Iran says 3 imprisoned Americans should stand trial for illegal border crossing

Iran says 3 Americans should stand trial
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran reiterated on Sunday that three Americans jailed a year ago should stand trial on charges of illegally crossing the country’s borders.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Iran is also considering other possible charges against Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal including intentionally …. Original source  : Iran says 3 imprisoned Americans should stand trial for illegal border crossing.

New York allows HIV tests on corpses

NEW YORK – The state of New York has passed a law that allows HIV tests on corpses and people in coma.

New York Governor David Paterson has signed a bill into law that will permit the tests, Fox News reported.
The law also allows anonymous testing for citizens of the state. It also means New … Read more >>.

Brazil offers asylum to woman condemned to death in Iran

CURITIBA – Brazilian President Luiz In??cio Lula da Silva offered to give asylum to an Iranian woman condemned to death by stoning for adultery.

Lula said Saturday that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani – whose case has provoked international condemnation – would be welcome in Brazil if her presence in Iran is a problem for “my friend Ahmadinejad”. …. Source article  : Brazil offers asylum to woman condemned to death in Iran.

Meghalaya farmer still in Bangladesh custody

SHILLONG – A Meghalaya farmer abducted by Bangladeshi nationals last week from a disputed area near the border remains in police custody there, says India’s Border Security Force (BSF).

“The abducted youth is still under the custody of Bangladesh police. The BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) has informed us that the delay in handing over the youth has …. Source article  : Meghalaya farmer still in Bangladesh custody.

Russian police detain 100 during freedom-of-assembly protests

MOSCOW – Russian security forces violently dispersed opposition rallies in Moscow and St Petersburg Saturday, taking into custody former deputy prime minister Boris Nemtsov and dozens of other protestors, the broadcaster Echo of Moscow reported.

Some 100 people were reportedly arrested in both cities.
The head of the leading Russian human rights organization Helsinki Group, Lyudmila …. Source  : Russian police detain 100 during freedom-of-assembly protests.

President seeks review of figures on pending court cases

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Devisingh Patil Saturday called for a fresh look at figures that put the number of case backlog in courts at a staggering three crore.

Patil’s call for the review of the figures on case arrears came in response to Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia’s contention that more than 50 percent of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Three crore pending cases? Patil wants review

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Saturday called for a review of figures that put the number of pending cases before Indian courts at a staggering 3 crore. She also stressed on innovative ways to clear the backlog.

Patil’s call came in response to Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia’s contention that more than 50 percent of the … Read more >>>.

Jury questioning begins in Anna Nicole Smith case; judge wants panel seated by Wednesday

Jury questioning begins in Anna Nicole Smith case

LOS ANGELES – Jury questioning is slated to begin Monday in Los Angeles in the drug conspiracy trial of Anna Nicole Smith’s doctors and her lawyer-boyfriend.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry says questionnaires filled out by prospective jurors show most of them know something about the former Playboy model’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jury questioning begins in Anna Nicole Smith case; judge wants panel seated by Wednesday.

Army to give permanent commission to women in two months

NEW DELHI – The government Monday told the Supreme Court that it would consider giving permanent commission within two months to women serving as short service commission officers in the legal and education branches of the Indian Army.

The government has sought time to implement its undertaking.
An apex court bench headed by Justice J.M. Panchal …. Original source  : Army to give permanent commission to women in two months.

Permanent commission for women being mulled: Indian Army

NEW DELHI – The government Monday told the Supreme Court that it would consider giving permanent commission to women officers serving as short service commission officers in the legal and education branches of the Indian Army.

The government has sought two months time to implement its undertaking.
An apex court bench headed by Justice J.M. Panchal …. Original source  : Permanent commission for women being mulled: Indian Army.

26/11 case: Bombay HC to take up Kasab’s hearing today

MUMBAI – The petition to confirm the capital punishment for Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 attack will be presented before the Bombay High Court today.

This comes two months after Kasab was convicted and given the death sentence by a special court in Mumbai.

Earlier, Kasab has filed an appeal in the Bombay …. Original source  : 26/11 case: Bombay HC to take up Kasab’s hearing today.

China restricts contents of online games for kids

BEIJING – China has introduced a new law to restrict contents of online computer games to prevent children from developing imitation behaviour and addiction to Internet surfing.

The new regulation, issued by the ministry of culture June 22, took effect from Sunday. It is the first regulation governing the booming market of online games which is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China restricts contents of online games for kids.

Fresh twist in Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial has got a new twist following reports of “romantic relations” between the man who is alleged to have been sodomised and a lady prosecutor.

Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail confirmed that Farah Azlina Latif, the deputy public prosecutor, had been dropped from the prosecution team in … Read more >>.

Israel to expel children of illegal immigrants

JERUSALEM – Some 400 children of illegal immigrant workers face deportation under a new residency criteria approved by the Israeli cabinet Sunday, Xinhua reported.

“The cabinet decided to allow most children of people working in Israel illegally, who meet the criteria established by the inter-ministerial committee on their status, to remain in Israel,” a government statement … Original article on : Israel to expel children of illegal immigrants.

Prospective jurors to tell what they know about Anna Nicole Smith’s death, doctors, boyfriend

Jury questioning next in Anna Nicole Smith case

LOS ANGELES – A judge says questionnaires filled out by prospective jurors in the trial of Anna Nicole Smith’s doctors and her lawyer-boyfriend show most of them know something about the model’s life and death.
But how much they know and what they think about the drug conspiracy charges … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prospective jurors to tell what they know about Anna Nicole Smith’s death, doctors, boyfriend.

Blagojevich die-hards are the kind ousted governor would want on jury deciding his future

Blagojevich die-hards the kind he’d want on jury

CHICAGO – Rod Blagojevich, the ousted governor of Illinois, has been getting support during his nearly two-month corruption trial from a small but dedicated band of fans.
One, 78-year-old May Farley, stands outside with a placard reading, “Rod’s not cuckoo.”
Farley says she’s only grown fonder of Blagojevich as a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Blagojevich die-hards are the kind ousted governor would want on jury deciding his future.

Are judges kings? No judicial activism please (A Legal Reporter’s Diary)

NEW DELHI – Here’s a staunch opponent of judicial activism from within the judiciary itself. Supreme Court’s Justice Markandey Katju seldom misses an opportunity to slam courts for stepping into the domain of the executive and legislature.

Referring to a case, he asked what judges thought of themselves. Are they kings who award compensation, direct …. Read the original article  : here.

Jury selection resumes in Anna Nicole Smith case after most of first round eliminated

Jury selection resumes in Anna Nicole Smith case

LOS ANGELES – Jury selection will resume in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case after most prospective jurors were eliminated during the first round of questioning.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry ordered another group to report Tuesday after attorney challenges excluded all but a few of the first …. Original source  : Jury selection resumes in Anna Nicole Smith case after most of first round eliminated.

AP-Univision poll: Assimilation, cultural identity important to majorities of Hispanics

Poll: Identity, blending in important to Hispanics

SAN FRANCISCO – Tomasa Bulux speaks Spanish to her children, maintains an altar at home representing her Mayan culture’s view of the world and meets once a week with Mayan immigrants who speak her indigenous Quiche tongue.
At the same time, she’s becoming a part of the diverse, cosmopolitan city … Original source on Gaea Times at : AP-Univision poll: Assimilation, cultural identity important to majorities of Hispanics.

Bangladeshi wins Magsaysay award

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s A.H.M. Noman Khan is one of the seven people chosen for the 2010 Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work among the disabled.

