Apex court extends stay on Sterlite’s shut down

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday extended its interim stay order on the Madras High Court’s verdict that directed Sterlite Industries to shut down its copper smelter plant in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, court officials said.

The stay order will be operative until the apex court takes up the matter for hearing again in …. Source  : Apex court extends stay on Sterlite’s shut down.

Varying pay, perks to tribunal heads irks ex-judge

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court is set to hear a petition asking it to direct the state government to stop discriminating between two retired judges of the court who head different tribunals in the state.

A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed Oct 15 by advocates practicing at the Gujarat Public Works Contracts Disputes … Read more »».

When PM says something, it ought to be respected: Gilani

ISLAMABAD – The prime minister’s word should be “respected by everyone”, Pakistan premier Yousuf Raza Gilani said here while referring to a Supreme Court directive for a written assurance that the government would not withdraw an executive order restoring the status of superior court judges.

“When the prime minister says something, whether it is …. Original article  : When PM says something, it ought to be respected: Gilani.

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

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court will hear from today the arguments on confirmation of death sentence awarded to Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab for his role in the 26/11 attacks.

State’s counsel Ujjwal Nikam will … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 26/11 case: Bombay HC to take up Kasab’s hearing today.

Two convicted drug traffickers hanged in Iran

TEHRAN – Two convicted drug traffickers have been hanged in southwestern Iran, the Fars news agency reported Sunday.

The two were hanged in a prison in the city of Ahvaz after their death penalties were confirmed by the Supreme Court, Fars said without giving the date of the execution.
Murder, rape, armed robbery and trafficking …. Original source  : Two convicted drug traffickers hanged in Iran.

Kasab death penalty: Case in high court Monday

MUMBAI – Unprecedented security arrangements have been made at the Bombay High Court where the hearing on the confirmation of the death sentence to Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab begins Monday.

Kasab will not be present in person but participate in the proceedings through video-conferencing in view of the threat perceptions against him.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kasab death penalty: Case in high court Monday.

Ali Sena activists protest against Ayodhya verdict in New Delhi

NEW DELHI – Hundreds of Ali Sena activists, a Muslim forum, staged a mass demonstration on Sunday, protesting against the recent decision by of the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on mosque-temple land title suit.

The activists holding posters and flags shouted anti-government slogans and expressed their anger against the High Court verdict.

The President …. Source  : Ali Sena activists protest against Ayodhya verdict in New Delhi.

Plea filed in Pak Supreme Court to hire eunuchs for loan recovery

LAHORE – An application has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, seeking a direction to the banks to appoint eunuchs for the recovery of heavy loans against politicians, bureaucrats, industrial magnates and members of the elite class.

In Lahore Registry of the apex court, Barrister Zafarullah Khan moved the application in his main petition … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Plea filed in Pak Supreme Court to hire eunuchs for loan recovery.

Lahore Court postpones hearing of petitions against Musharraf to Nov 1

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has postponed the hearing of two petitions seeking registration of a high treason case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf and his extradition from abroad with the help of Interpol, until November 1.

On … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lahore Court postpones hearing of petitions against Musharraf to Nov 1.

Tax sleuths conduct search operations on Games contractors

NEW DELHI – Officials of the Income Tax Department Tuesday started search and investigative operations in at least 25 premises of companies and individuals who won lucrative contracts for the just-concluded Commonwealth Games.

Among those whose premises were visited by the tax sleuths was senior leader of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sudhanshu Mittal, [..] Read the original article: here.

Wikileaks founder denied residency in Sweden

STOCKHOLM – Wikileaks’ founder Julian Assange has been denied a residency and work permit in Sweden, local media reported Monday.

Swedish Migration Board officials declined to offer details, citing confidentiality rules.
Assange, an Australian national, filed the application in August. A few days later it emerged that he had been accused of rape, which he …. Original source  : Wikileaks founder denied residency in Sweden.

Plea on right to property dismissed

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a petition seeking restoration of right to own property as a fundamental right.

An apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar said that such a right was inconsistent with the principle of socialism enshrined in the preamble of constitution.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Plea on right to property dismissed.

