PM slams legal education in India

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday slammed the country’s legal education system, describing it as “a sea of institutionalised mediocrity”.

Inaugurating a two-day national consultation on second generation reforms in legal education, the prime minister said: “We do have a small number of dynamic and outstanding law schools but I am afraid there remains …. Source article  : PM slams legal education in India.

Taiwan executes 4 inmates, first death sentences carries out since 2005

Taiwan carries out first death sentences in years

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwan has carried out a death sentence for the first time since 2005, executing four inmates as a heated debate rages on the island over whether capital punishment should be abolished.
Newly appointed Justice Minister Tseng Yung-fu signed the execution orders Friday, a departure from the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Taiwan executes 4 inmates, first death sentences carries out since 2005.

Beverly Hills company sues Wizards’ Gilbert Arenas for $70,000 in gun storage fees

Calif firm sues Gilbert Arenas for gun fees

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Gilbert Arenas has more gun problems.
In March, the Washington Wizards guard got 30 days in a halfway house for bringing guns into the team’s locker room.
Now a lawsuit claims he owes a Beverly Hills company more than $70,000 for storing guns he bought and …. Original article  : Beverly Hills company sues Wizards’ Gilbert Arenas for $70,000 in gun storage fees.

Shareholders suing Goldman Sachs over executive pay seize on SEC investigation

Shareholders revise Goldman Sachs lawsuit
DOVER, Del. – Shareholders suing Goldman Sachs over executive pay packages are seizing on investigations of the Wall Street bank by the Senate and Securities and Exchange Commission.

A shareholder pay complaint filed earlier this year in Delaware was amended this week to take into account the Senate’s findings and the SEC’s …. Original source  : Shareholders suing Goldman Sachs over executive pay seize on SEC investigation.

OJ Simpson’s acquittal suit is delivered to the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

OJ Simpson acquittal suit arrives at Newseum in DC

LOS ANGELES – The suit O.J. Simpson wore on the day he was acquitted of murder has been delivered to the Newseum in Washington, D.C., where it will be part of a display focusing on the trial that was viewed by millions.
Susan Bennett, vice president and deputy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : OJ Simpson’s acquittal suit is delivered to the Newseum in Washington, D.C..

Grand jury subpoenas New York Times reporter seeking sources for book material on Iran

Grand jury subpoena to Times reporter over book

WASHINGTON – A New York Times reporter will fight a grand jury subpoena seeking the identities of his sources for portions of a book about the CIA.
The publisher of “State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration,” said Friday that the government should …. Source  : Grand jury subpoenas New York Times reporter seeking sources for book material on Iran.

2 men charged in NYC with supporting al-Qaida terror network, performing assignments

2 men charged in NYC with supporting terror

NEW YORK – Two U.S. citizens were charged Friday with conspiring to provide computer assistance, watches and other support to help “modernize” al-Qaida.
A vaguely worded indictment unsealed Friday in federal court in Manhattan accused Wesam El-Hanafi of traveling to Yemen to meet with unnamed al-Qaida members in February … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 men charged in NYC with supporting al-Qaida terror network, performing assignments.

Three-day law enforcement sweep nabs 596 immigrants convicted of crimes throughout Southeast

596 immigrants convicted of crimes nabbed in South

ATLANTA – Federal agents say they have arrested 596 immigrants with criminal records during a three-day immigration enforcement sweep across the Southeast.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Friday that the operation, dubbed Operation Cross Check, was the largest ever conducted by the agency targeting foreign nationals convicted …. Read the original article  : Three-day law enforcement sweep nabs 596 immigrants convicted of crimes throughout Southeast.

India gets new chief justice, Supreme Court a woman judge (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia was Friday named the next chief justice of India, while Chief Justice Gayan Sudha Mishra of the Jharkhand High Court was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge, ending a four year wait for a woman in the apex court.

Kapadia, who will assume charge May 12, will … Read more >>.

Judge lets lawsuit against Walmart near Va. Civil War battlefield go ahead, despite county OK

Fight against Va. battlefield Walmart lives on

RICHMOND, Va. – A judge has kept alive the battle to block a Walmart store near an endangered Civil War battlefield in Virginia.
A judge in Orange County ruled Friday that residents and a preservation group can go forward with a lawsuit to stop Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. from … Read more : Judge lets lawsuit against Walmart near Va. Civil War battlefield go ahead, despite county OK.

Two extra shifts can cut court backlog, says judge

AHMEDABAD – Supreme Court’s Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan has stressed the need for running courts in two extra shifts in addition to the normal court hours to reduce backlog of cases.

“The judiciary in Gujarat runs evening courts in various districts of the state for just this purpose,” he said Saturday night at a function here to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two extra shifts can cut court backlog, says judge.

16 banquet halls ordered shut in Agra

AGRA – Acting on the Allahabad High Court’s direction, the Agra Development Authority has told 16 banquet halls in Vijay Nagar neighbourhood in Uttar Pradesh’s Taj city to down their shutters, forcing many party hosts to look for alternative venues.

The ADA ordered the halls to down shop Saturday (May 1).
In its fresh notice to … Read more : 16 banquet halls ordered shut in Agra.

‘Allegation against Musharraf of Benazir’s murder ridiculous’

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI – Ruling out any involvement of Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, his spokesperson has said the allegation was “ridiculous”.

Rashid Qureshi, spokesperson of former president Pervez Musharraf, has termed as ridiculousthe allegations of the assassination of Bhutto against Musharraf, saying the government is trying to involve …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Allegation against Musharraf of Benazir’s murder ridiculous’.

Jullender, Simla were never changed to Jalandhar, Shimla

NEW DELHI – Colonial era spellings of names of cities like “Jullender” and “Simla” were never changed to Jalandhar and Shimla, the union home ministry has revealed in reply to a query put under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The ministry made the revelation in reply to a query by RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Justice Kapadia urges legal professionals to hone skills

NEW DELHI – Chief Justice of India-designate Justice S.H. Kapadia Sunday said that it was incumbent upon judges and lawyers to learn commercial laws to survive and compete in the existing global environment.

Delivering the valedictory address on the conclusion of a two-day national consultation for second generation reforms in legal education here, Justice Kapadia said: … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Justice Kapadia urges legal professionals to hone skills.

Polygamy banned but some immigrants in France use system to make money on their wives

Some profit from wives despite French polygamy ban

PARIS – The burqa, or face-covering veil, is getting all the attention in the debate over Muslim immigrants in France. But another controversial tradition among some immigrants is less noticed and far more widespread: Polygamy.
The issue resurfaced last week after a woman received a traffic citation in the …. Original article  : Polygamy banned but some immigrants in France use system to make money on their wives.

Anyone below 18 is a child: Dhaka

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government has pledged a policy that redefines a ‘child’ as anyone below 18 and they would be kept out of the work force.

Some outlines of a national children policy were announced on May Day.
Bangladesh has a 3.2 million child work force as per 2003 statistics. Of them, 1.29 million … Read more »».

17 suspected illegal immigrants nabbed in search for suspected smugglers who shot Ariz. deputy

17 caught in search for Ariz. deputy’s attackers

PHOENIX – Authorities searching for drug smugglers who shot and wounded an Arizona sheriff’s deputy in the desert south of Phoenix have captured 17 suspected illegal immigrants.
Authorities said Saturday that the group included three who may have been involved in the incident. The search was ended as darkness … Original source on Gaea Times at : 17 suspected illegal immigrants nabbed in search for suspected smugglers who shot Ariz. deputy.

Jury can’t reach verdict in trial of man accused in Ohio bar shootout, retrial planned

Hung jury for man accused in Ohio bar shootout

TOLEDO, Ohio – A judge has declared a mistrial after an Ohio jury failed to reach a verdict in the case of a man charged in a wild shootout that sent patrons fleeing from a bar near the University of Toledo campus.
Thirty-eight-year-old Lashon Sawyer of Toledo faced … Read more »»».

Thousands assemble for May Day rally in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Thousands of people were assembling in downtown Los Angeles early Sunday for a May Day rally intended to press for the liberalisation of immigration laws.

Spurred by the new Arizona immigration law, which makes it a crime to stay in the country illegally, about 100,000 people were expected to take part in the [..] Read the original article: here.

Village in centre of England opposes gypsy construction

LONDON – The residents of Meriden, a village said to be the centre of England, have formed a human barricade to stop gypsies from building an illegal settlement in their picturesque area.

The gypsies moved to a green-belt site Friday evening as they allegedly wanted to misuse the long weekend due to Bank Holiday. They wanted …. Source  : Village in centre of England opposes gypsy construction.

Apex court reserves order on Reddy brothers’ plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday reserved orders on the plea of the Reddy brothers, two of whom are ministers in Karnataka, to permit mining in a forested area on the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border.

A bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan reserved the order after Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam told the court that the …. Read the original article  : Apex court reserves order on Reddy brothers’ plea.

Maharashta imposes ESMA on striking workers

MUMBAI – The Maharashtra government Tuesday imposed the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on striking Mumbai train drivers and gave them three hours to return to work.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Maharashta imposes ESMA on striking workers.

Unlikely partners on crime say Congress fails to give fair notice of criminal conduct

Report: Congress makes too many vague laws

WASHINGTON – A conservative think tank and criminal defense lawyers are forming an unusual alliance to try to get Congress to quit writing criminal laws so loosely that they subject innocent people to unjust prosecution.
A new study by the Heritage Foundation and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers …. Original source  : Unlikely partners on crime say Congress fails to give fair notice of criminal conduct.

‘Pri**’ less offensive than other words: Australian court

SYDNEY – The word pri** is “less derogatory” in nature than other words, ruled an Australian court while dismissing an offensive language charge against a university student.

Robbie Williams, Waverley Local Court magistrate, made the comment during a hearing for Henry Grech, 22, who was charged following an argument with Senior Constable Adam Royds at Sydney’s … Original article on : ‘Pri**’ less offensive than other words: Australian court.

Lawyers for former HUD secretary in Bush administration say he won’t be prosecuted

Lawyers say ex-HUD chief won’t be charged
WASHINGTON – Lawyers for former housing secretary Alphonso Jackson said Monday the Justice Department won’t prosecute the former Bush administration official and has closed its criminal investigation.

The Housing and Urban Development Department secretary left government in 2008 with unanswered questions about whether he had tilted the agency toward Republican …. Source article  : Lawyers for former HUD secretary in Bush administration say he won’t be prosecuted.

Different themes win at film fest on disability

NEW DELHI – Encouraging braille music, not giving up despite losing both limbs, a cerebral palsy patient eager to live life – films dealing with such subjects were the prize winners at the Seventh International We Care Film Festival on Disability Issues 2010 here Monday.

“Films can be a powerful tool to sensitise general public… these [..] Read the original article: here.

Will not use the Mahatma’s picture commercially: Montblanc

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Minday disposed of a petition against international luxury giant Montblanc Monday after the firm assured that it would not use the picture and name of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi for commercial purposes.

Montblanc had come under fire for marketing its luxury brand of pens titled “Mahatma Gandhi …. Source article  : Will not use the Mahatma’s picture commercially: Montblanc.

Indian who burnt car for insurance claim jailed

MELBOURNE – An Indian man, who claimed to be the victim of racial attack in Australia, was Monday sentenced to eight-month jail after he pleaded guilty to setting his car on fire to claim insurance money.

Jaspreet Singh, 28, purchased a 15-litre can of petrol, poured it over his car, and set the vehicle alight … Original article on : Indian who burnt car for insurance claim jailed.

Hyundai Motor talks to sacked employees

CHENNAI – Car manufacturer Hyundai Motor India has started direct negotiations with its dismissed employees for a final settlement instead of going through the workers union.

According to a company statement issued here Monday, some employees who were dismissed on disciplinary grounds had approached for a direct settlement.
The company has arrived at a settlement with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Hyundai Motor talks to sacked employees.

Supreme Court denies bail to Gujarat cop

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday declined to hear a petition of Gujarat police officer Rajkumar Pandiyan, an accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake gun battle case – and directed him to approach a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court or the high court for bail.

A bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. … Read more : Supreme Court denies bail to Gujarat cop.

Tenure of sport bodies: Centre to file affidavit in Delhi HC

NEW DELHI – The tug-of-war between Union Sports Minister M S Gill and Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi over the tenure of sport association heads notwithstanding, the Centre is all set to file …. Read the original article  : Tenure of sport bodies: Centre to file affidavit in Delhi HC.

Supreme Court declares narco-analysis, brain-mapping illegal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that brain mapping, narco-analysis or lie detector tests is unconstitutional because it is an unwarranted intrusion on the individual’s rights.

A bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said: ” “We …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court declares narco-analysis, brain-mapping illegal.

Koli sentencing arguments deferred

GHAZIABAD – Arguments on the quantum of punishment to domestic help Surender Koli, convicted for the rape and murder of seven-year-old Arti from Noida’s Nithari village, have been deferred till May 12 following a lawyers strike, an official said Wednesday.

