Jharkhand asked to give security to Koda scam petitioner

RANCHI – The Jharkhand High Court Monday directed the state government to provide security to Durga Oraon on whose public interest litigation (PIL) a probe was ordered into the multi-crore-rupee scam allegedly involving former chief minister Madhu Koda.

A division bench of Chief Justice Bhagawati Prasad asked the Jharkhand government to provide full security cover to …. Original source  : Jharkhand asked to give security to Koda scam petitioner.

Akshardham case: Supreme Court stays death sentence of three convicts

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the death sentence of three accused in connection with the Akshardham temple attack case of September 24, 2002 in which 34 persons, including two National Security Guard (NSG) commandos were killed.

An apex court …. Original article  : Akshardham case: Supreme Court stays death sentence of three convicts.

Court free to probe Ishrat Jahan case, rules apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday said that the Gujarat High Court is free to appoint any agency to investigate Ishrat Jahan shootout case.

The apex court passed this order after R.K. Raghvan, the head of Special Investigative Team (SIT), refused to undertake the probe into the matter.
The Supreme Court-appointed SIT was directed … Original article on : Court free to probe Ishrat Jahan case, rules apex court.

Right to Education Act referred to constitution bench

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday referred to its five-judge constitution bench a petition challenging certain provisions of the Right to Education Act. The provisions were contrary to the provisions of the constitution safeguarding the rights of the minorities and unaided schools, the petition said.
… Read more »»».

Apex court stays death sentence of 3 Akshardham attackers

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday stayed the death sentence of the three men who were given death sentence for attacking Akshardham temple in Ahmedabad in 2002.

The sentence was stayed by the apex court bench of Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy and Justice S. Nijjar.
The court also issued notice to the Gujarat government …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Apex court stays death sentence of 3 Akshardham attackers.

End child labour, Bangladesh court tells government

DHAKA – The high court here has directed the Bangladesh government to end within a year child labour in a number of industries across the country.

Judges Mohammed Imman Ali and Obaidul Hasan admitted a public interest litigation from several human rights groups to order the labour and employment ministry to stop the production of beedi … Read : End child labour, Bangladesh court tells government.

‘Make pre-marriage course compulsory for Malaysian Hindus’

KUALA LUMPUR – A Hindu group in Malaysia wants a compulsory pre-marriage course for the community to reinforce family values and fight problems like divorce and single motherhood.

The Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) has written to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak requesting the government to make the course a must for Hindus prior to their marriage … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Make pre-marriage course compulsory for Malaysian Hindus’.

Strike disrupts normal life in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Normal life was disrupted Tuesday as markets, educational institutions and shops remained closed in Kerala due to a one-day nationwide shutdown called by eight major trade unions, including those of the Left and the Congress.

The nationwide strike was called to protest price rise, violation of labour laws and privatisation.
Offices reported … Read more »»».

Strike hits air, road traffic, disrupts life in Bengal

KOLKATA – Normal life was disrupted, with air and road traffic severely hit, in most parts of West Bengal Tuesday due to a one-day nationwide shutdown called by nine major trade unions, including those of the Left and the Congress.

The strike was called to protest against price rise, violation of labour laws and privatisation. … Read more »»».

400 gay marriages registered in Mexico

Mexico City, Sep 7 (IANS/EFE) About 400 same-sex couples have wed in Mexico, six months after the law permitting gay marriage came into effect, authorities said.

A total of 398 marriages have been registered, of which 53 percent were between men and 47 percent between women, the government of the Mexican capital said Monday.
In these … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 400 gay marriages registered in Mexico.

Chinese to sue Japan firm over forced labour during WWII

BEIJING – About 100 labourers in China will file a lawsuit next week against a Japanese company demanding apology and compensation for being forced to work in the firm during World War II, their lawyer said.

Workers from the eastern province of Shandong will sue Mitsubishi Materials Corp and its subsidiaries in China at the Shandong …. Original article  : Chinese to sue Japan firm over forced labour during WWII.

Private firm not allowed to use ‘Mother Dairy’ brand name

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday dismissed a plea of a private company to use the brand name “Mother Dairy” for its milk products.

The court passed the direction on the plea of Maa Baisnavi Enterprises, saying that the firm would not be allowed to use the brand name till Mother Dairy’s petition on …. Original article  : Private firm not allowed to use ‘Mother Dairy’ brand name.

Court doubts Gujarat scheme on bar-coded ration cards

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat government’s plan to introduce bar-coded ration cards received a setback of sorts after the high court Monday doubted the reliability of the proposal to check pilferage.

A Gujarat High Court bench comprising Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi directed the state government to be prepared to demonstrate in the court …. Read the original article  : here.