“In electing Noman the board recognised his pioneering leadership in mainstreaming persons with disabilities in the development process of Bangladesh, and in working vigorously with all sectors to build a society … Original article on : Bangladeshi wins Magsaysay award.

New law on smokers flying to Hong Kong

HONG KONG – Smokers travelling to Hong Kong by air watch out! Authorities here have passed new regulations that prohibit incoming passengers carrying more than 19 cigarettes.

In the past, travellers entering Hong Kong were allowed to bring in up to three packs or 60 cigarettes duty free.
The new tobacco regulations came into force Aug … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New law on smokers flying to Hong Kong.

Countrywide Financial agrees to pay $600 million to settle shareholders’ class-action lawsuits

Countrywide agrees to pay $600M to settle lawsuits

LOS ANGELES – Countrywide Financial Corp. has agreed to pay $600 million to settle shareholder lawsuits in the largest payout so far from the mortgage meltdown.
U.S. District Judge Mariana Pfaelzer in Los Angeles on Monday gave preliminary approval to the agreement, in which the defendants admitted no wrongdoing. …. Source  : Countrywide Financial agrees to pay $600 million to settle shareholders’ class-action lawsuits.

New filings allege Toyota was informed of 6 sudden acceleration instances as early as 2003

Docs: Toyota had acceleration issues since 2003

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Toyota Motor Corp. knew of at least six sudden acceleration incidents as early as 2003, including some that were verified by its own technicians and dealers, according to court documents filed Monday as part of sprawling litigation against the Japanese automaker.
The incidents were reported to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New filings allege Toyota was informed of 6 sudden acceleration instances as early as 2003.

Rights groups halt plan to kill diseased dogs in Argentina

Buenos Aires, Aug 3 (IANS/EFE) Argentine officials have dropped their plans to kill over 1,000 diseased dogs in southern Neuquen city after animal rights groups protested the move.

City councilors had announced to kill some 1,100 dogs infected with a bacterial disease.
Beginning Monday, some 220 dogs would have been killed daily.
Dogs transmit the … Read more : Rights groups halt plan to kill diseased dogs in Argentina.

Police: Suspect in Pa. lawyer’s killing at range says he stole guns to help overthrow US gov’t

Police: Pa. suspect wanted guns to overthrow gov’t

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Court records say a member of a group bent on overthrowing the U.S. government shot and killed a lawyer at a south-central Pennsylvania gun range last month so he could take his rifle.
A police affidavit says prison guard Raymond Franklin Peake III told detectives he …. Read the original article  : here.

Five more family courts to come up in Delhi

NEW DELHI – In a bid to ensure speedy disposal of justice, the Delhi cabinet Monday gave its nod for creating 99 posts in the Saket district court and decided that five more family courts will be set up in the capital.

At a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, it was decided … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Five more family courts to come up in Delhi.

Notice to government, Delhi Police on ban on protests

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday sought the response of the central government and the Delhi Police on a petition challenging a ban on holding protests in the central and New Delhi districts.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan issued notice to the government and the police on a …. Source article  : Notice to government, Delhi Police on ban on protests.

After winning 32-year legal battle, a royal loses again

LUCKNOW – After winning a 32-year-long court battle following which huge properties were restored to the erstwhile royal of Mahmoodabad by the apex court in 2005, an amendment in the enemy property law – related to those who migrated to Pakistan during partition – has brought him back to square one.

Amir Mohammad Khan, the erstwhile …. Original article  : After winning 32-year legal battle, a royal loses again.

Basic rights of children violated at CWG sites: report

NEW DELHI – Construction workers’ children at the Commonwealth Games sites are deprived of sanitation, schooling and healthcare, said a report released here Wednesday.

The report from NGO Child Relief and You (CRY) is based on observations from some Games sites — Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, R.K. Khanna Stadium, Talkatora Stadium, Nizamuddin Nallah, Lodhi Road, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Basic rights of children violated at CWG sites: report.

Another Islamist leader to face ‘war crimes’ trial

DHAKA – A fifth Islamist leader in Bangladesh is set to face “war crimes” trial on charges of targetting unarmed civilians during the 1971 freedom movement.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to produce Jamaat-e-Islami vice chief Delwar Hossain Sayedee before it coming Tuesday.
The three-member tribunal headed by Justice Nizanul Huq fixed …. Original article  : Another Islamist leader to face ‘war crimes’ trial.

Lawyers set to give opening statements at Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy trial

Opening statements set in Anna Nicole Smith trial

LOS ANGELES – Attorneys in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy trial in Los Angeles are scheduled to begin giving their opening statements.
Prosecutors are expected Wednesday morning to accuse two doctors and Smith’s lawyer-boyfriend of giving her massive amounts of opiates and sedatives in the last troubled years [..] Read the original article: here.

High court dismisses PIL on Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the court’s direction to form a panel to look into Commonwealth Games-related projects and reconstitution of the Organising Committee.

The litigation, filed by lawyer Amitava Sen, sought the court’s direction to form a panel of engineers to look into [..] Read the original article: here.

Kutch ruler’s son cannot claim father’s riches: Court

GANDHINAGAR – The Rs.1,000-crore (Rs. 10 billion) riches of erstwhile Kutch ruler, the late Maharao Madansinhji, are different from those now belonging to the government and nobody, including his son, can question the division of property as per his will, the Gujarat High Court has ruled.

The court said this while rejecting the plea of … Read more : Kutch ruler’s son cannot claim father’s riches: Court.

War crimes court shields model Naomi Campbell at trial of ex-Liberian president

Extra security for model Campbell at Taylor trial
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – War crimes judges on Tuesday ordered special security measures for fashion model Naomi Campbell when she testifies at the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, barring photographers from catching her entering or leaving the courtroom.
The judges say Campbell’s fears for her safety … Read more : War crimes court shields model Naomi Campbell at trial of ex-Liberian president.

Indian farmer sent to judicial custody in Bangladesh

SHILLONG – A court in Bangladesh Tuesday remanded to judicial custody an Indian farmer charged with entering the country illegaly, an officer of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) said, alleging that the farmer had been abducted by Bangladeshi nationals.

“A court in Bangladesh’s Sylhet district remanded Demi Dhar to judicial custody till August 16,” BSF … Read more : Indian farmer sent to judicial custody in Bangladesh.

Jurors deliberate for 5th day at corruption trial of former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich, brother

Jurors in Blagojevich trial deliberate for 5th day
CHICAGO – Jurors have begun a fifth day of deliberations in the political corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his brother, Tennessee businessman Robert Blagojevich.
A federal marshal at the courthouse in Chicago told reporters on Tuesday morning that jurors were back at work … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jurors deliberate for 5th day at corruption trial of former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich, brother.

Centre tells Supreme Court: It has powers to de-recognise deemed universities

NEW DELHI – The Central Government on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it was well within its power under the rules of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to de-recognise the 44 deemed universities for allegedly failing to maintain mandatory quality education.

Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, who appeared before a bench of Justice Dalveer Bhandari and … Read more »».

UN chief meets atomic-bomb victims in Nagasaki

TOKYO – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon met victims of the atomic bombing during his first visit to Nagasaki on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu Thursday.

Nagasaki is to hold the ceremony commemorating the atomic bombing of the city by the United States August 9, 1945, which Ban is not scheduled to attend. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UN chief meets atomic-bomb victims in Nagasaki.

