‘Holiday court’ to help clear backlog of cases in Tripura

AGARTALA – The Guwahati High Court has decided to set up a ‘holiday court’ in Tripura to deal with the huge backlog of pending cases, a judge said here Monday.

“The ‘holiday court’ would be held on the last Sunday of each month. The first such court would be held Aug 29,” West Tripura district and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Holiday court’ to help clear backlog of cases in Tripura.

Uttar Pradesh farmers call shutdown Aug 25

AGRA – Farmers in Uttar Pradesh agitating for higher compensation for their lands acquired for the Yamuna Expressway have called for a statewide shutdown Aug 25 while the Rashtriya Lok Dal is planning a separate rally in New Delhi the next day.

The shutdown was announced Sunday evening at a meeting in Jikarpur in Aligarh district … Original article on : Uttar Pradesh farmers call shutdown Aug 25.

Bangladesh court bars forced Islamic dress code in work place, schools

LONDON – A Bangladesh high court has ruled that people cannot be forced to wear skull caps, veils or other religious clothing in workplaces, schools and colleges.

The ruling was announced in the wake of reports that a college in the north of the country had forced students to wear veils.

According to the BBC, the court … Read more : Bangladesh court bars forced Islamic dress code in work place, schools.

NY archbishop says he’s saddened by spate of suspected anti-Hispanic attacks blamed on blacks

NY archbishop saddened by suspected bias attacks

NEW YORK – New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan says he’s saddened by a spate of suspected anti-Hispanic attacks that has left some Latin American immigrants fearing for their safety.
Dolan made the remarks during a Spanish-language sermon at St. Mary’s of The Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Staten Island, a …. Read the original article  : here.

Former Mo. inmate says he’s still trying to get justice years after conviction was overturned

Man whose conviction was overturned still fighting

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – A former Missouri man who was wrongfully convicted of molesting his 12-year-old stepdaughter is trying to get a Kansas City suburb to pay a multimillion-dollar court judgment against a former detective.
Ted White Jr. spent six years behind bars before he was released after an appeals … Read more >>.

Wyclef Jean not abandoning presidential bid; lawyers to appeal decision rejecting candidacy

Wyclef Jean: I’m not giving up my bid for prez yet

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Hip-hop singer Wyclef Jean says he is not abandoning his presidential bid just yet and will send a lawyer to a Haitian court to appeal a decision rejecting his candidacy.
Speaking to The Associated Press from his home in Croix des Bouquets, Jean … Read more »».

British immigration minister to visit India

NEW DELHI – British Immigration Minister Damian Green will begin his first visit to India Monday. The three-day visit will focus on what Britain’s immigration policy means for Indian businesses and on tackling illegal immigration.

“When David Cameron came to India at the end of last month, he came with a clear purpose – to take …. Read the original article  : British immigration minister to visit India.

41,827 decade-old cases pending in Delhi courts

NEW DELHI – As many as 41,827 cases have been pending in five district courts in the national capital for over 10 years, an official report said.

As per the Delhi government’s law and justice department, 202,493 civil matters and 720,807 criminal cases were pending in Tis Hazari, Patiala House, Karkardooma, Rohini and Dwarka district courts … Original article on : 41,827 decade-old cases pending in Delhi courts.

Bhagwati Prasad sworn in as chief justice of Jharkhand

RANCHI – Justice Bhagwati Prasad was Sunday sworn in as the new chief justice of the Jharkhand High Court by Governor M.O.H. Farook.

Prasad took oath at the Ranchi Raj Bawan. The ceremony was attended by union Food Processing Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, assembly Speaker C.P. Singh and other dignitaries.
Prasad was a judge of the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bhagwati Prasad sworn in as chief justice of Jharkhand.

22-year-old Miss Universe quickly embraces role as ambassador for native Mexico

Mexico’s newest icon: 22-year-old Miss Universe

LAS VEGAS – From flags to Facebook, 22-year-old Jimena Navarrete has quickly made it clear what she plans to promote as the world’s newest Miss Universe – her home country of Mexico.
“I want the whole world to know about my country and my people,” the Guadalajara native said after beating … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 22-year-old Miss Universe quickly embraces role as ambassador for native Mexico.

