Attacks against Mexican immigrants in NYC’s Staten Island inflame black-Hispanic tensions

Mexican attacks inflame tensions on NYC island

NEW YORK – A spate of 11 attacks being investigated as bias incidents on New York City’s Staten Island has reinflamed tensions between black and Hispanic residents here.
Most of the attacks since April have targeted Mexican immigrants in a little-known neighborhood that has been transformed by newcomers from Latin …. Original source  : Attacks against Mexican immigrants in NYC’s Staten Island inflame black-Hispanic tensions.

Jury at former Ill. Gov. Blagojevich’s corruption trial returning for Day 13 of deliberations

Blagojevich jury deliberations entering 13th day
CHICAGO – Jurors coming off a three-day break at the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich are returning for a 13th day of deliberations.
They gather Monday with a chance they could soon provide additional word about whether they’ve reached full agreement.
They created a stir last week … Read more >>.

Top bank executive cleared of corruption – after 24 years!

MUMBAI – He lived with humiliation for a quarter of a century, lost his wife and saw his career going down the hill. But M.U. Kini, a bank executive accused of corruption charges in 1986, was finally cleared of all the alleged crimes after fighting an agonising legal battle for 24 years.

Seventy-eight-year old Kini served …. Original source  : Top bank executive cleared of corruption – after 24 years!.

Wisconsin ‘God Squad’ priest gets cease-and-desist letter from Best Buy

Wisconsin ‘God Squad’ gets cease-and-desist letter

FOND DU LAC, Wis. – A Wisconsin priest has God on his car but Best Buy’s lawyers on his back.
Father Luke Strand at the Holy Family Parish in Fond Du Lac says he has received a cease-and-desist letter from the electronics retailer.
At issue is Strand’s black Volkswagen Beetle with door …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Wisconsin ‘God Squad’ priest gets cease-and-desist letter from Best Buy.

Forget high tech, jurors and judge communicate the way sneaky high school kids do: with notes

Forget high tech, jurors and judge stick to notes

CHICAGO – In an age when palm-sized computers can fire off electronic messages, judges communicate with deliberating jurors as teenagers used to do in homeroom: They pass paper notes to each other.
Except sometimes they appear not to be using the same language. With judges using stilted legalese …. Source  : Forget high tech, jurors and judge communicate the way sneaky high school kids do: with notes.

Men demand union ministry for their welfare

CHENNAI – Over 100 men’s rights activists who held two-day deliberations at Tamil Nadu’s Yercaud hill station have demanded a separate union ministry for men’s welfare and fast-track courts for deciding matrimonial cases.

The delegates at the conference also sought amendments to various laws to make them gender neutral and demanded time-bound settlement of matrimonial … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Men demand union ministry for their welfare.

National anthem sung at Chandigarh’s Open Hand monument

CHANDIGARH – Braving the rains and the indifferent attitude of the Chandigarh administration, scores of residents Sunday sang the national anthem at the city’s famous Open Hand monument to mark the Independence Day.

The monument was built by the city’s founder-architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s.
The Chandigarh administration had earlier refused to give permission …. Read the original article  : National anthem sung at Chandigarh’s Open Hand monument.

US urges UK, Scotland to provide fresh evidence linked to Megrahi’s release

WASHINGTON – A team of four US senators conducting an inquiry into the release of the convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, has urged the concerned Scottish lawyers and doctors, to come forward with fresh evidence this week about the matter.

According to the Scotsman, the team is also calling on insiders with knowledge of the …. Read the original article  : US urges UK, Scotland to provide fresh evidence linked to Megrahi’s release.

Fight corruption, bring back institutional integrity: Chief justice

NEW DELHI – Supreme Court Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia said on the occasion of India’s 64th Independence Day Sunday that “institutional morality and integrity” must be brought back to fight the deep-rooted problem of corruption.

“Corruption is a problem we have to face and be it the Supreme Court or high courts or any other constitutional … Read more »»».