Judge says NY fire department entry test unfair to blacks, stops hiring of 300 firefighters

Judge blocks FDNY hiring, says test is invalid

NEW YORK – The mostly white Fire Department of New York is temporarily barred from hiring more than 300 rookie firefighters because it used an entry exam that discriminates against blacks and Hispanics, a judge ruled Wednesday.
In a written decision in federal court in Brooklyn, U.S. District Judge … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Judge says NY fire department entry test unfair to blacks, stops hiring of 300 firefighters.

Federal court in Ohio dismisses Joe the Plumber’s lawsuit against former state employees

Ohio court dismisses Joe the Plumber’s fed lawsuit
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal court in Ohio has dismissed a lawsuit that claimed former state employees violated the constitutional rights of a man Republicans dubbed Joe the Plumber by illegally accessing his personal information.
The GOP hailed suburban Toledo resident Samuel “Joe” Wurzelbacher (WUR’-zuhl-bah-kur) in 2008 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Federal court in Ohio dismisses Joe the Plumber’s lawsuit against former state employees.

Blagojevich jurors end sixth day without verdict in former Ill. governor’s corruption trial

Blagojevich jurors end day without verdict
CHICAGO – Jurors deliberating the corruption case against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich have ended a sixth day of deliberations.
Jurors went home Wednesday without announcing a verdict. Earlier in the day, attorneys and prosecutors agreed on instructions that would be read to jurors if they convict Blagojevich of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Federal judge overturns California gay marriage ban (Lead, changing dateline)

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge overturned California’s ban on same sex marriage, saying that the voter-approved restriction violated the highest law of the land, the US constitution.

The ruling Wednesday by Judge Vaughn Walker overturned a 2009 ruling by the California Supreme Court that upheld a state-wide ballot proposition in 2008 that reserved marriage for … Read : Federal judge overturns California gay marriage ban (Lead, changing dateline).

California allows same sex marriage

WASHINGTON – Same sex couples in California have a right to be married, said a ruling issued Wednesday in a federal court in San Francisco that overturned a ban on gay marriage in the state.

US district chief judge Vaughn Walker said banning same sex marriage violates the US Constitution because it denies equal rights to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : California allows same sex marriage.

Congress may not give opinion on caste-based census

NEW DELHI – The Congress is considering the option of not giving its opinion on a caste-based census to a group of ministers (GoM) headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, a senior party leader said Wednesday.

The party is likely to go by the stand of the government on the issue, the leader said, at a …. Source article  : Congress may not give opinion on caste-based census.

Canadian judge rejects US request to extradite Canadian on terrorism charges

Judge denies US extradition request
TORONTO – A Canadian indicted in the U.S. on charges he supplied al-Qaida with weapons was freed Wednesday after more than four years in jail after a judge refused to extradite him to the United States.

Abdullah Khadr, 29, has been held in Canada on a U.S. warrant since his December 2005 … Read : Canadian judge rejects US request to extradite Canadian on terrorism charges.

Judges clear the way for model Naomi Campbell to testify at Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial

Naomi Campbell to speak at Taylor war crimes trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Judges at the Special Court for Sierra Leone have rejected a final protest from Charles Taylor, clearing the way for model Naomi Campbell to testify at his war crimes trial on Thursday.
Taylor’s lawyer had objected to Campbell testifying, arguing that the prosecution had …. Source article  : Judges clear the way for model Naomi Campbell to testify at Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial.

Order DNA tests if unavoidable, courts told

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has said that courts should exercise extreme caution in ordering a DNA test to determine the paternity of a child as this could end up damaging his or her reputation.

In a matter where the paternity of a child is questioned, the use of DNA test is an extremely delicate … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Order DNA tests if unavoidable, courts told.

‘80,000 rights violation cases recorded every year’

AGARTALA – On an average 80,000 cases of violation of human rights are recorded every year in India. Custodial deaths are also a matter of concern, senior officials and rights activists said here Friday.

“In India human rights violation is a serious matter. Usually 80,000 cases of human rights violation are being registered each year,” former …. Source article  : ‘80,000 rights violation cases recorded every year’.

Federal Judge Overturns The California Section 8

CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com) — The California Section 8, which prohibits gay marriage in California was repealed today by a Federal judge. The gay rights activists in California got a moral boost as the judgment came out. Judge Vaughn Walker in his ruling has termed the law as a violation of the 14th amendment. The ruling …. Source article  : Federal Judge Overturns The California Section 8.

US Senate approves Elena Kagan as Supreme Court Justice

WASHINGTON – The US Senate has voted to approve Elena Kagan as Supreme Court Justice, making her the fourth woman to enter the high court, Xinhua reported.

The Senate voted 63 to 37 Thursday to confirm Kagan, the second Supreme Court nominee of President Barack Obama. She serves as Solicitor General for the administration and will …. Original article  : US Senate approves Elena Kagan as Supreme Court Justice.

New Hayworth ad uses McCain’s own voice admitting to lying during 2000 campaign

New ad quotes McCain admitting to lying in past

PHOENIX – Sen. John McCain’s Republican primary challenger has released a new ad using McCain’s own voice admitting to lying in the past.
Former congressman J.D. Hayworth’s campaign released the commercial Thursday.
It uses McCain’s voice from the recording of his 2002 book, in which McCain recalls publicly supporting … Read more >>.

Jurors in corruption trial of ousted Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich end 7th day of deliberations

Blagojevich jurors end 7th day of deliberations
CHICAGO – Jurors have ended their seventh day of deliberations at the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich without announcing a verdict.
They’ll be back Friday to start an eighth day. Court officials have said earlier the Blagojevich jurors planned to deliberate from 9 a.m. …. Read the original article  : Jurors in corruption trial of ousted Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich end 7th day of deliberations.

Michigan appeals court says 2 Toyota executives can skip interviews in acceleration case

Mich. court rules for Toyota in deposition dispute

FLINT, Mich. – The Michigan appeals court says two executives at Toyota Motor Corp. can avoid depositions in a lawsuit alleging death from sudden acceleration.
The court said Thursday the executives had only general knowledge of the problem and no unique knowledge of the design of the 2005 Camry … Original article on : Michigan appeals court says 2 Toyota executives can skip interviews in acceleration case.

Judge: reunion between Ohio convert and parents impossible, deportation not in best interest

Judge: No reunion between Ohio convert and parents

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A juvenile court judge in Columbus, Ohio, has granted a runaway Christian convert’s request to declare reunion with her Muslim parents impossible, paving the way for the girl to fight deportation.
Magistrate Mary Goodrich said Thursday that reconciliation between Rifqa Bary (RIHF’-kuh BAYR’-ee) and her parents … Original source on Gaea Times at : Judge: reunion between Ohio convert and parents impossible, deportation not in best interest.

UAE culls 500 infected sheep

Dubai, Aug 5 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates has culled 500 sheep infected with brucellosis, a disease that both humans and animals can contract.

Legal action has been taken for culling the animals as their importers violated the regulations in force in the UAE, the ministry of environment and water said.
The ministry asked … Read more : UAE culls 500 infected sheep.

Lawsuit claims attorneys cheated Tyco shareholders out of more than $200 million in settlement

Holder challenges lawyer fees in Tyco settlement

DOVER, Del. – An investor in Tyco International says attorneys who represented shareholders in a securities lawsuit cheated them out of more than $200 million.
The federal lawsuit in Delaware targets Grant & Eisenhofer, one of three law firms that won a $3.2 billion settlement for Tyco shareholders in 2007, …. Read the original article  : here.

Lower courts cannot prosecute for contempt of court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Thursday held that the lower courts have no power to prosecute a person for contempt of court.