Indian father, son face lawsuit in US over hedge funds

WASHINGTON – An Indian father and son who ran two small hedge funds catering to Silicon Valley Indian professionals are facing a lawsuit by angry investors alleging the two hid big losses in 2008.

The lawsuit alleges Vishwas Godbole, 64, told investors in 2008 that the funds were withstanding the financial crisis, but a year later …. Original article  : Indian father, son face lawsuit in US over hedge funds.

Berlusconi’s estranged wife rejects divorce deal

Milan, Aug 24 (IANS/AKI) Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s estranged wife Veronica Lario has rejected a divorce settlement, which means the couple may face off in civil court. The billionaire politician in May offered his second wife 300,000 euros a month and the use of the Macherio villa outside Milan in a legal settlement to …. Source  : Berlusconi’s estranged wife rejects divorce deal.

China to cut number of crimes punishable by death

BEIJING – China is reviewing a law related to death penalty in an effort to reduce number of crimes punishable by death, a media report said.

The revision, if passed, will cut the existing 68 death charges in criminal law by one fifth to 55, and it will be the first major amendment of the law …. Read the original article  : China to cut number of crimes punishable by death.

Attorney says Great Lakes waterways a ‘carp highway’ during lawsuit hearing on invasive fish

Attorney: Great Lakes waterways a ‘carp highway’

CHICAGO – A federal judge has set Sept. 7 as the next hearing in a multistate lawsuit demanding tougher action to prevent Asian carp from overrunning the Great Lakes.
Judge Robert M. Dow Jr. heard from both sides during the first hearing in the case Monday in Chicago.
Michigan assistant attorney …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Attorney says Great Lakes waterways a ‘carp highway’ during lawsuit hearing on invasive fish.

Kan. woman drops lawsuits in exchange for end to Nebraska case over soldier’s funeral protest

Kan. woman drops suit challenging federal flag law

PAPILLION, Neb. – A member of Kansas’ Westboro Baptist Church has agreed to drop federal lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of a law that made it illegal to defile or deface the U.S. flag.
Shirley Phelps-Roper had been scheduled to face charges Monday of disturbing the peace and negligent child … Read more »».

Obama poster dispute between artist and The Associated Press set for March trial in NYC

Trial date set in AP-artist dispute in NYC
NEW YORK – A judge has set a March trial to decide whether the artist who created the Barack Obama “HOPE” image violated The Associated Press’ copyright when he based the image on one of the news agency’s pictures.
Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein said Monday that the … Read more : Obama poster dispute between artist and The Associated Press set for March trial in NYC.

Jailed RAW official granted bail

NEW DELHI – A city court Monday granted bail to a retired director of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) who was arrested for passing sensitive information to a CIA agent and was in jail since the last four years.

Additional Session Judge Inder Jeet Singh granted bail to Brig. (retd) Ujjawal Dasgupta on a personal bond … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jailed RAW official granted bail.

Bail plea of trucker who hit Mamata’s convoy rejected

KOLKATA – A West Bengal court Monday rejected the bail plea of truck driver Gurjant Singh, whose vehicle hit the convoy of Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee while she was returning from the Aug 9 Lalgarh rally.

Singh was remanded to custody till Aug 25 by the chief judicial magistrate court in Tamluk …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Larry Birkhead to resume testimony Monday in Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy trial

Birkhead returns to stand at Anna Nicole trial

LOS ANGELES – The man who fathered Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter is taking the witness stand again in the drug conspiracy trial of her boyfriend and doctors.
Larry Birkhead is scheduled to resume testimony Monday in Los Angeles. He told jurors last week that Smith suffered from seizures and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Michigan judge refuses Hooters’ request to dismiss suits over weight-based waitress firings

Mich. judge lets Hooters weight bias suits proceed

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – A Michigan judge has given the go-ahead to lawsuits by two ex-Hooters waitresses who say they were fired because of their weight.
Michigan has a pioneering law that prohibits discrimination based on weight. The 1976 law also bans discrimination based on age and height.
Hooters of …. Original article  : Michigan judge refuses Hooters’ request to dismiss suits over weight-based waitress firings.