Policy to curb illegal mining soon, Gujarat tells court

GANDHINAGAR – A policy aimed at curbing illegal mining in Gujarat is being formulated, the Narendra Modi government told the Gujarat High Court Monday.

The state government said this in an affidavit filed before a division bench comprising Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi.
The government was responding to a public interest … Original source on Gaea Times at : Policy to curb illegal mining soon, Gujarat tells court.

Apex court restores powers of transparency panel chief

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday stayed the operation of a Delhi High Court order striking down the provision under which the chief information commissioner constitutes different benches of the transparency law panel to hear appeals.

The high court by its May 21 order quashed the Central Information Commission (Management) Regulations, 2007. The … Read more : Apex court restores powers of transparency panel chief.

Apex court extends shield for Sterlite’s Tamil Nadu plant (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday questioned the central government and extended its earlier interim order permitting Sterlite Industries’ copper smelter plant at Tuticorn in Tamil Nadu to continue its operations.

The apex court by its earlier interim order of Oct 1 stayed the operation of the Madras High Court verdict by which it …. Source  : Apex court extends shield for Sterlite’s Tamil Nadu plant (Second Lead).

Need to spread awareness on lok adalats: Chief Justice Misra

NEW DELHI – Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Dipak Misra Monday said it is the responsibility of media to create awareness about the lok adalats among the general public to make them a success.

He said lok adalats were meant for the public who need help, settlement and want their cases to be …. Source  : Need to spread awareness on lok adalats: Chief Justice Misra.

Bangladesh for common stance on Asian migrant workers

DHAKA – Bangladesh is reaching out to nations, including India, which export labour to the Gulf region and southeast Asia, to evolve a common stance on migrant workers’ rights.

The initiative comes ahead of a meeting of the Colombo Process, an alliance of 11 Asian labour exporters, which launched its journey in 2003. Its theme …. Source  : Bangladesh for common stance on Asian migrant workers.

Apex court sore over foodgrain wastage

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday expressed concern over the “gigantic” amount of foodgrain getting rotten and becoming unfit for human consumption because of improper storage.

“We are not able to comprehend the loss of the huge amount of foodgrain. It is a gigantic amount. Your admission is that it was 7,000 tonnes. If …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

High court disposes of two petitions on CWG graft

NEW DELHI – Delhi High Court Wednesday disposed of two petitions seeking separate inquiries into alleged corruption in the funding of the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG).

The second petition, filed by lawyer Ajay Aggarwal Sep 29, sought an independent audit of the works and sealing of records pertaining to tenders, work measurement and expenses …. Source article  : High court disposes of two petitions on CWG graft.

Karnataka crisis: High Court to decide rebel MLAs’ fate today

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court will hear the petition of eleven BJP rebel MLAs after a division bench gave a split verdict on it on October 18.

The rebel MLAs were disqualified by Speaker KG Bopaiah a under the provision of the anti-defection law on October 10.

The two-judges bench on Monday had referred the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Karnataka crisis: High Court to decide rebel MLAs’ fate today.

High court disposes of petition on CWG corruption

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday disposed of a petition seeking an inquiry into alleged corruption in the funding of the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG), and noted a government panel was already looking into it.

The petition filed by former Indian Administration Service (IAS) officer Arun Bhatia had sought an inquiry …. Source  : High court disposes of petition on CWG corruption.

Pakistan panel to review criminal case rulings since 1947

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is going to set up a commission that will allow people to file appeals on cases decided by courts since 1947, the year the country was born.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will announce the setting up of the commission which will review criminal cases and determine possible miscarriage of justice in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan panel to review criminal case rulings since 1947.

Apex court dismisses poacher Sansar Chand’s appeal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday dismissed an appeal by notorious poacher Sansar Chand who had challenged his conviction and five-year sentence for selling leopard and tiger skins.

This judgment was pronounced by the apex court bench of Justice Markandey Katju and Justice T.S. Thakur.
Chand, who is undergoing a five-year jail term, moved …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Apex court dismisses poacher Sansar Chand’s appeal.