The arguments were deferred after Ghaziabad bar association lawyers struck work to voice their protest against …. Original source  : Koli sentencing arguments deferred.

Arguments deferred in Nithari case

GHAZIABAD – Arguments on the quantum of punishment to domestic help Surender Koli, convicted for the rape and murder of seven-year-old Arti from Noida’s Nithari village, have been deferred following a lawyers strike, an official said Wednesday.

The arguments were deferred after Ghaziabad bar association lawyers struck work to voice their protest against their colleagues in …. Source  : Arguments deferred in Nithari case.

Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial to go on as he loses appeal

KUALA LUMPUR – The sodomy trial of Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will resume next week Monday after a Federal Court bench unanimously dismissed an appeal to strike out the charge levelled by a former aide.

This was 63-year-old Ibrahim’s final bid to strike out the July 2008 sodomy charge by his former aide Mohammed Saiful … Original article on : Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial to go on as he loses appeal.

No narco test without consent, says apex court

NEW DELHI – Narco, polygraph or brain mapping tests cannot be conducted on any person, whether an accused or a suspect, without their consent, the Supreme Court said Wednesday.

A bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justices R.V. Raveendran and J.M. Panchal said the forcible administration of these tests was an “unwarranted intrusion of the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No narco test without consent, says apex court.

Trafficking in women getting worse: Filmmaker

NEW DELHI – Every month at least 500 girls each are trafficked from Nepal and Bangladesh to India through the eastern corridor, and the figures are rising, says award-winning Kolkata-based documentary filmmaker Ananya Chatterjee-Chakraborty.

Chatterjee-Chakraborty has won the Ladli-United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) award for her 89-minute documentary on women and child trafficking, “Understanding Trafficking”. She … Original article on : Trafficking in women getting worse: Filmmaker.

Novartis agrees to pay $72.5M to settle government-billing lawsuit over cystic fibrosis drug

Novartis to pay $72.5M to settle false claims suit

SAN FRANCISCO – Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis AG is paying $72.5 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit accusing it of improperly billing government programs for unapproved uses of a cystic fibrosis drug.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the settlement Tuesday and unsealed the lawsuit filed by former employees … Original source on Gaea Times at : Novartis agrees to pay $72.5M to settle government-billing lawsuit over cystic fibrosis drug.

Pa. court: Black lawyer rejected by Pa. bar in 1847 because of race admitted posthumously

Black lawyer rejected for Pa. bar in 1847 admitted

PITTSBURGH – The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ordered a black lawyer rejected from practicing law in 1847 in Allegheny County because of his race to be posthumously awarded admission to the bar.
George Vashon graduated from Oberlin College in 1844 and went on to study law in western … Read more : Pa. court: Black lawyer rejected by Pa. bar in 1847 because of race admitted posthumously.

Correction: Immigration Protest-California story

Correction: Immigration Protest-California story

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – In a story May 2 about a Santa Cruz march that turned violent, The Associated Press reported erroneously that it stemmed from an earlier rally for immigrant rights. Police spokesman Zach Friend linked the incident to suspected anarchists and denied that it involved demonstrations for immigrant rights.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Correction: Immigration Protest-California story.

Charges under which death penalty is awarded

NEW DELHI – Following are the charges under which a convict in India can get a death sentence:

* Waging or attempting to wage war, or abetting the waging of war, against the government of India — death or imprisonment for life and fine.
* Abetment of mutiny, if mutiny is committed in consequence thereof — …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Charges under which death penalty is awarded.

Obama wants to begin immigration reform this year

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has repeated his call for “common sense comprehensive immigration reform” to begin this year with the support of his own Democratic and rival Republican parties.

“I want to begin work this year,” said Obama, speaking in the Rose Garden Wednesday. “And I want Democrats and Republicans to work with me.”
Calling … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama wants to begin immigration reform this year.

MP local area development scheme valid: Apex Court (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday upheld the validity of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) saying it was for public good, but felt its working could be improved.

The court said the scheme was not unconstitutional and there was no reason to scrap it over allegations of misuse of funds. …. Source  : MP local area development scheme valid: Apex Court (Second Lead).

SC gives green signal for private universities admissions

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed 44 private deemed universities, which the Centre is trying to shut down, to go ahead with the admission process for the upcoming academic year.

Rejecting the Government’s request to put a pause … Original source on Gaea Times at : SC gives green signal for private universities admissions.

MPLADS constitutionally valid, says Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – In landmark judgement, the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the constitutional validity of the MP’s Local Area Development (MPLAD) Fund.

A Constitutional Bench of the apex court consisting Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan and Justices R V Raveendran, D K Jain, P Sathasivam and J …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : MPLADS constitutionally valid, says Supreme Court.

Table Kasab’s confessional statement: Pak SC to Lakhvi’s counsel

ISLAMABAD – A three-member Pakistan Supreme Court bench, consisting Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, has asked for the confessional statement of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving Mumbai terror attack gunman.

Hearing a petition filed by Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who has been named as one of the chief conspirator of the [..] Read the original article: here.

Legal validity of MP local area development scheme upheld

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday upheld the validity of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), saying it was for public good, but felt its working could be improved.

“We hold the MPLAD scheme is valid. We have no reason to interfere,” said a unanimous verdict of a five-judge Constitution Bench headed …. Read the original article  : Legal validity of MP local area development scheme upheld.

Starbucks sued for ‘unreasonably hot’ tea

LONDON – A woman has sued Starbucks cafe chain in the US for serving “unreasonably hot” tea to her. She claims she got second-degree burns.

Zeynep Inanli, in her claim for unspecified damages in a New York court, said she was served tea that was “unreasonably hot, in containers which were not safe”, The Telegraph reported …. Source  : Starbucks sued for ‘unreasonably hot’ tea.

Supreme Court upholds MPLADS

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday upheld the validity of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) saying it was for public purpose.
…. Read the original article  : Supreme Court upholds MPLADS.

Indo-Canadian MP named in $120 mn bank fraud

TORONTO – Devinder Shory, Canada’s newest MP of Indian origin, has been named in a $120 million mortgage fraud.

Shory, 51, who was elected to the Canadian parliament for the first time in 2008, is one of the nine MPs of Indian-origin in the House of Commons.
A practising lawyer in Calgary, Shory was elected from …. Original article  : Indo-Canadian MP named in $120 mn bank fraud.

Lack of confidence can lead to governor’s exit: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday said that lack of confidence and conflict of political views could be a ground for removing a governor of a state.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lack of confidence can lead to governor’s exit: Supreme Court.

Governors can’t be removed due to change of regime at Centre: SC

NEW DELHI – In a judgement that could have deep political connotations the Supreme Court on Friday said governors cannot be removed or transferred just because of a change of government at the Centre.

A five-judge constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Governors can’t be removed due to change of regime at Centre: SC.

Kasab death sentence is not lead news in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s English media Friday front-paged but did not lead with the death sentence awarded to Ajmal Amir Kasab for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, focusing instead on an emerging dispute between the government and the judiciary on reopening a graft case against President Asif Ali Zardari.

There were no editorials but this … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kasab death sentence is not lead news in Pakistan.

KG Basin row: SC says government is owner of gas

NEW DELHI – Emphatically stating that the government is the owner of natural resources, including gas available in the country, the Supreme Court said on Friday that no individual or commercial entity could claim right to such resources.

Delivering a judgement on the Krishna Godavari Basin Gas row …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

What has the Reliance gas dispute been all about?

NEW DELHI – The raging dispute heard in the Supreme Court between the companies belonging to the two Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, mainly concerned the supply, tenure and pricing of natural gas from the Krishna Godavari basin.

At the core of the dispute was the question of how valid was the agreement reached between … Read more »».

Timeline of Reliance Krishna-Godavari gas dispute

NEW DELHI – Following is the chronology of events surrounding the dispute over gas from the Krishna-Godavari basin, off the Andhra Pradesh coast, between the Anil Ambani group and his elder brother Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries:

February 1999: A consortium led by Reliance Industries, under the chairmanship of Dhirubhai Ambani, emerges as the winner of a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Timeline of Reliance Krishna-Godavari gas dispute.

Government undisputed owner of natural resources: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday said the government was the undisputed owner of natural resources and had the right to fix its price. It was delivering the verdict on the dispute over Krishna-Godavari gas between companies led by the two Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil.

Keeping the interests of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Natural Resources, …. Read the original article  : here.

Head of border protection agency: Immigration accord tough, despite agreement system is broken

Customs agency head says immigration accord tough

SAN DIEGO – The head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection says Americans agree on a need to overhaul immigration laws but lack consensus on what should be done.
Alan Bersin said Thursday in San Diego that it will require “an act of political leadership” to find common ground.
The CBP … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Head of border protection agency: Immigration accord tough, despite agreement system is broken.

Race relations journalist James Leeson dies; recording of execution of black man helped book

Race relations journalist Leeson dies in Tenn.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – James Turner Leeson Jr., a Nashville journalist whose recording of a broadcast describing the questionable execution of a black man convicted of raping a white woman in Mississippi led to a book on the subject, has died. He was 79.
Leeson worked for The Associated Press, the …. Original article  : Race relations journalist James Leeson dies; recording of execution of black man helped book.

Justice Department files lawsuit over Ark disabled treatment, could close large centers

Justice Dept. files suit over Ark disabled

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit that alleges Arkansas-run centers for the developmentally disabled violate federal law and that patients are needlessly institutionalized.
The lawsuit filed Thursday says Arkansas is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A spokesman for Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe says … Original source on Gaea Times at : Justice Department files lawsuit over Ark disabled treatment, could close large centers.

Check rising cost of litigation, says PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday called for joint efforts by the government, the judiciary and lawyers to check the rising cost of litigation.

“It has been said that justice delayed is justice denied. It is important that concerted cooperative efforts are made by the government, the judiciary and the bar association to deal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Check rising cost of litigation, says PM.

British voters denied right to vote can claim 750 pounds

LONDON – Britons denied the right to vote due to chaos at polling booths could be entitled up to 750 pounds compensation each, a lawyer has said.

Voters in at least 14 constituencies in eight cities including London, Sheffield and Birmingham were affected by the chaos.
Long queues formed outside polling stations as returning officers were … Original source on Gaea Times at : British voters denied right to vote can claim 750 pounds.

Tamil community to observe ‘black days’ to mark war anniversary

TORONTO – With the first anniversary of the crushing of the LTTE approaching, Canadian Tamils will observe May 17-19 as ‘Days of Remembrance’ for the Tamils killed in what they described as “war crimes against humanity” by Sri Lankan forces.

More than 300,000 Canadians Tamils will join their brethren in different parts of the world to … Original article on : Tamil community to observe ‘black days’ to mark war anniversary.

Economic crisis could reverse progress on child labour: ILO

GENEVA – The global economic crisis has the potential to reverse gains made in recent years in the fight against child labour, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) warned in a new report Saturday.

Between 2004 and 2008, the global number of child labourers declined from 222 million to 215 million, according to ILO data from the …. Original source  : Economic crisis could reverse progress on child labour: ILO.

Prison is tough on gums: Mich. ex-inmate can sue after having no toothpaste for nearly a year

Ex-inmate with bad gums can sue over no toothpaste

DETROIT – A dispute over toothpaste in prison is going back to court.
A former Michigan inmate who says he was denied toothpaste for nearly a year while behind bars can sue, citing his right against cruel and unusual punishment.
Jerry Flanory says he developed gum disease as a …. Read the original article  : Prison is tough on gums: Mich. ex-inmate can sue after having no toothpaste for nearly a year.

98 northeastern kids rescued from Tamil Nadu

NEW DELHI – As many as 98 children from the northeast were rescued from unregistered childrens’ homes in Tamil Nadu this year where the living conditions were “squalid”, Minister of Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath said Friday.

“Seventy-six boys from Assam and Manipur in the age group of 6 to 14 were rescued from Betesta … Original source on Gaea Times at : 98 northeastern kids rescued from Tamil Nadu.

Court gives nod to Delhi low cost housing project

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday gave a green signal to the Delhi government to go ahead with the project under the Rajiv Ratna Awas Yojna housing scheme for slum dwellers in Kanhjawla village near Delhi.

The court had earlier stayed the project after a petition was filed by Joginder Singh, a villager of …. Source  : Court gives nod to Delhi low cost housing project.

Gujarat court bid to help destitute, abandoned women

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High court Friday sought a clear identification of official responsibility on the care of destitute and abandoned women, including widows, in the state.

Furthermore, it wanted the authorities to research and bring out provisions of central and state acts which would benefit them.
Acting on a suo motu petition in case …. Source  : Gujarat court bid to help destitute, abandoned women.

Court issues notice to media house

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday issued notice to a media house for telecasting and publication of tapes and script of the purported conversation between Communication and IT Minister A. Raja and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia.

Justice V.K. Shali issued notice to the TV Today Group, which runs English news channel Headlines Today …. Original source  : Court issues notice to media house.

