than 140 injured in the Kyrgyz capital Wednesday as protesters clashed with the police to demand the release of their detained leaders, officials said.

Most of the victims reportedly died of gunshot wounds.
Protesters were demanding the release of opposition leaders detained … Read more >>>.

New York court issues summons against Indian minister Kamal Nath

CHANDIGARH – A court in New York has issued summons to union minister Kamal Nath following a civil lawsuit filed there by Sikhs for Justice, a US-based human rights advocacy group.

The civil lawsuit under the Alien Tort Claims Act against Kamal Nath, union minister for roads, transport and highways, was filed for his role in …. Original article  : New York court issues summons against Indian minister Kamal Nath.

Minister assures legal aid for convicted Indians in UAE

NEW DELHI – Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal that all steps have been taken to provide legal aid to the 17 Indians on death row in Sharjah.

Badal had telephoned Ravi, who is undergoing Ayurvedic treatment in Thrissur, Kerala, and discussed the issue, V.N. Ajayan, the … Read more : Minister assures legal aid for convicted Indians in UAE.

Regulate sports federations, court tells government

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the central government why guidelines aimed at regulating the functioning of various sports federation in the country were not being followed.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta questioned the government as to why guidelines for conducting elections to these … Read : Regulate sports federations, court tells government.

Delay in taking cop’s statement in Scarlet case questioned

PANAJI – In the British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s case, Goa Police took nearly one month to record statements of policemen who were the first to reach Anjuna beach where her body was found Feb 18, 2008, a defence counsel said Wednesday.

Defence counsel Ryan Menezes said during the cross examination on day two of the trial …. Read the original article  : here.

Ensure minimum wages to Games workers, orders high court

NEW DELHI – Expressing concern over the plight of workers at Commonwealth Games construction sites in the capital, the Delhi High Court Wednesday told the government to ensure that they get the minimum wages.

The observation came on the report filed by a court-appointed committee which said that the rights of labourers were being violated at …. Source  : Ensure minimum wages to Games workers, orders high court.

Justice Dinakaran shifted to Sikkim High Court

NEW DELHI – Under scrutiny Karnataka High Court Chief Justice P D Dinakaran, was shifted to the Sikkim High Court in a late night decision by the Supreme Court collegium, consisting Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justices SH Kapadia, RV Raveendran and Dalveer …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Judge faults weigh-in at Gatti-Gamache Madison Square Garden boxing bout but awards no damages

NY judge faults boxing weigh-in, awards no damages

ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York State Athletic Commission failed to properly weigh boxer Arturo Gatti before he fought Joey Gamache at Madison Square Garden in 2000, but that didn’t cause Gamache’s career-ending knockout loss, a judge said.
Evidence shows a commission official let Gatti off the scale before …. Source  : Judge faults weigh-in at Gatti-Gamache Madison Square Garden boxing bout but awards no damages.

Trial of 1st suspect in NJ schoolyard murders revisits tragedy that changed a city

Triple-death trial revisits Newark’s turning point

NEWARK, N.J. – New Jersey’s largest city is about to relive a tragedy that became a turning point for it.
Jury selection is scheduled Friday in the trial of the first of six suspects in the slaying of three friends in a schoolyard in 2007.
Rodolfo Godinez (goh-DEE’-nez) has been held on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Trial of 1st suspect in NJ schoolyard murders revisits tragedy that changed a city.

Cell phone company sues Neb. village for denying tower; attorney says residents don’t want it

Cell phone company sues Neb. village over tower

OMAHA, Neb. – A cell phone company has filed a lawsuit against the village of Doniphan over the denial of a permit to build a new tower.
NE Colorado Cellular Inc., which does business as Viaero Wireless, says in filings in U.S. District Court that it wants to improve …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Judge approves ‘final’ delay for Congress to approve $3.4B Indian lawsuit settlement

Judge OKs ‘final’ delay in $4.3B Indian lawsuit

WASHINGTON – A judge has granted more time for Congress to approve a $3.4 billion settlement against the government for swindling Indian tribes out of royalties for oil, gas and grazing leases.
U.S. District Judge James Robertson says the delay is the last he will approve. It’s the third … Read more >>>.

UP police baton charge protesting Kanpur lawyers

KANPUR – The Uttar Pradesh police baton-charged the protesting lawyers at the Kanpur district court premises here on Thursday.

The lawyers in return pelted stones at the police personnel and damaged two official vehicles of two judges.
“We have put our 11-point demand. (Action should be … Original source on Gaea Times at : UP police baton charge protesting Kanpur lawyers.

UN war crimes court rejects Karadzic’s attempt to halt trial, clearing war for first witness

UN judges reject Karadzic’s attempt to halt trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Judges at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal on Thursday rejected former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic’s latest attempt to halt his genocide trial.
Karadzic asked Tuesday for his trial to be stopped, saying it was unfair for prosecutors to be allowed to use around 1,500 …. Original article  : UN war crimes court rejects Karadzic’s attempt to halt trial, clearing war for first witness.

NAACP drops lawsuit against Wells Fargo that alleged mortgage discrimination

NAACP drops mortgage lawsuit against Wells Fargo

NEW YORK – The NAACP is ending its lawsuit against Wells Fargo that alleged the bank was forcing blacks into subprime mortgages while whites with identical qualifications got lower rates.
The lawsuit, filed over a year ago, is among more than a dozen the National Association for the Advancement of …. Original article  : NAACP drops lawsuit against Wells Fargo that alleged mortgage discrimination.

Lawyer: witness takes responsibility in Orlando case against Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes

Lawyer: man takes responsibility in Holmes case

ORLANDO, Fla. – A witness has taken responsibility for tossing a glass at a woman at an Orlando nightclub, according to the lawyer for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes who was first accused of attacking the woman.
An investigator tracked down the witness, who gave a sworn statement saying he …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lawyer: witness takes responsibility in Orlando case against Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes.

NBA star Gilbert Arenas begins gun sentence in Md. jail, will head to halfway house

Arenas arrives at Md. jail to begin gun sentence

ROCKVILLE, Md. – NBA star Gilbert Arenas has arrived at a Maryland jail to begin his sentence for bringing guns into the Washington Wizards’ locker room.
Arthur Wallenstein, the corrections director for Montgomery County, said Arenas arrived at the Montgomery County Detention Center in the Washington suburb of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NBA star Gilbert Arenas begins gun sentence in Md. jail, will head to halfway house.

Gilbert Arenas begins sentence in Md. jail, then heads to halfway house

Arenas begins sentence for DC gun violations

ROCKVILLE, Md. – Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas began serving his sentence Friday night for bringing guns into the team’s locker room.
According to Arthur Wallenstein, director of Montgomery County Corrections, Arenas arrived at the Montgomery County jail at 7:40 p.m. Arenas must spend two days there for medical screening …. Source  : Gilbert Arenas begins sentence in Md. jail, then heads to halfway house.

Anna Nicole Smith estate appeals ruling that gave her none of late husband’s oil fortune

Smith estate appeals ruling on oil fortune

SAN FRANCISCO – Lawyers for the estate of Anna Nicole Smith have appealed a ruling that gave her none of her late billionaire husband’s fortune.
The appeal filed Thursday seeks a full review by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and continues a case that has outlived …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Anna Nicole Smith estate appeals ruling that gave her none of late husband’s oil fortune.

Los Angeles chosen by US judicial panel to consolidate dozens of Toyota recall lawsuits

LA chosen by US panel for Toyota lawsuits
MIAMI – A judicial panel has chosen Los Angeles federal court to consolidate dozens of lawsuits filed in the aftermath of Toyota’s recall of millions of vehicles over sudden unexpected acceleration problems.

The decision Friday by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation affects more than 200 lawsuits against … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Los Angeles chosen by US judicial panel to consolidate dozens of Toyota recall lawsuits.

Gaming giant Activision countersues execs who helped produce blockbuster ‘Modern Warfare 2???

Activision countersues ‘Modern Warfare’ execs

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Two former studio heads overseeing last year’s blockbuster video game “Modern Warfare 2″ were fired for insubordination and trying to poach key employees from Activision, the gaming giant alleged in court filings.
Activision on Thursday countersued former Infinity Ward executives Jason West and Vince Zampella, who sued Activision …. Original source  : Gaming giant Activision countersues execs who helped produce blockbuster ‘Modern Warfare 2′.

Anna Nicole Smith estate appeals ruling that she gets none of late husband’s oil fortune

Anna Nicole estate appeals ruling on oil fortune

SAN FRANCISCO – Lawyers for the estate of Anna Nicole Smith are appealing a ruling that gave her none of her late billionaire husband’s fortune.
The appeal filed Thursday seeks a full review by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and continues a case that has …. Original article  : Anna Nicole Smith estate appeals ruling that she gets none of late husband’s oil fortune.

Ga. DA to announce decision Monday on whether to charge Roethlisberger over sex assault claims

Ga. DA to announce decision on Roethlisberger case

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – A district attorney in Georgia plans to announce Monday whether charges will be brought in a case of sexual assault accusations against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
District Attorney Fred Bright said in a statement Friday he has reviewed all the investigation reports and will hold …. Read the original article  : here.

From London, Israeli journalist wanted in military whistleblower case defends his reporting

Israeli writer defends his whistleblower articles

JERUSALEM – An Israeli journalist who fled to London to avoid questioning by authorities in a case involving the leak of secret military documents defended his reporting Friday, after an Israeli court lifted a months-long gag order on the story.
Uri Blau, an investigative reporter for the Haaretz daily, said his …. Source  : From London, Israeli journalist wanted in military whistleblower case defends his reporting.

Spain’s judge known for indicting Bin Laden, Pinochet appeals Civil War probe indictment

Spain: Judge appeals Civil War probe indictment

MADRID – A Spanish judge known for indicting Osama bin Laden and Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet lodged an appeal Saturday against his own indictment for abuse of power in initiating a probe into Spain’s Civil War atrocities.
Baltasar Garzon’s lawyer, Gonzalo Martinez-Fresneda, presented the appeal before the Supreme Court and …. Read the original article  : Spain’s judge known for indicting Bin Laden, Pinochet appeals Civil War probe indictment.