Over 5,000 matrimonial cases pending in Delhi alone

NEW DELHI – More than 5,000 matrimonial cases have been pending since 1995 in various courts in Delhi. This was revealed during the hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Delhi High Court.

Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan issued notices to the central and Delhi governments on the PIL which sought directions … Read more »»».

We’ll work with India to implement new visa law: US

WASHINGTON – Practically ruling out a review, the US has said it would work closely with India in implementing a new law hiking work visa fees to secure US-Mexico border that would largely hit Indian firms.

“Well, yes, we are talking to Indian officials about the bill,” State Department spokesman Phillip Crowley told reporters Monday …. Read the original article  : We’ll work with India to implement new visa law: US.

CBI court grants Punjab speaker interim bail

PATIALA – Punjab Assembly Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon was Tuesday granted interim bail by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court here in a corruption case against him and 14 others.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court earlier Monday granted Kahlon interim bail (protection from arrest) but directed him to appear before the CBI special … Read this article on Gaea Times at : CBI court grants Punjab speaker interim bail.

Jurors at Blagojevich corruption trial enter 14th day of deliberations

Blagojevich jurors enter 14th day of deliberations

CHICAGO – It’s the 14th day of deliberations in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Jurors are likely to start the day Tuesday by going through transcripts of witness testimony they requested in a note to the judge the day before.
The judge agreed to hand over the … Read more >>.

Coming to America: Poll finds Hispanic immigrants harbor higher hopes than Latinos born in US

Hispanic immigrants pin high hopes on life in US

WASHINGTON – An Associated Press-Univision poll finds that Hispanic immigrants, many of whom faced huge problems in their homelands, have more idealized views of the United States than Hispanics who were born in America do.
The poll turned up stark differences between the hopes of immigrant parents and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Coming to America: Poll finds Hispanic immigrants harbor higher hopes than Latinos born in US.

Employee can’t illegally occupy government house on market rent

GANDHINAGAR – A government employee cannot flout guidelines of allotment and keep occupying government accommodation illegally on the plea that he has paid the market rent, the Gujarat High Court ruled in a judgement made available Tuesday.

A division bench of the court comprising Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice K.M. Thaker gave the ruling while … Read more >>.

US working closely with India to implement visa hike

WASHINGTON – The US has said it would work closely with India in implementing a new law hiking work visa fees that would largely hit Indian firms.

“Well, yes, we are talking to Indian officials about the bill,” US State Department spokesman Phillip Crowley told reporters Monday when asked about the law signed by President … Read : US working closely with India to implement visa hike.

Mexican court upholds adoption by gay couples

Mexico City, Aug 17 (IANS/EFE) Mexico’s Supreme Court has upheld a Mexico City ordinance allowing same-sex couples to adopt children, saying there was no evidence that homosexuals were worse parents than heterosexuals.

By a vote of 9-2, the judges gave gay and lesbian couples the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples.
The move … Read more >>>.

Ownership of David statue sparks row in Italy

Rome, Aug 17 (IANS/AKI) Italian government’s ownership over the sculpture of Biblical hero David made by Renaissance period artist Michelangelo has been challenged by a local authority which claims the heritage statue belongs to Florence city.

Italy’s culture minister Sandro Bondi Monday described as “absurd” and “inopportune” a row that has erupted between the government and … Read more »».

Psychiatrist’s testimony scrutinized by defense in Anna Nicole Smith drug case

Defense questions witness in Anna Nicole case

LOS ANGELES – A hospital psychiatrist who has been critical of Anna Nicole Smith’s doctor for overmedicating the model was accused Monday by a defense attorney of weaning Smith from addictive drugs too quickly and ignoring the celebrity model when she went into distress.
The cross-examination of Dr. Nathalie Maullin …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sindh High Court reserves verdict on Musharraf’s high treason trial

KARACHI – The Sindh High Court (SHC) has reserved its verdict on the petition seeking the high treason trial of former President General Pervez Musharraf.

During the proceeding, the division bench of the SHC comprising of Chief Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani and judge Abdul Hadi Khoso reserved the verdict on the petition filed by one Iqbal …. Read the original article  : Sindh High Court reserves verdict on Musharraf’s high treason trial.