Va. man acquitted of 1991 killing of camp counselor from Fla. in northeastern PA

Va. man acquitted of killing camp counselor in Pa.

HONESDALE, Pa. – A Virginia man has been acquitted of killing a camp counselor from Florida nearly two decades ago in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Jurors deliberated for about 3 1/2 hours Tuesday before finding 47-year-old Jeffrey Plishka of Onley, Va., not guilty in the 1991 slaying of 24-year-old Laura … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Va. man acquitted of 1991 killing of camp counselor from Fla. in northeastern PA.

WaMu, JPMorgan deny trying to stall production of documents to securities holders

WaMu, securities holders haggle over documents

WILMINGTON, Del. – Holders of $1 billion in Washington Mutual Inc. securities are still trying to get documents from the company and JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a lawsuit they filed to protect their investment.
A bankruptcy judge in Delaware reiterated on Tuesday a previous order for WMI and JPMorgan to [..] Read the original article: here.

NIH: Some stem cell projects to continue, dozens of others halted after judge’s ruling

NIH: Some stem cell work OK despite court ruling

WASHINGTON – The government says dozens of stem cell experiments will continue, despite a judge’s ruling blocking taxpayer funding of the work, because the money already is in scientists’ hands.
But National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins said dozens more studies of promising stem cell therapies – … Original article on : NIH: Some stem cell projects to continue, dozens of others halted after judge’s ruling.

Appeals court reinstates Calif. preacher’s defamation lawsuit against ABC’s ‘20/20???

Court: Calif. preacher can sue ABC for defamation

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal appeals court on Tuesday reinstated a televangelist’s defamation lawsuit claiming ABC’s “20/20″ news program used a fictionalized sermon portraying himself as a wealthy braggart out of context.
A trial court judge had earlier tossed out the lawsuit filed by the Rev. Frederick Price, ruling …. Original source  : Appeals court reinstates Calif. preacher’s defamation lawsuit against ABC’s ‘20/20′.

Now playing in NY court: Michael Douglas, ex-wife clash over cash from ‘Wall Street’ sequel

Douglas, ex clashing over ‘Wall Street’ cash in NY

NEW YORK – Michael Douglas’ return to his Academy Award-winning “Wall Street” role also spawned a legal sequel to his decade-old divorce.
Lawyers representing the actor and ex-wife Diandra Douglas tangled in a New York court Tuesday over her claim that she’s entitled to half his earnings from …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Now playing in NY court: Michael Douglas, ex-wife clash over cash from ‘Wall Street’ sequel.

Status hearing set in Lindsay Lohan probation case amid reports of early release from rehab

Status hearing set in Lindsay Lohan probation case

LOS ANGELES – A status hearing will be held in Lindsay Lohan’s probation case amid unconfirmed reports that she could be released early from rehab.
Court officials had said Superior Court Judge Elden Fox planned to issue a ruling Tuesday, but spokesman Allan Parachini later said any ruling would …. Original article  : Status hearing set in Lindsay Lohan probation case amid reports of early release from rehab.

Jairam Ramesh: India’s crusading green minister

NEW DELHI – Jairam Ramesh, India’s green minister, has found new power in saying no to big industrialists and multi-million dollar projects if he thinks ecological balance is at stake.

Saying no to London-based industrialist Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta group’s bauxite mining project in Orissa is the latest of his headline-hogging decisions that has firmed up … Read more >>.

Unfazed by row, Anand plays chess with 40 mathematicians

HYDERABAD – Unfazed by the row over his nationality, world chess champion Viswanathan Anand Tuesday played chess against 40 maths wizards simultaneously at the ongoing International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) here.

Moving from one table to another, the Grand Master made his moves with ease against 35 mathematicians and five nominees of software giant Infosys Technologies. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Unfazed by row, Anand plays chess with 40 mathematicians.