Hero who helped subdue would be shoe bomber becomes US citizen, ending immigration limbo

Hero who helped subdue shoe bomber becomes citizen
ATLANTA – Kwame James waited nearly 10 years to be sworn in as a U.S. citizen, a long time compared with the time he spent helping subdue would-be shoe bomber Richard Reid on a trans-Atlantic flight.
James, now 32, wore a gray pinstriped suit and blue tie …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dr. Death’s patient ‘too frail for surgery’

MELBOURNE – Brisbane’s Supreme Court has been told that Indian origin doctor Jayant a.k.a. Dr. Death should not have operated on a patient who was frail and suffering a number of illnesses.

The court was told Phillips was in the end stages of kidney failure, …. Source article  : Dr. Death’s patient ‘too frail for surgery’.

Supreme Court to hear police appeal in BMW hit-and-run case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will hear an appeal filed by the city police challenging the lenient punishment imposed by the Delhi High Court to Sanjeev Nanda, found guilty in the BMW hit-and-run case.

The city police contended that Nanda, grandson of former Navy …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court to hear police appeal in BMW hit-and-run case.

First witness set to testify in genocide trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic

First witness to testify in Karadzic trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The first witness is scheduled to testify in Radovan Karadzic’s genocide trial about the horrors of Serb-run detention camps set up during the Bosnian War.
The first day of testimony against the former Bosnian Serb leader comes months after his trial started last October with the … Read : First witness set to testify in genocide trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic.

Mother tells judge that Las Vegas man laughed while wounding her, killing baby with battle ax

Mother testifies at hearing in Nev. ax attack case

LAS VEGAS – A 28-year-old woman said through tears and a translator that a Las Vegas man laughed as she pleaded for him to stop striking her and her 4-month-old son with a medieval-style battle ax on a residential street.
Sonia Lisset Castro on Monday peeled back a … Read : Mother tells judge that Las Vegas man laughed while wounding her, killing baby with battle ax.

Vegas judge hears emotional testimony in alleged ax attack that left baby dead, mother wounded

Judge hears testimony in Vegas ax attack case

LAS VEGAS – A 28-year-old woman said through tears and a translator that a Las Vegas man laughed as she pleaded for him to stop striking her and her 4-month-old son with a medieval-style battle ax on a residential street.
Sonia Lisset Castro on Monday peeled back a gauzy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vegas judge hears emotional testimony in alleged ax attack that left baby dead, mother wounded.

Gilbert Arenas settles in for 30 days at Maryland work-release center after 2 days in jail

Gilbert Arenas transferred to Md. halfway house

ROCKVILLE, Md. – Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is now spending his nights at a Montgomery County halfway house, where he is serving his sentence for bringing guns into the team’s locker room.
Arenas started his sentence Friday with two days in the county jail. Arthur Wallenstein, head of corrections … Read more : Gilbert Arenas settles in for 30 days at Maryland work-release center after 2 days in jail.

Milan judge: Google’s profit motive helped make employees guilty of violating teen’s privacy

Italian judge says profit behind Google verdict

MILAN – A Milan judge convicted three Google employees of violating the privacy of an autistic teen because the Internet giant sought profit when it hosted an online video of him being bullied, according to the judicial reasoning obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
Italian law requires a finding of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Milan judge: Google’s profit motive helped make employees guilty of violating teen’s privacy.

Rajiv’s assassin Nalini moves court for early release

CHENNAI – Nalini Sriharan, serving life sentence for assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Monday moved the Madras High Court against a Tamil Nadu government decision to reject her appeal for early release.

The Madras High Court April 6 dismissed her appeal for premature release, basing the ruling on the state government’s decision to accept …. Source  : Rajiv’s assassin Nalini moves court for early release.

Court orders desealing of Tata telephone towers

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday directed Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to deseal 35 Tata Teleservices telephone towers in the national capital.

At least 35 Tata towers were sealed by the MCD as they were found to be set up without approval.
The interim order was passed by Justice Kailash Gambhir. … Read more »».

Ganguly asked to pay Rs.43.75 lakh for plot

KOLKATA – The Calcutta High Court Monday told former Team India skipper Sourav Ganguly to pay Rs.43.75 lakh for the land allotted to him by the West Bengal government to set up a school.

A division bench of Chief Justice M.S Shah and Justice P.C Ghose asked Ganguly to pay the amount within the next six … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ganguly asked to pay Rs.43.75 lakh for plot.

Court query on mentally challenged orphans

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Monday issued notice to the union human resource development ministry asking it to spell out steps it had taken to safeguard the fundamental rights of mentally challenged orphans.

Acting on a public interest litigation filed by Joseph Chelliah, a division bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court query on mentally challenged orphans.

Government seeks two weeks to settle Lafarge mine issue

NEW DELHI – The central government Monday sought two weeks from the Supreme Court to decide if the French firm Lafarge should be given a forest clearance certificate to resume limestone mining in Meghalaya, halted by the apex court Feb 5.

Attorney General Goolam E. Vahanvati pleaded before a special forest bench, headed by Chief Justice …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Government seeks two weeks to settle Lafarge mine issue.

Court annuls councils administering Chittagong Hill Tracts

DHAKA – The high court has annulled regional councils under which Bangladeshs Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) were being administered for the minority Buddhist indigenous people, delivering a major blow to the decade-long peace process.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is opposed to the peace accord, welcomed the court verdict.
The high court bench … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court annuls councils administering Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Simplify visa clearances, urges Pakistan badminton star

NEW DELHI – The frosty relations between India and Pakistan have made it increasingly difficult for sportspersons from neighbouring countries to go across the border to participate in international events. Pakistan’s top shuttler Wajid Ali Chaudhry is concerned about the uncertainty and perennial tension affecting the players.

Wajid, who is part of a six-member Pakistan team …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Simplify visa clearances, urges Pakistan badminton star.

Apologise to Sikhs for Komagata Maru tragedy: Canadian petition

TORONTO – A petition was introduced in the Canadian parliament Tuesday seeking a formal apology from the government for the Komagata Maru tragedy of 1914 in which 376 Indians were not allowed to enter the country and sent back.

The Komagata Maru was a Japanese ship hired by a Malaysia-based wealthy Sikh Gurdit Singh to bring …. Source  : Apologise to Sikhs for Komagata Maru tragedy: Canadian petition.

Boy Scouts fined $1.4 mn in sex abuse case

SAN FRANCISCO – A jury in Portland, Oregon slapped the Boy Scouts with $1.4 million in damages Tuesday after finding that the organisation was reckless when it failed to oust an assistant scoutmaster who molested one of his charges in the 1980s.

The jury also decided that the movement would be liable for up to $25 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Boy Scouts fined $1.4 mn in sex abuse case.

Appeals court to hear lawsuit filed by fan over Patriots’ secret taping of Jets coaches

Court to hear fan lawsuit over Patriots’ filming

NEWARK, N.J. – A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments in a lawsuit arising from the New England Patriots’ videotaping of New York Jets coaches.
The suit has been filed by a Jets season ticket holder who also is an attorney.
Carl Mayer and co-counsel Bruce Afran claim … Original article on : Appeals court to hear lawsuit filed by fan over Patriots’ secret taping of Jets coaches.

Summary Box: Tribune judge rejects filing of alternative plan, hints at need for examiner

Summary Box: Tribune judge nixes alternative plan

THE RULING: A federal judge overseeing Tribune Co.’s bankruptcy case refused to let a group of creditors file an alternative to the media company’s reorganization plan.
NEXT STEP: Proceedings in the case will for now center on Tribune’s own plan, which already has been criticized by two groups of creditors.
COURT …. Read the original article  : here.

Correction: Egg Price-Fixing Story

Correction: Egg Price-Fixing Story
FRESNO, Calif. – In an April 13 story about a lawsuit alleging price fixing in the egg industry, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Eggland’s Best was being sued; instead it is two of the company’s egg providers that are named.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Correction: Egg Price-Fixing Story.

Indiana man sues IRS, saying wife killed herself 3 days after agents raided their home

Wrongful death suit says suicide followed IRS raid

INDIANAPOLIS – An Indiana man whose wife committed suicide three days after Internal Revenue Service agents raided their home is suing the U.S. government for wrongful death.
The government denies any responsibility for the death of Denise Simon, a 50-year-old mother of six from Fort Wayne.
Federal court papers say … Read more >>.

Jack Tweed pestered rape victim for threesome

LONDON – A court heard that “Celebrity Big Brother” star Jade Goody’s widower had pestered the girl, he has been accused of raping, for a threesome just a few months after Goody’s death from cancer.

The alleged victim told a jury she was “paralysed with fear” as the “predatory” as Tweed and his friend … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jack Tweed pestered rape victim for threesome.

Female lawyers not buying defense of ’socially inept’ judge who kept asking them for dates

Women wary of ’socially inept’ Pa. judge’s defense

PITTSBURGH – A judge in Pennsylvania could be removed from the bench if a court finds he brought disrepute on his office by contacting women for dates or friendship after they appeared in his courtroom.
But the attorney for District Judge Gerard Alonge (uh-LAWNJ’) says the judge isn’t that … Original source on Gaea Times at : Female lawyers not buying defense of ’socially inept’ judge who kept asking them for dates.

Mexico bans junk foods in schools

Mexico City, April 15 (IANS/EFE) In a bid to prevent children from being obese, Mexico has banned junk food in schools and made physical training mandatory for students.

The lower house Tuesday approved two laws seeking a ban on the sale of junk food in schools and making physical education mandatory in the country, where 30 …. Read the original article  : Mexico bans junk foods in schools.