Court commutes death penalty of minor’s rapist, killer

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday commuted the death penalty of a man, convicted of raping and killing a minor girl, to life imprisonment.

The decision was taken by a division bench of Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice Suresh Kait, who ordered that the convict Ranjeet would not be eligible for any parole … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Court commutes death penalty of minor’s rapist, killer.

Boycott politicians past their shelf life: Nepal’s gay MP

KATHMANDU – With a constitutional crisis less than three weeks away and Nepal’s political parties still squabbling among themselves, the nation’s only openly gay MP and founder of the gay rights movement has called for a boycott of all “senile politicians”.

“The political culture in Nepal is the reason behind our problems,” said an enraged Sunil …. Read the original article  : Boycott politicians past their shelf life: Nepal’s gay MP.

Court comes to rescue of girl pushed into flesh trade

NEW DELHI – Coming to the rescue of a woman who was pushed into the flesh trade, Delhi High Court has directed a lawyer to make arrangements for her rehabilitation.

A division bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ajit Bharihoke gave the order while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by the woman Beena’s mother Shobha …. Source article  : Court comes to rescue of girl pushed into flesh trade.

White flight? In a reversal, nation’s suburbs are now increasingly minority, poor and aging

White flight? Suburbs lose young whites to cities
WASHINGTON – White flight? In a reversal, America’s suburbs are now more likely to be home to minorities, the poor and a rapidly growing older population as many younger, educated whites move to cities for jobs and shorter commutes.
An analysis of 2000-2008 census data by the …. Original article  : White flight? In a reversal, nation’s suburbs are now increasingly minority, poor and aging.

Saints coach Payton says civil ‘process’ complicates ability to discuss Vicodin accusations

Saint coach Payton deflects lawsuit questions

METAIRIE, La. – Saints coach Sean Payton says this weekend’s rookie camp is the wrong time to address accusations that the club covered up prescription drug thefts and abuse at team headquarters.
Payton says he cannot discuss the matter while a civil lawsuit filed by former team security director Geoffrey Santini …. Read the original article  : Saints coach Payton says civil ‘process’ complicates ability to discuss Vicodin accusations.

Notices to Gujarat BJP leaders in Sohrabuddin case

GANDHINAGAR – The brother of Sohrabudin Sheikh, who was allegedly killed by the Gujarat police in a staged gunfight, Saturday served notices to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for contempt of court.

Rajesh P. Mankad, the Ahmedabad-based lawyer for Rubabuddin who lives in Madhya Pradesh, said that the pronouncements by the BJP leaders May …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

45-year-old civil rights slaying still awaiting a trial in Alabama 3 years after indictment

45-year-old civil rights slaying still unresolved

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – It took more than four decades for a former Alabama state trooper to be indicted on charges that he gunned down a black demonstrator during a civil rights protest. Now a three-year delay for the trial has both sides fearing that elderly witnesses could die before they …. Original source  : 45-year-old civil rights slaying still awaiting a trial in Alabama 3 years after indictment.

Make litigation affordable, reduce pending cases: PM (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – “Justice delayed is justice denied”, noted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday, urging the government, the judiciary and lawyers to work together to make litigation affordable and reduce the mounting court cases.

“It has been said that justice delayed is justice denied. In this context it is important that concerted cooperative efforts are made …. Source  : Make litigation affordable, reduce pending cases: PM (Second Lead).

Chinese civil rights lawyers banned from practicing

BEIJING – China revoked the right-to-practice licenses of two civil rights lawyers, sparking condemnation from civil society organisations Saturday.

A notice posted on the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Justice website late Friday announced that the licenses of Tang Jitian and Liu Wei have been revoked after they “disobeyed the instructions of court personnel and disrupted courtroom …. Source  : Chinese civil rights lawyers banned from practicing.

Municipal Corporation of Delhi ignoring RTI Act: Activist

NEW DELHI – A right to information activist has filed a complaint with the Central Information Commission (CIC) against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for allegedly not having a Central Public Information Officer (CPIO).

The activist alleged that by not appointing a CPIO, the civic agency has ignored the mandatory provisions of the Right to … Read more >>>.

PM urged not to restart work on Narmada dams

NEW DELHI – In an open letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, several activists have requested that the construction of dams on Narmada river should not be restarted until the rehabilitation of the displaced is complete and the environmental clearances are met with.

Cedric Prakash, a human rights activist, said: “The chief ministers of Gujarat and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Supreme Court allows Reddy brothers to mine in undisputed areas

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday gave permission to the Reddy brothers to mine in undisputed areas, but said it should not be within 150 metres of the Karnataka border.

Janardhan Reddy and his brother Karunakara Reddy, both ministers in Karnataka Government, are facing allegations of illegal mining of …. Original source  : Supreme Court allows Reddy brothers to mine in undisputed areas.

Supreme Court to hear N.D. Tiwari’s paternity suit appeal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will hear former Andhra Pradesh Governor N D Tiwari’s petition challenging the paternity case filed against him by Rohit Shekhar who claims to be his biological son.

The Delhi High Court had on March 17 rejected Tiwari’s plea for … Original article on : Supreme Court to hear N.D. Tiwari’s paternity suit appeal.

Apex court allows Reddy brothers to resume mining

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday permitted magnates Reddy brothers to resume mining in Andhra Pradesh’s Obulapurum on the condition that it would only be in undisputed areas.

The court had last week reserved orders on the plea of the Reddy brothers of Bellary to allow them iron ore mining in Obulapuram on the Andhra …. Original article  : Apex court allows Reddy brothers to resume mining.

Indian environment activist wins Sydney Peace Prize

MELBOURNE – Indian physicist and environmentalist Vandana Shiva has won the 2010 Sydney Peace Prize for her efforts towards women empowerment in developing nations and her scientific contribution to climate conservation.

The 57-year-old activist has been recognised for her work on the empowerment of women in developing countries, her advocacy of the human rights of small … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indian environment activist wins Sydney Peace Prize.

Holder says Arizona law not racially motivated but could lead to slippery slope of profiling

Holder fears ’slippery slope’ of racial profiling

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder said Sunday he does not think Arizona’s law cracking down on illegal immigrants is racially motivated but voiced concern that its enforcement could lead to racial profiling.
Holder said the U.S. has a national immigration problem that cannot be cured with a “state-by-state solution.”
The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Holder says Arizona law not racially motivated but could lead to slippery slope of profiling.

One word can tilt entire case: Author of legal bible

NEW DELHI – A 2,000-page legal bible with 40,000 cross-references to Supreme Court judgments of the past 60 years will serve the interests of both the judicial fraternity and litigants alike and its importance can be gauged from the fact that a single word can turn an entire case around, its author says.

“The book …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Wheels of justice: eight months to confirm Kasab’s death penalty?

NEW DELHI – The Bombay High Court could take 253 days (8 months, 13 days) to confirm the death penalty given to 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab, a study of past such cases has revealed.

A study of hundreds of judgements of the Bombay High Court, especially in the last 17 years, reveals that the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Wheels of justice: eight months to confirm Kasab’s death penalty?.

Iraq’s election commission sends most election results to federal court for approval

Partial Iraq election tallies sent for approval

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s election commission says it is sending to the Supreme Court for ratification the results of the March vote, except those for Baghdad province.
The move comes amid increasing impatience over the delay in announcing the final results more than two months after the parliamentary election was held.
The … Read more : Iraq’s election commission sends most election results to federal court for approval.

Apex court okays company law tribunal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld the constitution of the National Company Law Tribunal and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal subject to some riders.

A constitution bench said the National Company Law Tribunal was created by the powers of the high court. Thus, the rank of its members and of the Company Law …. Source article  : Apex court okays company law tribunal.

Supreme Court okays company law tribunal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld the constitution of the National Company Law Tribunal and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal subject to some riders.
…. Original article  : Supreme Court okays company law tribunal.

Jayalalitha’s petition in graft case dismissed

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalitha’s petition in a disproportionate assets case.

Jayalalitha said the officers who investigated the case were not competent to carry out the probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The petition was dismissed as withdrawn.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jayalalitha’s petition in graft case dismissed.

Apex court upholds quotas in Panchayati Raj institutions

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women and Other Backward Classes in Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Apex court upholds quotas in Panchayati Raj institutions.

Ex-Karnataka minister Halappa’s bail plea in court today

SHIMOGA – The bail plea of former Karnataka minister Hartal Halappa who was arrested on charges of rape, will come up for hearing in the High Court today.

On Monday, his judicial custody was extended till May 24.

After his arrest on Sunday, Halappa was moved to a hospital after he … Read : Ex-Karnataka minister Halappa’s bail plea in court today.

Official: Immigration fallout could cost Phoenix about $90M in lost hotel, convention business

Phoenix could lose $90M from immigration fallout

PHOENIX – A city official says Phoenix could possibly lose hotel and convention center business worth about $90 million over the next five years because of fallout from Arizona’s new immigration law.
The law has attracted international attention as well as calls for tourists and businesses to boycott Arizona.
A deputy …. Read the original article  : here.

Palestinian children living in poverty

JERUSALEM – Three out of four Palestinian children in East Jerusalem live below the poverty line, a report has said.

The survey conducted by an Israeli rights group, Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said the majority of the 300,000 Palestinians, including 95,000 children, in East Jerusalem live in increasing poverty.
Only one out of 10 … Read more >>.

Investigation begins into Gulf of Mexico oil spill

WASHINGTON – Energy company BP grappled with containing a massive oil leak on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico as officials prepared to open investigations Tuesday into the cause and long-term political affects of the spill.

BP chief operating officer Doug Suttles said Monday his company hopes a smaller dome to contain and capture the …. Source article  : Investigation begins into Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Iran to issue visas for mothers of detained US hikers

TEHRAN – Iran Monday declared its readiness to issue visas for the mothers of the three detained US hikers, state media reported.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on state television that mothers of the three hikers could obtain visas at Iran’s United Nations mission in New York.
Mottaki said the decision had solely humanitarian – and …. Original article  : Iran to issue visas for mothers of detained US hikers.

Attorneys for Nancy Grace say mom who killed herself after appearing on show wasn’t ambushed

Grace attorneys: Mom wasn’t ambushed by interview

OCALA, Fla. – Attorneys for talk show host Nancy Grace say the mother of a missing toddler who appeared on her cable show in 2006 shortly before committing suicide had “talking points” for an interview and wasn’t ambushed on the show.
Grace’s attorneys say Melinda Duckett wasn’t taken by surprise … Original source on Gaea Times at : Attorneys for Nancy Grace say mom who killed herself after appearing on show wasn’t ambushed.

Pals says new Supreme Court judge Kagan is not gay

Washington, May 12 (ANI): A close friend of newly appointed Supreme Court judge Elena Kagan has refuted allegations and rumors that she is a lesbian.

POLITICO quoted Sarah Walzer, Kagan’s roommate in law school and a close friend, as saying onTuesday: “I’ve known her … Read more >>.

Disabled athletes protest, sports minister promises panel

NEW DELHI – Braving the scorching heat, national and international level disabled sportspersons Wednesday staged a protest in the capital against rampant mismanagement in disability sports in India.

They also demanded better facilities since the Commonwealth Games are just five months away.
Sports Minister M.S. Gill promised to set up a committee to probe the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Disabled athletes protest, sports minister promises panel.

RNRL chief Anil Ambani meets Prime Minister

New Delhi, May 12 (ANI): Reliance Natural Resources Limited (RNRL) chief Anil Ambani met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at his official residence on Wednesday morning and reportedly expressed his views on the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Krishna Godavari Basin Gas …. Read the original article  : RNRL chief Anil Ambani meets Prime Minister.

Brit transsexual launches legal challenge to give boobs a boost

London, May 12 (ANI): A British transsexual, who made a bid to boost her breast size on the NHS but was refused, has taken the matter to the High Court.

The woman, referred to only as Miss C, was seeking to overturn a refusal of funding for the treatment through … Read more >>>.

Three get death, 20 sentenced to life in Bathani Tola massacre

PATNA – A Bihar court Wednesday sentenced to death three men and awarded life imprisonment to 20 others in the Bathani Tola massacre case in which 21 Dalits and poor Muslims were killed by members of the upper caste Ranvir Sena in 1996.

The sentence was pronounced by Additional District and Sessions Judge of Ara Civil …. Source  : Three get death, 20 sentenced to life in Bathani Tola massacre.

K.G. Balakrishnan may become next NHRC chief

NEW DELHI – K.G. Balakrishnan, former chief justice of India, is tipped to head the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), a highly-placed government source said Wednesday.

The source said the formal decision to that affect would be taken “very soon”.
“The matter is being judged by the home ministry, and I’m not aware of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kapadia is new chief justice of India

NEW DELHI – Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia Wednesday took over as the 38th chief justice of India. He was administered the oath of the office by President Pratibha Patil.

“At a ceremony held at 9.30 a.m. Justice Kapadia was sworn in as the chief justice of India,” said a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kapadia is new chief justice of India.