Jurors were close to convicting Rod Blagojevich on many charges, including Senate seat count

Jurors were close to convicting Rod Blagojevich
CHICAGO – Eleven jurors were ready to convict Rod Blagojevich of what prosecutors called a “political corruption crime spree.”
The lone holdout would agree only that Blagojevich lied to the FBI.
That led to a guilty verdict on just one count Tuesday, and a mistrial on the other 23 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jurors were close to convicting Rod Blagojevich on many charges, including Senate seat count.

Trial in Babri demolition to begin from Monday

LUCKNOW – Eighteen years after the 16th century Babri Mosque was pulled down by violent Hindu mobs in the ancient temple town of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, a special court here will commence the formal trial in the case from Monday.

This follows framing of charges against 23 accused by special court judge V.K. Tyagi …. Original article  : Trial in Babri demolition to begin from Monday.

Government should deal with non-performing assets: apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday said the recovery of mounting non-performing assets was beyond its jurisdiction and the government and the legislature should deal with it.

The apex court bench of Justices J.M. Panchal and A.K. Patnaik said this while disposing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an NGO Common Cause.
…. Original source  : Government should deal with non-performing assets: apex court.

US hopes visa hike would not hurt India business ties

WASHINGTON – Amid reports that India may take it to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for a new law to hike worker visa fees, the United States hopes it would not affect their long term economic partnership

“What I can say is that we understand the Government of India’s concerns,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US-Colombia base deal unconstitutional

BOGOTA – Colombia’s Constitutional Court ruled that an agreement granting the US military access to the seven military bases was unconstitutional because it lacked parliamentary approval.

The deal, struck last year, represents an international treaty and therefore must be put before Congress for approval before it can enter into force, the court ruled Tuesday. …. Source article  : US-Colombia base deal unconstitutional.

Doraiswamy to Revathi: A Tamil writer-activist’s alternative journey

NEW DELHI – Alternative sexuality is no longer a forbidden turf for the working class in smaller towns, though they have to wage fiercer battles than their metro counterparts, says A. Revathi, a popular face of southern India’s sexual minority groups.

“The struggle was more difficult for me as I belonged to the working class,” Revathi …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

India wins property tax battle with New York City

NEW YORK – India has won a seven-year legal battle with New York City with a federal appeals court ruling that nations with diplomatic housing do not have to pay city property taxes.

The unanimous ruling by the federal Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan Tuesday lets India off the hook for $42.5 million in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : India wins property tax battle with New York City.

Yellowstone Club collapse pinned on founder, judge says Blixseth must repay most creditors

Yellowstone Club collapse pinned on founder

BILLINGS, Mont. – A federal judge has pinned the financial collapse of Montana’s ultra-exclusive Yellowstone Club on a series of fraudulent deals by founder Tim Blixseth, but says he doesn’t have to repay all the resort’s debts.
Attorneys in the case said Tuesday that Blixseth could end up on the hook …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Yellowstone Club collapse pinned on founder, judge says Blixseth must repay most creditors.

Homosexuals to get equal inheritance rights in Germany

KARLSRUHE – Homosexuals in civil partnerships can look forward to the same inheritance rights in Germany as heterosexual spouses, following a constitutional court decision published Tuesday.

The court announced that inheritance tax rules stigmatising gay and lesbian life partners contravened the principle of equality enshrined in German law.
The ruling was seen as a significant step …. Original article  : Homosexuals to get equal inheritance rights in Germany.

Godhra riots : Supreme Court to hear SIT report on Modi

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will on Thursday examine the report of the Special Investigating Team (SIT) probing the role of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and other politicians in the 2002 Godhra communal riots.

The complainant alleged that bureaucrats did not discharge their constitutional duty to control the riots.

Earlier on April 27, …. Read the original article  : here.