Can’t follow tips on foodgrain storage, Supreme Court told

NEW DELHI – The central government Monday told the Supreme Court that it could not follow its suggestion to procure foodgrains in proportion to storage capacity as it had to cater to the farmers by providing them minimum support price (MSP) for their produce.

The government said that the “procurement policy of the government of India …. Original article  : Can’t follow tips on foodgrain storage, Supreme Court told.

Karnataka BJP holds protest for cow slaughter ban

BANGALORE – The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday held rallies across Karnataka demanding early presidential nod to a bill banning cow slaughter in the state.

The bill, passed by both the houses of the state legislature, has been sent by Governor H.R. Bhardwaj to President Pratibha Patil for a decision as the Congress, Janata Dal-Secular … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Karnataka BJP holds protest for cow slaughter ban.

Iranian woman who faced death by stoning gets new sentence of 99 lashes, says her son

Son: Iran woman who faced stoning to be lashed

TEHRAN, Iran – An Iranian woman who had faced death by stoning for adultery has now received a new sentence of 99 lashes after a British newspaper ran a picture of an unveiled woman mistakenly identified as her, the woman’s son said Monday.
There was no official confirmation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iranian woman who faced death by stoning gets new sentence of 99 lashes, says her son.

British minister jailed for 4 years after performing hundreds of sham marriages

UK minister jailed for 4 years over sham marriages

LONDON – A British judge sentenced a Church of England minister to four years in jail on Monday for his part in a sham-marriage scam which saw hundreds of African men marry European women so they could stay in Britain.
The Rev. Alex Brown was convicted in July … Original article on : British minister jailed for 4 years after performing hundreds of sham marriages.

Hold Ershad’s trial, alliance partners tell Hasina

DHAKA – Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who heads a 14-party alliance, is under pressure from some of her allies to allow the trial of former president H.M. Ershad for `usurping’ power in 1982.

Hasina had reportedly told Ershad, who is also a member of the ruling alliance, “not to worry” when he met her … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hold Ershad’s trial, alliance partners tell Hasina.

Apex court calls for panel for retired defence staff

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday suggested to the central government to set up an independent commission which would hear the grievances of retired defence officers and make recommendation for their redressal.

The court said that such a panel preferably headed by a retired Supreme Court judge would save these officers from running from pillar …. Read the original article  : Apex court calls for panel for retired defence staff.

Petition moved for Pak Interior Minister Malik’s disqualification

KARACHI – A petition has been submitted in the Sindh High Court (SHC) in Pakistan, seeking disqualification of the country’s Interior Minister, Rehman Malik, as his conviction in corruption references remains intact.

Petitioner Maulvi Iqbal Haider mentioned in his plea that the Accountability Court, Rawalpindi, had … Read more : Petition moved for Pak Interior Minister Malik’s disqualification.

US looks to India for changes in liability law

WASHINGTON – The United States says it will look to New Delhi to see what changes can be made to the nuclear liability bill passed by Indian parliament making suppliers of nuclear equipment also potentially liable.

In its first public reaction to the controversial provision, State Department spokesman Phillip Crowley told reporters Tuesday: “I think we …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Stoning of Iranian woman ‘barbaric’: EU

Strasbourg, Sep 8 (IANS/AKI) European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said he was “appalled” to learn of the sentencing to death by stoning of a 43-year-old Iranian woman and called it “barbaric beyond words”.

Barroso made the remarks in his first annual State of the Union address to the European parliament in Strasbourg, France.
The …. Read the original article  : Stoning of Iranian woman ‘barbaric’: EU.

NYC judge orders filmmaker deposed to learn what he knows about Chevron-Ecuador legal fight

NYC judge orders filmmaker deposed in Chevron case

NEW YORK – A judge ordered a documentary filmmaker Tuesday to face questions from Chevron lawyers to see if he can provide further inside information regarding a legal fight between Chevron and Ecuadoreans over oil contamination.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan said in a written opinion that it was … Original article on : NYC judge orders filmmaker deposed to learn what he knows about Chevron-Ecuador legal fight.

Prosecutors show tape of defendants in NY synagogue-bomb trial handling missile launcher

Missile launcher tape at NY synagogue-bomb trial

NEW YORK – A videotape shows the alleged mastermind of a plot to attack New York synagogues and shoot down military planes practicing with a shoulder missile launcher.
The tape played for a jury Tuesday at the Manhattan trial of James Cromitie and three other men capture a paid FBI … Read more : Prosecutors show tape of defendants in NY synagogue-bomb trial handling missile launcher.