Adoption agency asks court in Tennessee for investigation after Russian adopted boy sent home

Probe sought after Russian adopted boy sent home

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – An adoption agency says it’s asking a court to launch an investigation to determine whether a Russian boy was abused, neglected or abandoned as a result of being sent back alone on a flight to Moscow by his U.S. adoptive mother.
The Washington-based World Association for …. Original article  : Adoption agency asks court in Tennessee for investigation after Russian adopted boy sent home.

Subsidiary of UK-based Balli Group PLC hit with $2 million fine in export of 747s to Iran

$2 million fine in export of 747s to Iran
WASHINGTON – An aviation firm that pleaded guilty to conspiracy in the illegal export of Boeing 747 aircraft to Iran has been ordered to pay a $2 million fine and placed on probation for five years.

A federal judge imposed the sentence Tuesday on Balli Aviation Ltd., a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Gone green, again: immigration agency combats counterfeiting, theft with redesigned card

Green cards for permanent residents green again

WASHINGTON – The green card carried by foreign-born residents living permanently in the U.S. is officially green again.
The Homeland Security Department is issuing a redesigned “green card” that is stacked with safety features to help combat fraud and counterfeiting.
The card has been a variety of colors over its decades-long …. Source  : Gone green, again: immigration agency combats counterfeiting, theft with redesigned card.

Court stays sealing of illegal mobile towers

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Thursday stayed the sealing of illegal mobile towers here and asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Cellular Operators Association to resolve the issue amicably.

Justice Kailash Gambhir stayed the sealing till May 19 and issued a notice to MCD.
Directing the MCD and the …. Source  : Court stays sealing of illegal mobile towers.

Obama for more liability on oil company for spills

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama Wednesday formally threw his weight behind moves in Congress to increase the liability of oil companies for expenses and damages after oil spills.

The proposal would retroactively affect energy company BP for the crude oil well rupture it is now fighting in the Gulf of Mexico, White House officials told …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Judge fixes trial date on Air India bombing anniversary, dismays victimsfamilies

VANCOUVER – A decision by a Supreme Court judge in the Canadian province of British Columbia to schedule the start of the perjury trial of 1985 Air India bomb accused Inderjit Singh Reyat for June 22, the 25th anniversary of the attack, has dismayed the families of the victims involved.

“The families won’t be very happy. …. Read the original article  : here.

Pakistani woman allowed to marry prisoner on death row

LAHORE – The High Court in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore has allowed a woman to marry a prisoner, who has been awarded death sentence but challenged his conviction in the Supreme Court.

Laiba Sehar had moved the court seeking permission to marry her fiance Atiq-ur-Rahman, who was sentenced to death in a case of kidnapping …. Original source  : Pakistani woman allowed to marry prisoner on death row.

US senators call for new climate legislation

WASHINGTON – Two US senators Wednesday proposed a climate bill that could break an international logjam over long-stalled US action, strengthen US energy independence and reduce carbon emissions.

Senators John Kerry, a Democrat, and Joe Lieberman, an independent, who ran as a team for the 2004 presidency and vice presidency, are also to call for an … Original article on : US senators call for new climate legislation.

‘The Hurt Locker’ producers prepare piracy lawsuit

LONDON – Movie bosses behind “The Hurt Locker” are preparing to sue thousands of internet users who illegally downloaded the Oscar-winning film.

Executives at Voltage Pictures, the company which financed Kathryn Bigelow’s war drama, have teamed up with US Copyright Group, an American organisation, which is spearheading a litigation campaign against illegal file-sharers, reported imdb.com. … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘The Hurt Locker’ producers prepare piracy lawsuit.

ACLU says in lawsuits that Pa. police wrongly filed charges against hundreds for swearing

ACLU says Pa. police cite hundreds for cursing

PHILADELPHIA – Free-speech lawsuits filed Wednesday accuse Pennsylvania police of wrongly charging hundreds of people with disorderly conduct for swearing.
American Civil Liberties Union lawyers say they reviewed 770 such citations issued by Pennsylvania State Police in a recent one-year span and found most involved profanities and other legal, … Original source on Gaea Times at : ACLU says in lawsuits that Pa. police wrongly filed charges against hundreds for swearing.

APNewsBreak: ACLU says Pa. troopers wrongly filed charges against hundreds for swearing

AP: ACLU says Pa. police cite hundreds for cursing

PHILADELPHIA – Free-speech lawsuits being filed Wednesday accuse Pennsylvania State Police of wrongly charging hundreds of people with disorderly conduct for swearing.
American Civil Liberties Union lawyers say they reviewed 770 such citations issued by state police in a recent one-year span and found that most of them … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : APNewsBreak: ACLU says Pa. troopers wrongly filed charges against hundreds for swearing.

High court raps MCD for concealing facts on ghost staff

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday slammed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for “concealing facts” in its affidavit on money paid to ‘ghost employees’.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta said: “This affidavit conceals everything and reveals nothing. It does not disclose facts. This is …. Source article  : High court raps MCD for concealing facts on ghost staff.

Delhi civic agency given 4 months to clear encroachments

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday gave the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) four months to comply with its earlier order to remove illegal encroachments around three group housing societies in northwest Delhi.

MCD commissioner K.S. Mehra, who appeared before a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Delhi civic agency given 4 months to clear encroachments.

NCW unhappy with Colors on female foeticide serial

NEW DELHI – The National Commission for Women (NCW) Friday said it was unhappy with Colors channel’s reply to its notice over portraying women in a poor light in the serial “Na Aana Is Des Laado”.

“We have received the response to our notice from Colors TV and I went through it but am … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NCW unhappy with Colors on female foeticide serial.

Former Delhi High Court Judge questions eviction of beggars for CWG

NEW DELHI – Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice A. P Shah has criticized the State Government for evicting beggars and other ‘have-nots’ from Delhi.

He was speaking after the Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN), a non-government body, released its progress report …. Read the original article  : Former Delhi High Court Judge questions eviction of beggars for CWG.

Judge praises women for running `model’ brothel

LONDON – A British judge has praised two women who ran a brothel, saying it was a “model” for how such a business should be run if it was ever legalised.

Monika Campbell and Lisa Gaskin ran the brothel under the guise of a luxury massage parlour from March 2005 to September last year.
They … Read more >>>.

Houston teacher sued in beating of 13-year-old student caught on classmate’s cell phone video

Teacher sued Texas student’s videotaped beating

HOUSTON – The family of a 13-year-old whose beating by a Houston charter school teacher was caught on a classmate’s cell phone video has filed a lawsuit against the teacher and the school.
The lawsuit was filed Thursday on behalf of Isaiah Reagins by his mother, Alesha Johnson.
Science teacher Sheri Lynn …. Source article  : Houston teacher sued in beating of 13-year-old student caught on classmate’s cell phone video.

Russia to have new law to ensure foreigners’ hospitality

MOscow, May 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) In order to ensure all basic facilities for foreign visitors in the country, Russia will bring a new law under which the hosts can be punished if they fail to take proper care of their guests from abroad.

The government has submitted a draft law to the Duma introducing administrative responsibility …. Original source  : Russia to have new law to ensure foreigners’ hospitality.

3 years after dismissing it border wall, McCain says “complete the danged fence”

After dismissing it, McCain ad touts border fence

PHOENIX – Three years after dismissing the effectiveness of building a fence on the U.S.-Mexico border, Arizona Sen. John McCain is airing a campaign ad in which he declares: “complete the danged fence.”
The 30-second ad shows McCain walking along the southern border with Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.
McCain …. Source article  : 3 years after dismissing it border wall, McCain says “complete the danged fence”.

How the poll on immigration was conducted

How the poll on immigration was conducted
The Associated Press-Univision Poll on immigration was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media from May 7-12. It is based on landline and cell phone telephone interviews with a nationally representative random sample of 901 Hispanic adults.

It was conducted as a supplement to this month’s AP-GfK Poll, which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Saints former security director withdraws lawsuit, Vicodin case now goes to arbitration

Saints lawsuit going to arbitration
GRETNA, La. – Former New Orleans Saints security director Geoffrey Santini has withdrawn his lawsuit against the club because the team’s lawyers are sending the matter to an arbitration judge.

The motion filed on Thursday says Saints attorneys waited more than a week after the lawsuit was initially filed to advise Santini … Read more >>.

Polanski’s lawyers issue statement faulting extradition request

Polanski’s lawyers issue statement
LOS ANGELES – Filmmaker Roman Polanski’s attorneys have issued a lengthy statement faulting the request for his extradition from Switzerland as incomplete and unfair.

However, the lawyers said Wednesday that if the true and complete facts were presented to Swiss officials and they determined extradition was justified, Polanski would return to the United …. Read the original article  : Polanski’s lawyers issue statement faulting extradition request.

Apex court lawyer gets five-year jail for graft

SHILLONG – A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Meghalaya Thursday sentenced a Supreme Court lawyer, Halida Khatoon, to five years in jail on charges of trying to tamper with evidence in a corruption case against her.

Special Judge S.R. Sen also fined Khatoon Rs.5,000 for bribing a CBI constable Rs.1 lakh in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Apex court lawyer gets five-year jail for graft.

Bloody street battles in Bangkok claim 16 lives

BANGKOK – Clashes between Thai troops and anti-government protesters have claimed 16 lives and left dozens wounded in two days of fighting that has turned the heart of the capital into a war zone, official sources said Saturday.

The government Thursday launched an offensive against the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to force them …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bloody street battles in Bangkok claim 16 lives.

Nevada officials joins suit against federal heath reform

NV officially joins suit against health reform
CARSON CITY, Nev. – Gov. Jim Gibbons says Nevada has officially joined at least 18 other states in a lawsuit challenging the federal health reform law.
In a statement Friday, the first-term Republican governor says an amended lawsuit adding Nevada as a plaintiff was filed Friday in Florida.
Gibbons … Read more »».

Iowa court orders man’s siblings to exhume his body so head can be cut off and frozen

Iowa court: Exhume body so head can be frozen

DES MOINES, Iowa – The siblings of a man who died more than a year ago must exhume his body so his head can be cut off and cryogenically frozen, the Iowa Court of Appeals has ruled.
The court sided this week with Alcor Life Extension Foundation, which …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Iowa court orders man’s siblings to exhume his body so head can be cut off and frozen.

Insurance firms told not to blacklist hospitals arbitrarily

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Friday directed insurance companies that they cannot blacklist any hospital and refuse passing mediclaims without giving them the opportunity of being heard.

The petitioner hospitals – Life Care Institute of Medical Science and Research, Karnavati Super-Speciality Hospital, May Flower Women’s Hospital, Hetvi Hospital, Aditya Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sanjeevani Heart … Read more »»».

Apex court SIT submits report on Gulbarg Society massacre

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigating Team (SIT) Friday submitted to the apex court registry its report on the Gulbarg Society massacre in which 69 people, including former Congress MP Ehsan Jaffri, were killed during the 2002 Gujarat communal riots.

The panel, headed by former Central Bureau of Investiogation (CBI) director R.K. Raghvan, … Read more >>.

Companies using government funds under RTI: Court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday ruled that even those companies in which the government has a minority stake can be brought under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Declaring National Agricultural Cooperative Federation of India Ltd (NAFED), National Cooperative Consumer Federation of India Ltd (NCCF) and Krishak Bharti Cooperative Ltd …. Original source  : Companies using government funds under RTI: Court.

Apex court rejects former MP’s bail plea in murder case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday dismissed the bail plea of criminal-turned-politician Anand Mohan Singh, a former Lok Sabha member serving life sentence for murdering a Bihar district magistrate in 1994.

A bench of Justice Dalveer Bhandari and Justice Anil R. Dave rejected Singh’s bail plea in which he sought his right to liberty …. Original article  : Apex court rejects former MP’s bail plea in murder case.

Court asks legal authority lawyers to inspect creches

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday asked its legal services committee to make surprise visits to anganwadis (creches), run by the social welfare department, which were reportedly in bad shape.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta asked the committee to formulate a team of 10 lawyers …. Source  : Court asks legal authority lawyers to inspect creches.

Supreme Court rejects plea on Prabhakaran’s mother

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday rejected a plea seeking direction to the central government to fly the ailing 86-year-old mother of the slain Tamil Tigers chief to Chennai for medical treatment.

The mother of Velupillai Prabhakaran, Parvathi Ammal, 86, who is suffering from paralysis, is presently in Colombo.
The apex court said that for … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court rejects plea on Prabhakaran’s mother.

Migrant boom led to 3 mn rise in British population

LONDON – Britain saw a rise of over three million people, a majority of them immigrants, during the 13 years of the Labour party regime, a development that led new Prime Minister David Cameron to promise a cap on non-EU immigration.

The majority of these three million – around 70 percent – are immigrants, direct arrivals …. Original source  : Migrant boom led to 3 mn rise in British population.

