Apex court stays Sterlite company closure order

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday stayed the Madras High Court order that directed the closure of Sterlite company engaged in copper smelting operations in Tamil Nadu.

The matter was mentioned before the bench headed by Justice R.V. Raveendrana, and will come for hearing Oct 18.
… Read more : Apex court stays Sterlite company closure order.

Pak politicians blast ‘biased’ Babri mosque judgment as ‘terrible miscarriage of justice’

ISLAMABAD – Political parties in Pakistan have strongly condemned the Allahabad High Court judgment on the Babri mosque standoff, terming it biased, prejudicial, sheer violation of human rights and a terrible miscarriage of justice.

“The verdict based on prejudice has hurt the feelings of Muslims across the world,” the Daily Times quoted Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Spokesman Maulana …. Source  : Pak politicians blast ‘biased’ Babri mosque judgment as ‘terrible miscarriage of justice’.

Ruchika molestation case: Supreme Court send notice to all respondents

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to all the respondents, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case.

The respondents, which also include the Haryana Police, Ruchika’s family and Anand Prakash, whose daughter was the sole witness of the molestation, will now have to …. Source  : Ruchika molestation case: Supreme Court send notice to all respondents.

Supreme Court notice to Ramalinga Raju on CBI plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to former Satyam chairman B. Ramalinga Raju on a petition by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking cancellation of his bail granted by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Raju was granted bail by the Andhra High Court in August.

The CBI believes that Raju may [..] Read the original article: here.

Pak Minister condemns ‘one-sided’ Babri mosque verdict for ‘favouring Hindus’

ISLAMABAD – Following the announcement of Ayodhya verdict by the Allahabad High Court, Pakistan Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi has called it a political verdict, which is “totally in favour of the Hindu community.”

Speaking to Pakistan Television, Kazmi said that Muslims in India had been deprived of their right, due to the one-sided …. Original source  : Pak Minister condemns ‘one-sided’ Babri mosque verdict for ‘favouring Hindus’.

Sri Lankan ex-army chief’s wife rules out appeal for pardon

COLOMBO – The wife of the former army chief in Sri Lanka imprisoned for 30 months for violating tender procedures ruled out Friday an appeal by the family to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for a pardon.

Former army chief Sarath Fonseka started his sentence after being transferred to a high-security jail in Welikada in Colombo city …. Original article  : Sri Lankan ex-army chief’s wife rules out appeal for pardon.

Apex court sends notice to CBI in Ruchika case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a petition by former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, who has challenged his conviction and enhancement of punishment in the Ruchika molestation case.

Rathore, 69, has been convicted of molesting teenaged Ruchika Girhotra, and driving her to suicide. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Apex court sends notice to CBI in Ruchika case.

Badal, family acquitted in disproportionate assets case

MOHALI – The district court in this Punjab town Friday acquitted Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, his wife Surinder Kaur Badal and their son Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in a disproportionate assets case against them.

The acquittal by the court in Mohali, 10 km from Chandigarh, is likely to come as a … Read more »»».

Ruchika molestation case: Supreme Court to hear Rathore’s plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will on Friday hear an appeal filed by former Haryana Director General of Police SPS Rathore challenging his conviction and 18-month sentence in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case.

A bench of Justices P Sathasivam and B S Chauhan will also take up the plea moved by Rathore for his …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rome holds gay tennis tournament

Rome, Oct 1 (IANS/AKI) Over 250 players from various countries will take part in a tennis tournament for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders, “aimed at equality and fighting homophobia”, in the Italian capital city.

The “A Smash for Civil Rights” tournament, organised by the Yellow Tennis Rome and Gay Project advocacy groups, Rome city council …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rome holds gay tennis tournament.

Fox News objects it wasn’t given chance by AP to respond to story on discrimination lawsuit

Fox News objects to AP story on lawsuit
WASHINGTON – Fox News Network objected Friday that it wasn’t given an opportunity to comment on a discrimination lawsuit filed against the network by the federal government before The Associated Press published its initial story on the federal action.

The AP distributed a five-paragraph article Thursday reporting that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fox News objects it wasn’t given chance by AP to respond to story on discrimination lawsuit.

APNewsBreak: Lawyer says settlement in Wis. amusement park accident that injured 12-year-old

APNewsBreak: Settlement in Wis. ride accident

MILWAUKEE – The lawyer for a 13-year-old Florida girl who was seriously injured when she fell about 100 feet to the ground from an amusement park ride said Friday that they have reached a settlement with the park.
Stuart Grossman, an attorney for Teagan Marti, said Friday that a pre-lawsuit settlement … Read more : APNewsBreak: Lawyer says settlement in Wis. amusement park accident that injured 12-year-old.

Charges, countercharges fly as son, father battle for renowned Mardi Gras float-making company

Mardi Gras float-makers spar over company control

NEW ORLEANS – A father and son are battling over a family business that has made Mardi Gras floats for more than 50 years, and the son accuses his 83-year-old father’s much younger fourth wife of manipulating the older man.
The power struggle came to a light in a lawsuit …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Charges, countercharges fly as son, father battle for renowned Mardi Gras float-making company.

APNewsBreak: US Steel sued over diabetic who claims false positive on alcohol breath tests

AP: US Steel sued over probationary alcohol tests

PITTSBURGH – The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing to stop United States Steel Corp. from randomly testing probationary employees for alcohol use, saying the tests led to the illegal firing of a diabetic who said her positive results were false.
The lawsuit, filed late Thursday in a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : APNewsBreak: US Steel sued over diabetic who claims false positive on alcohol breath tests.

Specify clearances needed for Mayawati’s Noida project: Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday asked the central government to categorically state the statutory clearances that were required to be complied with for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s ambitious Noida Park Project to go ahead.

The project costing Rs.700 crore was initiated after cutting 6,000 trees which were about 35 years old.
…. Original source  : Specify clearances needed for Mayawati’s Noida project: Court.

Judge: NY jury can see bin Laden evidence at Guantanamo detainee’s trial

Bin Laden evidence allowed at detainee’s NYC trial

NEW YORK – Jurors in the trial of a Guantanamo detainee accused of supplying explosives for the deadly bombing of two U.S. embassies in Africa can see Osama bin Laden’s orders more than a decade ago that his followers kill Americans, a judge ruled Friday.
U.S. District Judge Lewis …. Original article  : Judge: NY jury can see bin Laden evidence at Guantanamo detainee’s trial.

Charge sheet filed against Virbhadra Singh in graft case (Second Lead)

SHIMLA – A charge sheet was filed against Steel Minister Virbhadra Singh in a special court here Friday, hours after the Himachal Pradesh High Court dismissed his petition to transfer a corruption case against him to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

State Vigilance Bureau Inspector General K.C. Sadyal told IANS that a charge sheet …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Charge sheet filed against Virbhadra Singh in graft case (Second Lead).

Supreme Court allows Ketan Parekh to go aboard

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday permitted former stock broker Ketan V. Parekh, one of the key players in the mid-1990s’ securities scam, to travel abroad for two months for the treatment of his ailing daughter.

Overruling objections of Additional Solicitor General Harin Rawal, appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI), a bench … Original article on : Supreme Court allows Ketan Parekh to go aboard.

Sahmat slams Ayodhya verdict, finds it ‘gravely disturbing’

NEW DELHI – The Allahabad High Court judgment on Ayodhya is a “blow” to India’s secular fabric, a group of over 50 eminent historians, artists and activists said Friday, raising their “serious concerns because of the way history, reason and secular values” have been treated in the verdict.

Coming together under the umbrella of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Supreme Court stays Madras High Court’s order on closure of Sterlite Industries’

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the interim order of the Madras High Court on the closure of Sterlite Industries’ copper smelting plant in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin city.

This stay will be in operation till the date of next hearing on October 18.