Setting aside a lower court order, Justice S.N. Dhingra ruled that only higher courts can take cognisance of contempt committed by a person against lower judiciary.
The court’s direction came on a …. Source  : Lower courts cannot prosecute for contempt of court.

US bans child adoption from Nepal

KATHMANDU – The Barack Obama government has halted the adoption of abandoned children from Nepal indefinitely due to growing allegations of child trafficking and falsification of documents, often in connivance with government authorities.

The ban came into effect from Friday and would continue indefinitely. However, the US Department of State said American citizens could still adopt …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US bans child adoption from Nepal.

Sohrabuddin case: CBI reaches Sabarmati jail to question Shah

GANDHINAGAR – The investigating agencies reached the Sabarmati jail on Saturday morning to commence the interrogation of former Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah, following the order of the Gujarat High Court that granted two-day custody of Shah to the CBI in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

Justice Akil Quereshi granted Shah’s custody to the CBI … Original article on : Sohrabuddin case: CBI reaches Sabarmati jail to question Shah.

Schwarzenegger backs gay marriage

SAN FRANCISCO – California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday called on a judge to immediately authorise gay marriage in California.

The Republican governor and former movie star made the call in a court filing on the fate of a court order that has delayed implementation of a ruling reversing the ban on gay marriage.
Lifting the stay …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Schwarzenegger backs gay marriage.

Schwarzenegger calls for resumption of same-sex weddings in the state

Schwarzenegger calls for same-sex weddings

SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown filed motions Friday calling for resumption of same-sex weddings in the state.
The officials filed the motions after U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker previously overturned Proposition 8, California’s voter-approved gay marriage ban.
Resuming gay marriage “is consistent with California…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

California attorney general calls for resumption of same-sex weddings in the state

Calif attorney general calls for same-sex weddings

SAN FRANCISCO – California Attorney General Jerry Brown filed a motion Friday calling for resumption of same-sex weddings in the state.
Brown filed the motion after U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker previously overturned Proposition 8, California’s voter-approved gay marriage ban.
Walker ruled the law violates federal equal protections and due process [..] Read the original article: here.

Examiner in Washington Mutual bankruptcy seeks subpoena power, submits work plan

WaMu examiner submits work plan
DOVER, Del. – The independent examiner appointed to review claims and assets in Washington Mutual’s bankruptcy case is seeking subpoena power.

The examiner made the request Friday in filing his proposed work plan in Delaware bankruptcy court. A hearing on his plan will be held Tuesday.
The judge appointed the examiner after shareholders … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Examiner in Washington Mutual bankruptcy seeks subpoena power, submits work plan.

Jurors in corruption trial of ousted Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich end 8th day of deliberations

Blagojevich jurors end 8th day of deliberations

CHICAGO – Jurors at the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich have ended their eighth day of deliberations early and gone home for a weekend break.
A court official sent a one-sentence statement around 1:30 Friday afternoon that jurors have left. It gave no indication about whether they …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jurors in corruption trial of ousted Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich end 8th day of deliberations.

Ousted Cleveland critic who claimed retaliation loses lawsuit against newspaper, orchestra

Ousted critic loses lawsuit against Ohio newspaper

CLEVELAND – An ousted critic who claimed he was removed from his beat because of critical coverage lost a lawsuit Friday against his newspaper and the Cleveland Orchestra.
Donald Rosenberg, 56, claimed in the lawsuit that the orchestra lobbied The Plain Dealer to replace him as orchestra reviewer because he …. Read the original article  : Ousted Cleveland critic who claimed retaliation loses lawsuit against newspaper, orchestra.

Indian IT industry slams US move to hike visa fee

BANGALORE – The Indian IT industry Friday slammed the US government’s proposal to sharply increase visa fee to raise funds for its border security needs.

“The Border Security Bill, which was passed by the US senate late Thursday, will have a significant impact on the Indian IT sector, as it aims to raise about $600 [..] Read the original article: here.

Illegal migration leads to exploitation of women: study

NEW DELHI – Poverty, landlessness and unemployment are pushing larger number of Indian and Bangladeshi women to different countries through illegal channels and subjecting them to exploitation and sexual harassment, a new study said here Friday.

The study titled ‘Gender dimensions of international migration from India and Bangladesh: Impact on the families left behind’ found that …. Read the original article  : Illegal migration leads to exploitation of women: study.

When a don wanted to be gentleman (A Legal Reporter’s Diary)

NEW DELHI – Underworld-don-turned-politician Arun Gawli had every intention of changing his ways, but police kept pushing him “back to his past” – or so said his counsel during a hearing in the Supreme Court.

While hearing the petition by the Maharashtra government challenging the Bombay High Court verdict that granted bail to Gawli, counsel Makarand … Read : When a don wanted to be gentleman (A Legal Reporter’s Diary).

‘Awareness, support can prevent mental illness’

NEW DELHI – Awareness and community-support at an early stage can help prevent the onset of mental illness, experts suggested Saturday.

They were speaking at a panel discussion commemorating 10 years of Erawadi tragedy in Tamil Nadu, which left 28 mentally disabled people charred to death Aug 6, 2001. The victims could not escape as they … Read more >>>.

Israel names former official to UN flotilla panel

JERUSALEM – A former official of the Israeli foreign ministry has been chosen to represent his country on a UN panel investigating the deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in May, local media reported Saturday.

Yosef Ciechanover, 77, will be one of four people on the panel, which is tasked with fully investigating the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Disabled group demands sacking of swimming coach, official

NEW DELHI – Irked with a swimming coach and an official of a sporting body, the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has written to Sports Minister M.S. Gill to sack them ahead of the Swimming World Championship Aug 15-21.

The letter written Friday alleges that the disabled athletes are facing continuing …. Source article  : Disabled group demands sacking of swimming coach, official.

NGO backs public boycott of Mumbai taxis Aug 12

MUMBAI – Action for good Governance and Networking in India (AGNI), an NGO that works with government agencies for transparency, Saturday announced support to a public boycott of autorickshaws and taxis Aug 12 to protest against arbitrary fares and misbehaviour.

The “Meter Jam” campaign has been started by three advertising professionals who have asked people to …. Original source  : NGO backs public boycott of Mumbai taxis Aug 12.

Book five Uttar Pradesh ministers, court tells police

LUCKNOW – Five Uttar Pradesh ministers, along with five others, are likely to be booked by police after a local court in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district ordered action against them over a blasphemous article published in a journal.

Criminal case are likely to be registered against the five ministers as they figured among the list …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Court rejects IFFCO’s plea for refund from railways

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court has rejected the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative’s (IFFCO) suit seeking refund from the railways in a dispute related to alleged delay in providing rakes for transportation of its goods.

The court, in an order made available Saturday, rejected the plea on the grounds that the railways’ provision under … Read more : Court rejects IFFCO’s plea for refund from railways.

FIR cannot be encyclopaedia of incident: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has said that a first information report (FIR) was not an “encyclopaedia” that would contain the minutest details of an incident and it was not necessary to mention therein all the evidence on which the prosecution proposes to rely during the trial.

“The FIR need not be an encyclopaedia …. Source article  : FIR cannot be encyclopaedia of incident: Apex court.

Gujarat told to hike pay of labour court judges

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court has directed the state government to hike salary of judicial officers in labour courts by Sep 9 and comply with a Supreme Court order on the issue.

The first bench of the high court while hearing an application of the Gujarat Labour Court Judicial Officers’ Association observed that the central …. Read the original article  : Gujarat told to hike pay of labour court judges.