Fake divorces: The way round China’s home restrictions

BEIJING – More and more Chinese couples are registering for “fake” divorces, after they discovered a loophole in the country’s housing policy that prohibits married people from buying a second home.

The Chinese government recently imposed restrictions on a family purchasing a second home in a bid to curb any rise in property prices.
In April, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fake divorces: The way round China’s home restrictions.

Brussels gay pride parade draws 35,000 participants

BRUSSELS – More than 35,000 people took part in a gay and lesbian pride parade in the Belgian capital Saturday.

Organisers said around 10,000 more people than last year took part in the event, dubbed Belgian Pride Parade and aimed at highlighting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and calling for more tolerance.
Numerous politicians, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Unpaid dues: ICL officials face legal action

CHANDIGARH – A court here Saturday issued notice to three officials of the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) for not paying the Rs.700,000 dues of a local hotel.

Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO), a semi-government corporation here, had filed a complaint in the court alleging that the ICL authorities had not paid the dues …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Unpaid dues: ICL officials face legal action.

Framing of charges against Sajjan Kumar May 18

NEW DELHI – A city court Saturday ordered framing of charges against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a case of murder and instigating a mob which allegedly killed five people during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Additional Sessions Judge Sunita Gupta allowed the plea of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the case, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

British Airways to move court against strike

LONDON – British Airways will go to the High Court in an attempt to block a series of planned strikes by its cabin crew, the airline says.

Four five-day walkouts, the first starting May 17 at Heathrow, have been called by cabin crew, and the airline will seek an injunction from the court on the same … Read : British Airways to move court against strike.

Supreme Court: Examine US Vietnam war veteran’s asylum plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has asked Attorney General Goolam Vahanvati to examine a plea by US Vietnam war veteran Jeff Knaebel seeking political asylum in India. Knaebel describes himself as a practitioner of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence.

A bench of Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice H.L. Dattu told Vahanvati that the petitioner … Original source on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court: Examine US Vietnam war veteran’s asylum plea.

Awan to appear before SC to explain government’s stance on Swiss case against Zardari

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Law Minister Babar Awan is likely to personally appear before the Supreme Court on May 25 and explain the reasons behind the government’s decision not to formally ask the Swiss government to open the money-laundering cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

The … Read more >>.

Egypt opens Rafah crossing for stranded Palestinians

GAZA – Egypt opened its crossing point with the Gaza Strip at Rafah Saturday to allow around 8,000 stranded Palestinians to cross into Egypt, the Palestinian Border Crossing Corporation (PBCC) said.

“Around 8,000 Palestinians, including patients, students, businessmen and Palestinians holding other foreign nationalities will be crossing into Egypt starting from Saturday until Monday,” the PBCC [..] Read the original article: here.

President signs ordinance dissolving MCI

NEW DELHI – An ordinance dissolving the Medical Council of India (MCI) and replacing it with a seven-member governing committee of eminent doctors was signed by President Pratibha Patil Saturday, a Rashtrapti Bhavan official said.

The committee will serve for one year, Health Secretary Sujatha Rao said.
The law ministry had notified the ordinance.
The government … Read this article on Gaea Times at : President signs ordinance dissolving MCI.

Frame charges against Sajjan Kumar for 1984 riots: Court

NEW DELHI – A city court Saturday ordered framing of charges against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and seven others for allegedly killing five people during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Additional Sessions Judge Sunita Gupta passed the order. The court will now hear the matter May 18 when Kumar and others will present their defence.
Sajjan …. Original source  : Frame charges against Sajjan Kumar for 1984 riots: Court.

Pak Govt’s failure to provide evidence results in release of terror suspects

PESHAWAR – The failure of the Pakistan Government to provide any evidence against terror suspects is resulting in the grant of bail by the Peshawar High Court to them.

The court has started releasing the suspects under Article 199 of the constitution. These suspected were …. Source  : Pak Govt’s failure to provide evidence results in release of terror suspects.

Meghalaya braces for three shutdowns

SHILLONG – Meghalaya is set to see three shutdowns in a row beginning from Tuesday to protest police firing that killed four people at the disputed Langpih village.

While the Khasi Students’ Union has called for a shutdown Tuesday, the United Democratic Party has annouced a 12-hour statewide strike Wednesday. The outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Meghalaya braces for three shutdowns.

Australia shuts the door on cooks, hairdressers

SYDNEY – Passing a course in cooking or hairdressing will not deliver permanent residency in Australia after the government Monday took the scissors to its skills-shortage list.

Cooks and hairdressers accounted for 12 percent of the 41,000 issued visas in the skilled category last year and 75 percent of those visas went to those, mostly Indians, … Read more >>.

SC posts being given to general category, says Buta Singh

BHOPAL – National Commission for the Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chairman Buta Singh Sunday said that Dalits were being denied their fundamental right in Madhya Pradesh and that the government was recruiting general category candidates to fill the backlog of vacancies reserved for the SCs.

Singh, who was on the fact-finding mission to Chief …. Original source  : SC posts being given to general category, says Buta Singh.

Supreme Court to go on 49-day recess

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will go on a 49-day summer recess starting Monday. The court re-opens July 5.

During the vacation, two benches will function to hear urgent and regular matters. The bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.K. Prasad would hear urgent matters, while the bench of Justice B.S. Chauhan and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court to go on 49-day recess.

Amnesty International team meets Kashmiri separatist leader

SRINAGAR – A two-member team of human rights body Amnesty International Tuesday called on Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat group.

The team, comprising Bikram J. Batra and Ramesh Gopal Krishen, arrived here Monday for a six-day visit to assess the human rights situation. They would focus their attention on preventive detentions.
Farooq welcomed … Read more »»».

Rabri Devi gets bail for abusive remarks

PATNA – A Bihar court Tuesday granted bail to former chief minister Rabri Devi for allegedly abusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at a public rally.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate in Chapra district, about 100 km from here, granted the bail.
Earlier this month, the court issued a non-bailable warrant against Rabri Devi, wife of Rashtriya Janata …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rabri Devi gets bail for abusive remarks.

Lahore High Court issues notice to Zardari over holding two offices

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a notice to President Asif Ali Zardari over the legality of holding two offices of interest.

Hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan Lawyers Forum (PLF) challenging the right of Zardari to hold on to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lahore High Court issues notice to Zardari over holding two offices.

Zardari grants Malik presidential pardon to save him from 3-yr jail term

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has come to the rescue of one of his most trusted aides, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, as barely hours after the Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected Malik’s plea in a corruption case, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian-born in the dock for harassing ex-boyfriend

LONDON – An Indian-born barrister, who has lost a race discrimination claim, attempted to destroy her former boyfriend’s life by sending emails calling his mother a “whore” and his new girlfriend a “German prostitute”, a court was told.

Aisha Bijlani, 43, sent the mails to Atul Sehgal, describing him as a “pathetic lapdog” and …. Source  : Indian-born in the dock for harassing ex-boyfriend.

NRI body objects to rule seeking surrender of Indian passports

WASHINGTON – A leading body NRIs has asked New Delhi to withdraw new rules seeking surrender of Indian passports upon acquisition of US citizenship, saying they impose undue burdens on the Indian American community.

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) strongly objected to notices posted on the website of consul missions asking …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

National Archives reviewing Kagan-related Clinton administration documents; about 160K pages

National Archive works to review more Kagan papers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Bill Clinton’s presidential library is reviewing 160,000 documents from the Clinton administration that mention Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. But there is no time set for when the papers can be released.
National Archives spokeswoman Susan Cooper said Tuesday that workers have begun to evaluate …. Source  : National Archives reviewing Kagan-related Clinton administration documents; about 160K pages.

Airline industry group files lawsuit challenging new rule on union organizing

Airlines challenge new rule on union organizing

WASHINGTON – A group of U.S. airlines filed a lawsuit Monday to stop the Obama administration from enforcing a new rule making it easier for unions to organize workers at airlines and railroads.
The Air Transport Association – the industry’s main trade group – claims the rule violates federal law … Original source on Gaea Times at : Airline industry group files lawsuit challenging new rule on union organizing.

Obama’s aunt can stay in US

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s Kenyan aunt has been granted asylum and can remain in the US, an immigration court ruled, according to media reports Monday.

The US Immigration Court in Boston mailed a letter to Zeituni Onyango confirming the decision on Friday.
Onyango had made her case three months ago that the political situation in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama’s aunt can stay in US.

Icahn, Beal Bank appeal ruling over 3 Trump casinos in Atlantic City in bankruptcy battle

Icahn reopens bankruptcy fight for 3 Trump casinos

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Carl Icahn and Dallas-based Beal Bank are continuing to fight for control of the three Trump Entertainment Resorts casinos in Atlantic City.
On Monday they appealed a bankruptcy court ruling that would give ownership of the casinos to Donald Trump, his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and … Read more >>.

Demjanjuk trial canceled for second day in a row after defendant hospitalized with chest pains

Demjanjuk still ill; trial postponed for 2nd day

MUNICH – John Demjanjuk’s trial has been called off for the second day in a row as the defendant remained hospitalized after complaining of chest pains.
The 90-year-old former autoworker from Ohio is being tried on charges of with 27,900 counts of accessory to murder on allegations he was …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Demjanjuk trial canceled for second day in a row after defendant hospitalized with chest pains.

Bangladesh’s Dalits seek better life

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s 1.5 million Dalits are seeking recognition for the menial work they do and also a better deal for their children.

The Dalits were brought to present-day Bangladesh by the British rulers in 1835 from India’s Kanpur and Nagpur cities.
Community leaders say that although they educate their children, they are not given … Read more »».

Himachal high court judges to make assets public

SHIMLA – Judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court will declare their assets to the public Friday, Chief Justice Kurian Joseph said here Wednesday.

“All the 11 judges in the high court would be declaring their assets May 21. The list of the assets would be posted on the official website of the court for scrutiny. … Read more : Himachal high court judges to make assets public.

Hope is gone: 800 Mumbai families lose battle for survival (Letter from Mumbai)

MUMBAI – What was a few days ago a thriving shantytown in India’s financial capital – where 60 percent of the population lives in slums – looks like a war zone. Thousands of its residents squat in the heat in despair after having lost most of their worldly belongings and, as some say, the … Original article on : Hope is gone: 800 Mumbai families lose battle for survival (Letter from Mumbai).

Illinois girls basketball team just wants to play, not be part of Arizona immigration debate

Ill. team wants out of national immigration debate

DEERFIELD, Ill. – The heated debate over a decision not to allow an Illinois high school basketball team to play at a tournament in Arizona is cooling off with word that the girls are going to Florida instead.
One Highland Park High School player – Morgan Bartelstein – says …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Illinois girls basketball team just wants to play, not be part of Arizona immigration debate.

Conn. secretary of state loses election lawsuit against self; court says she can’t run for AG

Conn. official loses election lawsuit against self

HARTFORD, Conn. – Connecticut’s secretary of state has lost an election lawsuit she filed against her own office in her quest to run for state attorney general.
The state Supreme Court ruled unanimously Tuesday that Democrat Susan Bysiewicz (BYE’-suh-witts) isn’t legally qualified to hold office as Connecticut’s top prosecutor.
Connecticut requires … Original source on Gaea Times at : Conn. secretary of state loses election lawsuit against self; court says she can’t run for AG.

Testimony in NJ schoolyard killing trial ends with assessment of defendant’s mental state

Testimony concludes in NJ schoolyard killing trial

NEWARK, N.J. – Testimony has concluded in the trial of one of six people charged with murdering three friends in a New Jersey schoolyard.
The final witness, a psychologist called by the state, has questioned a defense psychologist’s assessment of defendant Rodolfo Godinez (goh-DEEN’-ez) as mildly mentally disabled.
Ernesto Perdomo testified [..] Read the original article: here.

AP NEWSBREAK: More immigrants cross into Arizona as state takes on illegal immigrant fight

AP NEWSBREAK: Migrant crossings rise in Arizona

NOGALES, Mexico – U.S. Border Patrol statistics indicate that illegal crossings from Mexico into Arizona are rising as the state prepares to enact the nation’s toughest immigration law.
The Border Patrol says arrests there have increased 6 percent so far this fiscal year, while overall crossings to the U.S. are … Read more »»».

EU makes textile labelling compulsory

LONDON – “Country of origin” labels on clothes should become compulsory for selling them in Europe, so that people are not misled by labels suggesting they were made in the European Union (EU), the European Parliament said Tuesday.

The only way to ensure that people are not deceived by clothes made in a third country … Read more : EU makes textile labelling compulsory.

NYC jury to decide how much drug company Novartis must pay for discriminating against women

NY jury considers punitive price Novartis must pay

NEW YORK – A lawyer has urged a New York City jury that found Novartis discriminated against women to make the drug company pay hundreds of millions in punitive damages.
Attorney David Sanford told jurors Tuesday that 5,600 current and former Novartis employees represented in the claim should each … Original article on : NYC jury to decide how much drug company Novartis must pay for discriminating against women.