Sterlite Industries had earlier approached the … Original article on : Supreme Court stays Madras High Court’s order on closure of Sterlite Industries’.

Don’t vilify judges: Pakistan Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD – In a rare statement, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has warned against “unwarranted and uncalled for comments” on the court’s judgments, but welcomes fair comments in “temperate language” that would not impugn the integrity and impartiality of the judge.

“This court always welcomes healthy, constructive and fair comments on the merits of the …. Source  : Don’t vilify judges: Pakistan Supreme Court.

Police: Traffic stop leads to Phoenix drop house holding 27 suspected illegal immigrants

Police: Traffic stop leads to Phoenix drop house

PHOENIX – Phoenix police say a traffic stop has led to a drop house where 27 suspected illegal immigrants were staying.
Sgt. Steve Martos says officers who stopped a vehicle for a minor traffic infraction at about 11 a.m. Saturday questioned the people inside, who told them they had …. Read the original article  : here.

Chavan seeks 10 days to look into Vasai villagers’ demand

MUMBAI – Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan Saturday said that issues related to Vasai villagers’ demand to exclude 18 villages from the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) in Thane district will be resolved within 10 days.

Chavan gave the assurance to a delegation of villagers led by Vasai’s independent legislator Vivek Pandit during a meting … Original article on : Chavan seeks 10 days to look into Vasai villagers’ demand.

Police, lawyers clash in Lahore

ISLAMABAD – Judicial services were paralysed in Pakistan’s Lahore city Saturday after a clash between lawyers and police turned violent.

The clash erupted inside the Lahore High Court premises when agitating lawyers tried to take out a rally to condemn the police action against them Friday.
The police resorted to aerial firing …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chavan calls Vasai marchers for talks

THANE/MUMBAI – The Maharashtra government, yielding to pressure, invited villagers of Vasai for talks as they started their march Saturday — the birth anniversary of Mahatma gandhi — to protest redrawing of municipal limits in Thane district, a protester said.

The government invited Vasai’s independent legislator Vivek Pandit for an urgent meeting … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chavan calls Vasai marchers for talks.

China pressures Nepal to disrupt Tibetan polls

KATHMANDU – Nepals giant northern neighbour China pressured the Himalayan republic into disrupting the 15th general election held by Tibetan refugees to choose a new prime minister and government in exile, a rights group said.

On Sunday, for the first time in Nepals history, armed police stormed three centres in Kathmandu Valley where the community …. Read the original article  : here.

Shiv Sena praises Judge Khan, Ayodhya petitioner Ansari

MUMBAI – Calling him a patriot, the Shiv Sena Monday heaped praises on Justice S.U. Khan of the Allahabad High Court, which last week ruled that the Babri Mosque was built at the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

In an editorial, the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamna sympathised with Justice Khan’s predicament while penning …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Shiv Sena praises Judge Khan, Ayodhya petitioner Ansari.

New Zealand TV host casts racial slur on governor-general

WELLINGTON – A television channel show host in New Zealand apologised Monday for an on-air racial slur on the country’s Indian-origin Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand.

Breakfast show host Paul Henry released a statement that said: “I sincerely apologise to the Governor General, Sir Anand Satyanand, for any offence I may have caused.”
During the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New Zealand TV host casts racial slur on governor-general.

Malegaon blast case: Supreme Court to hear Sadhvi Pragya ’s appeal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will on Monday take up an appeal filed by Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, key accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blasts case, challenging her prosecution under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

A similar appeal filed earlier by co-accused Lieutenant Colonel SP Purohit will also be heard.

Both … Original source on Gaea Times at : Malegaon blast case: Supreme Court to hear Sadhvi Pragya ’s appeal.

Singhvi lottery case row continues in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Congress and Kerala’s ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sunday continued trading charges over Congress spokesman and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi defending a lottery distributor accused of irregularities even though he has since withdrawn from the case.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan alleged that Singhvi came with the full knowledge of Congress president …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Couple find their dead son’s brain on display

LONDON – A couple in the US who shocking discovered that their dead son’s brain was put up on display at a mortuary are suing the medical examiner, it was reported Sunday.

Andrew and Korisha Shipley’s 17-year-old son Jesse Shipley was killed in a car accident Jan 9, 2005.
The following day, an autopsy was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Couple find their dead son’s brain on display.

New Zealand TV host suspended for slur on governor-general

WELLINGTON – A television channel show host was suspended Tuesday for an on-air racial slur on the country’s Indian-origin Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand.

During a TVNZ programme Monday, Breakfast show host Paul Henry asked Prime Minister John Key whether Anand was a New Zealander or not. When Key told him that Anand was a New …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New Zealand TV host suspended for slur on governor-general.

Oil-for-food scam: Supreme Court dismisses Natwar Singh’s plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the petitions filed by former Union Minister Natwar Singh seeking supply of documents of Volcker and R S Pathak Committees which had probed his alleged role in Iraq oil-for-food scam.

A bench comprising Justices B Sudarshan Reddy and S S Nijjar said the …. Source article  : Oil-for-food scam: Supreme Court dismisses Natwar Singh’s plea.

Congress Working Committee to discuss Ayodhya Verdict

NEW DELHI – The Congress Working Committee (CWC) is scheduled to meet today to discuss the verdict in the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court.

This is the first meeting after the Allahabad High Court verdict on the Ayodhya title suits.

The meeting of the Congress Working Committee to be …. Source article  : Congress Working Committee to discuss Ayodhya Verdict.

Bangladesh HC rules ‘no one can be forced to wear burka’

DHAKA – A Bangladesh High Court has ruled that the country is secular and that no one should be forced to wear the ‘burka’, or a full Islamic headdress.

According to the BBC, this judgement follows a similar ruling in August, which said that women could not be forced to wear the ‘burka’ at work places, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bangladesh HC rules ‘no one can be forced to wear burka’.

Natwar Singh’s plea dismissed in oil-for-food scam

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a petition by former external affairs minister K. Natwar Singh seeking all documents that the directorate of enforcement relied upon to issue him a show cause in the oil-for-food programme scam.

The apex court bench headed by Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy said the former foreign minister was … Read more : Natwar Singh’s plea dismissed in oil-for-food scam.

American Express claims US lawsuit would allow merchants to discriminate against its customers

Amex: US suit could OK customer discrimination

NEW YORK – American Express Co. said it is willing to wage a multiyear fight against a federal lawsuit alleging the card company uses anticompetitive practices, claiming it aims to prevent merchants from using “bait and switch” tactics with its customers.
“We have no intention of settling this case,” said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : American Express claims US lawsuit would allow merchants to discriminate against its customers.

Former GM executive to decide Clint Bowyer’s appeal

Middlebrook’s 1st case is Bowyer appeal
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – John Middlebrook probably didn’t expect to become the central figure in a drama with championship implications when he agreed to become NASCAR’s chief appellate officer.

He’d yet to be called upon since his appointment in February to the position that’s selected by NASCAR’s board of directors and draws …. Source article  : Former GM executive to decide Clint Bowyer’s appeal.

Attorney General Eric Holder defends Justice Department performance in Black Panther case

AG defends DOJ’s performance in Black Panther case

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder is defending the Justice Department’s handling of a New Black Panthers Party case in which government attorneys obtained a narrower civil court order than Bush administration officials had sought.
The department investigated complaints that New Black Panther Party leaders King Samir Shabazz and …. Read the original article  : Attorney General Eric Holder defends Justice Department performance in Black Panther case.

SEC puts new rules for shareholders to nominate company directors on hold due to lawsuit

SEC puts new shareholder rules on hold due to suit

WASHINGTON – The government said Monday it is putting on hold new rules that make it easier for shareholders to nominate directors of public companies, after the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sued to block the changes.
The new rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission were …. Source  : SEC puts new rules for shareholders to nominate company directors on hold due to lawsuit.