HP sues ex-boss Hurd over Oracle move

SAN FRANCISCO – Hewlett Packard sued its former boss Mark Hurd Tuesday for breach of confidentiality agreements a day after the highly-regarded executive was hired as president of rival Oracle, The Wall Street Journal reported.

“Mark Hurd agreed to and signed agreements designed to protect HP’s trade secrets and confidential information,” a spokeswoman for HP said. …. Read the original article  : here.

NY lawsuit seeks to halt searches of international travelers’ electronics without cause

NY lawsuit seeks to halt suspicionless searches

NEW YORK – Civil rights lawyers sued the government Tuesday to stop authorities from snooping in the laptops, cell phones and cameras of international travelers without probable cause.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn against the Department of Homeland Security as well as U.S. customs and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NY lawsuit seeks to halt searches of international travelers’ electronics without cause.

Christian convert who ran from Ohio to Fla. wins permanent US residency; is Sri Lanka native

Runaway Ohio convert gains legal US residency

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A lawyer for a Christian convert who ran away from her parents says the now-18-year-old woman has gained permanent U.S. residency after living in Ohio as an illegal immigrant.
A lawyer for Rifqa Bary said Tuesday the Sri Lanka native can now start applying for a driver’s … Read more »»».

APNewsBreak: Attorney for Britney Spears’ ex calls bodyguard’s child abuse claims ‘baseless’

APNewsBreak: Spears’ ex disputes abuse claims

LOS ANGELES – An attorney for Britney Spears’ ex-husband called child abuse claims leveled at the singer by a former bodyguard baseless and motivated by money.
Fernando Flores, who worked on the singer’s security detail, sued Spears on Wednesday claiming sexual harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. His lawsuit claims [..] Read the original article: here.

Britney Spears’ former bodyguard sues singer, security firm for sexual harassment in LA

Spears’ former bodyguard sues for sex harassment

LOS ANGELES – A former bodyguard sued Britney Spears on Wednesday, claiming the singer repeatedly subjected him to “repeated unwanted sexual advances” and harassment.
Fernando Flores filed the sexual harassment lawsuit in suburban Los Angeles, alleging the singer intentionally inflicted emotional distress.
He is seeking unspecified damages from the Grammy Award-winner … Read more : Britney Spears’ former bodyguard sues singer, security firm for sexual harassment in LA.

Settlement reached in man’s lawsuit against Beyonce over filming of music video near his home

Lawsuit over filming of Beyonce video settled

LOS ANGELES – A lawsuit filed by a Los Angeles man upset with the disruption from a Beyonce Knowles music video shoot has been dismissed and settled.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed Philip Markowitz’s suit against the Grammy-winning singer on Friday.
Markowitz’s lawsuit alleged the shoot for “Why Don’t … Read more »»».

Mexican judge frees women jailed for miscarriages

Mexico City, Sep 9 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican judge has ordered the release of seven women serving long prison terms after being convicted of homicide in cases of miscarriage in the country’s central Guanajuato state.

A judicial decree was published in Guanajuato last Friday reducing the punishment of women convicted of homicide in cases of miscarriage.
“With …. Read the original article  : here.

Authorities rescue 37 immigrants locked inside small bedroom in Riverside drop house

Officials rescue 37 immigrants from Calif. house

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Immigration authorities have rescued more than three dozen immigrants who were locked inside a boarded-up bedroom in a Southern California drop house.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Wednesday some of the 37 immigrants from six Latin American countries had been held for weeks in the 10-by-10-foot …. Original article  : Authorities rescue 37 immigrants locked inside small bedroom in Riverside drop house.

Los Angeles man dismisses lawsuit against Beyonce over filming of music video near his home

Lawsuit over Beyonce music video filming dismissed

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles man who sued Beyonce Knowles claiming a music video shoot “shattered” his privacy has dismissed the case.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed Philip Markowitz’s suit against the Grammy-winning singer on Friday. Court filings show Markowitz sought a dismissal of the case roughly … Original article on : Los Angeles man dismisses lawsuit against Beyonce over filming of music video near his home.

Judge’s ruling on interest payment increases Don Johnson’s ‘Nash Bridges’ award to $51 million

Ruling doubles Don Johnson’s ‘Nash Bridges’ award

LOS ANGELES – A judge on Wednesday doubled Don Johnson’s jury award for profits from the TV series “Nash Bridges” to more than $51 million.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Stern ruled that the actor is due more than $28 million in interest from the show. The order came … Read more >>>.