Ruchika case verdict deferred to May 25

CHANDIGARH – The judgement in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case was Thursday postponed to May 25.
[..] Read the original article: here.

Marandi appeals in vain to Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to give urgent hearing to the petition filed by Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) chief Babulal Marandi challenging Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren for holding the coveted post without being the member of the State assembly.

A vacation bench comprising Justices G S Singhvi and Chandramouli Prasad said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Marandi appeals in vain to Supreme Court.

‘Defiant’ Musharraf ready to take on Pak SC head-on if summoned

WASHINGTON – Accepting the challenge thrown at him by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Chief (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif, former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has said that he is ready to appear in the Supreme Court if summoned in any case.

“I only hope that justice will be done,” Musharraf said.

Interacting with …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Immigration issue turns personal when child tells Mrs. Obama her mother doesn’t have ‘papers’

Child tells first lady her mother lacks ‘papers’
SILVER SPRING, Md. – First lady Michelle Obama faced a tough, personal immigration question from a Maryland second-grader Wednesday when she visited an elementary school with her Mexican counterpart, Margarita Zavala.
The girl told Obama that her mother said President Barack Obama was “taking everybody away that … Original article on : Immigration issue turns personal when child tells Mrs. Obama her mother doesn’t have ‘papers’.

US returns passport to dying Laotian man who filed lawsuit in effort to return home

Dying Laotian who sued US gets passport back

SAN FRANCISCO – An elderly Laotian man got his passport back Wednesday and plans to go home to die after suing the U.S. government for the return of the document, his attorney said.
The lawsuit filed by the 88-year-old man using only his last name Xiong alleged immigration officials …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Md. 2nd-grader asks first lady Michelle Obama about immigration, mentions mother

2nd-grader asks first lady about immigration, mom
SILVER SPRING, Md. – First lady Michelle Obama faced a tough, personal question about immigration from a Maryland second-grader during an elementary school visit with Mexican first lady Margarita Zavala.
The girl said Wednesday that her mother said President Barack Obama was “taking everybody away that doesn’t have …. Source article  : Md. 2nd-grader asks first lady Michelle Obama about immigration, mentions mother.

US returns passport to ailing Laotian man who filed lawsuit in effort to leave country

Laotian who sued to leave US gets passport back

SAN FRANCISCO – An ailing Laotian man who sued the U.S. government to return his passport so he could go home to die is getting the document back.
Attorney Kenneth Seeger, who represents the 88-year-old man, says he retrieved the passport Wednesday.
The man filed his lawsuit under only … Read more : US returns passport to ailing Laotian man who filed lawsuit in effort to leave country.

Correction: Official Sues Self story

Correction: Official Sues Self story
HARTFORD, Conn. – In a story May 18 about a lawsuit over the Connecticut secretary of state’s qualifications to serve as state attorney general, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the attorney general is the state’s top prosecutor. The attorney general has the authority to file civil lawsuits only; the chief … Read more : Correction: Official Sues Self story.

US appeals court tosses Jets fan’s suit over Patriots’ secret taping of signals from coaches

US court tosses fan lawsuit over Patriots’ filming

PHILADELPHIA – A New York Jets fan won’t get to pursue his lawsuit over the New England Patriots’ secret videotaping of signals from Jets coaches.
A U.S. appeals court in Philadelphia is refusing to step into the fray. The court on Wednesday decided to uphold a lower court’s ruling … Original source on Gaea Times at : US appeals court tosses Jets fan’s suit over Patriots’ secret taping of signals from coaches.

Court to decide on Rathore’s appeal Thursday

CHANDIGARH – A court here will Thursday pronounce its decision on an appeal by former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore challenging his conviction for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra, who later committed suicide.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Gurbir Singh heard the arguments of both sides on day-to-day basis for eight days.
“We are expecting maximum jail … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Court to decide on Rathore’s appeal Thursday.

7-year-old girl’s query puts Michelle Obama in a spot

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, was put in an embarrassing position when a seven-year-old girl asked whether her mother would be deported for being an illegal immigrant. Authorities later said that the girl’s mother won’t be deported.

Michelle was on a visit with Mexican First Lady Margarita Zavala to the New Hampshire … Read more >>.

Md. girl who told first lady her mom ‘doesn’t have papers’ wants to visit White House

First lady’s questioner wants White House visit
SILVER SPRING, Md. – A second-grader who sprung a question on first lady Michelle Obama about immigration said Thursday she’d like to visit the White House.
The 7-year-old put a human face on the issue Wednesday when she told the first lady during an elementary school visit that …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Md. girl who told first lady her mom ‘doesn’t have papers’ wants to visit White House.

Procter & Gamble’s Dry Max efforts include mommy bloggers, phone lines

P&G steps up Dry Max campaign
PROTECTING PAMPERS: Among other efforts to fight spreading online criticism of its newest version of Pampers, called Dry Max, Procter & Gamble Co. brought in four “mommy bloggers” Thursday. The criticism has triggered a federal safety probe and a lawsuit.

PROTECTING REVENUE: Pampers, P&G’s top-selling product, account for about 10 percent … Read : Procter & Gamble’s Dry Max efforts include mommy bloggers, phone lines.

ICE not pursuing family of Md. girl who told first lady her mom ‘doesn’t have papers’

Feds not pursuing after girl says mom lacks papers

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A Department of Homeland Security official says federal immigration authorities are not pursuing the family of a Maryland girl who told first lady Michelle Obama that her mother “doesn’t have papers.”
DHS spokesman Matt Chandler said in an e-mailed statement Thursday that Immigration and Customs … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ICE not pursuing family of Md. girl who told first lady her mom ‘doesn’t have papers’.

LA judge orders trial to determine guardianship for children of TV producer and slain wife

Trial set over children of TV producer, slain wife

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles judge has ordered a trial to determine whether the sister or the in-laws of a “Survivor” producer’s wife who was found slain in Mexico will be named guardian of the couple’s two young children.
At a hearing Thursday, the judge in the …. Original source  : LA judge orders trial to determine guardianship for children of TV producer and slain wife.

Jose Canseco’s appearance before grand jury investigating Roger Clemens now set for June 3

Canseco to appear before Clemens grand jury June 3

WASHINGTON – Jose Canseco’s appearance before the grand jury investigating Roger Clemens is now scheduled for June 3.
Canseco will testify before the panel that will decide whether to indict Clemens for lying under oath to Congress.
Canseco was originally scheduled to testify in April, then it was pushed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

How AP-Univision poll on immigration was conducted

How immigration poll was conducted
The Associated Press-Univision Poll on immigration was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media from May 7-12. It is based on landline and cell phone interviews with a nationally representative random sample of 901 Hispanic adults.

It was conducted as a supplement to this month’s AP-GfK Poll, which was conducted May … Read more >>>.

Caste-based census controversy reaches apex court

NEW DELHI – The controversy over the caste-based census Thursday reached the Supreme Court after a Chennai-based advocate filed a pre-emptive caveat, praying that if the Madras High Court verdict asking the census commissioner to carry out a caste-based census is challenged, he should be afforded an opportunity of being heard.

Advocate R.Krishnamurthy filed the caveat … Original article on : Caste-based census controversy reaches apex court.

Defense lawyer: 2 Mass. men have no connection to Times Square suspect, never heard of him

Lawyer: Mass. men unconnected to Times Sq. suspect

BOSTON – Two Pakistani men arrested in Massachusetts on alleged immigration violations during the investigation into the failed Times Square bomb plot had no connection to the primary suspect and may have been arrested because all three men booked similar travel, the attorney for the two men said.
Attorney … Read more : Defense lawyer: 2 Mass. men have no connection to Times Square suspect, never heard of him.

Supreme Court blames itself for graft in judicial postings

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday said corruption in judicial appointments has assumed cancerous proportions and blamed itself for “soft-pedalling” on the issue and not dealing with it firmly two decades ago.

A vacation bench of the court headed by Justice G.S. Singhvi said: “Soft-pedalling by the apex court, not today, but 20 years ago …. Read the original article  : here.

Allowing women to be guardians: Panel examines bill

NEW DELHI – A parliamentary panel is scrutinising a bill aimed at giving Indian women equal rights as men in adopting children and becoming guardians of minors, including their own kids – something they are barred from under existing law.

The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 seeks to entitle women to equal rights as men on … Original article on : Allowing women to be guardians: Panel examines bill.

Lahore High Court seeks reply from Pak Govt in A Q Khan case

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has asked the federal government to submit statement of compliance on whether it is complying with its orders for allowing unrestricted movement to nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.

On Friday, …. Read the original article  : here.

Government, apex court headed for confrontation on Zardari

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani government and the Supreme Court seemed headed for a major confrontation on reopening a graft case against President Asif Ali Zardari and a statute amendment that has created a commission for the appointment of superior court judges.

At a strategy dinner here Friday night, the government decided to tell the court that …. Original source  : Government, apex court headed for confrontation on Zardari.

Canada should apologise to Indians, BSF: former trooper

LUDHIANA – Canada should apologise to Indians and to the Border Security Force (BSF) for using “insulting” language, says a retired trooper who was refused a visa because he had worked for a “notoriously violent force”.

“They have not said anything against me. But the Canadian officials have insulted the BSF and my country. I … Original source on Gaea Times at : Canada should apologise to Indians, BSF: former trooper.

Canada reviewing former BSF officer’s case

NEW DELHI – Canada is “reviewing” the rejection of visa to a former Border Security Force (BSF) constable after the decision sparked off a diplomatic row, a Canadian official told IANS Saturday.

The Canadian High Commission rejected in December a visa request from retired BSF constable Fateh Singh Pandher, accusing the paramilitary force of “war crimes” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Canada reviewing former BSF officer’s case.

Archivist: Obama won’t claim privilege over Kagan’s files, to be released starting June 4

Archivist: Obama won’t block Kagan file release
WASHINGTON – The nation’s official government record-keeper says President Barack Obama won’t try to block the release of documents from Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s work in the Clinton White House.
Archivist David Ferriero told senators in a letter Friday that his staff has begun combing through tens …. Read the original article  : Archivist: Obama won’t claim privilege over Kagan’s files, to be released starting June 4.

Heat guard Dwyane Wade takes stand for 1st time in $25M restaurant trial

Heat guard Wade takes stand in restaurant trial

MIAMI – Dwyane Wade has finally taken the stand at the trial where two ex-partners are suing him for $25 million in a failed restaurant deal.
The star Miami Heat guard was called as the case’s third witness around 4:15 p.m. He’s expected to testify for about an hour …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Heat guard Dwyane Wade takes stand for 1st time in $25M restaurant trial.

Deaf workers sue Calif alleging failure to provide interpreters, proper emergency procedures

Lawsuit: Calif fails to accommodate deaf workers

SAN FRANCISCO – Deaf and hard-of-hearing state employees in California are regularly denied sign language interpreters for meetings and have been left behind during emergency evacuations because of a failure to accommodate their disability, according to a lawsuit filed Friday.
“Our investigation reveals a systemic breakdown,” said Joshua Konecky, a [..] Read the original article: here.

BSF dubbed ‘violent force’, ex-trooper denied visa

CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI – A retired Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was denied a Canadian visa after a diplomat accused the paramilitary force of “war crimes” and being a “notoriously violent force”.

In a communication to Fateh Singh Pandher, a New Delhi-based Canadian High Commission diplomat has described the BSF as a “notoriously violent paramilitary unit” which …. Read the original article  : here.

BSF dubbed ‘violent force’, ex-BSF man denied visa

CHANDIGARH – A retired Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was denied a Canadian visa after a diplomat accused the paramilitary force of “war crimes” and being a “notoriously violent force”.

In a communication to Fateh Singh Pandher, a New Delhi-based Canadian High Commission diplomat has described the BSF as a “notoriously violent paramilitary unit” which is … Read : BSF dubbed ‘violent force’, ex-BSF man denied visa.

Brisbane court told ‘Dr. Death’s’ surgeries ‘more dangerous than a transplant’

BRISBANE – The oesophagectomy operations performed by controversial Indian origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel a.k.a. “Dr. Death on two Bundaberg Base Hospital patients who later died were more dangerous than a heart or liver transplant, the Brisbane Supreme Court was told on Monday.

The Courier Mail quoted University of Adelaide Professor Glyn Jamieson as telling the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Brisbane court told ‘Dr. Death’s’ surgeries ‘more dangerous than a transplant’.

Zero tolerance against human rights violations: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday said his government was following “zero tolerance” policy against human rights violations.

“Our government has zero tolerance to human rights violations,” Manmohan Singh told reporters here.
He was replying to a question related to a specific case of Indian Army soldiers accused of a civilian murder in 2000 …. Source article  : Zero tolerance against human rights violations: PM.

Rehman Malik confused over future action on LHC order

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik is confused whether to approach the Supreme Court to get the “stigma of conviction” removed or go to the Lahore High Court for getting bail as he is receiving differing opinion from his legal advisers on his future course of [..] Read the original article: here.