Despite expense, at least some jurors glad Rod Blagojevich will face another trial

Some jurors glad Blagojevich will be tried again
CHICAGO – Federal prosecutors aren’t alone in wanting a retrial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial.
At least some jurors also want to see the impeached Democratic governor back in court after they deadlocked on all but one count against Blagojevich.
Juror Cynthia Parker says she …. Original source  : Despite expense, at least some jurors glad Rod Blagojevich will face another trial.

Women will have to wait 57 years for equal pay

LONDON – Working women will have to wait 57 more years before they start earning pay equal to men, a survey in Britain has shown.

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) observed that the pay of women bosses rose 2.8 percent in the past 12 months, compared with 2.3 percent for men.
At this rate, it …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Trial starts in suit claiming billionaire Donald Bren owes retroactive child support

Billionaire Donald Bren’s children seek support

LOS ANGELES – Billionaire Donald Bren, one of the nation’s richest men, sat in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday across from his two grown children from a long ago love affair who are battling him for part of his vast fortune.
Lawyers for Bren and for plaintiffs Christie and David Bren … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Trial starts in suit claiming billionaire Donald Bren owes retroactive child support.

19th Amendment Celebrates 90th Anniversary

WASHINGTON D.C. (GaeaTimes.com) — Today is the 90th anniversary of the historic 19th amendment to the American Constitution. It was on this day, the Tennessee General Assembly ratified the amendment. Tennessee’s ratification gave the amendment the necessary three fourth state approval and provided the women of America their democratic rights to vote.
The historic … Original source on Gaea Times at : 19th Amendment Celebrates 90th Anniversary.

Rs.2,837 crore collected for construction workers’ welfare

NEW DELHI – The government has collected Rs.2,837 crore as cess to be spent on the welfare of construction workers across the country, parliament was informed Wednesday.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Harish Rawat said that the cess collecting authorities set up in 31 states and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rs.2,837 crore collected for construction workers’ welfare.

India, Mongolia win cases on tax-free diplomatic properties

NEW YORK – A US court has ruled that India and Mongolia do not have to pay property tax on permanent housing for their diplomats, which was a blow to New York City’s efforts to collect $47 million, news reports said Wednesday.

Those two countries, like many other foreign missions accredited to the UN, have refused … Read more : India, Mongolia win cases on tax-free diplomatic properties.

Uttar Pradesh farmers refuse to relent, crisis continues (Roundup)

LUCKNOW/ALIGARH/AGRA – The epicentre of the farmers’ agitation in Tappal town of Aligarh district continued to remain tense Wednesday as the protesters unanimously rejected the enhanced compensation offered by the state government in lieu of their land acquired for building the Noida-Agra Yamuna Expressway.

Contrary to government claims of having struck a deal with the agitating …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Court query on sale of unhygienic fruits in Delhi

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday questioned the Delhi government over sale of artificially coloured vegetables and fruits in the capital’s markets.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan sought the government’s response by Sep 29 on a public interest litigation seeking directions to the city government to take …. Original article  : Court query on sale of unhygienic fruits in Delhi.

Hemispherx says court awarded it $188M in lawsuit against JCI for fraudulent takeover attempt

Hemispherx says it was awarded $188M in lawsuit

PHILADELPHIA – Hemispherx Biopharma has been awarded a $188 million judgment against a South African investment firm that tried to take over the company using false information.
The damages were assessed this month by a U.S. District Court Judge James King, who ruled against Johannesburg Consolidated Investments and two …. Source article  : Hemispherx says court awarded it $188M in lawsuit against JCI for fraudulent takeover attempt.

1984 riots: Delhi High Court refuses to stay trial of Sajjan Kumar

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court on Friday rejected a plea to stay the trial of senior Congress leader and former member of parliament Sajjan Kumar in connection with his role in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in which six persons were killed.

High Court Justice A K Pathak declined Kumar plea. Kumar is …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Supreme Court not to meddle in Telangana row

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday declined to interfere in the Telangana row, saying it was a political issue and better left to political bosses.

A bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia and Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan said the court could step in only after a law for carving out Telangana was put in place and …. Source article  : Supreme Court not to meddle in Telangana row.