NYC appeals $575 million 9/11 health settlement, say judge doesn’t have authority to block it

NYC, contractors appeal 9/11 settlement ruling

NEW YORK – The city and contractors who handled the cleanup of the World Trade Center site after the Sept. 11 attacks on Wednesday notified a court they are appealing a judge’s decision to block a $575 million settlement of claims by thousands of people who fell ill.
Lawyers for the … Original source on Gaea Times at : NYC appeals $575 million 9/11 health settlement, say judge doesn’t have authority to block it.

Pa. court ponders fraud suit by Jets fans versus Patriots, Belichick over Spygate taping case

Pa. court ponders fan suit over Jets-Pats Spygate

PHILADELPHIA – The New England Patriots could find themselves defending a lawsuit by NFL fans miffed about their secret videotaping of signals from New York Jets coaches.
The NFL bans such videotaping and issued $750,000 in fines against the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick after they were caught taping …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pa. court ponders fraud suit by Jets fans versus Patriots, Belichick over Spygate taping case.

Jets fan trying to revive ‘Spygate’ suit against Patriots in federal appeals court

Jets fan tries to revive suit over NFL ‘Spygate’

PHILADELPHIA – A New Jersey lawyer is trying to revive his NFL “Spygate” lawsuit against the New England Patriots over their secret videotaping of signals by New York Jets coaches.
Carl Mayer says the taping during the season opener at Giants Stadium in 2007 violated his rights as …. Original article  : Jets fan trying to revive ‘Spygate’ suit against Patriots in federal appeals court.

Winslet lends voice for PETA campaign against foie gras

LONDON – Oscar-award winning actress Kate Winslet has lent a narrative for a video campaign for animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), highlighting the abuse of ducks and geese for foie gras.

Winslet has joined the ranks of British acting legends Roger Moore and late John Gielgud by teaming up with …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Winslet lends voice for PETA campaign against foie gras.

CIC upset at Delhi government’s inaction on graft

NEW DELHI – The Central Information Commission (CIC) has expressed its “distress at the extraordinary slow methods” of the Delhi government in acting on a probe into a decades-old embezzlement case.

The observation came during an appeal filed by one Dharam Raj, who had sought details under the Right to Information (RTI) Act on the …. Source  : CIC upset at Delhi government’s inaction on graft.

Protest over food security bill Thursday

NEW DELHI – With parliament opening after a month-long break Thursday, a group of NGOs will stage a protest here over the food security bill that proposes an entitlement of 25 kg food grain for families below the poverty line.

Annie Raja of the National Federation for Indian Women said: “Since parliament is beginning Thursday, it …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Protest over food security bill Thursday.

Jordanian airlines fined Rs.500,000 for deficient service

NEW DELHI – India’s apex consumer court has ordered Royal Jordanian Airlines to pay Rs.500,000 as damages to a Punjab resident for refusing to fly him to Greece in time despite a confirmed air ticket, resulting in loss of his job and property there.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has endorsed the Rs.500,000 fine imposed …. Read the original article  : Jordanian airlines fined Rs.500,000 for deficient service.

Public money being ‘thrown away’ by Delhi government: CIC

NEW DELHI – The Central Information Commission (CIC) has criticised the Delhi government for “throwing away” public money as an investigation revealed that old age and widow pension were being paid to people without proper verification.

The criticism came on an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) by Ali Mohammad Saifi, a resident … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Public money being ‘thrown away’ by Delhi government: CIC.

Radovan Karadzic accuses first witness at genocide trial of being ‘biased and insincere’

Karadzic says first witness against him is biased

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Radovan Karadzic on Wednesday accused the first prosecution witness at his genocide trial of fabricating an account of a mass murder.
The former Bosnian Serb leader, who is conducting his own defense, spent more than three hours seeking to discredit Bosnian Muslim mine worker Ahmet …. Read the original article  : here.

Woman barred from every British pub

LONDON – A woman has become the first person in Britain to be banned from every pub in the country following “years of drunken mayhem”.

Laura Hall was imposed a Drinking Banning Order by magistrates in Kidderminster, Worcs.
She is banned from buying or drinking alcohol in all pubs, clubs and shops for two years after … Read more »».

Lawsuit says Red Sox slugger Ortiz named Dominican club after rapper Jay-Z’s 40/40 clubs

Rapper Jay-Z sues David Ortiz over nightclub name

NEW YORK – Jay-Z and a business partner are suing slugger David Ortiz, claiming the Boston Red Sox star named his Dominican nightclub after the mogul’s chain of 40/40 clubs.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Manhattan Federal Court, accuses Ortiz of naming his Santo Domingo club Forty-Forty in the … Read more >>.

US court approves new beginning for Lehman Brothers

NEW YORK – A New York judge Thursday approved a plan for a new business model for now-defunct investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc, whose collapse was one of the triggers of the 2008 global financial crisis.

The group can split into an asset management company, to be called Lamco, which is to mange Lehman’s … Read more »».

Obama a monkey, tweets Australian

MELBOURNE – A young member of an Australian party called US President Barack Obama “a monkey” on Twitter, leading to a demand for his expulsion from the party.

Nick Sowden, a member of the Queensland Young Liberal National Party, posted messages on Twitter Thursday night while Obama was being interviewed by ABC’s Kerry O’Brien, a media …. Source  : Obama a monkey, tweets Australian.

NY lawsuit claims Bosox’s David Ortiz named his Dominican club after rapper’s 40/40 clubs

Jay-Z vs. David Ortiz in nightclub name lawsuit

NEW YORK – Jay-Z and a business partner are suing slugger David Ortiz, claiming the Boston Red Sox star named his Dominican nightclub after the mogul’s chain of 40/40 clubs.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Manhattan Federal Court, accuses Ortiz of calling his Santo Domingo club Forty-Forty in the …. Original article  : NY lawsuit claims Bosox’s David Ortiz named his Dominican club after rapper’s 40/40 clubs.

Utah attorney general wades into false testimony allegations investigation in Jeffs case

Utah AG joins false testimony probe in Jeffs case

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah attorney general’s office is responding to an investigation of allegations that false testimony may have been provided during the 2007 criminal trial of polygamous church leader Warren Jeffs.
On Thursday, the office said it learned two days ago that papers used by …. Read the original article  : Utah attorney general wades into false testimony allegations investigation in Jeffs case.

Group files foster care lawsuit against Mass. alleging abuse of children in state care

Group files foster care lawsuit against Mass.

BOSTON – A national children’s advocacy group has filed a federal class action lawsuit against Massachusetts alleging the abuse and neglect of thousands of children in state care.
The New York-based group Children’s Rights said it filed the case in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts on Thursday seeking changes on …. Original article  : Group files foster care lawsuit against Mass. alleging abuse of children in state care.

Lawyer: Ex-Detroit councilwoman Conyers is appealing judge’s refusal to drop her guilty plea

Conyers lawyer clarifies grounds for appeal

DETROIT – A lawyer for former Detroit councilwoman Monica Conyers says an appeal in her criminal case will focus on a judge’s refusal to allow her to withdraw her guilty plea to corruption charges.
Doug Mullkoff is trying to clear up any misunderstanding of what Conyers wants from the federal appeals …. Source article  : Lawyer: Ex-Detroit councilwoman Conyers is appealing judge’s refusal to drop her guilty plea.

Bangladesh apex court stays order on Chittagong councils

DHAKA – The Bangladesh Supreme Court Thursday stayed a high court verdict that annulled the councils coordinating development work and maintaining law and order in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) – home to Buddhist indigenous people.

The high court earlier this week declared as illegal and unconstitutional the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council Act, 1998, …. Read the original article  : Bangladesh apex court stays order on Chittagong councils.

Government told to pay minimum wages to Games workers

NEW DELHI – Expressing concern over the plight of workers at Commonwealth Games’ construction sites, the Delhi High Court Thursday ordered the government to ensure payment of minimum wages and supply of safety gear to them.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta said the workers should be … Read : Government told to pay minimum wages to Games workers.

President calls for affordable justice for India’s poor

GUWAHATI – President Pratibha Patil Saturday called for affordable and accessible justice for India’s poor and said a large number of pending cases at various levels of the judiciary was a matter of serious concern.

“Litigation is not an inexpensive option. For the poor and disadvantaged sections of society, approaching courts without legal aid is …. Read the original article  : President calls for affordable justice for India’s poor.

US Sen. Scott Brown agrees to meeting with group representing undocumented students

Brown agrees to meet rep of undocumented students

BOSTON – Sen. Scott Brown’s office says he will meet with a college student from a coalition representing undocumented students, after students staged a sit-in at his Boston office.
The announcement comes after the group launched an online petition that garnered 300 signatures asking Brown to meet with undocumented … Original article on : US Sen. Scott Brown agrees to meeting with group representing undocumented students.

LA prosecutors argue Roman Polanski’s victim can’t seek dismissal of decades-old sex case

Prosecutors argue Polanski victim can’t alter case

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles prosecutors are asking an appeals court to reject a request by the victim in Roman Polanski’s decades-old sex case to have the matter dismissed.
In a filing Friday, prosecutors argue that a recent constitutional revision does not grant victims in California the right to determine …. Source article  : LA prosecutors argue Roman Polanski’s victim can’t seek dismissal of decades-old sex case.

State judge overturns Arkansas law banning unmarried couples from fostering, adopting kids

State judge overturns Ark. adoption ban law

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A state judge on Friday struck down an Arkansas law approved by voters that banned gay couples and other unmarried people living together from serving as adoptive or foster parents.
Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza said in a two-page ruling that people in “non-marital relationships” … Read more : State judge overturns Arkansas law banning unmarried couples from fostering, adopting kids.

Lahore High Court issues notices to Asif, ex-girlfriend Veena Malik

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to both fast bowler Mohammed Asif and his estranged girl friend Veena Malik on their respective petitions seeking action against each other.

While the court has issued a notice to television actress Malik on a petition …. Source article  : Lahore High Court issues notices to Asif, ex-girlfriend Veena Malik.