Judge cuts jury award to $1.5M in Fosamax jaw-damage case; Merck still wants new trial

Merck seeks to overturn reduced Fosamax verdict

TRENTON, N.J. – Merck & Co. said Monday it will seek a new trial or a ruling in its favor even after a federal judge slashed the jury verdict against the drugmaker in the case of a woman alleging Merck’s osteoporosis medicine Fosamax severely damaged her jaw.
Last June, a …. Original source  : Judge cuts jury award to $1.5M in Fosamax jaw-damage case; Merck still wants new trial.

Supreme Court judges are wiser, says former HC Judge Sodhi

NEW DELHI – Justice RS Sodhi, former Delhi High Court judge, who had awarded the death penalty to Santosh Kumar Singh in the Priyadarshini Mattoo case, said on Wednesday that apex court judges are wiser and they have a profound knowledge of law.

“It is all right if the Supreme Court says that the case does …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court judges are wiser, says former HC Judge Sodhi.

California appeals court to hear arguments from Michael Jackson’s father in estate case

Calif. court to hear Jackson dad’s estate appeal

LOS ANGELES – An appeals court will hear arguments Wednesday on whether Michael Jackson’s father should be allowed to challenge the administrators of his son’s already lucrative estate.
Joe Jackson has appealed a probate court’s dismissal of his objections to the appointment of attorney John Branca and music executive [..] Read the original article: here.

Openings in Guantanamo detainee’s trial depend on whether judge lets key gov’t witness testify

Fate of key witness unknown in detainee’s NY trial

NEW YORK – Opening statements at the first civilian trial for a Guantanamo Bay detainee could begin as early as Wednesday unless a New York judge blocks a key government witness from testifying.
Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan is expected to rule Wednesday on the fate of a witness …. Original article  : Openings in Guantanamo detainee’s trial depend on whether judge lets key gov’t witness testify.

Death reduced to life in Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday commuted the death penalty given to Santosh Kumar Singh and sentenced him to life imprisonment in the 1996 rape and murder of Delhi University student Priyadarshini Mattoo.

His death sentence was set aside by an apex court bench headed by Justice H.S. Bedi.
Mattoo, the third year …. Source article  : Death reduced to life in Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case (Second Lead).

Priyadarshini Mattoo case: Supreme Court commutes death sentence to life imprisonment

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Wednesday commuted the death sentence awarded to Santosh Kumar Singh, the convict in the Priyadarshini Mattoo rape-cum-murder case, to life imprisonment.

An apex court Bench of Justices H S Bedi … Read more >>.

Clint Bowyer’s point deduction upheld but reduced by NASCAR appellate officer

Clint Bowyer’s 150-point deduction upheld
CONCORD, N.C. – Richard Childress Racing lost its last bid Tuesday to overturn Clint Bowyer’s championship-ending penalty.

NASCAR chief appellate officer John Middlebrook ruled Bowyer will not get back the 150 points he was docked after his winning car at New Hampshire on Sept. 19 failed inspection.
But Middlebrook did reduce two portions … Read more »»».

Sears wants to buy back sculpture in Willis Tower lobby, lawsuit says

Sears wants to buy back Willis Tower sculpture

CHICAGO – Sears may have moved out of its tower in downtown Chicago, but the company now wants to buy back a motorized sculpture in the building’s lobby.
The brightly colored art installation, “The Universe,” was created by Alexander Calder. It was unveiled at what was then the Sears … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sears wants to buy back sculpture in Willis Tower lobby, lawsuit says.

Union Cabinet approves Judicial Accountability Bill with amendments

NEW DELHI – The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval to a Bill that provides a mechanism for inquiry into the complaints against the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.

“The proposed Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill has been given a go ahead with …. Read the original article  : Union Cabinet approves Judicial Accountability Bill with amendments.

Judge: Jury has reached verdict in trial of man charged in Conn. home invasion killings

Conn. jury reaches verdict in home invasion trial

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – A Connecticut judge says a jury has reached a verdict in the trial of a man charged in the 2007 home invasion killings of a woman and her two daughters.
The verdict is expected to be announced shortly.
Steven Hayes faces 17 charges including capital felony, … Original article on : Judge: Jury has reached verdict in trial of man charged in Conn. home invasion killings.

Punish officials who sit on files of legal matters: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has said that it was high time that the “malpractice” and the “racket” of officials sleeping over the files of cases that have gone against the State comes to an end and such officials are punished.

“We feel that the beneficiary (the non-state actor) of a judgment may be …. Original source  : Punish officials who sit on files of legal matters: Apex court.

US deports nearly 400,000 immigrants

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS/EFE) The US government has deported a record number of undocumented immigrants – around 400,000 – this year, officials said.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and assistant secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), John Morton, said 392,000 people have been deported by the ICE til Sep 30.
More than half of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US deports nearly 400,000 immigrants.

Lincoln document that freed slaves now on sale

NEW YORK – One of the most important documents in US history – a proclamation that freed slaves in the secessionist South – will go under the hammer with a targeted sales range of $1-1.5 million, Sotheby’s of New York said Wednesday.

The copy of the Emancipation Proclamation being sold Dec 10 was signed by … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lincoln document that freed slaves now on sale.

California appeals court hears arguments from Michael Jackson’s father in estate case

Calif. court hears Jackson dad’s estate appeal

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s father was “grievously wronged” by a probate court that decided last year not to let him try to replace the administrators of his son’s estate, an attorney argued Wednesday.
The arguments by attorney Brian Oxman, who represents Joe Jackson, were heard by a three-judge panel …. Read the original article  : here.

High court summons MCD commissioner

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday summoned the commissioner of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to appear before it after officials skipped a meeting convened by Delhi’s chief secretary to discuss water crisis in the capital.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra directed the commissioner to appear in person Dec … Original source on Gaea Times at : High court summons MCD commissioner.

Court seeks probe reports on charges against Mumbai Congress chief

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Wednesday directed two central and a state investigating agency to submit confidential reports of the status of their investigations into the allegations of corruption against Mumbai Congress president Kripa Shankar Singh.

A division bench of Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice R.V. More gave the directive while hearing a public …. Read the original article  : here.

R.K. Anand booked for graft in National Games purchases

RANCHI – A first information report (FIR) has been lodged against Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA) president R.K. Anand and three others for corruption in purchase of equipments for the 34th National Games, an official said Wednesday.

An FIR has been lodged against four people, including R.K. Anand, in purchasing equipments at higher rates for [..] Read the original article: here.

Central government favours disabled-friendly buildings

NEW DELHI – To provide easy accessibility to people with disabilities in state government buildings, main hospitals and universities, the central government Wednesday invited proposals from the states for central assistance.

The central assistance will also be provided to build government websites at the state and district levels more accessible to the disabled people.
The [..] Read the original article: here.

Ayodhya appeal may throw up faith-fact issue: Sibal

NEW DELHI – “Can faith be the basis of a fact?” This fundamental issue may arise in the Supreme Court if it is moved by any litigant against the Allahabad High Court’s Ayodhya verdict, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal has said.

Asked by Karan Thapar, who interviewed Sibal for CNBC TV18, about the issues … Read : Ayodhya appeal may throw up faith-fact issue: Sibal.

US bride loses lawsuit filed against photog over underwear pics

NEW YORK – A woman in the US has lost a case against a hotographer who took pictures of her in her underwear on her wedding day and then posted them on the studio’s website.

Sara Bostwick charged that photographer Carolyn Monastra ignored her request not to shoot her …. Read the original article  : US bride loses lawsuit filed against photog over underwear pics.

“Times of military coups in Pakistan are over”: Musharraf

LONDON – Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has stated that “the times of military coups in Pakistan are over,” as the Supreme Court of the country had now decided “not to validate a military takeover.”

“Whenever the country is in turmoil, everybody looks to the army. But I …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : “Times of military coups in Pakistan are over”: Musharraf.