Priyanka Chopra is new Unicef national ambassador

NEW DELHI – Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has been appointed the national ambassador of Unicef and she will support it in promoting child rights, officials said Saturday.

An agreement in this regard will be signed between the actress and Unicef representative to India, Karin Hulshof, Aug 10 here.
“Unicef ambassadors are celebrities with a demonstrated … Original article on : Priyanka Chopra is new Unicef national ambassador.

Cabinet clears bill to protect whistleblowers

NEW DELHI – The cabinet Monday cleared a bill to protect whistleblowers and it is likely to be tabled in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament, official sources said.

The approval for the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill, 2010 came at a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
… Read : Cabinet clears bill to protect whistleblowers.

Libya to compensate wrongly imprisoned citizens

TRIPOLI – Libya will pay compensation to its citizens who have been wrongly imprisoned by authorities, a ministry statement said.

“Those who were released after being detained by authorities in connection with various security cases, including convicts who were still imprisoned after the expiry of their sentences, prisoners who were detained but later acquitted and people …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US immigrant’s dream ends in NH, accused of aiding Rwanda genocide

US immigrant’s dream ends with genocide allegation

CONCORD, N.H. – Beatrice Munyenyezi (moon-yehn-YEH’-zee) brought her young daughters to the United States from war-ravaged Rwanda in 1998 and focused on the American Dream: private schooling for her girls, a home with a swimming pool, a sport utility vehicle.
She financed her comfortable lifestyle in New Hampshire with mortgages, … Read : US immigrant’s dream ends in NH, accused of aiding Rwanda genocide.

Illegal immigration issue provides big boost for Brewer in Arizona’s governor race

Immigration issue boosts Brewer in Arizona race

PHOENIX – As the year began, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer faced a competitive field of fellow Republicans who wanted her job, with some GOP critics sensing she was particularly vulnerable as she sought voter approval of a sales tax increase she’d proposed to shore up the state budget.
All of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Illegal immigration issue provides big boost for Brewer in Arizona’s governor race.

Maldives attorney general resigns

MALE – Maldives Attorney General Husnu Suood has resigned over government’s “failure to enact necessary legislation” that made his job “untenable”, a media report said Sunday.

“I resigned… There are a lot pending matters. I believe that all state bodies have failed (to take their responsibilities). So I believe that at least someone should take the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maldives attorney general resigns.

J.S.Khehar new Karnataka chief justice

BANGALORE – J.S. Khehar was Sunday sworn in as the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court succeeding P.D. Dinakaran, who has been transferred to Sikkim in the wake of land grab charges against him.

Khehar, who was chief justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, was administered the oath of office by Governor H. R. Bhardwaj … Original source on Gaea Times at : J.S.Khehar new Karnataka chief justice.

Pay hike cannot be denied if worker not facing probe: court

GANDHINAGAR – The government cannot deny a pay hike to an employee if there is no disciplinary action pending against him at the time of a salary review, the Gujarat High court has ruled.

Justice A.L. Dave, while hearing a case of state government employee Suresh Bhambhani, said that a pay hike cannot be denied to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pay hike cannot be denied if worker not facing probe: court.

Australia lures bored Britons with odd jobs

LONDON – An Australian state has launched a campaign to recruit British workers fed up with boring or stressful jobs at home, a media report said Tuesday.

And it has revealed some of its more exciting, life-changing and downright odd positions.
So if you’ve always harboured an ambition to become a tuna toss judge, now’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Australia lures bored Britons with odd jobs.

Feds found, deported almost 47,000 people after checking 3 million jail booking fingerprints

Fingerprint sharing led to deportation of 47,000

WASHINGTON – Records show that about 47,000 people have been removed or deported from the U.S. after the Homeland Security Department sifted through 3 million sets of fingerprints taken from bookings at local jails.
About one-quarter of those kicked out of the country did not have criminal records, according to …. Original article  : Feds found, deported almost 47,000 people after checking 3 million jail booking fingerprints.

Sobhraj to seek review of murder conviction

KATHMANDU – Charles Sobhraj is seeking a review of the Nepal Supreme Court decision convicting him of the murder of an American tourist and upholding his life sentence.

The 66-year-old’s lawyer in Nepal, Shakuntala Thapa, told IANS she would be meeting him in Kathmandu’s Central Prison Tuesday, where he is serving a 21-year jail term, …. Source article  : Sobhraj to seek review of murder conviction.

Ban to meet UN panel probing flotilla raid

NEW YORK – The four-member panel appointed to investigate the Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in May was to hold its first meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday.

Ban said Monday he would meet with the panel at UN headquarters to discuss its mandate, which he said includes examining investigations already carried …. Source article  : Ban to meet UN panel probing flotilla raid.

Prosecutors: NYC man used UN as a set and boasted of bogus job in immigration scam

DA: NYC man claimed UN job in immigration scam

NEW YORK – Prosecutors say a former United Nations volunteer held himself out as a staffer to con immigrants out of thousands of dollars and even met with victims in the U.N.’s New York City building lobby to enhance his scam.
Marc Payen (PAY’-ehn) is being held on … Read more : Prosecutors: NYC man used UN as a set and boasted of bogus job in immigration scam.

Fan sues NY Mets and MLB, says flying piece of broken maple bat shattered bones in his face

Fan sues NY Mets, claims injuries from broken bat

NEW YORK – A New York Mets fan who says a shattered bat smashed him in the face in the Shea Stadium stands is suing the team and Major League Baseball, claiming they didn’t do enough to protect fans from break-prone maple bats.
James G. Falzon’s lawsuits follow …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fan sues NY Mets and MLB, says flying piece of broken maple bat shattered bones in his face.

Blood diamonds, dinner parties: Mia Farrow, Naomi Campbell turn war-crime trial to spectacle

Farrow, Campbell draw spotlight to war-crime trial

LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands – Naomi Campbell flirted with Liberia’s former president across the dinner table at Nelson Mandela’s presidential mansion in 1997 and boasted the following morning that Charles Taylor had given her a huge diamond during the night, Mia Farrow and another witness testified at Taylor’s war crimes trial …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Blood diamonds, dinner parties: Mia Farrow, Naomi Campbell turn war-crime trial to spectacle.

Tribals come together to talk about their struggle

NEW DELHI – Dressed in their traditional attire, around 80 tribal people from eight states came together here Monday on the occasion of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People to speak about their struggles and ask for their rights as equal citizens.

From Jantar Mantar, they marched to Delhi Haat to interact with Delhi residents … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tribals come together to talk about their struggle.

Mamata for giving forest rights to tribals

LALGARH – Strongly pitching for granting of forest rights to tribals, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said she will request the central government to bring a comprehensive bill in this regard.

“I will request the centre to bring a comprehensive bill and give forest rights to tribals. Rights over forest is their birth right,” Banerjee told … Read more : Mamata for giving forest rights to tribals.

Court to Chhattisgarh: respond to plea on Salwa Judum

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Chhattisgarh government to respond on the plea seeking the disbanding of the Salwa Judum set up to counter Maoist violence.

The apex court bench of Justices B. Sudarshan Reddy and S.S. Nijjar also wanted to know what action was being taken against the Salwa Judum activists involved [..] Read the original article: here.

‘Genitalia-revealing scanners’ cause uproar in US over ’stored images’

MELBOURNE – A privacy group in US has filed a lawsuit to end controversial airport body scanning after claims that thousands of images were being reportedly stored or recorded.

The Electronic Privacy Information Centre (EPIC) has filed the lawsuit amid revelations that some police agencies are storing the images.