Britain seeks Punjab help to check illegal migration

CHANDIGARH – British Minister for Immigration Damian Green Tuesday urged the Punjab government to help the British High Commission in proper verification of people applying for visa to his country.

The British minister met Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here Tuesday and urged him to direct Punjab police to ensure antecedents of visa applicants are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Britain seeks Punjab help to check illegal migration.

First steps being taken toward Blagojevich retrial amid questions about future defense team

First steps being taken toward Blagojevich retrial

CHICAGO – It’s been a little more than a week since former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial ended with jurors deadlocked on all but one count.
And already the first steps are being taken toward doing it all over again.
A hearing Thursday is the first since a mistrial was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bailed Satyam founder Raju makes second appearance before Hyderabad court

HYDERABAD – B.Ramalinga Raju, the key accused in the Satyam fraud case, made a second appearance before a court here on Thursday after being granted bail by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Raju, who has been diagnosed with Hepatitis-C, said he was fine for the time being.

“I m fine now , procedure unduly extended. …. Source  : Bailed Satyam founder Raju makes second appearance before Hyderabad court.

Closing arguments conclude in California billionaire child support trial

Closing arguments conclude in child support trial

LOS ANGELES – A high-stakes court battle over the birthright of a billionaire’s children neared a conclusion Wednesday with closing arguments in which a lawyer for the two adult offspring asked jurors to award them more than $100 million, a payment befitting their status as the children of one … Original source on Gaea Times at : Closing arguments conclude in California billionaire child support trial.

Parking row costs British couple their marriage

LONDON – A minor parking dispute outside a couple’s home not only cost them their home, but also their marriage.

Michael and Elaine Smith’s troubles began in June 2008 when they parked a car on land they owned behind their home. Their neighbours, however, said their access was being blocked.
A few days later, the …. Source  : Parking row costs British couple their marriage.

Calif. man settles lawsuit over claim of condom in soup; restaurant chain admits no wrongdoing

Settlement in suit alleging condom found in soup

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A California man who says he ordered French onion soup and bit into a condom instead of melted cheese has settled his lawsuit against the Claim Jumper restaurant chain.
The terms of Wednesday’s settlement were not disclosed. Both sides say in a statement the deal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Calif. man settles lawsuit over claim of condom in soup; restaurant chain admits no wrongdoing.

Deadline extended for ground zero responders to participate in 9/11 health settlement

Deadline extended for ground zero responders

NEW YORK – Thousands of ground zero responders are being given more time to decide whether to settle lawsuits over their exposure to toxic dust from the World Trade Center.
Lawyers in the case say they have scrapped a deadline that gave rescue and response workers until Sept. 8 to join …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Deadline extended for ground zero responders to participate in 9/11 health settlement.

Dollar Thrifty shareholders seek delay of shareholder vote on Hertz acquisition

Judge weighs Hertz merger with Dollar Thrifty

WILMINGTON, Del. – Shareholders of rental car company Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc. are asking a Delaware judge to delay a vote on the company’s $1.2 billion acquisition by rival Hertz Global Holdings Inc.
Attorneys for the shareholders are asking the judge for a preliminary injunction delaying a Sept. 16 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dollar Thrifty shareholders seek delay of shareholder vote on Hertz acquisition.

Ne-Yo, booking agent ordered to pay promoter over failure to appear at New Year’s concert

New’s Year Eve no-show costs singer Ne-Yo $156,000

BALTIMORE – A Maryland judge has ordered R&B singer Ne-Yo and his booking agent to pay more than $156,000 in damages because the performer failed to appear at a 2008 New Year’s Eve concert in Washington state.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Philip Caroom ordered the payment Tuesday after …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Immigration policy not to put barriers: Britain

NEW DELHI – British Immigration Minister Damian Green said Wednesday that his country has no plans to erect barriers and close doors on Indians in its efforts to control immigration effectively.