CBI seeks more time for 2G scam probe

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation Friday told the Supreme Court that it would require six more months to complete the probe in the 2G spectrum scam.

It said it needed more time as a lot of investigation has to be done within the country and possibly outside also.
Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium …. Source article  : CBI seeks more time for 2G scam probe.

Prosecutors search for Playboy Indonesia’s former editor after he fails to show up at jail

Playboy Indonesia’s former editor at large

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Prosecutors were searching for the former editor-in-chief of Playboy Indonesia on Friday after he failed to show up to begin his two-year jail sentence for publishing pictures of scantily clothed women.
They want to present Erwin Arnada – now at large – with a warrant for his arrest.
The …. Source article  : Prosecutors search for Playboy Indonesia’s former editor after he fails to show up at jail.

Voice of ‘Dora The Explorer’ sues Nickelodeon, says she’s owed millions; network denies claim

Teen voice of ‘Dora The Explorer’ sues Nickelodeon

NEW YORK – A teenager who gave voice to the spunky heroine of Nickelodeon’s “Dora The Explorer” says the network cheated her out of millions of dollars by underpaying her for work on the groundbreaking children’s cartoon series.
Caitlin Sanchez, 14, didn’t get the fees she was due for …. Source article  : Voice of ‘Dora The Explorer’ sues Nickelodeon, says she’s owed millions; network denies claim.

Report: Ex-CNN anchor Lou Dobbs, critic of illegal labor, used immigrants without papers

Report: Illegal labor worked at Lou Dobbs’ homes

NEW YORK – The Nation magazine is reporting that former CNN anchor Lou Dobbs relied on illegal immigrants to help maintain his homes even as he spoke out on the air against them.
The Nation said the article, published online Thursday, is based on a yearlong investigation including interviews … Read more >>.

Report: Ex-CNN anchor Lou Dobbs, critic of illegal labor, hired immigrants without papers

Report: Lou Dobbs hired illegal labor at his homes

NEW YORK – The Nation magazine is reporting that former CNN anchor Lou Dobbs relied on illegal immigrants to help maintain his homes even as he spoke out on the air against them.
The Nation said the article, published online Thursday, is based on a yearlong investigation including …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Report: Ex-CNN anchor Lou Dobbs, critic of illegal labor, hired immigrants without papers.

J&J seeks dismissal of complaint alleging it paid kickbacks to hike drug sales

Johnson & Johnson asks judge to toss kickback case

BOSTON – Johnson & Johnson on Thursday asked a federal judge to dismiss a complaint accusing the health care giant of paying millions in kickbacks so nursing homes would put more patients on its popular schizophrenia medication and other drugs.
The government and two whistleblowers allege J&J paid … Read more »»».

Witness says assailants concocted cover-up story after fatal assault of immigrant in Pa.

Pa. teens say they covered up assault on immigrant

SCRANTON, Pa. – After beating and kicking an illegal Mexican immigrant and leaving him for dead in the street, a group of white teens in a small Pennsylvania mining town knew they had a serious problem on their hands.
So, witnesses said, they decided on a cover story …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Test could have confirmed child’s paternity, court tells killer father

NEW DELHI – Gone are the days when it was said that maternity is a fact but paternity is a matter of opinion, the Supreme Court has said pointing out that with DNA test, the fact of both paternity and maternity can be established.

The court said this while dismissing a man’s plea that he … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Test could have confirmed child’s paternity, court tells killer father.

Court to hear plea on Doordarshan appointments

Indo-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI – Delhi High Court Thursday agreed to hear a petition filed by Prasar Bharati challenging an order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) quashing the appointment of 25 TV news anchors and reporters in Doordarshan News.

A bench headed by Justice Pradeep Nandrajog fixed Oct 26 for the next hearing.
The bench … Read more : Court to hear plea on Doordarshan appointments.

Kin of firm\’s dead employee ineligible for share allocation: Court

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court has dismissed a petition filed by the family members of an employee of a company seeking allotment of shares that she was entitled to before her death.

“Legal heirs or family members of the deceased employee of IPCL (Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited) were not entitled for the shares as …. Original article  : Kin of firm\’s dead employee ineligible for share allocation: Court.

Nepal’s ex-king says it all in a few words

KATHMANDU – As he started his dynasty’s ritual worship of Dashain, Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival, the country’s deposed king Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah is still smarting under a fierce sense of injustice, two years after parliament formally declared an end to his 240-year-old monarchy.

Royalists, who continue to demand the restoration of monarchy, gave …. Source article  : Nepal’s ex-king says it all in a few words.

Canada asks China to free Nobel Prize winner

TORONTO – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper joined US President Barack Obama in calling upon China to free pro-democracy activist Liu Xiaobo after he won the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize.

“I would hope the fact that he is now a Nobel Peace Prize winner would cause our friends in the Chinese government to look seriously …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Canadian Tamils support former Sri Lankan army chief

TORONTO – Throwing their support behind their former tormentor and army chief Sarath Fonseka, who was sentenced to 30 months in jail last week, the Sri Lankan Tamil community in Canada Thursday condemned the Rajapaksa government for its treatment of the former military boss.

“We had problems with Fonseka as a military general, but we … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Canadian Tamils support former Sri Lankan army chief.

Nobel Peace Prize serves anti-China purpose: Chinese daily

BEIJING -The Nobel Peace Prize has been “degraded to a political tool that serves an anti-China purpose” and is an attempt “to impose Western values on China”, an editorial in a Chinese daily said after a leading political dissident was awarded the prestigious prize.

The Global Times, an English language newspaper that targets expats and …. Source  : Nobel Peace Prize serves anti-China purpose: Chinese daily.

Nobel laureate’s wife forced to leave Beijing

BEIJING – Chinese police have forced the wife of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo to leave Beijing and are believed to have taken her to the northeastern city of Jinzhou, where her husband is imprisoned, reports said Saturday.

“(The police) are sitting there waiting for me to get my things together,” US-based Radio Free … Original article on : Nobel laureate’s wife forced to leave Beijing.

LA judge rules message from Countrywide executive can be used in upcoming federal trial

LA judge says Countrywide exec message can be used

LOS ANGELES – A judge ruled Friday that federal regulators in an upcoming trial can use a message written by a former Countrywide Financial Corp. executive in which he called himself a “magnet” for prosecution.
The ruling was one of several issued by federal Judge John F. Walter … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : LA judge rules message from Countrywide executive can be used in upcoming federal trial.

Obama praises Nobel Peace winner

WASHINGTON – Jailed Chinese dissident and writer Liu Xiaobo, who was awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, sacrificed his freedom for his beliefs, US President Barack Obama said Friday.

“We call on the Chinese government to release Mr Liu as soon as possible,” he said.
Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, which brought him …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama praises Nobel Peace winner.

Satyam fraud case: CBI seeks more time from Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday sought six months more time from the Supreme Court to investigate the alleged role of former Satyam chairman B. Ramalinga Raju into the multi-crore financial scam case.

Janata Party President … Read more : Satyam fraud case: CBI seeks more time from Supreme Court.

Taiwan hails Nobel Peace Prize winner’s fight

TAIWAN – Taiwan Friday risked irking China by hailing jailed Chinese dissident and writer Liu Xiaobo for his efforts to fight for human rights that earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The President’s Office in Taipei issued a statement congratulating Liu for winning this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for promoting human rights in China. It [..] Read the original article: here.

Few isolated incidents in marriage not cruelty: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday said married life should be assessed as a whole and few isolated incidents over a period of time would not amount to cruelty.

“Sustained unjustifiable and reprehensible conduct affecting physical and mental health of the other spouse may lead to mental cruelty,” said a bench of Justice P. … Read more : Few isolated incidents in marriage not cruelty: Apex court.