Calif.-based nursing home company settles lawsuit for $50 million, avoids $677 million verdict

Nursing home co. settles $677M lawsuit for $50M

SAN FRANCISCO – A California nursing home company has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a lawsuit that resulted in a $677 million jury award in favor of thousands of current and former patients.
Orange County-based Skilled Healthcare Group Inc. announced the settlement late Tuesday. The money will … Read : Calif.-based nursing home company settles lawsuit for $50 million, avoids $677 million verdict.

Philly housing official: Embattled director’s suit against agency is ploy for golden parachute

Official: Housing czar’s lawsuit a ploy for money

PHILADELPHIA – The embattled director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority is trying to leave his job with a golden parachute.
That’s according to former Mayor John Street, who serves on the agency’s board.
Street says a lawsuit filed against the housing authority by Director Carl Greene is a ploy for … Original article on : Philly housing official: Embattled director’s suit against agency is ploy for golden parachute.

Set up panel for retired defence staff: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday suggested that the government set up an independent body before which the retired and serving armed forces personnel could agitate for redressal of their grievances.

The court said that the proposed independent body, to be headed by a retired judge of the apex court, would save the armed forces … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Set up panel for retired defence staff: Apex court.

Rizwanur Rahman case: Supreme Court gives reprieve to businessman Todi

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court of India, on Friday, stayed two Kolkata High Court orders to initiate fresh investigations into the death of Kolkata-based design professional Rizwanur Rahman.

The stayed …. Source article  : Rizwanur Rahman case: Supreme Court gives reprieve to businessman Todi.

Abu Salem can be tried for all crimes in India: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday ruled that the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts accused and underworld don Abu Salem can be tried for all the crimes he had committed in the country.

The court dismissed his plea that he could only be tried for the cases for which the Portugal court permitted his extradition. …. Source  : Abu Salem can be tried for all crimes in India: Apex court.

Apex court upholds Abu Salem trial

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday upheld the trial of 1993 Bombay bomb blast accused Abu Salem under the provisions of the criminal law that provides for death sentence.
…. Source article  : Apex court upholds Abu Salem trial.

Apex court stays fresh probe into Rizwanur case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday stayed the Calcutta High Court order for reinvestigation into Rizwanur Rehman’s mysterious death and the quashing of the charge sheet in the case.

The apex court also stayed all the consequent orders flowing from the high court ruling, including the discharging of Rizwanur Rehman’s father-in-law … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Apex court stays fresh probe into Rizwanur case.

Chinese woman sues cinema hall for excessive ads

BEIJING – A woman in China has sued a cinema hall and the distributors of a movie, claiming excessive advertising wasted her time and violated her freedom of choice.

The suit filed by movie-goer Chen Xiaomei has been accepted by the People’s Court of Yanta district in Xi’an, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement [..] Read the original article: here.

EBay wins a round in court as Craigslist is ordered to reverse moves that hurt eBay

EBay wins a round in court against Craigslist

SAN JOSE, Calif. – In a skirmish between two Internet heavy hitters with a tangled relationship, eBay Inc. has convinced a court that it was wronged by antitakeover moves adopted by Craigslist after eBay started encroaching on its online classifieds turf in the U.S.
A judge ruled Thursday that …. Source article  : EBay wins a round in court as Craigslist is ordered to reverse moves that hurt eBay.

Man accused in Massachusetts family slaying asks to keep details sealed from public view

Mass. family slay suspect wants details sealed

WOBURN, Mass. – Lawyers for a Massachusetts man accused of killing his wife, two children and mother-in-law are asking to keep some “highly inflammatory” details of the slayings sealed from public view.
They argued Thursday that the information could put him at risk in prison and “prejudice a vast array … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man accused in Massachusetts family slaying asks to keep details sealed from public view.

Canada discusses visa denial to Indian officials

CHANDIGARH – In the wake of rejection of visa applications of some Indian police and army officials by the Canadian consulate, Canada Thursday said it was reviewing its legal obligations.

“We have already issued a statement in late May, expressing regret if there was any misunderstanding. Canada recognises India as a great democracy, which has … Original article on : Canada discusses visa denial to Indian officials.

Canada wants more talented Indians: Minister

CHANDIGARH – India has emerged as one of the top source countries of immigration to Canada and Ottawa is looking forward to more number of talented Indians who can contribute to its development.

“In 2009, India was the top source country of immigration to Canada and obviously Punjab was leading on this front,” Canadian Citizenship, … Read : Canada wants more talented Indians: Minister.

No hearing needed before ordering unfair trade practices probe

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday held that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) could order preliminary enquiry against a company allegedly engaged in unfair trade practices without affording it a hearing.

The court also held that in such a situation the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) would not interfere with the CCI’s order for preliminary … Read : No hearing needed before ordering unfair trade practices probe.