ACLU lawyer asks NY appeals court to restore lawsuit; government says no need for that

NYC appeals court hears challenge to wiretap law

NEW YORK – A federal appeals panel in New York has heard arguments to restore a lawsuit challenging a law that lets the United States eavesdrop on overseas conversations.
A lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union told the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Friday that the law … Original article on : ACLU lawyer asks NY appeals court to restore lawsuit; government says no need for that.

Bhopal gas victims accuse CBI of delaying case

BHOPAL – Charging the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with deliberately delaying the Bhopal gas disaster case by seeking repeated adjournments, the victims of the world’s worst industrial disaster Friday said they were planning to appoint their own counsel to fight the legal battle.

“The CBI perhaps wants that the case is delayed to such an … Read more >>.

Paparazzo’s lawsuit against actor Woody Harrelson dismissed in Los Angeles court

Lawsuit against Woody Harrelson dismissed
LOS ANGELES – Court records show a lawsuit filed by a former TMZ photographer who accused Woody Harrelson of attacking him has been dismissed.

Filings in Los Angeles Superior Court state Harrelson and the photographer, Josh Levine, reached a settlement earlier this month. The details of the settlement were not included in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Paparazzo’s lawsuit against actor Woody Harrelson dismissed in Los Angeles court.

IPS officer seeks bail in Gujarat fake gun battle case

GANDHINAGAR – Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Dinesh M.N. Friday moved the Gujarat High Court for bail after a lower court rejected his plea in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake gun battle case last week.

“I have been in judicial custody for the last three years and so my plea for interim bail may be considered. …. Read the original article  : IPS officer seeks bail in Gujarat fake gun battle case.

GPS operational in 100 Delhi buses, court told

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government Friday told the Delhi High Court that the Global Positioning System (GPS) is operational in 100 buses and would be installed in 1,000 more buses in four months’ time.

Delhi government counsel Meera Bhatia told a division bench of Justice Vikramjit Sen and Justice A.K. Pathak earlier this week that … Read : GPS operational in 100 Delhi buses, court told.

Migrants to become majority in Australia by 2025

SYDNEY – Migrants from other countries including India will overtake the number of locally-born residents in Australia by 2025, a media report said Sunday.

An Australian-born family will become a minority within the next 15 years, outnumbered by a surging wave of migrants from Europe and Asia, the Daily Telegraph reported quoting demographic consultants Macroplan Australia. … Read : Migrants to become majority in Australia by 2025.

Agra protection home fails to protect its young

AGRA – The Children’s Protection Home in Agra had handed over 10 young children for adoption to couples between 2004 and 2006. Today there is no trace of six of them.

In 2009, shocking accusations of sexual abuse made by three young girl inmates against an employee of the home led to a first information report … Read more »».

Judge orders West Memphis slaying victim’s stepdad to pay Dixie Chicks singer’s legal costs

Victim’s stepdad told to pay singer’s legal costs

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A federal judge says the stepfather of one of three Arkansas boys slain in 1993 must pay Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines’ legal costs stemming from a defamation lawsuit he filed against the band.
District Judge Brian S. Miller ordered Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Judge orders West Memphis slaying victim’s stepdad to pay Dixie Chicks singer’s legal costs.

Charges against Goldman likely to kick off a torrent of bank lawsuits, mire Goldman

Goldman case likely to unleash torrent of lawsuits

WASHINGTON – Government lawyers are facing many potential pitfalls as they attempt to prove the civil fraud charges against Goldman Sachs & Co.
Experts say the Securities and Exchange Commission will need to lay out a complex set of facts based on what appears to be hazy evidence. SEC …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Charges against Goldman likely to kick off a torrent of bank lawsuits, mire Goldman.

70 Lok Sabha MPs hadn’t revealed assets till Feb 24 (Lead, superseding earlier story)

NEW DELHI – At least 70 Lok Sabha MPs, including former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, had not disclosed details of their assets till Feb 24, a Right to Information (RTI) application has revealed.

The information was obtained in reply to an application filed …. Original article  : 70 Lok Sabha MPs hadn’t revealed assets till Feb 24 (Lead, superseding earlier story).

Bill Ayers suing Univ. of Wyoming after lecture banned

Ayers suing Univ. of Wyo.
LARAMIE, Wyo. – Bill Ayers and a University of Wyoming student are suing the school after it banned the former 1960s radical from speaking on campus.

Ayers, who is a professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, makes college speeches and is routinely picketed, but the University of Wyoming last week banned him … Read more >>>.

File charges in 2008 blast case by May 15: Court to police

NEW DELHI – A city court Saturday allowed Delhi Police 30 days’ time to finish their investigation and file a chargesheet against two suspected Indian Mujahideen (IM) terrorists for their alleged roles in serial blasts in 2008.

Additional Sessions Judge Santosh Snehi Mann ordered the Special Cell of the police to file the chargesheets by … Read more : File charges in 2008 blast case by May 15: Court to police.

Hearing deferred on CBI’s move to close Quattrochi case

NEW DELHI – A city court Saturday deferred till May 15 a decision on a plea to stop the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from closing the two-decade-old Bofors payoff case against Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrochi.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sandeep Garg adjourned the case after Additional Solicitor General P.P. Malhotra submitted that the original records related …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hearing deferred on CBI’s move to close Quattrochi case.

Verdict on Manu’s plea in Jessica murder likely Monday

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce Monday its verdict on the appeal of Manu Sharma, the son of former Congress parliamentarian Venod Sharma, against his conviction and life term for murdering ramp model Jessica Lall in 1999.

A bench of Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice Swantanter Kumar had reserved its verdict on … Read more : Verdict on Manu’s plea in Jessica murder likely Monday.

Activists seek changes in food security bill

NEW DELHI – Activists of the Right to Food campaign who have been protesting at Jantar Mantar in the capital for the past two days, Saturday submitted a memorandum to the Planning Commission seeking changes in the food security bill.

One of the main demands that the group has made is to introduce universal entitlement of …. Source article  : Activists seek changes in food security bill.

Return Shoaib Malik’s passport: Court tells police

HYDERABAD – The Andhra Pradesh High Court Monday directed the police here to return Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik’s passport, which was seized earlier this month in connection with a cheating case filed by his first wife Ayesha Siddiqui.

Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, who had reserved his order Friday after hearing the arguments of Shoaib’s counsel, Monday …. Read the original article  : here.

Bangladesh court sentences 56 border guards to prison terms for 2009 mutiny

Bangladesh sentences border guards for 2009 mutiny

FENI, Bangladesh – A Bangladesh court has sentenced 56 border guards to prison terms ranging from four months to seven years for involvement in a deadly mutiny last year that left 74 people dead.
Judge Maj. Gen. Mainul Islam said Monday that 24 defendants were given the maximum seven-year imprisonment. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bangladesh court sentences 56 border guards to prison terms for 2009 mutiny.

Karunanidhi offers help to Prabhakaran’s mother

CHENNAI – The Tamil Nadu government is ready to help the mother of slain Tamil Tigers leader Velupillai Prabhakaran to get medical treatment in the state, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said Monday.

Karunanidhi told the assembly that he knew from news reports that the ailing Parvathi Ammal was presently getting medical treatment in Kuala Lumpur. … Read more : Karunanidhi offers help to Prabhakaran’s mother.

Tharoor’s case has likeness with Chidambaram’s 18 years ago

NEW DELHI – The resignation of Shashi Tharoor as minister of state for external affairs has striking similarity with another incident 18 years ago when Home Minister P. Chidambaram had stepped down from the commerce ministry.

The issue then involved alleged investments by Chidambaram’s wife Nalini in the scam-tainted Fairgrowth Financial Services that had been promoted … Read more >>>.

Jessica Lall case: SC upholds Delhi High Court verdict on Manu Sharma

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the verdict given by the Delhi High Court in the model Jessica Lall murder case, convicting prime accused Manu Sharma to life imprisonment.

On February 8, a bench of the apex court consisting Justices … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jessica Lall case: SC upholds Delhi High Court verdict on Manu Sharma.

Supreme Court verdict in Jessica Lall murder case today

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on Monday in Jessica Lall murder case in which prime accused Manu Sharma has challenged his life sentence awarded by the Delhi High Court.

A Bench comprising Justices P Sathasivam and Swantanter Kumar had reserved their verdict … Read : Supreme Court verdict in Jessica Lall murder case today.

UAE to discuss women and child rights

Abu Dhabi, April 19 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will hold this week in Abu Dhabi its first meeting on protecting the rights of women and children.

Over 150 people from ministries, governmental departments, civil society as well as researchers and experts will gather Wednesday for the meeting.
The event is being organised by the …. Original article  : UAE to discuss women and child rights.

Haryana sets up its first rural court

CHANDIGARH – Haryana’s first rural court started functioning Sunday in Shahbad town, 65 km from state capital Chandigarh.

Justice D.K. Jain of Supreme Court inaugurated the court at Shahbad tehsil office complex.
In its first sitting, the rural court settled cases of 91 panchayats (village councils) of Shahbad division.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Jain stressed the …. Source article  : Haryana sets up its first rural court.

Togadia summoned by Gujarat riot probe panel

GANDHINAGAR – The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2002 post-Godhra riots has summoned Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Praveen Togadia, sources close to him said here Sunday.

According to the sources, the SIT summons were faxed to Togadia’s Delhi office. He has been asked to appear before the probe panel here within a … Original article on : Togadia summoned by Gujarat riot probe panel.

Pakistan ruling party to take action in Bhutto’s murder

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s ruling party is to take legal action against people implicated in the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, officials said Sunday.

The move follows the release of a UN investigation which concluded the killing could have been prevented if adequate security had been provide by the government of then president Pervez Musharraf. …. Read the original article  : here.

Hindus allege land-grab by Bangladeshi politicians

DHAKA – Minority Hindus of Mothbaria sub-district in Bangladesh’s Pirojpur district have alleged that ruling Awami League activists backed by the party’s lawmaker were trying to grab nearly 200 acres of their land.

“They’re grabbing the land of anyone who is leaving for India,” Shamol Chandra Haldar of Dakkhin Sonakhali village told media Monday.
He …. Read the original article  : Hindus allege land-grab by Bangladeshi politicians.