UAE minister in Forbes’ Most Powerful Women list

Abu Dhabi, Oct 9 (IANS/WAM) United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi has found a place in the 2010 World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list by the US-based Forbes Magazine.

Sheikha Lubna, who was also recognised as the most powerful Arab woman, was ranked 70th in the list.
According to Forbes, … Read more : UAE minister in Forbes’ Most Powerful Women list.

Ex-editor of Playboy Indonesia turns up to serve jail term

JAKARTA – The former editor of Playboy Indonesia magazine turned himself in Saturday to serve a two-year jail term for indecent publication, state media reported.

Prosecutors Friday began searching for the magazine’s former chief editor, Erwin Arnada, after he failed to turn up to serve the sentence handed by the Supreme Court in August.
“I …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hang bride burners: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – Unless all those who burn their wives are hanged, the barbaric crime would not stop, the Supreme Court has said.

“This (bride burning) is barbaric and wild animal like behaviour and only when the perpetrators of such a crime are sent to the gallows the people will realise that bride burning is a [..] Read the original article: here.

Pak court bars AQ Khan from speaking about nuclear programme

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered nuclear scientist Dr. A.Q. Khan against making any statements about the country’s nuclear programme or about security issues.

Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry announced the decision while disposing off a petition …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pak court bars AQ Khan from speaking about nuclear programme.

Notification for NRIs’ voting rights out: Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi Saturday said the gazette notification granting voting rights to non-resident Indians is out.

Addressing reporters here, Ravi said the next move has to be made by the Election Commission.
“The gazette notification to this effect is out now. Now, the Election Commission has to make the next …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Notification for NRIs’ voting rights out: Minister.

Free dissident, says Obama as Chinese daily pans Nobel

WASHINGTON/BEIJING – US President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper have called upon China to free activist Liu Xiaobo after he won the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize as a Chinese daily said the prize been “degraded to a political tool that serves an anti-China purpose”.

Obama, who won the award last year, said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Free dissident, says Obama as Chinese daily pans Nobel.

Disqualified Karnataka MLAs approach high court

BANGALORE – A division bench of the Karnataka High Court will Monday afternoon hear a joint petition by 16 rebel legislators against their disqualification by Speaker K.G. Bopaiah ahead of the trust vote earlier in the day.

The petition has been admitted and posted for hearing by the bench headed by Chief Justice K.S. Khehar …. Original source  : Disqualified Karnataka MLAs approach high court.

Will strive to make RTI more effective, accessible: New CIC

NEW DELHI – The empowering Right To Information Act (RTI) completes five eventful years Oct 12 (Tuesday). Newly-appointed Chief Information Commissioner Anugraha Narayan Tiwari, who has a very short tenure to work in, is keen to make the act more powerful and more accessible.

Tiwari, a 1969 batch IAS officer and former secretary, Department of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Will strive to make RTI more effective, accessible: New CIC.

Jailed Chinese Nobel laureate meets with wife

BEIJING – The wife of jailed Chinese Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo met her husband Sunday and reportedly told him of his award, a rights group said.

Liu Xia met her husband after being taken to Jinzhou in China’s northeast where Li Xiaobo is imprisoned, Hong Kong media reported, citing the Hong Kong-based Information … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jailed Chinese Nobel laureate meets with wife.

Contempt proceedings ordered against Kerala CPI-M leader

KOCHI – The Kerala High Court Tuesday ordered contempt proceedings against senior Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader M.V. Jayarajan for his outburst against judges in July.

A three-member full bench comprising Chief Justice J. Chelameswar, Justice A.K. Basheer and Justice K.M. Joseph ordered this while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL).
Jayarajan, 50, while …. Source article  : Contempt proceedings ordered against Kerala CPI-M leader.

Ban bullock carts transporting kerosene: PETA

MUMBAI – Animal welfare NGO PETA has demanded a ban on the use of bullock carts to transport kerosene in the city, but the government says it needs an alternative arrangement in placey.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) made the demand at a meeting with Maharashtra’s food and civil supplies ministry.
… Read : Ban bullock carts transporting kerosene: PETA.

State government has to suffer for its inaction: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has held that a state government will have to account for its inactions and cannot make people suffer for it, ruling in a Bihar land owner’s case that was re-opened in Patna High Court simply because an earlier verdict had not been published in government records.

“If the state …. Read the original article  : State government has to suffer for its inaction: Supreme Court.

Tiananmen activists moved by Liu’s Nobel dedication

BEIJING – When Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo dedicated his award to the “Tiananmen martyrs”, he reminded the world of the thousands who suffered death, injury or imprisonment after the brutal military crackdown on Chinese democracy protesters in 1989.

“I was very moved by these words,” Beijing-based democracy activist Qi Zhiyong told DPA by …. Original article  : Tiananmen activists moved by Liu’s Nobel dedication.

Karnataka crisis: High Court to decide rebel MLAs fate today

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court is expected to decide on the disqualification of 16 rebel MLAs today.

They were disqualified hours before the controversial trust vote won by the BS Yeddyurappa government in the Assembly on Monday.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice J S Kehar and Justice N Kumar will hear the two petitions filed … Read more : Karnataka crisis: High Court to decide rebel MLAs fate today.

Karnataka crisis: High Court to decide rebel MLAs fate today

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court is expected to decide on the disqualification of 16 rebel MLAs today.

They were disqualified hours before the controversial trust vote won by the BS Yeddyurappa government in the Assembly on Monday.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice J S Kehar and Justice N Kumar will hear the two petitions filed …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Karnataka crisis: High Court to decide rebel MLAs fate today.

Judges’ accountability bill: Complainant needs to give solid evidence

NEW DELHI – Even as the cabinet has approved a bill to put in place a mechanism to deal with complaints against erring judges, it has placed a huge onus on the complainant – provide substantive evidence to back the allegations of wrongdoing against a judge or face heavy penalties.

In order to discourage frivolous …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Disqualified Karnataka legislators’ case adjourned to Tuesday

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court Monday adjourned the hearing of the 16 disqualified legislators to Tuesday, as arguments from both sides’ lawyers remained inconclusive.

The 16 dissident legislators, 11 of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and five Independents, filed a joint writ petition in the high court against their disqualification by assembly speaker … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Disqualified Karnataka legislators’ case adjourned to Tuesday.

Pakistan Supreme Court rejects plea to adjourn crucial hearing

ISLAMABAD – In a decision that has considerable political bearing in Pakistan, the country’s Supreme Court Monday rejected the government’s plea to adjourn the hearing on a petition seeking review of the national reconciliation ordinance (NRO) under which President Asif Ali Zardari along with others were granted amnesty in corruption cases.

The government had submitted …. Original article  : Pakistan Supreme Court rejects plea to adjourn crucial hearing.

British aid worker may have been killed by US grenade: Cameron

LONDON – A kidnapped British social worker who died during an operation to free her from kidnappers in Afghanistan may have been killed by a grenade thrown by US troops, Prime Minister David Cameron said Monday.

Cameron, speaking at a news conference in London, said a full joint investigation between the US and Britain had …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Liu Xiaobo’s prison conditions improved after Nobel, says wife

PARIS – Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo’s prison conditions improved significantly after he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, his wife said in an interview published Wednesday in the French online daily Mediapart.

“Things are much better for him now,” Liu Xia said. “They treat him better, they give him better food. Liu Xiaobo even has … Read : Liu Xiaobo’s prison conditions improved after Nobel, says wife.

Plea to make Urdu Pakistan’s official language dismissed

ISLAMABAD – A petition seeking to direct the government to make Urdu the official language of Pakistan has been dismissed by the Lahore High Court.

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif Tuesday dismissed the writ petition after the petitioner and his counsel failed to appear before the court, the News International reported …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US judge puts global halt on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy

WASHINGTON – A US federal judge has ordered a worldwide halt to enforcement of the Defence Department’s controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, putting an end to the ban on openly gay troops.