Married Pak 7th grader thrown out of school challenges expulsion

LAHORE – Gherat Khan, a 7th class student of Peshawar Model School who was thrown out of school after he got married, is challenging his expulsion in the Peshawar High Court.

Gherat filed a writ petition saying he had been a student of the school for many years … Original article on : Married Pak 7th grader thrown out of school challenges expulsion.

Fired for extra maternity leave, woman approaches court

NEW DELHI – When she gave birth in December 2008, little did Navneet Kumari know that she would lose her job. Fired for applying for a third month of maternity leave, she has gone to court against the NGO which, ironically, works for child welfare and which she served for over 20 years.

“I had been …. Original article  : Fired for extra maternity leave, woman approaches court.

India setting up integrated checkposts along border

AGARTALA – India is building six integrated checkposts (ICPs) along the border with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal for facilitating trade and economy and for trans-border passengers, an official said here Tuesday.

These ICPs would be sanitised zones with dedicated passenger and cargo terminals comprising adequate customs and immigration facilities, weigh bridge, security and scanning equipment, health …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : India setting up integrated checkposts along border.

American Center attack: Supreme Court stays Ansari’s death sentence

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the death sentence of Aftab Ahmed Ansari for his role in the 2002 American Centre attack in Kolkata.

A vacation bench of the apex court, comprising Justices G S Singhvi and C K …. Original article  : American Center attack: Supreme Court stays Ansari’s death sentence.

American Center attack: Supreme Court stays Ansari’s death sentence

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the death sentence of Aftab Ahmed Ansari for his role in the 2002 American Centre attack in Kolkata.

A vacation bench of the apex court, comprising Justices G S Singhvi and C K Prasad asked the West Bengal Government to respond within four months to a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : American Center attack: Supreme Court stays Ansari’s death sentence.

A love story has a happy ending – thanks to Internet

LONDON – A Canadian Muslim girl was allowed to marry her Dubai-based Indian lover after she wrote an online appeal for help while being in her father’s “captivity” in Saudi Arabia for three years, according to a report here.

The transcontinental romance between Nazia Quazi, a Canadian of Indian Muslim origin, and Bjorn Singhal, born to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : A love story has a happy ending – thanks to Internet.

Hooters hit with lawsuit by ex-employee who says she was told to hit gym, lose weight

Ex-Hooters employee: I was told to drop weight

ROSEVILLE, Mich. – Hooters is being served with a lawsuit by a former Detroit-area employee who says she was told to agree to lose weight or lose her job.
Cassandra Smith says Hooters violated Michigan law when it placed her on 30-day weight probation earlier this month. She resigned …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Apex court stays Madras High Court order on bar poll

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday stayed the Madras High Court’s directions related to elections to the high court’s Advocate Association (MHAA) and wondered how could there be discrimination in allowing lawyers exercise their right to vote.

Under the amended provisions approved by the Madras High Court only those MHAA members could be …. Original article  : Apex court stays Madras High Court order on bar poll.

Zardari graft case: Law minister to appear before Supreme Court Tuesday

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s law minister is to appear before the Supreme Court to explain why he has not carried out its directive to reopen a $60 million Swiss money laundering case against President Asif Ali Zardari.

The court has ordered the government to write to the Swiss authorities to reopen the case that was closed …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Zardari graft case: Law minister to appear before Supreme Court Tuesday.

Plea seeking restraint on airfield modernisation dismissed

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a petition seeking to restrain the central government from awarding a contract for the modernisation of 30 airfields of the Indian Air Force to a consortium of companies led by Tata Power’s Strategic Electronic Division (Tata Power SED).

The vacation bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice C.K. …. Source  : Plea seeking restraint on airfield modernisation dismissed.

Dipak Misra sworn in Delhi High Court Chief Justice

New Delhi, May 24 (ANI): Justice Dipak Misra was on Monday sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Delhi High Court.

Justice Misra was on May 14 appointed as the new Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, and had been directed to assume charge of the office of the Chief Justice of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dipak Misra sworn in Delhi High Court Chief Justice.

MCD unwilling to reduce hike in mobile towers licence fee

NEW DELHI – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Monday told the Delhi High Court that it is not ready to lower the hiked licence fee on the mobile towers in the capital.

Filing a detailed reply explaining the rationale behind the increase in the licence fee, senior advocate Parag Tripathi, appearing for MCD said: “Our …. Source article  : MCD unwilling to reduce hike in mobile towers licence fee.

Court directs police to probe MCD’s ‘ghost’ employees scam

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed the city Commissioner of Police Y.S. Dadwal to conduct an independent probe into the scam of “ghost” employees in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Madan B. Lokur directed the police commissioner to hold a detailed inquiry … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Court directs police to probe MCD’s ‘ghost’ employees scam.

No cases pending against Zardari in Switzerland, Pak Law Minister tells SC

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Law Minister Babar Awan has told the Supreme Court that there were no graft cases pending against President Asif Ali Zardari in Switzerland, and that only investigations were ordered against him.

“There was absolutely no case at all,” Awan told the apex court during hearing of the case concerning actions taken by the …. Source article  : No cases pending against Zardari in Switzerland, Pak Law Minister tells SC.

Briton sues mother for not saving him from father’s beatings

LONDON – A 32-year-old Briton has sued his mother for failing to protect him from his father’s beating.

The man, who filed the case in the high court, claimed that his mother hit him and aided the punishment meted out by his father by reporting his failings.
Justin Levinson, the man’s counsel, told Justice Thirlwall in …. Source  : Briton sues mother for not saving him from father’s beatings.

Truth has prevailed, says JuD as Saeed walks free

ISLAMABAD – The banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) has hailed Pakistan Supreme Court’s verdict declaring its chief Hafeez Muhammed Saeed a ‘free man’, saying the ‘truth has prevailed’.

“Finally, truth has prevailed. The world should realise now that Jamaat-ud-Dawa is a non-terrorist organisation,” The Daily Times quoted JuD spokesperson Yahya Mujahid, as saying.

“With the grace of God, the …. Read the original article  : Truth has prevailed, says JuD as Saeed walks free.

Maine advocate for migrant workers pleads guilty to harboring illegal immigrants

Maine advocate admits harboring illegal immigrants

BANGOR, Maine – A man who spoke out on behalf of migrant workers for the last 30 years in Maine has acknowledged harboring illegal immigrants.
South Portland resident Benjamin J. Guiliani Sr. pleaded guilty Tuesday to five federal charges in U.S. District Court in Bangor.
The 62-year-old Texas native was indicted in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Maine advocate for migrant workers pleads guilty to harboring illegal immigrants.

Maine advocate for migrant workers, immigrants pleads guilty to harboring illegal aliens

Maine advocate admits harboring illegal aliens

BANGOR, Maine – A man who spoke out on behalf of migrant workers and immigrants for the last 30 years in Maine has acknowledged harboring illegal aliens.
South Portland resident Benjamin J. Guiliani Sr. pleaded guilty Tuesday to five federal charges in U.S. District Court in Bangor.
The 62-year-old Mexican-American was indicted …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maine advocate for migrant workers, immigrants pleads guilty to harboring illegal aliens.

NBC News networks, Telemundo devoting day to issues surrounding immigration

NBC News networks devote day to immigration issues

NEW YORK – NBC and its related networks, including MSNBC and the Spanish-language Telemundo, are devoting much of their time on newscasts Wednesday to discussions of immigration.
NBC News is wading into an issue rife with hostility. Its own role in doing the stories will be watched as closely … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NBC News networks, Telemundo devoting day to issues surrounding immigration.

Pakistan court prevents arrest of hardline cleric blamed in Mumbai attacks

Pakistan court prevents arrest of hardline cleric

ISLAMABAD – A defense lawyer says Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ruled that the government cannot detain a hardline cleric India suspects masterminded the deadly 2008 siege of Mumbai.
A. K. Dogar says the court ruled Tuesday that the government had failed to produce any evidence that Hafiz Mohammad Saeed played …. Source  : Pakistan court prevents arrest of hardline cleric blamed in Mumbai attacks.

Iranian filmmaker released on bail

TEHRAN – Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi was released on bail Tuesday, the Tehran prosecutors’ office said in a statement.

Panahi had been released from the Evin prison after posting a bail of two billion rials ($200,000), ISNA news agency reported quoting the statement.
It said the case would be forwarded to the revolutionary court in charge …. Original source  : Iranian filmmaker released on bail.

Criminal proceedings against Geelani for perjury stayed

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Tuesday stayed the criminal proceedings against Delhi University (DU) teacher S.A.R.Geelani, who was acquitted in 2001 Parliament House attack case, on the charge of giving false evidence in court.

Issuing a notice to Delhi Police, Justice Vipin Sanghi stayed the proceedings till Aug 13.
Geelani had challenged the order …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Avoid frivolous lawsuits, ministries advised

NEW DELHI – Avoid frivolous lawsuits, the law and justice ministry has told other ministries and departments in an important communication as the government tries to shed the dubious tag of being the “biggest litigant” that only adds to the huge pile-up of cases in courts across the country.

The advice was sent as part of …. Original source  : Avoid frivolous lawsuits, ministries advised.

Man forces son to eat school report

LONDON – Furious at his son’s poor school report, a father in France forced the boy to chew and swallow the sheets of paper and later admitted that he had “lost his temper” and had “over-reacted”.

The angry father stuffed the school report into his 12-year-old son’s mouth and ordered him to eat it earlier this … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man forces son to eat school report.

Peruvian consulate seeking family of Md. girl who questioned first lady on immigration

Peru consulate seek girl who queried first lady

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Peruvian officials in the U.S. say they’re seeking the family of a second-grader who told first lady Michelle Obama that her mother “doesn’t have papers,” so they can help them with documentation from their home country.
Consul General Cesar Jordan in Washington said Wednesday that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Peruvian consulate seeking family of Md. girl who questioned first lady on immigration.

Alleged victim: Pleased about release of banned list, wants USA Swimming to do more

Alleged victim: Pleased Uchiyama’s ban made public

A woman who accused former USA Swimming national team director Everett Uchiyama of sexual abuse told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officials need to do more than publicize his lifetime ban.
The alleged victim, speaking on condition of anonymity because she signed a confidential agreement with USA Swimming in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Immigration court hearing delayed for Maine resident linked to NYC bomb suspect

Hearing delayed for Maine man linked to NY suspect

BOSTON – A hearing has been postponed until next week for a Pakistani man who was arrested on immigration violations during the Times Square attempted bombing investigation.
A lawyer for 34-year-old Mohammad Shafiq Rahman asked for the postponement, saying that Rahman plans to file for a change in …. Source article  : Immigration court hearing delayed for Maine resident linked to NYC bomb suspect.

NY court dismisses Costa Rican photogs’ lawsuit against NFL’s Tom Brady, model Gisele Bundchen

NY court dismisses suit against Brady, Bundchen

NEW YORK – A New York judge has dismissed a lawsuit by two photographers who said they were shot at by bodyguards of quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bundchen (jih-ZEHL’ BUN’-chen).
The April 2009 incident occurred during a party in Costa Rica celebrating the couple’s marriage two months previously.
Photographers …. Source  : NY court dismisses Costa Rican photogs’ lawsuit against NFL’s Tom Brady, model Gisele Bundchen.

Ex-Justice O’Connor: No Child Left Behind leaves civics education behind

O’Connor, in NY, gives schools poor civics marks

NEW YORK – Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor says an “unintended consequence” of the No Child Left Behind initiative is that kids are learning less about civics.
O’Connor said Wednesday in New York that the federal initiative appropriated funds “based on good test scores in math, science … Read more »».

Canada denies visa to IB officer, grants it later

NEW DELHI – Close on the heels of a retired Border Security Force (BSF) trooper being denied visa, the Canadian High Commission denied the same to an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer but relented after the Indian home and external affairs ministries did some tough talking.

A deputy director of the IB, who was to visit Canada … Read more >>.

Air India files case in Bombay High Court against striking employees

Mumbai, May 26 (ANI): The Air India on Wednesday morning moved the Bombay High Court against the flash strike by its employees.

Air India decided to act tough against its staff as their strike entered the second day.

“We filed the petition around 1 pm today. Tomorrow is a holiday, so day after tomorrow it will be …. Source  : Air India files case in Bombay High Court against striking employees.

Delhi High Court directive forces Air India employees to call off strike

New Delhi, May 26 (ANI): Coming under pressure following Delhi High Court orders staying the Air India employees’ strike, the strikers called off their agitation on Wednesday evening after holding a meet with the Air India management.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court observed that the strike had affected the business and stayed … Read more >>.

Canada treating Indian agencies like KGB, says Dosanjh

TORONTO – Blasting the Canadian authorities for denying visas to Indian security officials, former Canadian health minister and Indo-Canadian leader Ujjal Dosanjh said Ottawa was treating the Indian security agencies like the erstwhile KGB.

“Will they dare do this to the Chinese or Israelis? Never. I am very angry about how the Canadian government is treating …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Canada treating Indian agencies like KGB, says Dosanjh.