The full-body scanners, which will not be … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Genitalia-revealing scanners’ cause uproar in US over ’stored images’.

18 Indian immigrants arrested in Britain

NEW DELHI – At least 18 Indians have been arrested in Britain for immigration-related offences and would be deported soon.

The illegal workers were arrested by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) from two catering firms in west London, a clothing factory in Leicester and a restaurant in Aberdeen.
The arrests were made between July 22 and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 18 Indian immigrants arrested in Britain.

Jurors head into 11th day of deliberations at Blagojevich corruption trial

Day 11 of Blagojevich jury deliberations
CHICAGO – Verdict watch continues at the downtown Chicago courthouse where former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is on trial for corruption.
Jurors head into their 11th day of deliberations Wednesday. There’s still no indication of whether they’re close to a verdict.
Judge James Zagel told attorneys Tuesday he’s heard nothing … Read more »».

15,000 justice department staff may lose jobs in Britain

LONDON – At least 15,000 staff of Britain’s justice department may lose their jobs as the government has planned to reduce its budget from October this year as part of its deficit reduction plan.

“There will have to be less of us as we cannot streamline the organisation to work effectively and efficiently without considering staff … Original article on : 15,000 justice department staff may lose jobs in Britain.

Court rejects PIL on graft charges against Kalmadi

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High court Wednesday dismissed a petition alleging corruption charges against Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and members of Hockey India (HI).

The public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by lawyer Ajay Agarwal, who demanded an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter.
A … Read more : Court rejects PIL on graft charges against Kalmadi.

Amid Indian protests, US House okays bill to hike visa fees

WASHINGTON – Amid protests from India, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill to steeply hike US visa fees for skilled workers to raise $600 million in emergency funding to help secure the US-Mexico border.

Senators passed a similar plan last week. But since the House version passed in a voice vote Tuesday is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Amid Indian protests, US House okays bill to hike visa fees.

10th day of deliberations at Blagojevich trial comes, goes with no verdict

Another day at Blagojevich trial with no verdict
CHICAGO – The tenth day of deliberations by jurors in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has ended with no verdict.
Judge James Zagel told attorneys earlier Tuesday he’s heard nothing recently from the jurors. The only way jurors may communicate with the judge … Read more »».

Appeals court throws out life sentence for smuggler whose crash killed 10 illegal immigrants

Life sentence thrown out in deadly immigrant crash

PHOENIX – An appeals court has thrown out the life sentence of a suspected smuggler who was the driver during a June 2006 rollover crash in southwestern Arizona that killed 10 illegal immigrants, including a pregnant woman.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that …. Read the original article  : Appeals court throws out life sentence for smuggler whose crash killed 10 illegal immigrants.

Brazil offers asylum to Iranian woman sentenced to death for adultery conviction

Brazil offers asylum to Iranian woman facing death

SAO PAULO – Brazil has formally offered asylum to a woman sentenced to death in Iran on an adultery conviction.
The official news service Agencia Brasil reports that Brazilian ambassador to Iran Antonio Luis Espinola Salgado made the offer Monday.
The case created an international outcry when Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Brazil offers asylum to Iranian woman sentenced to death for adultery conviction.

Gujarat High Court transfers Ishrat Jahan case to Supreme Court-appointed SIT

AHMEDABAD – The Gujarat High Court on Thursday rejected Ishrat Jahan’s mother, Shamima Kausar’s, plea to transfer the encounter-related case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Instead, it ordered the case to be transferred to a Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is headed by former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director R … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gujarat High Court transfers Ishrat Jahan case to Supreme Court-appointed SIT.

Petition filed in Pak Supreme Court over TV channels blocking row

ISLAMABAD – A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan over the blocking of transmission of some TV channels, including Karachi-based Geo News, for airing reports regarding the hurling of shoes at President Asif Ali Zardari.

Dr. Shahid Masood, a journalist, has filed the petition under the Article 184 (3) of the … Read more >>.

Distribute free food to poor: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – In an order of far reaching consequences, the Supreme Court Thursday asked the central government to distribute free foodgrains to families below the poverty line.

It also asked the state governments to tell whether they were distributing 35 kg of foodgrains to each of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families that was allocated [..] Read the original article: here.

Attorneys, judge wait to hear from jury in former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial

All sides waiting to hear from Blagojevich jury

CHICAGO – All sides at former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial are set to gather in court to seek clarity on a jurors’ note hinting they’re deadlocked on at least some counts.
The gathering Thursday comes after a note from deliberating jurors the day before.
It was the first …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Attorneys, judge wait to hear from jury in former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial.

Goa Church under cloud for selling island to resort company

PANAJI – The Church in Goa has come under a cloud following the sale of one of the river islands owned by the Archdiocese of Goa to a resort developer.

Villagers residing at Vanxim (Ilhas de Capao), a small picturesque island located in the Mandovi river, about 20 km from here, have alleged that the Church … Read more : Goa Church under cloud for selling island to resort company.

Mumbai campaign against taxis, autos flops

MUMBAI – A campaign to boycott autorickshaws and taxis to protest arbitrary fares charged by their drivers virtually failed Thursday because many commuters said they were dependent on them.

Although Mumbaikars had lent their full support to the campaign launched by three advertising professionals, those who don’t own vehicles went for taxis and autos so as …. Original article  : Mumbai campaign against taxis, autos flops.

Foreign-born workers get three-quarters of British jobs

LONDON – Workers born outside Britain bagged most of the jobs in the country despite a steep surge in recruitment this year, adding to the worries of unemployed British youths, campaigners have said.

Employment levels in three months between April and June rose from 184,000 to 29 million in the biggest quarterly hike since 1989. But … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Foreign-born workers get three-quarters of British jobs.

US in dialogue on visa fee hike

WASHINGTON – Amid growing voices against a “discriminatory” US legislation to hike visa fees for highly skilled professionals, Washington began a dialogue with lawmakers, business and within the government on the issue.

“This is an issue that we’ve had conversations with leaders on the Hill about,” State Department spokesman Phillip J Crowley told reporters Wednesday when … Read more : US in dialogue on visa fee hike.

One in 12 babies born to illegal immigrants in US

WASHINGTON – One of about every 12 babies born in the United States in 2008 was the offspring of illegal immigrants, says a new study sharpening a debate over a law that automatically makes them US citizens.

An estimated 340,000 of the 4.3 million babies born in the US in 2008 had parents who were in …. Original source  : One in 12 babies born to illegal immigrants in US.

Indian workers stuck in Libya to be back

NEW DELHI – Hundreds of Indian workers stuck in Libya in northern Africa without being paid salaries since October last year will return home by the month end, says Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi.

“My ministry held talks with the Libyan government…the people stuck over there will return at the earliest, ending … Original article on : Indian workers stuck in Libya to be back.

Canada seizes ship with illegal Tamil migrants

NEW YORK/VANCOUVER – Canadian authorities boarded a ship carrying 490 Tamil migrants off the country’s Pacific coast, news reports said.

Vic Towes, Minister for Public Safety, was quoted by the Vancouver Sun newspaper as saying that among the migrants were human traffickers and terror suspects.
“Human-smugglers and human-traffickers are now watching Canada’s response to judge …. Original source  : Canada seizes ship with illegal Tamil migrants.

1984 riots case: SC stays trial against Sajjan Kumar

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday stayed trial proceedings against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar who is facing murder and other charges in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A bench of Justices P Sathasivam and B S Chauhan also issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Kumar’s appeal challenging his …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 1984 riots case: SC stays trial against Sajjan Kumar.