US District Judge Virginia Phillips’ permanent worldwide injunction Tuesday orders the military “immediately to suspend and discontinue any investigation, or discharge, separation, …. Read the original article  : US judge puts global halt on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy.

Laws targeting immigrants get French lower house approval

PARIS – The lower house of the French parliament Tuesday approved a series of tough new measures targeting immigrants.

By a vote of 294 to 239, the National Assembly passed the bill proposed by Immigration Minister Eric Besson, who said in a recent interview that he wanted his ministry to be “a machine to produce … Read more »».

High Court reserves ruling on rebel Karnataka legislators

BANGALORE – A division bench of the Karnataka High Court Tuesday reserved its judgment on the disqualification of 11 ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators and posted for further hearing the joint writ petition of five disqualified independents to Monday.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice K.S. Khehar and Justice N. Kumar reserved the ruling … Original article on : High Court reserves ruling on rebel Karnataka legislators.

Court gives lifer to prime accused in former Punjab CM Beant Singh’s assasination case

CHANDIGARH – A Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today annulled the death penalty awarded to Jagtar Singh Hawara, prime accused in the assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and sentenced him to … Read more >>.

Apex court cautions high courts on use of powers

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has said that though high courts enjoy vast powers for administration of criminal justice (under Section 482 of Code of Criminal Procedure) but the same was not unbridled and should be exercised cautiously and sparingly.

It needs little emphasis that although the jurisdiction of the high court under … Read more »»».

Jet Airways criticised for ‘encouraging’ animal abuse

NEW DELHI – Jet Airways has been flooded with e-mails and calls after the September issue of their inflight magazine, JetWings, printed an article on bull fighting. An animal rights organisation has written to the airline, prompting the latter to apologise.

The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations said in a statement Tuesday: “We were … Read more »»».

Karnataka crisis: High Court reserves verdict for Monday

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on whether the 16 MLAs were disqualified incorrectly by the Speaker of the Assembly for next Monday as the court has been closed for a week for Dussehra vacation.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice J S … Read : Karnataka crisis: High Court reserves verdict for Monday.

Salman Khan tax case: Court moved over Rs.40 million ‘evasion’

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court will soon hear a petition filed by the income tax (IT) department pertaining to a 10-year-old case involving alleged tax evasion of Rs.40 million by Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

The IT department has challenged an order of the income tax appellate tribunal which had earlier ruled in the actor’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Salman Khan tax case: Court moved over Rs.40 million ‘evasion’.

Indian origin governor general accepts apology

AUCKLAND – New Zealand’s Indian-origin Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand has accepted the apology from a TV channel after an on-air racial slur on him.

Satyanand Thursday met TVNZ chairman Sir John Anderson and chief executive Rick Ellis. Programme host Paul Henry passed the racist remark Oct 4.
An official said the governor general had …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian origin governor general accepts apology.

Pak SC rejects NAB report, calls chairman’s appointment ‘violation of court verdict’

ISLAMABAD – Hearing the Pakistan government’s review plea against the NRO verdict and implementation of the NRO judgement case, the Supreme Court called the recent appointment of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman another violation of the apex court’s verdict, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pak SC rejects NAB report, calls chairman’s appointment ‘violation of court verdict’.

Yeddyurappa wins second ‘Trust Vote’ in Karnataka Assembly

BANGALORE – Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa won the second ‘Trust Vote’ in the State Assembly on Thursday after 106 MLAs voted in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Government, but the fate of the Government would depend on the verdict of …. Source article  : Yeddyurappa wins second ‘Trust Vote’ in Karnataka Assembly.

Octogenarian allowed to wed 49-year-old man

Lucca (Italy), Oct 14 (IANS/AKI) An 87-year-old woman from the central Italian city of Lucca may marry a man of 49, a court has ruled.

The court rejected an appeal lodged by the woman Ines Orsolini’s only surviving relative that the wedding be blocked because she was mentally infirm.
The court in Lucca said …. Source article  : Octogenarian allowed to wed 49-year-old man.

China cancels more visits after Nobel award

OSLO – China has cancelled at least four official visits to and from Norway in apparent anger over last week’s decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

Among three Chinese delegations that cancelled visits to Norway was one comprising supreme court representatives, Ragnhild …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Karnataka government set for trust vote amid boycott threat (Roundup)

BANGALORE – Karnataka is set for another trust vote Thursday, which the opposition parties have threatened to boycott while the high court Wednesday ruled that the result would be subject to its judgment in the case relating to the disqualification of 16 rebel legislators by assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah.

Though Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa managed …. Read the original article  : Karnataka government set for trust vote amid boycott threat (Roundup).

Cheap land for MPs challenged in Gujarat court

GANDHINAGAR – The Narendra Modi government’s scheme to allot plots to MPs and legislators on concessional rates was Wednesday challenged in the Gujarat High Court which asked the petitioner to file the plea in proper format.

The state government has allotted land to MPs and legislators on concessional rates in various sectors here.
…. Original article  : Cheap land for MPs challenged in Gujarat court.

China bars Norwegian diplomat from meeting Nobel laureate’s wife

BEIJING – Chinese police have prevented a Norwegian diplomat from meeting Liu Xia, the wife of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, she said Wednesday.

“Yesterday a Norwegian diplomat came to offer me support but was blocked outside the main gate,” Liu Xia said in a message posted on the microblogging website Twitter, while …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China bars Norwegian diplomat from meeting Nobel laureate’s wife.

11 high court judges transferred

NEW DELHI – In a major judicial shake-up, 11 judges from six high courts of Allahabad, Punjab and Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Bombay and Orissa were transferred Wednesday.

The transfers were approved by President Pratibha Patil.
Justice R.S. Mohite who was transferred from Bombay High Court to Patna High Court has resigned.
Three judges each … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 11 high court judges transferred.

Gujarat court allows I-T officials to move apex court

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Wednesday allowed the income tax authorities to move the Supreme Court over pleas challenging amendment to a provision of the Income Tax Act that deals with profits of exporters.

The issue, linked to deductions related to profits retained for export business under section 80HH(c) of the act, were dragged … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gujarat court allows I-T officials to move apex court.

J K Rowling embroiled in ‘Harry Potter’ plagiarism row

WELLINGTON – A plagiarism lawsuit has been filed against ‘Harry Potter’ author JK Rowling over the fourth book in her outstanding series.

The lawsuit alleges that J K Rowling’s fourth book in her blockbuster series, ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,’ copied substantial parts of Jacobs’ 1987 book, ‘The Adventures of Willy the Wizard,’ reports …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : J K Rowling embroiled in ‘Harry Potter’ plagiarism row.

NATO gives woman top press job for first time

BRUSSELS – NATO Thursday announced that it has given a woman its top press job for the first time in its 61-year history as it announced the hiring of international journalist Oana Lungescu as spokeswoman.

NATO has made efforts over the years to open up its traditionally male-dominated upper ranks to women. The current spokesman’s …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NATO gives woman top press job for first time.

Gulberg society massacre witnesses’ plea rejected

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Thursday rejected a petition by witnesses of Gulberg society massacre in Ahmedabad during the 2002 Gujarat riots, seeking to summon some government officials as witnesses and cross-examine them.

Pleading that former MP Ehsan Jafri had talked with some top officials and highly-placed people to seek their help before he … Read more : Gulberg society massacre witnesses’ plea rejected.

Pak SHC disposes off petition seeking high treason trial against Musharraf

LAHORE – The Sindh High Court (SHC) has disposed off a petition seeking to initiate a high treason trial against former President Pervez Musharraf.

Headed by SHC Chief Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, the division bench of the court further advised petitioner Maulvi Iqbal Haider to approach the Supreme Court in this regard, the Dawn reported.

In his … Original article on : Pak SHC disposes off petition seeking high treason trial against Musharraf.