Orissa empowers police to check illegal mining

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government has empowered police in three mineral-rich districts to check illegal mining, Mines Minister Raghunath Mohanty said Tuesday.

Earlier only senior officials of the mining department were authorized under the law to detect, seize and confiscate minerals. They were given power under the OMPTS (Orissa Mineral Prevention of Theft, Smuggling) Rules, …. Source  : Orissa empowers police to check illegal mining.

Legally married in one state, denied a divorce in Texas: Gay couples left in legal limbo

Divorce dilemma: Texas says gays can’t get divorce

DALLAS – After the joy of a wedding and the adoption of a baby came arguments that couldn’t be resolved, leading Angelique Naylor to file for divorce.
That left her fighting both the woman she married in Massachusetts and the state of Texas, which says a union granted in …. Original source  : Legally married in one state, denied a divorce in Texas: Gay couples left in legal limbo.

“Dr. Death” Jayant Patel’s patient ‘knew of operation risks’

BRISBANE – The Queensland Supreme Court has been told that a patient who died after being operated by former Indian-origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel a.k.a. “Dr. Death” was fully aware of the risk of death, but knew the procedure was the best …. Original source  : “Dr. Death” Jayant Patel’s patient ‘knew of operation risks’.

Embattled civil rights group struggles for survival as 2 factions meet hundreds of miles apart

Embattled civil rights group struggles to survive

ATLANTA – Two factions of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference gathered Monday for separate meetings, hundreds of miles apart, with each group claiming to be the SCLC’s board of directors as the embattled 53-year-old civil rights organization struggles to survive amid legal woes and bitter infighting.
A few dozen participants … Original article on : Embattled civil rights group struggles for survival as 2 factions meet hundreds of miles apart.

Haitian judge: No decision made yet on whether to drop charges against 10 US missionaries

Haiti judge: No decision on missionaries’ charges

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The Haitian judge investigating 10 American missionaries accused of kidnapping for trying to take a busload of children out of the country says no decision has been made on whether to drop any charges.
Judge Bernard Saint-Vil tells The Associated Press that he is still considering the …. Original source  : Haitian judge: No decision made yet on whether to drop charges against 10 US missionaries.

Families of 17 sailors killed in 2000 USS Cole attack file 2nd lawsuit against Sudan

Families of USS Cole victims sue Sudan again

NORFOLK, Va. – Relatives of the 17 sailors killed in the attack on the USS Cole are suing Sudan for emotional damages they were denied in a previous lawsuit.
Sixty-one family members filed the new lawsuit late last week in U.S. District Court in Norfolk, the Cole’s homeport and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ex-NYPD officer goes on trial over clash with cyclist; jury sees video of encounter

Ex-NYPD officer goes on trial over cyclist clash

NEW YORK – A Times Square tourist’s amateur video is in the spotlight at the trial of a former police officer accused of assaulting a bike-riding activist and lying about it.
The video that jurors saw Monday has drawn more than 2 million online views since it was shot … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ex-NYPD officer goes on trial over clash with cyclist; jury sees video of encounter.

Man pleads guilty in death of UNC student body president; feds drop death penalty pursuit

Guilty plea in death of UNC student president

GREENSBORO, N.C. – One of the men accused in the 2008 killing of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s student body president has pleaded guilty to federal charges in the case.
Demario Atwater pleaded guilty Monday to several charges, including carjacking resulting in death and kidnapping. In … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man pleads guilty in death of UNC student body president; feds drop death penalty pursuit.

Angelina Jolie ‘deeply troubled’ by deaths in Somalia

GENEVA – US actress Angelina Jolie said Monday she was concerned by the increasingly heavy impact of conflict in Somalia on civilians.

“I am deeply troubled by the complete and utter disregard for human life in Somalia,” said Jolie, a goodwill ambassador for the Geneva-based UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
Noting that civilians – particularly in the … Original article on : Angelina Jolie ‘deeply troubled’ by deaths in Somalia.

Now IPL’s event management firms, broadcaster under scanner

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI – A probe into financial deals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was broad-based Wednesday with search operations on three of its event management and broadcast firms in Mumbai, even as a case was registered to investigate the foreign exchange violations by its franchises.

A team of over 50 officials of the Directorate of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Now IPL’s event management firms, broadcaster under scanner.

Mayawati to Supreme Court – CBI has double standards (Lead, changing dateline)

NEW DELHI – Accusing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of discrimination, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Wednesday claimed in the Supreme Court that the disproportionate assets case filed against her was “baseless, unfounded and illegal”.

“Obvious political motivations have led the CBI to adopt double standards in dealing with identical DA (disproportionate assets) cases against … Original article on : Mayawati to Supreme Court – CBI has double standards (Lead, changing dateline).

FIR in disproportionate assets case illegal: Mayawati

LUCKNOW – Slamming the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for discriminating against her, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Wednesday claimed in the Supreme Court that the disproportionate assets case made out against her was “baseless, unfounded and illegal”.

“Obvious political motivations have led the CBI to adopt double standards in dealing with identical DA (disproportionate assets) … Read : FIR in disproportionate assets case illegal: Mayawati.

Lawsuit alleges 3 bisexual men were discriminated against at Seattle gay softball tourney

Bisexual men say gay softball series discriminated

SEATTLE – Three bisexual men from the San Francisco area have filed a lawsuit claiming they were discriminated against during the Gay Softball World Series in the Seattle area two years ago.
The Seattle Times reports that the men filed the federal complaint Tuesday against the softball tournament’s organizer, the … Read more »»».

Russian judges to use internet

Moscow, April 21 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Judges in Russia will be allowed to use the internet during trials if necessary, the Russian Supreme Court has said.

Judges can study information from an internet resource in real time, the court said Tuesday.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
…. Read the original article  : here.

Argentina bans Japanese rape video game

Buenos Aires, April 21 (IANS/EFE) Argentina has banned a Japanese video game that rewards players for raping three women, the justice ministry has said.

“Rapelay”, which can be downloaded from the internet, is a “clear apology for the crimes of sexual abuse, rape, torture, discrimination against women and paedophilia,” the ministry said Monday.
“Necessary measures are …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Argentina bans Japanese rape video game.

Lawsuit filed against LA over death of rapper Notorious B.I.G. dismissed, but may not be over

Biggie Smalls wrongful death lawsuit dismissed

LOS ANGELES – Court filings show a long-running federal lawsuit over the death of rapper Notorious B.I.G. against the city of Los Angeles has been dismissed.
Attorneys for the estate of the rapper and the city agreed to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” a legal designation that means the allegations could …. Read the original article  : Lawsuit filed against LA over death of rapper Notorious B.I.G. dismissed, but may not be over.

Watching NY court fight over funding, ACORN CEO says controversy has become a ’scarlet letter’

ACORN CEO at NY court: ‘We’re on life support’

NEW YORK – The head of activist group ACORN says the group has been left with a “scarlet letter” from controversies that caused it to shed most of its funding and employees.
Bertha Lewis, chief executive officer for the group, spoke to The Associated Press outside a federal … Read more »».

Doctors recruitment scam: K.P.S. Gill files lawsuit

CHANDIGARH – Former Punjab police chief K.P.S. Gill Tuesday filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in connection with allegations of malpractices in the recruitment of doctors in the state.

In March, media reports had highlighted irregularities in the recruitment of doctors made recently by the Punjab Public Service [..] Read the original article: here.

Police’s response sought on raped minor’s abortion plea

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Tuesday sought the response of police on the plea of a minor girl for the court’s intervention for an abortion after she was raped and became pregnant.

Hearing the petition of the 13-year old who said she had been raped repeatedly over a year by a neighbour, Ghanshyamsinh …. Source article  : Police’s response sought on raped minor’s abortion plea.

It’s time for Steelers to say goodbye to Roethlisberger and find another QB _ no matter what

Time to cut ties with Big Ben _ no matter what

I’m not so sure what “comprehensive behavioral evaluation” means, though the last time I remember one being ordered for a star athlete they came back with the conclusion that, yes, Mike Tyson did have some psychological issues.
My guess is they’ll find Ben Roethlisberger has some … Read more : It’s time for Steelers to say goodbye to Roethlisberger and find another QB _ no matter what.

Lawyer who challenged Nepal Army brutally assaulted

KATHMANDU – A lawyer and human rights activist who challenged Nepal’s controversial army was brutally assaulted by security forces, apparently in a bid to intimidate him into ending his legal battle.

Shrikrishna Subedi, who works with the human rights organisation Injured International, was stopped by a police patrol in Kathmandu Valley Tuesday night and thrashed mercilessly. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lawyer who challenged Nepal Army brutally assaulted.

Sindh High Court quashes petition challenging Zardari’s electoral eligibility

KARACHI – The Sindh High Court has quashed a petition challenging President Asif Ali Zardari’s eligibility, saying he enjoys constitutional amnesty from court proceedings.

Chief Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmani observed that the 2008 Presidential election could not be challenged, and that Zardari could only be removed from the chair through impeachment.
The petition filed by advocate Maulvi … Read more >>>.

Now it’s time for Steelers to say goodbye to Roethlisberger and find another QB

Time to cut ties with QB, no matter what
I’m not so sure what “comprehensive behavioral evaluation” means, though the last time I remember one being ordered for a star athlete they came back with the conclusion that, yes, Mike Tyson did have some psychological issues.

My guess is they’ll find Ben Roethlisberger has some issues, too, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Now it’s time for Steelers to say goodbye to Roethlisberger and find another QB.

Texas court hears state’s appeal of divorce granted to gay couple in Dallas

Texas court hears state’s appeal in gay divorce

DALLAS – A lawyer for a Dallas man trying to divorce the man he married in Massachusetts told a Texas appeals court Wednesday that his client is entitled to a divorce because he had a valid marriage.
But the Texas Attorney General’s Office argued before the three-judge panel that … Read more >>.