“I wanted to tackle the perception that the UK’s new immigration policy was about erecting barriers and closing doors. It is not and I … Original article on : Immigration policy not to put barriers: Britain.

Don’t bar convict in minor offences from job: Court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday held that a person convicted for minor offences should not be disqualified from entry or retention in government service.

“It is high time the executive brings in a policy where summary or ordinary conviction should not be treated as a conviction for entry or retention in government service,” …. Source article  : Don’t bar convict in minor offences from job: Court.

Apex court asks Gujarat to shift Ishrat Jahan case to SIT

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday stayed the Gujarat High Court order directing the state government to transfer investigations into the Ishrat Jahan staged-shootout case from the state police to the apex court-appointed special investigation team (SIT).

The apex court directed the state government to issue the notification to this effect.
Jahan was allegedly … Read more >>>.

Supreme Court gives nod for selecting CWG hockey teams

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday allowed the Indian Olympic Association and Hockey India to select and field the men’s and women’s hockey teams for the Commonwealth Games to be held in October.

An apex court bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice H.L. Gokhle said the coaches engaged in training the two teams would …. Read the original article  : Supreme Court gives nod for selecting CWG hockey teams.

Court extends former Bangladesh PM son’s parole

DHAKA – The Dhaka High Court has extended the parole of Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s son, who is wanted in a number of corruption cases and is in Bangkok for medical treatment.

The high court Thursday extended till Oct 4 the parole for Arafat Rahman Koko, wanted in a number of graft cases here.
Refusing …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ershad may seek Hasina’s ‘blessings’ to escape punishment

DHAKA – Former Bangladesh president H.M. Ershad, held responsible by a court for usurping power through a military takeover, may seek Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ‘blessings’ to escape punishment.

A lawmaker whose Jatiya Party (JP) is a constituent of the ruling alliance, Ershad has told his brother G.M. Qader to speak …. Original source  : Ershad may seek Hasina’s ‘blessings’ to escape punishment.

Lawsuit claims 10-year-old boy was traumatized from witnessing SeaWorld trainer’s death

Lawsuit: SeaWorld trainer’s death traumatized boy

ORLANDO, Fla. – A New Hampshire couple who witnessed a whale kill a trainer at SeaWorld is suing the Orlando theme park, saying their 10-year-old son suffered emotional distress from what he saw.
Suzanne and Todd Connell’s lawsuit filed Tuesday seeks unspecified damages and came a day after the federal job …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Lawsuit claims 10-year-old boy was traumatized from witnessing SeaWorld trainer’s death.

Union for former Northwest flight attendants sues Delta, claiming contract breaches

Northwest Airlines union sues Delta
MINNEAPOLIS – The union for Northwest Airlines flight attendants has sued Delta Air Lines Inc., saying their new managers are breaking the contract with the union.

The federal lawsuit filed in Washington claims Delta is violating rules about scheduling and other issues. For instance, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA says its members …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Northern California hospital sues Sutter Health, claims it illegally skimmed $120M

Calif. hospital claims Sutter Health took $120M

SAN FRANCISCO – A Marin County medical center on Thursday accused Sutter Health of illegally seizing $120 million of the hospital’s money when it was a member of the Northern California nonprofit chain.
In a lawsuit filed in county superior court, Marin General Hospital Corp. in Greenbrae said Sutter Health … Read more >>>.

LA jury rejects claim by billionaire Bren’s grown children to get millions in child support

Jury: No back child support for billionaire’s kids

LOS ANGELES – A jury on Thursday rejected a claim by billionaire real estate mogul Donald Bren’s two adult children for $134 million in retroactive child support.
The unusual case was a high-stakes contest between one of the nation’s richest men and the children he fathered during a 13-year …. Original source  : LA jury rejects claim by billionaire Bren’s grown children to get millions in child support.

Nobel winners want Obama to attend Hiroshima summit

WASHINGTON – A group of Nobel Peace laureates have written a letter to US President Barack Obama asking him to deliver the keynote address at a November summit in Hiroshima.

The five Nobel winners, including former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, said the Nov 12 Hiroshima summit would be a fitting venue for Obama to promote his … Read more >>>.