80-year-old Indian seeks release of son, 14 other bonded labourers held in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – An 80-year-old man from Nagapattinam district has filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking the release of his son and 14 others, who have been allegedly working as “bonded labourers” in Malaysia.

In his petition, P. Sathasivam of Asanakudi claimed that the 15 Indian citizens had been working as labourers in …. Read the original article  : here.

No land deal final until registered, rules apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has held that no land transaction would attain finality unless it was duly registered and no sale deed of land would get a back-dated finality by its registration subsequently.

The court said that a transaction in land would only be complete on the date of the registration of the …. Original article  : No land deal final until registered, rules apex court.

Anand Jon gets a break in sex assault case

NEW YORK – A New York judge has dismissed some charges against Indian-American fashion designer Anand Jon, who is accused of rape and sexual abuse against several women including minors.

The dismissals came at the recommendation of the district attorney’s office, which will continue prosecuting Jon for the remaining alleged casting couch assaults, including forcible …. Original source  : Anand Jon gets a break in sex assault case.

Lawyer pleads SC to issue red warrants against Musharraf for extradition to Pak

LAHORE – A local lawyer has moved an application before Pakistan’s Supreme Court Lahore Registry, praying that red warrants for the extradition of former dictator Pervez Musharraf through Interpol be issued so that he can be tried under 14 charges, including that of high treason.

Advocate AK Dogar moved the plea in his already pending petition … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lawyer pleads SC to issue red warrants against Musharraf for extradition to Pak.

Surrender of Indian passport for PIOs made mandatory

TORONTO – Persons of Indian origin (PIOs) will now have to formally renounce their citizenship and surrender their Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship, according to new rules circulated by the Indian high commission here.

Canadian PIOs will have to pay a fee of $168 to get their Indian passport cancelled by the country’s mission …. Source  : Surrender of Indian passport for PIOs made mandatory.

Saudi Arabia to deport Chinese workers over protests

RIYADH – Work on a light rail project in Saudi Arabia resumed Friday following protests earlier in the week by at least 100 Chinese workers demanding higher wages, improved housing and better working conditions, Saudi newspapers reported.

The kingdom moved to arrest at least 16 of the workers after the protest began Tuesday.
Saudi authorities [..] Read the original article: here.

Contempt of court only arises on disobedience of order: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has held that the proceedings against a person accused of contempt of court could not be initiated merely on speculation, assumptions and inference drawn from the fact and circumstances of the case, but only on “wilful disobedience” of the court’s order.

“In our considered opinion”, the apex court bench …. Read the original article  : Contempt of court only arises on disobedience of order: Apex court.

UAE’s Sheikha Fatima named UN goodwill ambassador

Rome, Oct 15 (IANS/WAM) The UAE’s Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, chairperson of the NGO General Women Union, was Friday named extraordinary goodwill ambassador of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

FAO director general Jacques Diouf said Sheikha Fatima was given the coveted title in recognition of her efforts and support for women’s causes. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

EVM’s reliability challenged in Gujarat court

AHMEDABAD – Within a week of the Gujarat civic polls, a public suit challenging the “reliability and functionality” of electronic voting machines (EVMs) was Friday filed in the Gujarat High Court here.

Advocate Girish Das filed the petition, seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to to equip the EVM polling booths with …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : EVM’s reliability challenged in Gujarat court.

New CBI regional office in Mumbai

MUMBAI – Union Minister of State Prithviraj Chavan will lay the foundation stone of the proposed Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in central Mumbai Saturday, an official said here Friday.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan will preside over the function which will be held at the 1,500-square metre premises in …. Source article  : New CBI regional office in Mumbai.

Bar Council to hold mandatory test for budding lawyers

NEW DELHI – The Bar Council of India (BCI) will hold, in December, its first-ever mandatory test for law graduates seeking to begin professional practice, the law ministry said Friday.

“The BCI will conduct the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) in nine languages across 27 cities in India on December 5, 2010, said the ministry [..] Read the original article: here.

Food security bill to be brought soon: Sonia Gandhi

NAGPUR – Congress president Sonia Gandhi Friday said that the central government would soon bring forth a food security bill for the benefit of the poorest sections of society.

Addressing a Congress workers’ ‘Sadbhavna Rally’ at Sewagram in Wardha district, about 85 km from here, Gandhi pointed out that the government has already legislated …. Source article  : Food security bill to be brought soon: Sonia Gandhi.

Vodafone files petition against tax authorities move

NEW DELHI – Telecom service provider Vodafone Friday said it has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against the Indian tax department’s move to classify it as an agent of the seller in the 2007 sale of Hutchinson Essar.

Vodafone had bought 67 percent stake sold by Huctchinson Whampoa, the foreign partner of …. Source  : Vodafone files petition against tax authorities move.

Do more to combat hunger, say NGOs (Oct 16 is World Food Day)

NEW DELHI – On the eve of World Food Day and in the backdrop of the release of the Global Hunger Index report 2010, civil society organisations Friday said India should focus on inclusive growth with special focus on malnourished children to combat hunger.

“The Global Hunger Index report highlights the fact that children form … Read more »»».

AIMPLB to appeal against Ayodhya Verdict

LUCKNOW – The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has decided to move to the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict of the Allahabad High Court on the Ayodhya title issue.

The executive committee of the AIMPLB, which met at ‘Nadwatul Uloom’ here …. Read the original article  : AIMPLB to appeal against Ayodhya Verdict.

Iran releases jailed US citizen

WASHINGTON – Iran has released a US-Iranian businessman after keeping him in detention for more than two years, his lawyer told broadcaster CNN.

Reza Taghavi, 71, was released Saturday and plans shortly to leave Iran with his family to return to the US, the lawyer said.
Taghavi was arrested in May 2008, accused by Iranian …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Justice Bhandari for changes in copyright bill

MUMBAI – Emphasising the need for changes in the Indian copyright amendment bill 2010, Justice Dalveer Bhandari of the Supreme Court Saturday said it is necessary to stop unauthorised use of original work.

“The copyright bill needs to be more balanced with equal or right share given to the authors as well as the stake-holders,” …. Source  : Justice Bhandari for changes in copyright bill.

Remove gender bias in security forces: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Saturday called for removing “gender bias” against women in security forces and letting them hold the highest posts in security organisations.

“Women can do justice as well as men in every walk of life if they are properly trained, properly equipped and given the right opportunities,” Chidambaram said …. Original source  : Remove gender bias in security forces: Chidambaram.

Any ultra-constitutional step against judiciary to be deemed high treason: Pak SC

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Supreme Court has said that any ultra-constitutional step against the judiciary in the country would be deemed as subversion of the constitution and liable to be tried under Article 6 of the constitution – as an act of treason.

A 17-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Any ultra-constitutional step against judiciary to be deemed high treason: Pak SC.

Court allows Badal’s plea to withdraw case against Amarinder

CHANDIGARH – A local court here Saturday allowed a plea by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to withdraw a criminal defamation case filed against political rival and former chief minister Amarinder Singh.

The court, acting on a plea filed by Badal last week, dismissed the defamation case which was filed in 2002.
In his …. Original article  : Court allows Badal’s plea to withdraw case against Amarinder.

France to witness more protests

PARIS – More than one million people were expected to protest throughout France Saturday to protest President Nicolas Sarkozy’s pension reform as a strike by transport and oil refinery workers went into its fifth day.

As a result of the strike, which has struck all 12 of France’s refineries, fears grew that airports would soon …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : France to witness more protests.

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 »»».

Mahesh Bhupathi’s plea on tax relief dismissed

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a petition by Indian tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi seeking tax relief on Rs.28,50,000 which he said his father spent on his training from 1989-90 to 1993-94.

Mahesh said that, as per the memorandum of understanding between him and his father C.G.K. Bhupathi, he has to pay annual …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mahesh Bhupathi’s plea on tax relief dismissed.