Palestinians rally in Gaza against Israeli eviction order

GAZA – Hundreds of Palestinians Wednesday rallied near a crossing point in northern Gaza Strip, protesting against an Israeli order that allowed the army to evict people from the West Bank.

Representatives of rival Hamas and Fatah movements participated in the rally near Erez terminal, which connects the Gaza Strip with Israel, Xinhua reported.
The demonstrators … Read more >>.

Defunct Fresno museum will return Ansel Adams prints to family in exchange for others to sell

Fresno museum can’t sell rare Ansel Adams prints

FRESNO, Calif. – The bankrupt Fresno Metropolitan Museum has agreed to return six Ansel Adams photographs to his son, who had objected to them being sold to pay off creditors.
The move will settle a lawsuit by Michael Adams and his wife, Jeanne, who gave the famed nature photographer’s … Read more »».

APNewsBreak: Lawsuit says Ohio Somali immigrant ordered torture of human rights attorney

APNewsBreak: Ohio man faces Somali torture claim

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal lawsuit alleges that a former Somali military colonel now living in Ohio ordered the detention and torture of a professor and human rights lawyer in Somalia in 1988.
The complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Columbus against Abdi Aden Magan (AHB’-dee AH’-den MAH’-gen) …. Source article  : APNewsBreak: Lawsuit says Ohio Somali immigrant ordered torture of human rights attorney.

LA judge says parents of disabled woman can seek ruling for her to visit her children

Ruling sought for disabled daughter to visit kids

LOS ANGELES – A mother who is unable to move or speak – and possibly to understand – is the focus of an unusual, emotional court case to decide if she has visitation rights with her 3-year-old triplets.
A trial is set to start next month after a Los …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : LA judge says parents of disabled woman can seek ruling for her to visit her children.

Former KB Home chief Bruce Karatz convicted of 4 counts in stock option backdating scheme

Former KB Home CEO convicted in backdating trial

LOS ANGELES – The former head of construction giant KB Home has been convicted of four felony counts in a stock backdating scam.
A federal jury on Wednesday found Bruce Karatz guilty of two counts of mail fraud, one count of lying to company accountants and one count of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Former KB Home chief Bruce Karatz convicted of 4 counts in stock option backdating scheme.

Former cricket board chief moves court on IPL franchise norms

NEW DELHI – The former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), A.C. Muthiah, Friday moved the Supreme Court challenging the norms that permit office bearers to hold franchises for Indian Premier League (IPL).

The noted Chennai-based industrialist has challenged the decision of the single-judge bench of the Madras High Court that …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Former cricket board chief moves court on IPL franchise norms.

China to impose fines for extra lights

BEIJING – China will levy fines on its citizens who put on extra lights at night, a media report has said.

The administration will launch the project in Guangdong in south China, which is being dubbed as the “city without night” for its excessive use of lighting.
The municipal price bureau is studying the feasibility of …. Original article  : China to impose fines for extra lights.

Roman Polanski moves closer to extradition after appeal loss

LOS ANGELES – Roman Polanski moved closer to extradition from Switzerland to the US when he lost his court bid Thursday to be sentenced in absentia for his 1977 conviction for having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Lawyers for Polanski had argued that the original proceedings were tainted by illegal collusion between prosecutors and the now … Read more : Roman Polanski moves closer to extradition after appeal loss.

California appeals court denies appeals by Roman Polanski, victim, to end sex case

California court denies appeal by Roman Polanski

LOS ANGELES – A California appeals court has denied Roman Polanski’s bid to have a special counsel review his decades-old sex case.
Records show the Second District Court of Appeal denied Polanski’s petition on Thursday without comment.
The court’s decision not to revisit Polanski’s case came hours after it denied a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : California appeals court denies appeals by Roman Polanski, victim, to end sex case.

Vietnam sues US over anti-dumping tax

HANOI – Vietnam has filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over anti-dumping tax imposed by the US on its frozen shrimp, Xinhua reported Thursday.

Vietnamese foreign ministry spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga made the announcement here Thursday. This is the first time Vietnam takes such an action since it joined the WTO in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Vietnam sues US over anti-dumping tax.

Cheap DVD rental kiosk operator Redbox cuts deal with Fox, Universal to end legal battle

Redbox to delay rental movies from Fox, Universal

LOS ANGELES – DVD rental kiosk operator Redbox says it has reached a deal that ends Hollywood lawsuits against it.
The unit of Coinstar says 20th Century Fox and Universal have agreed to supply it with low-cost discs but only 28 days after discs go on sale.
The deals leave … Read more >>>.

US, China to hold human rights talks in May

WASHINGTON – The US and China will hold talks on human rights May 13-14 here, the US State Department said Thursday.

Assistant secretary for democracy, human rights and labour Michael Posner will lead the US delegation, while Chen Xu, director general for international organisations of the foreign affairs ministry, will head the Chinese side, Xinhua reported. … Read more »»».

California appeals court denies petition by Roman Polanski’s victim to dismiss sex case

Court denies dismissal appeal by Polanski victim

LOS ANGELES – A California appeals court has denied a petition by Roman Polanski’s victim to dismiss the decades-old sex case against the director.
Records show the California Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles denied the motion on Thursday without comment.
Samantha Geimer had sought to dismiss the 32-year-old … Original article on : California appeals court denies petition by Roman Polanski’s victim to dismiss sex case.

Witnesses in Magna bankruptcy say settlement is best recovery option for creditors

Hearing continues on Magna reorganization
WILMINGTON, Del. – Financial advisers in horse track owner Magna Entertainment Corp.’s bankruptcy case say creditors will fare better in the company’s reorganization plan than they would from additional sales of its assets.

The advisers testified Thursday at a hearing to determine whether a Delaware judge should approve Magna’s reorganization plan. The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Witnesses in Magna bankruptcy say settlement is best recovery option for creditors.

Germany slams Google for mapping wireless hotspots

HAMBURG – Google, which is already under fire in Germany, faced a fresh accusation Thursday from government officials of using its camera cars to search for apartment dwellers’ wireless hotspots.

Johannes Caspar, privacy commissioner for the state of Hamburg, said it was illegal to gather the information.
Encrypted WiFi networks or WLANs are often installed in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Germany slams Google for mapping wireless hotspots.

Poor facilities in lower courts slammed

NEW DELHI – Supreme Court judge S.H. Kapadia, tipped to be the Chief Justice of India in May, Saturday lamented the pathetic infrastructure in the lower courts in various states.

Justice Kapadia made the remarks at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a 12-acre Supreme Court annexe complex at the Pragati Maidan. The complex will include lawyers … Read : Poor facilities in lower courts slammed.

Petition filed in LHC for Musharraf’s high treason trial

LAHORE – Yet another petition seeking registration of a high treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC).

The petition filed by an advocate Ilamuddin Ghazi requested the court to register a case against Musharraf on …. Read the original article  : here.

Nepal’s children still in line of fire: UN

KATHMANDU – Though Nepal signed a peace pact four years ago to end a decade of armed insurgency, children remain in the firing line, with at least 60 killed and maimed last year while dozens faced sexual attacks, abduction and forced participation in violent activities, the UN said.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon tabled a new report … Read more : Nepal’s children still in line of fire: UN.

SC Lt. Gov. Bauer says illegal immigration caused by residents too lazy to toil in fields

SC’s Bauer: Lazy people cause illegal immigration

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – South Carolina’s lieutenant governor said Friday that lazy residents who don’t want to take jobs harvesting the state’s crops are the root of its problems with illegal immigration.
Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer’s remarks came at the opening of a debate of Republican gubernatorial hopefuls. The candidates were …. Source  : SC Lt. Gov. Bauer says illegal immigration caused by residents too lazy to toil in fields.

US state enacts strict illegal immigration law

Washington, April 24 (IANS/EFE) Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into law Friday a measure criminalizing undocumented immigrants and requiring police to verify the immigration status of anyone suspected of being in the country illegally.

Brewer, a Republican seeking re-election, said the measure “represents another tool for our state to use as we work to solve a … Original source on Gaea Times at : US state enacts strict illegal immigration law.

Shareholder lawsuit names Goldman’s CEO and other brass for breach of duty in mortgage deals

Goldman’s CEO and board are named in lawsuit

NEW YORK – A pair of shareholder lawsuits accuses Goldman Sachs’s CEO and other top officers of lax oversight of deals involving risky mortage-backed securities that later went bad.
The lawsuits filed Thursday in New York State Supreme Court name Chairman Lloyd Blankfein and the firm’s entire board of …. Source article  : Shareholder lawsuit names Goldman’s CEO and other brass for breach of duty in mortgage deals.

Court dismisses public interest lawsuit as ‘personal’

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Friday dismissed as “personal” a public interest lawsuit (PIL) which claimed that the officer bearers of Surendranagar Peoples Cooperative Bank Ltd were responsible for irregularities and had duped the bank of Rs.85 crore of the depositors’ money.

The bank is under process of liquidation. The PIL filed by … Read more »».

Feuding children of fantasy artist Frank Frazetta resolve dispute over father’s famed art

Frazetta siblings resolve dispute over fantasy art

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The adult children of pioneering fantasy artist Frank Frazetta have resolved an ugly dispute over control of their elderly father’s body of work.
The family feud boiled over in December when Frazetta’s son, Frank Frazetta Jr., was caught using a backhoe to break into the artist’s museum …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Feuding children of fantasy artist Frank Frazetta resolve dispute over father’s famed art.

Sender of threatening SMSes granted bail

NEW DELHI – A city court Friday granted bail to Narender Khosla, the businessman accused for sending threatening and sleazy text messages to politicians, including former minister of state for external affairs Shahshi Tharoor.

Granting the bail, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja said: “After taking into account the fact that the accused was in custody …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sender of threatening SMSes granted bail.

Gujarat ordered to compensate riot victims made homeless

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Friday ordered the state government to compensate and rehabilitate the victims of the 2002 riots as well as other families whose houses were demolished by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in 2009.