Government appeals court’s ruling against Federal Communications Commission indecency rule

Government appeals ruling on FCC indecency rule

WASHINGTON – Federal regulators are appealing a recent court decision that struck down a 2004 government policy that says broadcasters can be fined for allowing even a single curse word to be uttered on live television.
A three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Government appeals court’s ruling against Federal Communications Commission indecency rule.

Reinstatement of employee must be unconditional: Court

GANDHINAGAR – The reinstatement of a government employee in service has to be unconditional and it has to be treated as continuity of service “for all purposes” and not limited to just seniority and pension, the Gujarat High Court has ruled.

A division bench of the court ruled that the decision to reinstate an …. Source  : Reinstatement of employee must be unconditional: Court.

Microsoft co-founder sues 11 companies

NEW YORK – A company owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has filed a complaint in a US court against 11 companies, accusing them of patent infringement.

The Interval Licensing LLC Friday filed the complaint in the district court in Seattle against Apple, Google, AOL, eBay, Facebook, Netflix, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples, Yahoo and YouTube.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Microsoft co-founder sues 11 companies.

Calif. teenagers sue Facebook, saying website’s ‘Like’ feature makes illegal teen endorsements

Facebook sued in California over teen endorsements

LOS ANGELES – Two Los Angeles County teenagers are suing Facebook, claiming the social network effectively sold their names and images to advertisers without parental permission.
The lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles challenges a Facebook feature that allows members to note that they like an advertised service or product. [..] Read the original article: here.

Vistaprint says appeals court upholds dismissal of lawsuit over member discount program

Vistaprint: Appeals court OKs lawsuit’s dismissal

VENLO, Netherlands – Business card printer Vistaprint N.V. said Friday that a U.S. appeals court has affirmed the 2009 dismissal of a lawsuit against it and two third-party merchants.
Vistaprint said the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld an August 2009 decision by the U.S. District Court for …. Read the original article  : Vistaprint says appeals court upholds dismissal of lawsuit over member discount program.

Calif. judge grants restraining order sought by DiCaprio against woman claiming to be wife

Judge grants restraining order sought by DiCaprio

LOS ANGELES – Leonardo DiCaprio has been granted a temporary restraining against a woman he said claims to be his wife and carrying his baby.
Court records show Superior Court Judge Carol Boas Goodson granted the order Wednesday against Livia Bistriceanu, 41, of Chicago.
“Given this obsessive and harassing behavior, I … Original article on : Calif. judge grants restraining order sought by DiCaprio against woman claiming to be wife.

Supreme Court permits Hockey India to pick CWG teams

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday permitted the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Hockey India (HI) to select and field the men’s and women’s hockey teams for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

“There is much ado about nothing”, said the court, pointing to the contentions being raised by the sports ministry and Hockey India. …. Read the original article  : here.

No pressure on us in Mayawati case, CBI tells court

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has contested Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s charge that the agency had acted “under political pressure” against her in the disproportionate assets case.

In its affidavit before the Supreme Court bench of Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy and Justice S.S. Nijjar Friday, the investigating agency has strongly denied … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No pressure on us in Mayawati case, CBI tells court.

Jobless husband cannot be forced to pay estranged wife: Court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday held that an unemployed man cannot be forced to pay maintenance to his estranged wife as, in an era of equality of sexes, a person cannot be compelled to maintain the other if the spouse is on an equal footing.

“Under prevalant laws, a husband is supposed to … Read : Jobless husband cannot be forced to pay estranged wife: Court.

Sajjan Kumar’s petition only to delay trial: CBI to apex court

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday told the Supreme Court that Congress leader Sajjan Kumar’s petition challenging framing of charges against him in an anti-Sikh riot case by the trial court was just to delay the trial and should be dismissed.

“The petition has been filed with the only objective of delaying … Read more >>>.