Libya becomes a roadblock on the path to Europe

TRIPOLI – Her parents called her Fortuna, after the Roman Goddess of luck. But for the 22-year-old from Ethiopia, the last two years have been a string of disappointments and bad luck.

Fortunas plan of making it to Europe on a boat smuggling people from Libya to Italy – like her older sister did before her … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Libya becomes a roadblock on the path to Europe.

Judge halts Kentucky execution planned for next week, says death protocol doesn’t match law

Judge halts Kentucky execution set for next week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In less than a month, judges in Kentucky and California have barred their respective states from executing inmates because of problems with the way the states put their lethal injection procedures into place.
The latest halt came Friday in Kentucky, where Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip … Original source on Gaea Times at : Judge halts Kentucky execution planned for next week, says death protocol doesn’t match law.

Man accused of using Twitter to incite assassination of Chavez arraigned in Venezuela

Venezuelan released after arrest for Twitter post

CARACAS, Venezuela – A Venezuelan man has been arraigned on suspicion of using Twitter to incite the assassination of President Hugo Chavez.
The man, Jesus Majano, is an employee of the state electricity corporation and was arrested earlier this week for a message he posted on Twitter.
The man’s lawyer, Luis … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man accused of using Twitter to incite assassination of Chavez arraigned in Venezuela.

Witness retracts claim that she saw defendant inject Anna Nicole Smith

Woman retracts previous claim at Anna Nicole trial

LOS ANGELES – A key witness at the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy trial has retracted a previous statement that she saw Smith’s boyfriend Howard K. Stern inject the former Playboy model.
Quethlie Alexie, who worked as a nanny for Smith in the Bahamas, acknowledged Friday under tough cross-examination …. Original source  : Witness retracts claim that she saw defendant inject Anna Nicole Smith.

Lady Gaga, producer end their dueling NY lawsuits; he’d said she cut him out of her career

Lady Gaga, producer withdraw dueling NY lawsuits

NEW YORK – They may have had a bad romance, but now there’s a cordial professional split between Lady Gaga and a music producer who said she ditched him as both a collaborator and a boyfriend after he helped launch her career.
Court papers filed this week show the Grammy …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lady Gaga, producer end their dueling NY lawsuits; he’d said she cut him out of her career.

Witness says closing locks to stop Asian carp from reaching Great Lakes would raise flood risk

Hearing under way to keep carp out of Great Lakes

CHICAGO – A witness in a federal lawsuit seeking the closure of two Illinois shipping locks to thwart Asian carp says the move would raise risks of devastating floods.
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin want a judge to order the locks shut to keep the invasive … Read more »».

Foxy Brown pleads not guilty to violating protective order by baring buttocks at NYC neighbor

Foxy Brown pleads not guilty to NY court violation

NEW YORK – Rapper Foxy Brown has pleaded not guilty to charges of violating a court order stemming from a 2007 confrontation with her neighbor in New York City.
Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, entered the plead Friday to a charge of criminal contempt. She could … Read more >>>.

Court issues notice to defence secretary, IAF

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday issued notices to the defence secretary and the Indian Air Force (IAF) over a plea seeking contempt proceedings against them for not granting permanent commission (PC) to nine serving women officers.

Justice G.S. Sistani issued show cause notices to Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and Air Marshal K.J. Mathews, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court issues notice to defence secretary, IAF.

Apex court sore over neglect of building workers’ welfare

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday slammed the central government and states for their failure to implement two almost 15-year-old laws on the regulation of working conditions and welfare of construction industry labourers.

The court expressed its displeasure at the total indifference of the central and state governments in implementing the Building and other Construction …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Apex court sore over neglect of building workers’ welfare.

Salem can be tried for offences inviting death penalty: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court in a significant ruling on Friday said Gangster Abu Salem can be tried for offences inviting death penalty.

The verdict of the apex court assumes significance as the Portugal Government …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

A million tribals have got land rights: Tribal Affairs Minister (Interview)

NEW DELHI – Nearly a million tribals have been given land rights under the forest rights act and they will be made stakeholders in development projects, says Tribal Affairs Minister Kantilal Bhuria, as this largely neglected section of Indian society comes to the fore of government policy.

“We have received over 28 lakh (2.8 million) representations …. Original article  : A million tribals have got land rights: Tribal Affairs Minister (Interview).

Iran agrees to release female US hiker

TEHRAN – Iran said Sunday that it would be ready to grant bail to Sarah Shourd, one of the three Americans jailed for more than a year.

The news agency ILNA quoted Tehran public prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi as saying that Shourd could leave the country after paying a bail amounting to $500,000.
But the prosecutor …. Original source  : Iran agrees to release female US hiker.