A division bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi ordered the state government to pay …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Gujarat ordered to compensate riot victims made homeless.

Win sons’ trust, restore mother’s position, court tells woman

NEW DELHI – A woman who stood trial on charges of killing her stepson but was acquitted has been told by the Supreme Court to win the trust of her own sons before seeking their custody from her divorced husband. Both the boys had deposed against her.

“The better course would be that the mother should …. Read the original article  : Win sons’ trust, restore mother’s position, court tells woman.

Brazilian judge orders 4-yr-old boy returned to American father in

Brazilian judge orders boy returned to US father

SAO PAULO – For the second time in four months, a judge has ordered a Brazilian to relinquish custody of a child to his U.S. father.
In this case, Hilma Aparecida Caldeira, a former member of Brazil’s national volleyball team and ex-Olympic contender has been ordered to return her …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Brazilian judge orders 4-yr-old boy returned to American father in.

Restore Amarinder Singh’s assembly membership: Apex court (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH – The Supreme Court Monday said the ouster of former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh from the state assembly on charges of corruption was unconstitutional and ordered the restoration of his membership.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan ruled that in ousting Singh for alleged corruption during his tenure as … Read more »»».

Amarinder Singh’s ouster unconstitutional: apex court (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH – The Supreme Court Monday said former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s ouster from the state assembly on charges of corruption was unconstitutional.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan ordered the restoration of Amarinder Singh’s membership to the present assembly.
The senior Congress leader was expelled from the … Read : Amarinder Singh’s ouster unconstitutional: apex court (Second Lead).

Apex court holds ouster of Amarinder Singh

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday held as unconstitutional the ouster of former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh from the state assembly on charges of corruption.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan ordered forthwith the restoration of Amarinder Singh’s membership of the present assembly.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Apex court holds ouster of Amarinder Singh.

39 migrants rescued off Spanish coast

Madrid, April 26 (IANS/EFE) At least 39 migrants, including a few from Bangladesh, have been rescued off the coast of Granada province in southern Spain, officials have said.

The majority of the migrants were from Sierra Leone and Guinea Conakry and included five pregnant women, all of whom were in an advanced stage of pregnancy, officials …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 39 migrants rescued off Spanish coast.

Report: Brazil mom appealing order to give son to US dad; lawyer says she won’t disobey courts

Brazil woman appealing order to give boy to US dad

SAO PAULO – A Brazilian woman ordered to relinquish her son to his American father in an international child abduction case is appealing the ruling, but her lawyer says she will not try to evade justice, local news media reported.
Hilma Aparecida Caldeira, 38, a bronze medal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Report: Brazil mom appealing order to give son to US dad; lawyer says she won’t disobey courts.

25 years and 3 trials later, a widower recalls slain family amid boxes of fading photos

25 years later, widower recalls slain family

SPRING LAKE, N.C. – Gary Eastburn has lived with painful memories in the 25 years since his wife and two of this daughters were stabbed to death in North Carolina.
The man accused of killing them was found guilty and sentenced to death in 1986, but then was acquitted in … Read more : 25 years and 3 trials later, a widower recalls slain family amid boxes of fading photos.

Lawyers show black flags to Karunanidhi

CHENNAI – An Advocate’s group staged a black flag protest against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the Madras High Court premises on Sunday.

Protesting lawyers held Karunanidhi responsible for failing to execute court orders to dismiss police officers responsible for the attack on lawyers.
On February 17, 2009, Police had assaulted lawyers at the Madras … Original article on : Lawyers show black flags to Karunanidhi.

Britain ordered to pay $650 mn to Iran

TEHRAN – An arbitration court in The Hague has ordered the British government to refund $650 million to Iran over an arms deal in the 1970s.

The Shah of Iran had ordered 1,500 Chieftain battle tanks and 250 military vehicles, worth $650 million, from Britain, but the deal was cancelled after the Islamic Revolution in … Read : Britain ordered to pay $650 mn to Iran.

Tamils protest Bachchan’s proposed Sri Lanka visit

MUMBAI – Hundreds of Tamils Sunday protested outside the bungalow of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, shouting slogans against his decision to visit Sri Lanka as chief guest for the India International Films Awards (IIFA) function in July.

“We urge him not to attend the function in Colombo as a symbol of solidarity for the Tamilian cause …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tamils protest Bachchan’s proposed Sri Lanka visit.

Swiss visa processing centre in Dubai

Abu Dhabi, April 25 (IANS/WAM) Switzerland will set up a visa processing centre in the emirate of Dubai and it will be its first such facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The centre will be operational from May 1.
The Swiss Consulate General in Dubai will accept applications for short and long term visas … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Swiss visa processing centre in Dubai.

Brazil to track undertrials with electronic devices

Rio de Janeiro, April 27 (IANS/EFE) In an effort to cope with the growing space crunch in the country’s jails, Brazil is considering release of undertrial prisoners and tracking them with electronic bracelets and ankle cuffs.

“Between 75,000 and 80,000 prisoners can serve their sentences while being tracked electronically,” the director of the National Penitentiary Department, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Brazil to track undertrials with electronic devices.

Former world junior champion French awarded damages in defamation case against newspaper

Ex-world junior cycling champ wins defamation case

MELBOURNE, Australia – Former world junior cycling champion Mark French has been awarded $162,000 in damages after suing an Australian newspaper for describing him as a disgraced drug cheat.
The 25-year-old was banned for two years in 2004 for doping offenses, but was cleared on appeal the following year.
French took … Read more : Former world junior champion French awarded damages in defamation case against newspaper.

Former Panama dictator Noriega extradited to France

Miami, April 27 (IANS/EFE) Former Panama military dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega has been extradited to France after his attorneys lost a three-year-long battle in the US courts.

Noriega, who ruled Panama from 1983-1989, appeared calm and cooperative Monday as federal agents took him from a prison here to the Miami international airport and put him aboard … Original article on : Former Panama dictator Noriega extradited to France.

Rapper DMX files NYC lawsuit claiming company hired to collect royalties stole them instead

DMX files NYC lawsuit claiming stolen royalties

NEW YORK – Rapper DMX says he’s been ripped off for years by a company hired to collect his song royalties, but he’s been behind bars so much that he only recently realized the problem.
The platinum-selling hip-hop artist sued Rich Kid Entertainment 1 and related companies Monday in a …. Read the original article  : Rapper DMX files NYC lawsuit claiming company hired to collect royalties stole them instead.

China launches website for intellectual property rights

BEIJING – Chinese government has launched a new website to spread awareness about the intellectual property rights.

The website, www.court.gov.cn/zscq, which was open Mondya will be run by The Supreme People’s Court of China.
It is a platform for disseminating information relating to protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), Xinhua reported.
Information such as … Read more »»».

Apex court no to Lafarge restarting mining in Meghalaya

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday rejected the central government’s plea to allow French cement giant Lafarge restart limestone mining in Meghalaya.

A special forest bench, headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, refused to allow Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Limited collect limestone from Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hill district despite the government’s plea to suspend its … Read more : Apex court no to Lafarge restarting mining in Meghalaya.

Court go-ahead for Nirma cement plant in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Monday gave a conditional go-ahead to detergent maker Nirma for construction of its Rs.1,400 crore cement plant at Mahua near Bhavnagar which has been opposed by farmers citing environmental concerns.

A division bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi directed Nirma Limited to return …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court go-ahead for Nirma cement plant in Gujarat.

Court pulls up Maharashtra for not levying tax on IPL

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Monday pulled up the Maharashtra government for failing to levy entertainment duty on the Indian Premier League cricket tournament and asked whether any decision has been taken on it.

A division of Justices P.B. Majumdar and Justice R.G. Ketkar directed the state government to clarify its stand whether it has [..] Read the original article: here.

Supreme Court turns down Michigan’s plea to get involved in battle over Asian carp

Court stays out of Asian carp dispute
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has decided not to get involved in a dispute over how to prevent Asian carp from making their way into the Great Lakes.

The justices on Monday turned down a new request from Michigan to consider ordering permanent closure of Chicago-area shipping locks to prevent … Read more »»».

No force to ensure strike: court tells Tripura government

AGARTALA – The Guwahati High Court Monday asked Tripura’s ruling Left Front, led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), not to apply force to ensure Tuesday’s strike to protest rising prices.

It also directed the state government to take adequate measures to maintain normalcy.
The ruling Left Front has called the shutdown in Tripura Tuesday …. Read the original article  : here.

I believe in what I said: Khushboo

NEW DELHI – With the apex court giving her a clean chit Wednesday, southern actress Khushboo said she stood by her comments on pre-marital sex and live-in relationships and that celebrities were pinned down for no rhyme or reason.

“When you look around, every celebrity is pinned down for no rhyme or reason and that is … Read more >>>.

Supreme Court gives more time to SIT to submit report on Godhra riots

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave more time to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit its report on the nine cases connected with the 2002 Godhra riots.

The apex court has given SIT 15 days to submit details of its probe.

The SIT had earlier …. Read the original article  : Supreme Court gives more time to SIT to submit report on Godhra riots.

Supreme Court dismisses charges against actress Khusboo

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed all cases registered against South Indian film actress and activist Khusboo for her alleged remarks on pre-marital sex.

The apex court quashed all 22 cases registered against her.

Khusboo described the judgement as a major relief for her.

“I am relieved …. Read the original article  : Supreme Court dismisses charges against actress Khusboo.

Apex court dismisses 22 cases against actress Khushboo

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday dismissed nearly two dozen criminal cases against Tamil actress Khushboo for making a controversial statement endorsing pre-marital sex and live-in relationships.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justice B.S. Chauhan quashed 22 criminal cases against her saying that her statement on the issue of pre-marital sex and … Read more »».

Starting with Pakistan, India begins tuning online visa process

NEW DELHI – A Pakistani national could go to the website of India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, fill the online visa form, click submit, show the relevant documents to the local mission and get the visa.

That’s the idea at least – it has been applicable since April 1 – but not a single visa has … Original source on Gaea Times at : Starting with Pakistan, India begins tuning online visa process.