Justice Sabhahit to hear Karnataka BJP legislators’ case

BANGALORE – Justice V.G. Sabhahit of the Karnataka High Court will Wednesday hear afresh the disqualification case of the 11 ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rebel legislators as decided by the division bench after it delivered a split verdict on it Monday.

According to the high court registrar’s office, Chief Justice K.S. Khehar appointed Justice …. Original source  : Justice Sabhahit to hear Karnataka BJP legislators’ case.

Illegal assets: Apex court to hear Mulayam’s plea Feb 1

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday said it will hold a two-day final hearing starting Feb 1, 2011 on former defence minister Mulayam Singh Yadav’s plea seeking review of the court’s direction for a federal probe into a complaint alleging possession of illegal assets.

After a brief hearing, an apex court bench of Justice …. Source article  : Illegal assets: Apex court to hear Mulayam’s plea Feb 1.

Games contractors under taxman’s scanner, parliamentary probe sought (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Income tax officials Tuesday searched some 30 premises of firms and individuals who had won contracts for the Commonwealth Games, including a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, amid demand for a parliamentary probe on the alleged scam.

Among those whose premises were visited by the tax sleuths was BJP’s Sudhanshu Mittal whose … Original source on Gaea Times at : Games contractors under taxman’s scanner, parliamentary probe sought (Roundup).

Plea for sacking Kalmadi to come up in court Wednesday

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday will hear a petition seeking removal of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi over alleged irregularities in preparations for the just concluded sporting event.

The petition filed by lawyer Ajay Aggarwal Sep 29 demanded an independent audit of the works and sealing of records pertaining to … Read : Plea for sacking Kalmadi to come up in court Wednesday.

Court seeks exact figure on below poverty line families

NEW DELHI – Apparently not convinced with the official data, the Supreme Court Tuesday asked the government to come up with a “reasonable number” on people living below poverty line (BPL).

The court said this after the government claimed that there were 5.9 crore BPL families in the country.
A reasonable number on BPL families …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Court seeks exact figure on below poverty line families.

Review amendment on judges’ appointment, says Pakistani apex court

ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan Thursday directed the government to review an amendment to the constitution pertaining to appointments of judges to superior court on the ground that it was detrimental to judiciary’s freedom.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry gave the verdict on the petitions challenging certain clauses of the 18th amendment … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Review amendment on judges’ appointment, says Pakistani apex court.

No alimony when live-in relationships break, says Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that women whose live-in relationships end cannot claim maintenance from their former partners.

The Supreme Court had referred the case to larger bench after observing that an adulterous relationship may become matrimonial by consent.

The apex court’s ruling came on a plea of a woman, who split with … Read : No alimony when live-in relationships break, says Supreme Court.

L&T gets notice in NHAI land acquisition case

GANDHINAGAR – How can land acquisition be carried out in a manner that denies the original owner the right of way to his remaining land? The question was raised by the Gujarat High Court, which has served notice on Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T) in connection with a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project.

…. Original source  : L&T gets notice in NHAI land acquisition case.

Apex court rejects woman’s alimony claim

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday set aside an Andhra Pradesh High Court verdict recognising the rights of the second wife and awarding her maintenance of Rs.500 per month.

The apex court bench of Justices Markandey Katju and T.S. Thakur was hearing the case of a man called D. Velusamy and his second …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Apex court rejects woman’s alimony claim.

Work out a compromise, apex court tells BCCI and Modi

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday gave the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Lalit Modi six days to decide on the composition of the disciplinary committee probing alleged financial lapses by the former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner.

The BCCI and Modi would reverse back to the apex court … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Work out a compromise, apex court tells BCCI and Modi.

Karnataka HC to continue hearing on MLAs disqualification case today

BANGALORE – Karnataka High Court will continue to hear today the matter related to disqualification of eleven BJP MLAs.

Justice V G Sabhahit, who heard arguments by advocates on behalf of the eleven disqualified BJP MLAs yesterday, decided to adjourn the hearing till today.

Justice Sabhahit was appointed as third Judge …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Karnataka HC to continue hearing on MLAs disqualification case today.

26/11 case: Kasab refuses to appear via video link

MUMBAI – The tantrum of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab continued in the Bombay High Court on Wednesday after he refused to appear via video link before the court, which is hearing arguments on confirmation of death sentence awarded to him for his … Read : 26/11 case: Kasab refuses to appear via video link.