Pak Supreme Court seeks report over detained Indian fishermen

ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has ordered the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Sindh government to submit a report on the detention of Indian fishermen in the country’s jails by August 26.

This was announced by a three-member SC bench, which was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistani Fisher …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pak Supreme Court seeks report over detained Indian fishermen.

Calif. judge reschedules sentencing for ex-UFC fighter War Machine, says case calls for prison

CA judge seeks harsher sentence for Ex-UFC fighter

SAN DIEGO – A San Diego judge says he is not inclined to honor a plea deal for former Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor War Machine and thinks the case calls for state prison.
Judge David Danielsen was scheduled Thursday to sentence the 28-year-old fighter to a year in jail …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Calif. judge reschedules sentencing for ex-UFC fighter War Machine, says case calls for prison.

Ignoring Indian concerns, Obama set to sign visa fee hike bill

WASHINGTON – Unmindful of India and corporate America’s concerns, President Barack Obama is all set to sign into law a legislation to secure the US-Mexico border with $600 million raised by hiking work visa fees.

“Today’s action by Congress answers my call to bolster the essential work of federal law enforcement officials and improve their … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ignoring Indian concerns, Obama set to sign visa fee hike bill.

Doctor on trial partied with Anna Nicole Smith, writes in his journal, ‘Can she ruin me?’

Doctor partied with Anna Nicole Smith
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles prosecutors have shown jurors their most explosive evidence against Anna Nicole Smith’s doctor – personal journal entries in which he talks of partying with her during a gay pride parade.

Dr. Sandeep Kapoor writes of “blurring the lines” between doctor and patient and wonders, “Can she …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Doctor on trial partied with Anna Nicole Smith, writes in his journal, ‘Can she ruin me?’.

Gay marriages can resume in California

SAN FRANCISCO – Same-sex marriages can resume in California after a federal judge Thursday lifted a temporary stay he put in place after overturning the state’s ban on gay marriage last week.

Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that same-sex marriages will be legal in California from Aug 18.
Walker Aug 4 overturned California’s ban on same-sex marriage, … Read more »»».

Paris Hilton vows vigorous defense of $35 million hair extension lawsuit; possible countersuit

Hilton vows vigorous defense of $35 million suit

LOS ANGELES – Paris Hilton’s attorneys said Thursday that a $35 million lawsuit against the socialite was meritless and they would mount a spirited defense and possibly pursue a countersuit.
Hilton was sued Wednesday in Los Angeles for allegedly breaching a contract to promote and wear hair extensions manufactured … Original article on : Paris Hilton vows vigorous defense of $35 million hair extension lawsuit; possible countersuit.

Immigration chief in Phoenix fighting belief that federal government isn’t doing enough

Immigration chief: ‘We’re going to get this right’

PHOENIX – The director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday that the removal of illegal immigrants from the country is at an all-time high.
ICE Director John Morton visited Phoenix in part to combat a common belief that the federal government isn’t doing enough to fight illegal … Read : Immigration chief in Phoenix fighting belief that federal government isn’t doing enough.

Jurors in Blagojevich trial tell judge they’ve reached agreement on just 2 counts

Jurors in Blago trial say they agree on 2 counts
CHICAGO – Jurors in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY’-uh-vich) say they have reached agreement on just two of 24 counts against him. The judge says he’ll tell them to go back and deliberate some more.
The jurors said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jurors in Blagojevich trial tell judge they’ve reached agreement on just 2 counts.

Haryana to get evening courts

CHANDIGARH – In a move to reduce the pendency of cases, Haryana will set up evening courts at Faridabad, Gurgaon, Hisar and Karnal towns this year, an official said Sunday.

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who himself is a lawyer, has also given the nod for the setting up of ‘gram nyayalayas’ (village courts) in Rania …. Original article  : Haryana to get evening courts.

A medal for poor translation (Legal Reporter’s Diary)

NEW DELHI – There is one field where India could be assured a Commonwealth Games medal – erroenous judgements, many caused by poor translation. Or so believe some honourable judges of the Supreme Court.

Trial court proceedings usually take place in the language of the region and these are translated into English at the high court …. Original article  : A medal for poor translation (Legal Reporter’s Diary).

On I-Day, men to demand neutral laws

CHENNAI – When India celebrates its 64th Independence Day Sunday, around 100 men representing nearly 15 NGOs would press for the formulation of gender neutral laws at a meeting at the Yercaud hill station in Tamil Nadu.

The men’s rights groups would meet in the cool climes of Yercaud under the aegis of Save Indian Family …. Read the original article  : On I-Day, men to demand neutral laws.

Punjab speaker’s anticipatory bail plea rejected

PATIALA – A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Saturday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Punjab Assembly Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon in a corruption case against him.

Kahlon, who is a senior leader of the ruling Akali Dal, had moved the anticipatory bail plea before the court which has summoned him to appear …. Read the original article  : Punjab speaker’s anticipatory bail plea rejected.

Disabled innovators get recognition

NEW DELHI – Imtiaz Ahmed Kachvi from Karnataka is polio stricken since the age of two. During one of his trips to Hubli, he suffered bruises on his palms and knees while trying to board public transport. After this incident, he devised a hand-pedalled tricycle for easy mobility.

He and several others whose disability made them … Read more >>.

Information on Games should go online: CIC

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government and other government agencies have been directed by the Central Information Commission to post all information relating to the Commonwealth Games on their websites, a Right to Information (RTI) activist said Saturday.

Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi directed the state government and other agencies like New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to [..] Read the original article: here.

Mexican woman granted asylum based on domestic abuse claims; experts say case sets standard

Mexican woman granted asylum after domestic abuse

SAN FRANCISCO – A Mexican woman who says she endured beatings and rapes for decades at the hands of her common-law husband has won the right to stay in the United States. Experts say the case makes clear that domestic violence is valid grounds for asylum.
The Department of Homeland …. Read the original article  : Mexican woman granted asylum based on domestic abuse claims; experts say case sets standard.

Ohio woman settles with Pa. doctor she had accused of putting in wrong breast implants

Ohio woman who claimed wrong implants settles case

PITTSBURGH – Federal court records show an Ohio woman has settled her lawsuit against a Pennsylvania plastic surgeon she accused of installing the wrong kind of implants.
Brittany Daly of Steubenville, Ohio, sued Dr. Beverly Carl in March over the 2008 surgery.
Daly, who was 23 at the time, says …. Read the original article  : Ohio woman settles with Pa. doctor she had accused of putting in wrong breast implants.

Shareholders file ‘derivative’ suit against Hewlett-Packard over CEO Mark Hurd’s exit

Shareholders file suit against HP over Hurd’s exit

NEW YORK – Shareholders of Hewlett-Packard Co. have filed a “derivative lawsuit” against the technology company and its board over fallout from former CEO Mark Hurd’s abrupt resignation last week.
A derivative lawsuit lets shareholders sue executives or board members over claims that their actions harmed the company as …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama seals visa fee hike law despite Indian concerns

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama signed into law a legislation to secure the US-Mexico border with $600 million raised by massively hiking work visa fees, ignoring concerns over a “discriminatory” provision that will largely hit Indian firms, including Wipro, Tata, Infosys and Satyam.

Obama signed the bill in his Oval office at the White House Friday, …. Original source  : Obama seals visa fee hike law despite Indian concerns.

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.

‘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.

Nuclear civil liability bill moved in Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI – Minister of State for Science and Technology Prithviraj Chavan moved the civil nuclear liability bill in the Rajya Sabha Monday after the Lok Sabha passed the legislation last week.