Federal authorities: 69 illegal immigrants rescued from Phoenix drop house

Feds: 69 illegal immigrants found at AZ drop house

PHOENIX – Federal authorities say 69 suspected illegal immigrants, including two children and an infant, have been rescued from a drop house in Phoenix.
A neighbor called police Tuesday and said he’d seen a pickup dropping off about 30 people Monday evening. Police say responding officers found the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Federal authorities: 69 illegal immigrants rescued from Phoenix drop house.

UN Security Council adopts resolution to try Somali pirates

New York, April 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by Russia to set up a special body to try Somalian ship hijackers.

The Security Council has called on UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to provide “concrete” measures for the prosecution of pirates, including a special chamber at the national … Read : UN Security Council adopts resolution to try Somali pirates.

Michael Jackson’s estate wins injunction against website using name of former charity

Jackson estate wins injunction against website

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s estate has won a preliminary injunction against a group using the name of the superstar’s former charitable group.
U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee on Monday ordered the current Heal the World Foundation to stop using Jackson’s likeness and any trademarks that belong to his estate.
Jackson’s estate [..] Read the original article: here.

Now, khap panchayat menace surfaces in Rajasthan

NEW DELHI – The khap panchayat menace has surfaced in Rajasthan, with many people alleging victimisation at the hands of the caste councils.

The victims of khap panchayats from Rajasthan gathered here Tuesday to share their experiences.
Sanjoy Sachdeva, president of the National Journalists Front (India), described the khap panchayat as a \”panchayat which has no … Read : Now, khap panchayat menace surfaces in Rajasthan.

Terminally ill rapist granted bail in Delhi

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Tuesday granted bail to a rape convict who has been suffering from an \”incurable\” liver disease since last May.

Justice Siddharth Mridul ordered the Tihar jail authorities to release convict Satyam Singh on bail. He was sentenced to seven-year imprisonment by a lower court for raping … Original source on Gaea Times at : Terminally ill rapist granted bail in Delhi.

Sandal hurled at judge in Bangladesh over trial delay

DHAKA – Angered by delay in his trial, an accused hurled his sandal at a judge in a courtroom in northeastern Bangladesh’s Sylhet city.

Mohammed Sumon had been appearing before Additional District Judge- III, Mohammed Belayet Ullah, with little progress in the trial. He was charged with robbery in 2006.
Sumon became furious Wednesday when the … Read more >>.

Mexicans to be fined $3 mn for selling confidential data

Mexico City, April 29 (IANS/EFE) Mexican people convicted of selling confidential personal data collected by the government will be fined up to $2.9 million and face five years in prison under a new bill passed by the parliament.

The bill was passed by both houses of Mexico’s Congress Wednesday after a newspaper report said a data … Original article on : Mexicans to be fined $3 mn for selling confidential data.

Obama: Congress may ‘have no appetite’ for immigration after tough legislative year

Obama: Congress may not tackle immigration soon
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE – President Barack Obama says there may ‘not be an appetite’ in Congress for dealing with immigration after going through a tough year.
Obama told reporters traveling with him on Air Force One that Congress has been working very hard this year and may … Read : Obama: Congress may ‘have no appetite’ for immigration after tough legislative year.

ACLU of Alaska files lawsuit against Anchorage municipality over raids at homeless camps

Alaska ACLU files lawsuit over homeless camp raids

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska has filed a lawsuit challenging raids conducted on homeless camps by the Municipality of Anchorage.
ACLU Executive Director Jeffrey Mittman says the lawsuit was filed Wednesday on behalf of Dale Engle and other homeless people who have had property … Read more : ACLU of Alaska files lawsuit against Anchorage municipality over raids at homeless camps.

MCD, DDA pulled up over illegal encroachments

NEW DELHI – Two civic agencies were Wednesday pulled up by the Delhi High Court for not removing illegal encroachments in a locality in northwest Delhi and their chiefs were summoned May 12 for explanation.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta directed Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) … Original article on : MCD, DDA pulled up over illegal encroachments.

Sempra Energy to pay $410 million to settle lawsuits stemming from Calif. energy crisis

Sempra Energy to pay $410m to settle energy suits

SAN DIEGO – Sempra Energy says it will pay $410 million to settle federal and state claims that it overcharged California on electricity contracts signed during the state’s 2000-2001 energy crisis.
The San Diego company announced Wednesday that it has agreed in principal to a cash settlement to … Original article on : Sempra Energy to pay $410 million to settle lawsuits stemming from Calif. energy crisis.

Court directs refund of Rs.80 lakh to Gayatri Devi’s kin

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the government to refund Rs.80 lakh fine to the heirs of Maharani Gayatri Devi of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family, which was penalised 35 years ago for possessing undeclared gold.

The income tax department had seized 800 kg of undeclared gold which was listed as the … Read more >>>.

Court opens new route for ’second wife’ to claim alimony

NAGPUR – In a ruling with far-reaching ramifications, the Bombay High Court has ruled that a man’s “second wife” can seek maintenance from her husband under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.

Justice A.B. Choudhary of the high court’s Nagpur bench made the observation last week while rejecting the maintenance plea filed by a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court opens new route for ’second wife’ to claim alimony.

Apex court laments lawyers’ spat

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday lamented an unsavoury spat between two veteran lawyers, and said that if the apex court could witness such acrimony, imagine the plight of the lower judiciary.

“If two senior advocates fight like this in the Supreme Court, I wonder what would be the plight in the lower courts,” … Read more »»».

Bombay High Court stays Shivaji Park beautification

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Wednesday stayed the proposed beautification of the historic Shivaji Park at Dadar in central Mumbai.

The beautification project – planned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) – includes the creation of a large mural, beautification of the ground and creation of public amenities.
A division bench Justice F.I. Rebello and …. Read the original article  : Bombay High Court stays Shivaji Park beautification.

9 of 11 accused Somali pirates due in US court in Virginia to enter pleas over Navy attacks

Somali piracy suspects set for US arraignment

NORFOLK, Va. – A group of Somali nationals accused of pirate attacks on two U.S. Navy ships off Africa are due in a Virginia courtroom to enter pleas to the charges.
Arraignments are scheduled Friday before a U.S. magistrate judge in Norfolk for nine of 11 defendants. One entered a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 9 of 11 accused Somali pirates due in US court in Virginia to enter pleas over Navy attacks.

Sarosh Homi Kapadia is India’s new chief justice

NEW DELHI – Supreme Court judge Sarosh Homi Kapadia was Friday appointed as the new chief justice of India by President Pratibha Patil. He will assume charge May 12.
…. Original source  : Sarosh Homi Kapadia is India’s new chief justice.

All for Rs.30 – jostling and toiling at labourer marts (May 1 is International Labour Day)

RAIPUR – It’s a lucky day for Rani Sahu. She may have earned a meagre Rs.30 for 10 hours of work after being hired as a daily wage worker at a labourer’s mart here, but says she is happy to take home at least some money.

The 34-year-old said she worked for 10 hours from …. Source article  : All for Rs.30 – jostling and toiling at labourer marts (May 1 is International Labour Day).

‘Dr. Death’ Patel threatened to quit when patient transfer was arranged

BRISBANE – Brisbane’s Supreme Court has been told that controversial Indian origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel went purple with rage when a dangerously ill patient was transferred from the Bundaberg Hospital to Brisbane.

The court was told that he told a junior doctor that he would … Read more »»».

Nine Kuwaiti claimants get $590 mn over Iraq invasion

New York, April 30 (IANS/AKI) The UN has paid $590 million to nine Kuwaiti claimants in connection with Iraq’s 1990 invasion of their country.

The latest payment brings the total amount of compensation disbursed by the UN Compensation Commission (UNCC) to individuals, corporations, governments and international organisations to nearly $29.5 billion, the UN said Thursday. …. Original article  : Nine Kuwaiti claimants get $590 mn over Iraq invasion.

Supreme Court to have a woman judge after four years

NEW DELHI – Former Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice, Gyan Sudha Mishra, will take oath as a Supreme Court Justice on Friday.

She will be the fourth woman judge in the apex court.

Mishra (61) was initially appointed as judge of the Patna High Court in …. Source  : Supreme Court to have a woman judge after four years.

Three buses carrying migrants to US go missing

Mexico City, April 30 (IANS/EFE) Three buses carrying more than 40 migrants from Mexico’s San Luis Potosi state to the US have been missing for more than a month, a top official has said.

The number of people in the two other buses that left Sierra Gorda area for the US also is not known, Fernando …. Source article  : Three buses carrying migrants to US go missing.

Attorneys general in several states sue companies that sell auto service contracts

States sue marketers of auto service contracts

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Several state attorneys general have sued two companies that sell automobile service contracts, alleging that they misled consumers by claiming the products were extended warranties.
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray says a lawsuit filed Thursday in Ohio alleges that Missouri-based U.S. Fidelis and California-based Credexx Corp. used … Original article on : Attorneys general in several states sue companies that sell auto service contracts.

Pa. hunter found guilty of using pastries to bait 707-pound bear, biggest killed in ‘09 season

Pa. man found guilty of baiting bear with pastries

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A Pennsylvania hunter has been found guilty of using pastries to illegally bait the largest bear killed in the state during the 2009 season.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission says the 39-year-old Wilkes-Barre (WILKS’-behr-ee) resident was found guilty Thursday and was ordered to pay $6,800 in … Read more : Pa. hunter found guilty of using pastries to bait 707-pound bear, biggest killed in ‘09 season.

Independent reporters in authoritarian Belarus complain of harassment, confiscated computers

Reporters in Belarus complain of harassment

MINSK, Belarus – Four independent journalists in authoritarian Belarus said Thursday the state security service has interrogated them and seized their computers and documents as part of an investigation into a libel suit.
Since their media outlets last month published an open letter by police complaining that a former security officer …. Source  : Independent reporters in authoritarian Belarus complain of harassment, confiscated computers.