‘Satyam’s Raju did not fudge accounts, only did window dressing’

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday was told that the alleged fudging of accounts by the former chairman of Satyam Computer Services Limited B. Ramalinga Raju was only “window dressing”.

The apex court bench of Justice Dalveer Bhandari and Justice Deepak Verma was told this by senior counsel Mukul Rohtagi while opposing the Central …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Supreme Court refuses to go easy on poacher

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday dismissed a petition by notorious poacher Sansar Chand seeking quashing of his conviction and jail sentence of five years.

The court said that the central and state governments and their agencies should make all-out efforts to preserve the wildlife in the country and take stringent action against violators …. Original source  : Supreme Court refuses to go easy on poacher.

CBI to get six new special courts in Maharashtra

MUMBAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will soon get six dedicated special courts across Maharashtra to hear cases investigated by the agency, the government announced Wednesday.

While three courts will come up in Mumbai, one each will be set up in Pune, Nagpur and Amravati, the state cabinet decided at a meeting presided …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : CBI to get six new special courts in Maharashtra.

Additional solicitor general resents use of ‘keep’ in ruling

NEW DELHI – Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaisingh Friday took exception to the use of word “keep” in a Supreme Court judgment.

She told the apex court bench of Justice Markandey Katju and T.S. Thakur that use of highly derogatory words for describing women was not expected from the judges of the apex court. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Additional solicitor general resents use of ‘keep’ in ruling.

Apex court stays anti-graft hearings against Chautalas

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday ordered an interim stay on the trial against Abhay Chautala and Ajay Chautala who have been charged with possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

The court also issued a notice to the prosecution asking why the anti-graft proceedings should not be stopped altogether.
Both Abhay …. Source article  : Apex court stays anti-graft hearings against Chautalas.

Colors TV moves court against ‘Bigg Boss’ ouster from Lonavala

MUMBAI – The Colors TV channel Friday moved the Bombay High Court against the Lonavala Municipal Council’s (LMC) eviction orders to its reality show “Bigg Boss-4″.

A channel spokesperson said a writ petition has been filed with the Bombay High Court after the civic council’s CEO Yogesh Godse served it a notice to stop the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Colors TV moves court against ‘Bigg Boss’ ouster from Lonavala.

Indian e-voting researcher wins US award

WASHINGTON – Hari Prasad Vemuru, a jailed Indian e-voting researcher, is one of the four winners of the 2010 Pioneer Awards of San Francisco headquartered Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a leading civil liberties group.

The three other winners are transparency activist Steven Aftergood; public domain scholar James Boyle; and legal blogger Pamela Jones and the …. Source  : Indian e-voting researcher wins US award.

Giving dowry to save proposed marriage no offence: Court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has held that giving dowry under the fear that a proposed marriage may be called off is not an offence.

The court gave the ruling while quashing a first information report (FIR) filed against a bride and her family for conceding the dowry demand of the groom’s family.
…. Original source  : Giving dowry to save proposed marriage no offence: Court.

Court refuses to lift ban on sand mining

MUMBAI – The Maharashtra government suffered a setback Thursday when the Bombay High Court refused to lift a ban on sand mining in the state – a day after the ruling Democratic Front proposed a draft policy on the issue.

A division bench of Justice B.H. Marlapalle and Justice U.D. Salvi refused to lift the … Original article on : Court refuses to lift ban on sand mining.

‘DRDO responsible for killing of 8 people in 2002 explosion’

NEW DELHI – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Thursday held the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) responsible for the killing of eight civilians in a live bomb explosion in 2002 in Orissa.

It asked the DRDO to pay Rs.3 lakh as compensation to the family members of each of those killed.
The human …. Source  : ‘DRDO responsible for killing of 8 people in 2002 explosion’.

Metro accident victim moves court, seeks Rs.50 lakh relief

NEW DELHI – Twentytwo-year-old Mehjabi who lost her legs in a freak accident at a Metro station in March moved the Delhi High Court Thursday seeking a compensation of Rs.50 lakh from Delhi Metro and a government job.