Constitutional amendments can’t be challenged: Pakistan government

ISLAMABAD – The confrontation between the Pakistani government and the Supreme Court seems to be deepening with the former now contending that constitutional amendments are not open to judicial review.

The government and the Supreme Court are already on a collision course over implementing the latter’s order to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari …. Original article  : Constitutional amendments can’t be challenged: Pakistan government.

Indians scramble to get British citizenship

LONDON – Over 200,000 foreigners became British citizens last year, with a surge from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the Home Office said.

Of those receiving the British passport, over half came from Africa and the Indian sub-continent.
The Times online reported Friday that 1.5 million migrants have been granted British citizenship since 1997.
“These figures … Read more »»».

Canada ‘deeply regrets’ visa row with India

TORONTO – Canada has said it “deeply regrets” the aspersions cast on the Indian security establishment following the refusal of visa to several Indians by its mission in New Delhi.

“The government of Canada deeply regrets the recent incident in which letters drafted by public service officials during routine visa refusals to Indian nationals cast false … Read more : Canada ‘deeply regrets’ visa row with India.

Plea against sugar mills’ privatisation admitted

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday admitted a petition challenging the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to privatise 11 state-run sugar mills of the Uttar Pradesh State Sugar Corp Ltd.

Declining to stay the opening of the bids June 3, an apex court vacation bench headed by Justice G.S. Singhvi and comprising Justice C.K. Prasad said … Read more »»».

McNamee spends over 2 hours in courthouse testifying against Clemens before grand jury

McNamee gives testimony to Clemens grand jury

WASHINGTON – Brian McNamee has left the courthouse in Washington after testifying for more than two hours before a grand jury that will decide whether to indict Roger Clemens for allegedly lying under oath to Congress.
McNamee made no comment as he left Tuesday. His lawyer, Richard Emery, said, “Everything … Original source on Gaea Times at : McNamee spends over 2 hours in courthouse testifying against Clemens before grand jury.

Canada mum, Indo-Canadians blame ‘anti-India’ bureaucracy

TORONTO – Canada kept mum Thursday to India’s threat to take retaliatory action for denial of visas to its serving and retired Indian security officials by the Canadian high commission in New Delhi.

However, Indo-Canadian groups reacted angrily to the development, blaming it on the “anti-India bureaucracy”.
“It is the department of immigration and citizenship …. Read the original article  : Canada mum, Indo-Canadians blame ‘anti-India’ bureaucracy.

US health official impressed with services at oft-criticized San Diego immigration jail

Health official tours San Diego immigration jail

SAN DIEGO – A U.S. health official says he was impressed by the services he saw delivered at an often-criticized immigration detention center in San Diego.
Dr. David Rutstein, the acting deputy surgeon general, peppered doctors with questions during a one-hour tour Wednesday.
He was told that detainees are thoroughly evaluated … Original article on : US health official impressed with services at oft-criticized San Diego immigration jail.

Minn. jury awards $1.25M in assistant’s lawsuit against Tubby Smith over aborted hiring

Jury awards $1.25M in lawsuit against Tubby Smith

MINNEAPOLIS – A jury in Minneapolis has awarded an assistant coach nearly $1.25 million in his lawsuit against Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith over an aborted hiring.
Jimmy Williams was an assistant at Oklahoma State when Smith called him to talk about a job shortly after being hired at …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Minn. jury awards $1.25M in assistant’s lawsuit against Tubby Smith over aborted hiring.

Outraged India asks Canada to respond on visa row (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI/BANGALORE – With public outrage growing over the denial of visas to several serving and retired Indian security officials, India Thursday said Canada’s action was “unacceptable” and warned it of retaliattion if Ottawa does not take corrective action within “a few days”.

“This is unacceptable. We expect the Canadian authorities to address … Read more >>.

‘Nepalis living in terror in Meghalaya’

KATHMANDU – Known as the tranquil abode of clouds, India’s north-eastern Meghalaya state has now become an abode of terror for Nepali migrants who say they are being attacked, threatened and told to leave the state immediately or face dire consequences.

“Nepalis can’t sleep at night,” says Til Bahadur Bishwakarma, a 40-year-old Nepali who served with …. Read the original article  : here.

LA Dodgers sue Jon Lovitz, others, alleging failure to pay for season tickets

Dodgers sue Jon Lovitz, others over season tickets

LOS ANGELES – Comic Jon Lovitz and others are being sued by the Los Angeles Dodgers over claims they failed to pay nearly $100,000 for season tickets for the 2010 baseball season.
Delaware-based Dodger Tickets LLC filed the breach-of-contract lawsuit Monday in Los Angeles.
The lawsuit claims Lovitz and 100 … Read more >>.

No charges for Gene Simmons in alleged attack but woman alleges sex assault in separate suit

No charges for Gene Simmons over LA mall attack

LOS ANGELES – Prosecutors will not charge Kiss rocker Gene Simmons over an alleged attack on a couple at an upscale outdoor mall, while a new, separate civil lawsuit claims the musician sexually assaulted a makeup artist.
The district attorney’s office stated in documents Wednesday that there was … Read more >>>.

China to count foreigners in next census

BEIJING – Foreigners domiciled in China will be surveyed for the first time in the national census beginning Nov 1.

The national census aims to survey “each natural person” and foreign residents living in China, the Regulation on National Population Census said in a statement released Friday. However, foreigners staying in various parts of the country … Original article on : China to count foreigners in next census.

US not frustrated over delay in nuclear liability law

WASHINGTON – The US says it’s not frustrated at the delay in India enacting the nuclear liability act to take their “win-win” nuclear deal forward as it understands the “political resonance” over it because of the Bhopal gas disaster.

“I don’t think it’s taken that long,” Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs … Original article on : US not frustrated over delay in nuclear liability law.

Ke$ha’s ex-managers sue her, songwriter Dr. Luke in NYC; her attorney rebuffs lawsuit claims

Pop star Ke$ha sued by former managers in NYC

NEW YORK – Ke$ha’s former managers say the pop star squeezed them out of her career under pressure from hit songwriter Dr. Luke, but her lawyer said Friday she simply exercised her rights to fire the managers when they didn’t perform.
Ke$ha, who had the No. 1 song …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ke$ha’s ex-managers sue her, songwriter Dr. Luke in NYC; her attorney rebuffs lawsuit claims.

Orioles OF Adam Jones detained for hours by Canadian border guards, says was mistaken identity

Orioles’ Jones detained for hours entering Canada

TORONTO – Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was detained by Canadian immigration officials for a few hours Thursday night after he landed in Toronto for this weekend’s series.
“They said I had a criminal record,” Jones said. “My mom raised me better than that. I’ve never done anything like that, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Orioles OF Adam Jones detained for hours by Canadian border guards, says was mistaken identity.

$3.4 billion settlement would result in recovery payments for more than 300,000 Indians

Parties agree to extension in Indian lawsuit

WASHINGTON – A lead plaintiff for Indian landowners involved in a class-action lawsuit against the government says participants have agreed to extend the deadline for resolving the case until June 15.
Lack of movement on Capitol Hill appeared to place the $3.4 billion settlement in jeopardy. But the House approved …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : $3.4 billion settlement would result in recovery payments for more than 300,000 Indians.

Judge overseeing federal lawsuits against Toyota orders automaker to give documents to lawyers

Judge: Toyota must give documents to plaintiffs

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The judge presiding over hundreds of federal lawsuits against Toyota has ordered the automaker to give internal documents to lawyers suing the company over sudden acceleration problems.
U.S. District Judge James Selna on Friday said Toyota Motor Corp. has one month to provide the documents that … Read : Judge overseeing federal lawsuits against Toyota orders automaker to give documents to lawyers.

DOJ officials initiated immigration meetings in Phoenix with Arizona AG, aides to governor

DOJ officials met in Phoenix with Arizona AG

WASHINGTON – Justice Department officials have told the Arizona attorney general in a face-to-face meeting in Phoenix that the federal government has serious reservations about Arizona’s new immigration law.
The Justice Department initiated separate meetings with Attorney General Terry Goddard and aides to Gov. Jan Brewer in an effort … Original article on : DOJ officials initiated immigration meetings in Phoenix with Arizona AG, aides to governor.

Consumer court urges curb on overcharging by mobile operators

NEW DELHI – The Delhi State Consumer Commission has urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to curb the practice of overcharging by private mobile operators who include undue charges in bills which are rectified only when pointed out by subscribers.

A commission bench, comprising its president Justice B.A. Zaidi and member Salma Noor, … Read : Consumer court urges curb on overcharging by mobile operators.

Fate of illegal mobile towers to be decided Monday

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court is likely to decide Monday the fate of mobile towers in the capital, which are under threat of sealing by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for operating without licence.

Justice Kailash Gambhir, who had reserved his judgment May 24, is likely to pronounce the order Monday. The sealing …. Read the original article  : here.

Man executed for stabbing 29 kindergarten children in China

BEIJING – A man who stabbed 29 children and three teachers last month in east China’s Jiangsu province was executed Sunday morning.

Xu Yuyuan, 47, was executed at 9.39 a.m. by the Intermediate People’s Court of Taizhou City, Xinhua reported.
He attacked the Zhongxin kindergarten in Taixing City April 29. Four of the victims were …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man executed for stabbing 29 kindergarten children in China.

Russia restricts information availability to public

Moscow, May 30 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia has restricted the availability of information on activities of the country’s judiciary to the common people.

The presidium of the country’s panel of judges has issued regulations under which courts will be guided as to when information on certain cases is published on the internet.
Under the new rules, information … Original source on Gaea Times at : Russia restricts information availability to public.

Lawyers offer to reduce fees in 9/11 health case in attempt to save settlement

Lawyers offer to reduce fees in 9/11 health case

NEW YORK – Lawyers for thousands of ground zero workers suing over their exposure to World Trade Center dust have offered to lower their legal fees in an attempt to save a major settlement in the case.
The law firm Worby Groner Edelman & Napoli Bern was initially …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lawyers offer to reduce fees in 9/11 health case in attempt to save settlement.

Will abide by Supreme Court decision on narco test: CBI Chief

CHENNAI – Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director shwani Kumar said on Saturday the agency will abide by the Supreme Court’s decision on narco analysis test.

Inaugurating a three-day training module for media persons in Chennai, Kumar said the agency aims to hit at the roots of the corruption system.

He pointed out that till now no …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Will abide by Supreme Court decision on narco test: CBI Chief.

Facebook back in Pak following Lahore High Court’s order of lifting ban

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court on Monday directed the concerned authorities to lift the ban imposed on popular networking site-Facebook, nearly two weeks after it was blocked following widespread protests against it for carrying blasphemous contents.

Reversing an earlier order, LHC Judge Ejaz Chaudhry … Original source on Gaea Times at : Facebook back in Pak following Lahore High Court’s order of lifting ban.

Punjab and Haryana High Court to hear Rathore’s bail plea today

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab and Haryana High Court will take up the bail plea of former Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) SPS Rathore on Monday.

Rathore, who is now lodged in Chandigarh’s Burail jail, moved the high court with a review petition, seeking bail on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Punjab and Haryana High Court to hear Rathore’s bail plea today.

Government honour roll sparks outrage in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Already under fire for having failed to write a new constitution in two years, Nepal’s government Monday came under fresh attack from human rights groups, the kin of “martyrs” who laid down their lives for democracy and even the chief justice over its controversial new roll of honours.

Hundreds of people led by the …. Original article  : Government honour roll sparks outrage in Nepal.

China issues new rules banning evidence obtained through torture in death penalty cases

New rules ban illegal evidence in China courts

BEIJING – China has issued new rules saying evidence obtained illegally – such as through torture – cannot be used in death penalty cases and other criminal prosecutions.
The new regulations – posted on the central government’s website Sunday – make it clear that evidence with unclear origins, confessions … Read more : China issues new rules banning evidence obtained through torture in death penalty cases.

Sam Pitroda’s new mission – mitigating hunger in India

NEW DELHI – Knowledge and telecommunication evangelist Sam Pitroda, currently advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations, is on a new mission – to make India hunger-proof and food-reliant.

He is working on a draft to set a countrywide network of private food banks – resource pools he calls them – that … Read more »».

Check illegal bottled water units, court tells Delhi

NEW DELHI – In an attempt to prevent spread of water-borne diseases in summer, the Delhi High Court has directed the government to tighten the noose around illegal units manufacturing and selling bottled drinking water.

Justice S. Muralidhar directed the government agencies to crack down on units manufacturing and selling drinking water without a licence and … Read more >>.

Thousands protest against Arizona immigration law

WASHINGTON – Thousands of demonstrators converged in the capital of Arizona state in the US on the weekend to protest a controversial state migration law they claim will institutionalise racial discrimination.

Protesters from around the nation began arriving in Phoenix early Friday to make a stand and urge the Obama administration to push for “integral” …. Original source  : Thousands protest against Arizona immigration law.