Billionaire Donald Bren testifies in child support trial brought by his 2 adult children

Billionaire Donald Bren testifies in lawsuit

LOS ANGELES – Billionaire real estate mogul Donald Bren testified Thursday in the child support case brought by his two adult children, saying he was shocked when his then-lover told him decades ago that she was pregnant with their first child.
Bren, one of the nation’s richest men, has an estimated …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rights groups protest Bengal activist’s arrest

KOLKATA – Several human rights organisations Thursday protested against what they called the illegal and arbitrary arrest of social activist Naba Dutta by the West Bengal Police for his alleged role in the torching of a sponge iron unit in West Midnapore district.

At a joint media meet, the organisations said the state government had acted …. Read the original article  : here.

Exploitation, says apex court of prolonged contract job

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday said that uninterrupted prolonged employment on contract amounts to exploitation and government agencies are not expected to adopt such unfair practices.

The state or its instrumentalities which are expected to be the model employer are not expected to take advantage of their position and impose wholly inequitable and unreasonable … Read more : Exploitation, says apex court of prolonged contract job.

Govt. cannot follow SC’s direction on foodgrain distribution: Pawar

NEW DELHI – The Government on Thursday said it was not possible to implement the Supreme Court suggestion that asked the Centre to distribute foodgrains for free to the poorest.

Union Minister for Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, said: “It’s not possible to implement the Supreme Court order.

Pawar said … Original article on : Govt. cannot follow SC’s direction on foodgrain distribution: Pawar.

MCD restrained from removing Delhi Metro’s hoardings

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Thursday restrained the removal of Delhi Metro’s outdoor advertisements by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The court also asked the Delhi Metro to submit a report every four months before the MCD which has been demanding a share in the revenue collected from the advertisements.
The …. Read the original article  : here.

Arguments of three more Delhi blasts accused over

NEW DELHI – The arguments by the defence counsel of three more of the 14 accused in the Sep 13, 2008 Delhi serial blasts case ended Thursday, with all contending there was no evidence to prove their guilt.

With these, the arguments for seven of the accused – all represented by lawyer M.S. Khan, are … Read more : Arguments of three more Delhi blasts accused over.

Protesting farmers invite Tikait to lead agitation

LUCKNOW – Farmers in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh, Mathura and Agra districts Thursday invited Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) chief Mahendra Singh Tikait to lead their protest to demand enhanced compensation for the land acquired by the Mayawati government for the Noida-Agra Yamuna Expressway.

According to information reaching here from Tappal town in Aligarh – the epicentre of …. Source  : Protesting farmers invite Tikait to lead agitation.

Rajya Sabha passes bill to regulate foreign funds

NEW DELHI – A bill seeking to frame stricter regulations for foreign contributions in form of gifts, funds and other forms to individuals and organisations in social fields was passed by the Rajya Sabha Thursday.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Bill, 2006, aims to regulate the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions or foreign hospitality by … Read more »».

Orissa to move apex court over POSCO project

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa will move the Supreme Court against a high court order disapproving its grant of permission to South Korean steel major POSCO to prospect for iron ore in Sundergarh district, an official said Saturday.

A bench of the Orissa High Court July 14 set aside the permission granted to POSCO last year for prospecting …. Read the original article  : here.

Spanish activists target `fire bulls’ after bullfight ban

MADRID – In village festivals taking place in north-eastern Spain these days, an iron structure containing balls of flammable material is attached to the horns of a bull.

The balls are set alight, and the animal is let loose on the streets, where it dashes about – often to the deafening sound of firecrackers – while …. Source  : Spanish activists target `fire bulls’ after bullfight ban.

Phone-tapping of anti-social elements justified: Court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday held that investigating agencies can intercept phone calls of an individual if there is sufficient evidence to prove that he or she is involved in anti-social activities.

The court dismissed the plea of an accused involved in drug trafficking cases challenging the government’s decision to tap his mobile … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Phone-tapping of anti-social elements justified: Court.