In her petition, she demanded that the safety standards at Metro stations be improved.
Hearing … Read more >>>.

Karnataka rebel BJP lawmakers’ plea to now be heard on November 2

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court on Thursday reserved its order on petitions filed by 11 rebel Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state assembly lawmakers challenging their disqualification by the Speaker of the House, K G Bopaiah after their withdrawal of …. Original source  : Karnataka rebel BJP lawmakers’ plea to now be heard on November 2.

Court reserves verdict on Karnataka rebel legislators

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court Thursday reserved its verdict on an appeal by 11 ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators against their disqualification.

A single judge bench of Justice V.G. Sabhahit heard arguments Wednesday and Thursday for and against the disqualification by Karnataka assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah.
While leading advocates in Karnataka argued the …. Read the original article  : Court reserves verdict on Karnataka rebel legislators.

25 years later, Canada offers $25,000 to each Kanishka victim family

TORONTO – The Canadian government has reportedly offered $20,000 to $25,000 to families of each Air India Kanishka victim – 25 years after all 329 people on board Flight 182 from Montreal to New Delhi perished when it was blown off mid-air near the Irish coast June 23, 1985.

A public inquiry by former … Read : 25 years later, Canada offers $25,000 to each Kanishka victim family.

Bangladesh Harijans want quota in jobs

DHAKA – Members of Harijan communities in Bangladesh’s southern port city of Barisal have asked for 80 percent reservation in the jobs such as sweepers and cleaners. The country is home to 1.5 million Harijans who were brought here during the British era from Maharastra and Andhra Pradesh in undivided India.

Around 6,000 community members …. Source article  : Bangladesh Harijans want quota in jobs.

Hollywood actor, wife flee into Canada, seek asylum

TORONTO – Hollywood actor Randy Quaid and his wife Evi, who are on the run from law in the US, have sought refugee status in Canada.

Oscar-nominated actor, who is known for his roles in films like Independence Day and The Last Detail, and his wife face arrest warrants for staying illegally in the guest … Read more : Hollywood actor, wife flee into Canada, seek asylum.

Journalist group condemns Myanmar editor’s jail sentence

BANGKOK – A journalist protection group Saturday condemned a 13-year prison sentence given to Myanmar editor Nyi Nyi Tun, noting that the military-ruled country is second only to China in Asia in its number of jailed journalists.

On Oct 13 a Yangon court found Nyi Nyi Tun, editor of the now defunct Kandarawaddy news journal, …. Source  : Journalist group condemns Myanmar editor’s jail sentence.

Journalist protection group condemns Myanmar editor’s sentence

BANGKOK – A journalist protection group Saturday condemned a 13-year prison sentence given to Myanmar editor Nyi Nyi Tun, noting that the military-ruled country is second only to China in its number of jailed journalists.

On Oct 13 a Yangon court found Nyi Nyi Tun, editor of the now defunct Kandarawaddy news journal, guilty of … Read more : Journalist protection group condemns Myanmar editor’s sentence.

China to ban smoking on public transport

BEIJING – China plans to ban smoking on public transport in its cities, Xinhua reported.

The Cabinet Friday made a draft law public to solicit people’s opinion in this regard.
Begging, drinking alcohol and carrying pets in buses and subway trains will also be banned.
The draft also outlines rules on construction, operation and …. Original article  : China to ban smoking on public transport.

Graft case against Chautala brothers stayed

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday ordered interim stay on the trial court proceedings against Abhay Chautala and Ajay Chautala – sons of Haryana’s former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala – for possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

A bench of Justice V.S. Sirpurkar and Justice Cyriac Joseph also sought … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Graft case against Chautala brothers stayed.

Assistant solicitor general sees red over judges’ language

NEW DELHI – Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Indira Jaisingh Friday took strong exception to the use of word “keep” and other such expressions for women in a judgment on a marital dispute case involving a man and his second wife.

“I have serious objections to some of the words and expressions used in the judgment,” …. Source article  : Assistant solicitor general sees red over judges’ language.

Hockey India allowed to send team for Asian Games

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday permitted Hockey India to send the Indian hockey team for the Guangzhou Asian Games in China.

A bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice H.L. Gokhale said the arrangements made by its order of Aug 27 shall apply in regards to participation in the Asian Games being held …. Original article  : Hockey India allowed to send team for Asian Games.

Weapons sale racket: Court irate over getting Captain’s affidavit

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday pulled up the central government for filing an affidavit sworn by an army Captain on the “serious issue” of the sale of weapons allotted to defence personnel by some army officers to arms dealers and private people.

“This is an issue that concerns national security. A number of …. Source article  : Weapons sale racket: Court irate over getting Captain’s affidavit.

Hallmarking of gold as quality assurance stuck in logjam

NEW DELHI – All that glitters is gold, or is it really so? A quality benchmark survey has revealed 15-20 percent adulteration in 22-carat gold jewellery, but the government’s scheme for mandatory hallmarking of gold ornaments as an assurance of quality is stuck in legal wrangles for a decade now.

A lawmakers panel which is …. Original source  : Hallmarking of gold as quality assurance stuck in logjam.

Men victims of sex discrimination in Hong Kong: Watchdog

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s equal opportunities watchdog announced Sunday it would launch an investigation into sexism in the workplace – against men.

The six-month study would see if any measures were necessary to tackle job discrimination against men.
Equal Opportunities Commission chairman Lam Woon-kwong told radio station RTHK that certain professions such as in … Read more >>.

Saudi Arabia educating its women for jobs: Louise Khurshid

NEW DELHI – A gentle wind of change is blowing through the socio-economic and gender mosaic of Saudi Arabia as the orthodox Islamic kingdom opens up to women’s education and allows them to find their identity as professionals, says journalist-turned-politician Louise Khurshid.

Louise, the wife of union minister Salman Khurshid, was part of a six-member … Read more »».

Abolish manual scavenging by 2012-end, urges NAC

NEW DELHI – Expressing “deep distress” over the “shameful practice of manual scavenging” in the country, the National Advisory Council, headed by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Saturday asked the government to “fully abolish” it by the end of 2012.

It observed that despite the practice of employing scavengers being declared an offence, no one has … Read : Abolish manual scavenging by 2012-end, urges NAC.

Lawyers protest police atrocities in Uttar Pradesh

Hardoi (U.P), – A group of lawyers on Saturday took out a march in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district to protest police atrocities.

On Friday, a group of lawyers were baton-charged by the police when they apparently tried to prevent bogus voting in … Original article on : Lawyers protest police atrocities in Uttar Pradesh.

Corruption case: Virbhadra Singh asked to appear in court

SHIMLA – A local court Saturday asked union Steel Minister Virbhadra Singh to be present in court Nov 27 in a corruption case registered against him by the state’s vigilance and anti-corruption bureau, officials said.

Special court judge B.L. Soni directed Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh, a former member of parliament (MP), …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Corruption case: Virbhadra Singh asked to appear in court.

US must probe torture allegations, says UN official

LONDON – The US government has a moral duty to investigate whether its officials were involved in torture or complicity in torture following the WikiLeaks revelations about Iraq, a top UN official said Saturday.

Manfred Nowak, the UN’s special rapporteur on torture, told the BBC that such a duty existed even if the alleged human … Original article on : US must probe torture allegations, says UN official.

‘Office of custodian of enemy property hotbed of corruption’

LUCKNOW – Accusing the Custodian of Enemy Properties of conniving with his tenants to deprive him of his properties worth Rs.30,000 crore, Amir Mohammad Khan, the raja of the erstwhile princely state of Mahmudabad, Saturday termed the office a “hotbed of corruption”.

Khan, who was threatened with the loss of his properties on account of … Original article on : ‘Office of custodian of enemy property hotbed of corruption’.

Compelling evidence of war crimes in Iraq: Wikileaks

WASHINGTON – Revealing another 400,000 classified US military documents, whistle-blower WikiLeaks has indicated “compelling evidence of war crimes” and a “systematic sectarian cleansing” that led to the mass killing of civilians in Iraq.

The Pentagon has denied the charges but the secret files related to America’s war in Iraq leaked Friday provide a new picture … Read more »»».