1984 riots: Delhi Police shielded Sajjan Kumar, says CBI to Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday told the Supreme Court that the special anti-riots cell of the Delhi Police had conducted ’sham investigations and farce prosecutions’ to apparently shield senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in connection with his … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 1984 riots: Delhi Police shielded Sajjan Kumar, says CBI to Supreme Court.

Bindra’s father asked to pay Rs.27.25 crore dues

CHANDIGARH – Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra’s father A.S. Bindra has been asked by the high court here to pay long-pending dues amounting to Rs.27.25 crore to Asset Reconstruction India within the next four weeks.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court earlier this week directed Punjab Meats Ltd (PML), owned by A.S. Bindra, to pay the …. Source  : Bindra’s father asked to pay Rs.27.25 crore dues.

Haryana to set up its own human rights commission

CHANDIGARH – Haryana will soon establish its own human rights commission to prevent violation of human rights like honour killings and attacks on Dalits.

“The state government has directed the administration to take necessary steps to establishing our own human rights commission at the earliest. The commission will be headed by a retired chief justice of [..] Read the original article: here.

Judge who disposed of 111 cases in one day faces lawyers’ ire

HYDERABAD – When a judge in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district disposed of a record 111 cases in a single day last week, little did he realise that this will attract ire from members of his own legal fraternity.

While common people have welcomed his move to ensure speedy justice, it has left a section of lawyers … Original article on : Judge who disposed of 111 cases in one day faces lawyers’ ire.

India asked to speak up against Roma expulsion by France

TORONTO – Ujjal Dosanjh, former Canadian health minister and top Indo-Canadian leader, has condemned France for en masse expulsion of Indian-origin Roma people and urged India to speak up against the French action.

The Roma people – also called gypsies – claim their roots in north India from where they were enslaved and taken away by … Read more »»».

Gurgaon residents to stop paying municipal taxes

GURGAON – Protesting against collapse of civic services, Gurgaon residents launched a satyagraha (peaceful civil disobedience movement) Saturday and threatened to stop payment of municipal taxes and maintenance charges.

“It has been decided to boycott payment of all municipal and property taxes and maintenance charges to builders in case the situation does not improve within … Read more : Gurgaon residents to stop paying municipal taxes.

New Zealand to issue interim visas to foreigners

AUCKLAND – New Zealand plans to issue interim visas to foreigners after their residential permits expire so they can remain in the country while their applications for fresh permits are considered.

Currently, individuals automatically lose their status when their residential or work permits expire.
The new visa is being introduced as part of the New … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New Zealand to issue interim visas to foreigners.

Uttar Pradesh farmers call indefinite fast from Monday

LUCKNOW – Upset over politicians’ bid to use them to serve their own political ends, agitating farmers of western Uttar Pradesh have decided to go on indefinite fast with effect from Monday morning, demanding higher compensation for their land acquired for the Noida-Agra Yamuna Expressway.

Sticking to their demand, they propose to intensify their month-old agitation …. Source  : Uttar Pradesh farmers call indefinite fast from Monday.

Reinstatement of employee must be unconditional: Court

GANDHINAGAR – The reinstatement of a government employee in service has to be unconditional and it has to be treated as continuity of service “for all purposes” and not limited to just seniority and pension, the Gujarat High Court has ruled.

A division bench of the court ruled that the decision to reinstate an …. Original source  : Reinstatement of employee must be unconditional: Court.

Microsoft co-founder sues 11 companies

NEW YORK – A company owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has filed a complaint in a US court against 11 companies, accusing them of patent infringement.

The Interval Licensing LLC Friday filed the complaint in the district court in Seattle against Apple, Google, AOL, eBay, Facebook, Netflix, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples, Yahoo and YouTube.
The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Microsoft co-founder sues 11 companies.

Calif. teenagers sue Facebook, saying website’s ‘Like’ feature makes illegal teen endorsements

Facebook sued in California over teen endorsements

LOS ANGELES – Two Los Angeles County teenagers are suing Facebook, claiming the social network effectively sold their names and images to advertisers without parental permission.
The lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles challenges a Facebook feature that allows members to note that they like an advertised service or product. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.