Centre’s flip-flop on Noida memorial angers apex court

NEW DELHI – The central government came under fire in the Supreme Court Friday for yet another flip-flop on the status of the controversial Noida Park – a dream project of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

The centre’s affidavit is “neither here nor there” in terms of the provisions of the Schedule II of the Environmental … Read : Centre’s flip-flop on Noida memorial angers apex court.

Court petitioned for razing slum near Games stadium

NEW DELHI – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Friday sought the Delhi High Court’s permission for razing a slum cluster near the Thyagaraj Stadium in view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

A division bench of Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice S. Muralidhar directed the MCD to find an alternate site by Saturday for the 16 …. Source  : Court petitioned for razing slum near Games stadium.

Moscow bans alcohol sale after 10 p.m.

MOSCOW – Moscow has introduced a new law banning the sale of alcoholic drinks from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. as part of an official crackdown.

The new legislation makes it illegal for shops to sell anything containing more than 15 percent of alcohol at night, the Moscow News reported Friday.
But not everyone is convinced …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Moscow bans alcohol sale after 10 p.m..

Telangana political issue: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday declined to interfere with the Telangana imbroglio saying that it was a political issue and was better left to the political bosses.

“Why should this court entertain the PIL at this stage? It is a political question. No decision has been taken so far. Why should we pre-empt it,” …. Read the original article  : Telangana political issue: Apex court.

Hiked US worker visa fees come into effect

WASHINGTON – The steep hike in US worker visa fees imposed under a new law signed by President Barack Obama ignoring Indian and American corporate concerns has come into effect.

The new law, which is aimed at raising $600 million for securing the US-Mexico border, would cost Indian IT firms sending thousands of professionals on H-1B … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Hiked US worker visa fees come into effect.

Uphaar tragedy: Court exempts Kanth from appearing

NEW DELHI – A city court hearing the Uphaar fire tragedy case Friday accepted the plea of former IPS officer Amod Kanth seeking exemption from appearing in court because of an ankle fracture.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sanjeev Kumar said: “The accused is exempted from his personal appearance before this court. He is directed to appear Sep … Read : Uphaar tragedy: Court exempts Kanth from appearing.

Government vows to protect Kashmir Sikhs (Second lead)

NEW DELHI – Amid uproar in both houses of parliament, the government Friday assured that it was committed to the safety of Sikhs in the Kashmir Valley where some Sikh families have reportedly received anonymous letters from extremists asking them to either embrace Islam or leave.

The Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned for half an …. Original source  : Government vows to protect Kashmir Sikhs (Second lead).

India has no quality law journal (A Legal Reporter’s Diary)

NEW DELHI – How come there is no quality Indian law journal like the Harvard Law Review? The reason lies in lawyers being too self-centric and contributing little towards the development of law, or so believes Chief Justice of India (CJI) S.H. Kapadia.

He first aired his displeasure with the ways of senior counsel while he [..] Read the original article: here.

Former Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis calls fraud suit against him “implausible”

Ex Bank of America CEO calls suit “implausible”

NEW YORK – Lawyers for former Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis said in a court filing that a lawsuit accusing him of misleading investors during the company’s 2009 merger with Merrill Lynch was “implausible” and “inconsistent,” and should be tossed out.
The filing was a response to a …. Original source  : Former Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis calls fraud suit against him “implausible”.

Repeal law giving army special powers: Activists

NEW DELHI – Students and civil rights groups Saturday protested in the national capital to demand the repeal of a law that grants the military special powers, including legal immunity, during operations in country’s troubled areas.

A day after Home Minister P. Chidambaram said that changes proposed by his ministry in the Armed Forces (Special …. Original source  : Repeal law giving army special powers: Activists.

Rahul Gandhi in Aligarh, surprises Mayawati, farmers

ALIGARH – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Saturday took both the Mayawati government and Aligarh farmers by surprise when he reached Tappal village, the epicentre of peasants’ protest demanding enhanced compensation for land acquired for the Yamuna Expressway.

Farmers have been protesting at Tappal for the last three weeks demanding a substantial enhancement in the …. Source article  : Rahul Gandhi in Aligarh, surprises Mayawati, farmers.