“I beg to move that the bill to provide for civil liability for nuclear damage, and prompt compensation to victims of a nuclear incident …. Read the original article  : Nuclear civil liability bill moved in Rajya Sabha.

Carla Bruni branded ‘prostitute’ in Iran

LONDON – French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife Carla Bruni has been branded as “prostitute” in Iran after she opposed an Iranian court’s ruling of awarding death sentence by stoning to a women for adultery, a media report said here.

The former supermodel, who became President Nicolas Sarkozy’s third wife two years ago, has signed a petition …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Carla Bruni branded ‘prostitute’ in Iran.

Hindu front activist held in Malaysia

IPOH – An ethnic Indian was arrested in Malaysia while attempting to submit a memorandum seeking freedom of religious conversion.

M. Balakrishnan, 53, a retired army officer and supporter of the Human Rights Party Malaysia (HRPM) and the banned Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), was arrested Sunday, New Straits Times reported.
The police …. Source article  : Hindu front activist held in Malaysia.

Briton falls off chair, to sue government for 300,000 pounds

LONDON – A British civil servant who fell off his swivel chair and was badly disabled is suing his government department for 300,000 pounds.

Gian-Paul De Vito-Tracey, 39, will claim that he was left 80 percent disabled for life after he hit his head on a wall, The Sun reported Monday.
He held a senior … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Briton falls off chair, to sue government for 300,000 pounds.

Execution of Iranian woman for adultry on hold

TEHRAN – The Human Rights Headquarters of the Iranian Judiciary said Sunday that the death sentence awarded to a woman for adultery is final, but has been put on hold for the time being.

Given the conclusive evidence in her case file, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was convicted of adultery and complicity in murder. Nevertheless, the stoning … Original source on Gaea Times at : Execution of Iranian woman for adultry on hold.

Governor stays away from Agra

AGRA – Uttar Pradesh Governor B.L. Joshi Sunday called off his visit to Agra, one of the districts affected by an agitation launched by farmers demanding higher compensation for their land acquired for the Yamuna Expressway.

Joshi, who was scheduled to inaugurate a community radio station of the Agra University — the first by an educational …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Roma expulsion from France unfortunate: Vayalar Ravi

NEW DELHI – The mass expulsion of the Indian-origin Roma people from France was unfortunate, said Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi Sunday, adding “I am hoping they will revisit the matter”.

“The expulsion of the Roma people by the French government is quite unfortunate but I am hoping they will revisit the matter,” Vayalar Ravi …. Original source  : Roma expulsion from France unfortunate: Vayalar Ravi.

Ministers’ assets: RTI activist says PMO withholding details

NEW DELHI – A right to information (RTI) activist has urged the Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah to question the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for not giving details of union ministers’ wealth.

RTI activist Subash Chandra Agrawal has asked Habibullah to issue a notice “for non-compliance of its (CIC) earlier order of providing the details of …. Read the original article  : here.

Present in court for political pleasure (A Legal Reporter’s Diary)

NEW DELHI – Senior counsel and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Satish Chandra Mishra could not have asked for more when the apex court bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice A.K. Ganguly castigated the Congress government in Haryana for its callous handling of anti-Dalit violence in Mirchpur.

Mishra, who appears in the Supreme Court only …. Original article  : Present in court for political pleasure (A Legal Reporter’s Diary).

Speak up against Roma expulsion by France, India told

TORONTO – India must speak up against France for the en masse expulsion of Indian-origin Roma people, said Ujjal Dosanjh, former Canadian health minister and top Indo-Canadian leader.

The Roma people – also called gypsies – claim their roots in north India from where they were enslaved and taken away by invaders from Afghanistan and Turkey … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Speak up against Roma expulsion by France, India told.

Federal magistrate says Oregon veterans lawsuit against Kellogg Brown & Root can continue

Oregon veterans suit against KBR can continue

PORTLAND, Ore. – A federal magistrate has ruled that a lawsuit by Oregon Army National Guard veterans against contractor Kellogg Brown & Root can continue.
U.S. District Magistrate Paul Papak denied KBR’s second motion to dismiss the suit on Monday.
In 2009, 26 Oregon Guard veterans sued KBR, saying its managers …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Federal magistrate says Oregon veterans lawsuit against Kellogg Brown & Root can continue.

Court summons Pakistani sports minister, PCB chairman

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court Tuesday issued summons to Pakistani Sports Minister Ijaz Jakhrani and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt over the match-fixing allegations against the country’s cricketers.

The petitioner, advocate Ishtiaq Chaudhry, told the court that the cricketers involved in match fixing allegations have maligned the name of Pakistan worldwide, and sought … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court summons Pakistani sports minister, PCB chairman.

Supreme Court pulls up Pawar

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday pulled up union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar for saying that the court had only made a suggestion and not passed an order regarding the distribution of foodgrains “free” to the poor.

Referring to media reports attributed to Pawar wherein he said that the court only made a suggestion Aug …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Salwa Judum on its way out, Supreme Court told

NEW DELHI – The central government Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the vigilante group Salwa Judum was on its way out and the Chhattisgarh government has been told not to extend any support to its activists.

The Salwa Judum was set up and armed by the Chhattisgarh government to counter Maoist influence in tribal areas …. Original source  : Salwa Judum on its way out, Supreme Court told.

Microsoft takes Word patent battle to US apex court

TORONTO – Microsoft, which lost its patent battle over Word processing software to a tiny Toronto firm i4i Inc. and was ordered to pay $290 million in damages last year, has taken the matter to the US Supreme Court.

The Canadian company had taken the software giant to court in 2007 over violations of its patent …. Source  : Microsoft takes Word patent battle to US apex court.

US trying to understand visa fee hike impact on Indian firms

WASHINGTON – The United States says it’s trying to understand the potential impact of a steep hike in US worker visa fees on Indian companies, but no new step has been taken yet to ease Indian concerns.

“I think we have been explaining to the Indian Government the specifics in … Original article on : US trying to understand visa fee hike impact on Indian firms.

US launches women’s rights programme in Pakistan

Islamabad, Aug 31 (IANS/AKI) The US is launching a new $40 million programme to stress on women’s human rights in Pakistan and support existing government policies to combat gender inequality.

“The US and Pakistan are focused on empowering women and advancing women’s rights – an issue of great importance to both our countries,” US ambassador to …. Source  : US launches women’s rights programme in Pakistan.

LA sued for canceling Tiesto concert in wake of teen’s death at rave event

LA sued for stopping Tiesto show after rave death

LOS ANGELES – Organizers of a Los Angeles rave that ended with the death of a 15-year-old girl are suing the city for canceling a concert it organized with electronic music artist Tiesto.
Insomniac Inc. filed the breach-of-contract lawsuit Friday against the city for canceling an October concert …. Source article  : LA sued for canceling Tiesto concert in wake of teen’s death at rave event.

NY rights groups sue in DC, say targeted killings of US citizens overseas unconstitutional

NY groups seek DC order blocking targeted killings
NEW YORK – Two New York-based civil liberties groups have sued the federal government, saying its targeted killings of U.S. citizens overseas is unconstitutional.
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Constitutional Rights filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of … Read more >>>.

CWG construction workers denied basic rights: Report

NEW DELHI – Construction workers at Commonwealth Games (CWG) sites get paid much lower than the minimum stipulated by law and there is no provision for safety gear for them or even hygienic living conditions, according to a report by the Peoples’ Union of Democratic Rights (PUDR) Monday.

“Workers continue to be paid wages of Rs.110-130 … Read : CWG construction workers denied basic rights: Report.