Supreme Court adjourns Vodafone plea on income tax order

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday adjourned the hearing on a petition by Vodafone challenging an income tax department order asking the telecom giant to pay Rs.11,218 crore ($2.5 billion) tax.

The matter will come up for hearing Nov 15. The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia said they needed to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court adjourns Vodafone plea on income tax order.

PETA ‘might face lawsuit over naked models ad’

LONDON – PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – is in a row with UK film-maker Victor Schonfeld who has alleged that the organization used his film footage without consent.

Peta has been threatened with a lawsuit in the UK by Schonfeld, a film-maker credited … Read this article on Gaea Times at : PETA ‘might face lawsuit over naked models ad’.

Iraqi politician wants PM’s role probed

BAGHDAD – A leading Iraqi politician demanded Sunday an investigation into any connection between Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and torture operations in Iraqi prisons, in the wake of the release of Pentagon documents published by WikiLeaks at the weekend.

“We have to look into the nature of those documents, to make sure of their correctness,” … Original article on : Iraqi politician wants PM’s role probed.

Iraq abuse allegations must be probed: Britain

LONDON – Britain Sunday said allegations of killing of civilians and torture of detainees in Iraq made in leaked US documents posted on WikiLeaks must be properly probed, a media report said.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who has previously said he believes the Iraq war was “illegal”, said it was up to the US …. Read the original article  : Iraq abuse allegations must be probed: Britain.

Focus on scavengers’ rehabilitation, government urged

NEW DELHI – Hailing the National Advisory Commission’s (NAC) recommendation to “fully abolish” manual scavenging in the country by 2012, social activist Bindeshwar Pathak Sunday said the government should also focus on rehabilitating the scavengers.

“It’s an encouraging news and a great step towards the betterment of human scavenger’s future. We’ll have to bring them …. Read the original article  : Focus on scavengers’ rehabilitation, government urged.

Delhi airport told to cut noise pollution

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has granted more time to the central government to find out what more can be done to reduce the noise level near the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here.

After hearing a plea of the residents near the airport, Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan said … Read more »»».

Court tries to reunite feuding brothers

SHIMLA – This Diwali will witness a reunion of three feuding brothers who have not been on talking terms over a property row in Himachal Pradesh for the past two decades.

In an order reflecting the humane side of law, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has tried to bring the brothers together before settling the …. Read the original article  : Court tries to reunite feuding brothers.

China asked to release jailed Nobel laureate Liu

NEW YORK – Fifteen Nobel Peace Prize laureates have asked Chinese President Hu Jintao to release Liu Xiaobo, 2010 winner of the prize, and to free his wife, Liu Xia, from house arrest, the Freedom Now movement said Monday.

The 15 laureates said in a signed letter to the Chinese president last week that releasing … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : China asked to release jailed Nobel laureate Liu.

Website gives personal details of Shanghai firms’ bosses

BEIJING – The privacy of over 60,000 company bosses in China’s Shanghai city is in peril after their personal details were displayed on a website.

By typing the words “Shanghai company bosses” into the search engine of the Baidu’s testing database, wenku.baidu.com, a surfer can get detailed information on local companies and their senior officials, … Read more : Website gives personal details of Shanghai firms’ bosses.

Amar Singh, Jayaprada’s plea hearing adjourned to Nov 9

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday adjourned till Nov 9 the hearing on a petition by actor-turned-politician Jayaprada and former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh challenging the provisions of the anti-defection law.

The law empowers a political party to seek the disqualification of its members from a legislature if they have been expelled … Original source on Gaea Times at : Amar Singh, Jayaprada’s plea hearing adjourned to Nov 9.

Emaar-MGF moves court against DDA on bank guarantee

NEW DELHI – Emaar-MGF, the private firm which developed the Commonwealth Games Village, Monday moved the Delhi High Court against the central government’s direction to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to confiscate the company’s Rs.183 crore bank guarantee.

The guarantee was furnished by the builder before taking up the construction of 1,168 flats in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Delhi government, police get notice on labourer’s death

NEW DELHI – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Monday issued notices to the Delhi government and police on the death of a labourer while he was cleaning a sewer without the necessary safety kit.

Taking cognizance on its own of a media report, the rights panel has asked for reports from Delhi Chief Secretary … Original source on Gaea Times at : Delhi government, police get notice on labourer’s death.

‘US handed over detainees to Iraqi torture squad’

LONDON – Newly-leaked US military documents posted on WikiLeaks have revealed that American troops in Iraq handed over captives to a notorious Iraqi torture squad, a media report said Monday.

The 400,000 classified logs published by the whistle-blower website Saturday contain an official account of deliberate threats by a military interrogator to turn his … Read more : ‘US handed over detainees to Iraqi torture squad’.

Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena demands construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

NEW DELHI – Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena, a radical Hindu group, staged a demonstration here, demanding that the government pave the way to construct a temple in Ayodhya following the Allahabad High Court’s verdict on the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Mosque title suit.

A three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court had ruled on September 30 that the Ramlala idol …. Source article  : Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena demands construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Satyam scam: Court dismisses discharge plea of nine accused

HYDERABAD – A local court Monday dismissed discharge petitions of nine accused in the multi-crore rupee accounting scam in Satyam Computer Services.

The discharge petitions filed by all the accused, barring prime accused former company chairman B. Ramalinga Raju, were dismissed by an additional chief metropolitan magistrate (ACCM) court after hearing the arguments of both …. Source article  : Satyam scam: Court dismisses discharge plea of nine accused.

Over 60 or transgender? Get free legal aid in Haryana

CHANDIGARH – All senior citizens and transgenders in Haryana will now be eligible to get free legal services, an official said here Wednesday.

Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) member-secretary H.S. Bhangoo said the state government has amended the Haryana State Legal Services Rules, 1966, to include senior citizens and transgenders in the list of …. Original source  : Over 60 or transgender? Get free legal aid in Haryana.

Jharkhand lawyers boycott courts

RANCHI – The Jharkhand High Court lawyers Wednesday boycotted courts to protest against the “unparliamentarily remarks” by some judges.

The advocates Tuesday decided to boycott the courts of all the 11 judges from Wednesday to protest against the unparliamentarily remarks made by some of them, Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association leader Mantu Gope told IANS. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jharkhand lawyers boycott courts.

Shutdown in Guntur for high court bench

HYDERABAD – The agitation to demand an Andhra Pradesh high court bench between Guntur and Vijayawada intensified Wednesday with a shutdown in Guntur district.

The shutdown, called by lawyers and supported by all political parties, evoked good response.
Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed while few vehicles were seen on the roads …. Read the original article  : Shutdown in Guntur for high court bench.

Compensate Nandigram firing victims: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the West Bengal government to pay compensation to all the victims of Nandigram police firing in 2007.

The state government told the apex court that it had paid compensation only to those who were not involved in violence against the police.
The apex court bench, headed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Compensate Nandigram firing victims: Supreme Court.

Glaxo settles tainted drugs suit for $750 mn

WASHINGTON – British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will pay $750 million to settle a US government lawsuit related to the manufacture and sale of adulterated drugs, the US Justice Department said Tuesday.

GSK was accused of manufacturing and selling certain adulterated drugs that were made at its now-closed facility in Cidra, Puerto Rico.
Among the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Glaxo settles tainted drugs suit for $750 mn.

No patch up between Modi and BCCI, apex court told

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court was Wednesday informed that efforts for a patch up between former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have failed.

Modi’s counsel Ram Jethmalani told the apex court that attempts for a settlement, despite the best efforts, did not … Original article on : No patch up between Modi and BCCI, apex court told.

French strike easing off

PARIS – France’s crippling nationwide strike over President Nicolas Sarkozy’s pension reform plan began to ease off as the senate Tuesday passed the final legislative bill and Paris began to tally up the costs of two weeks of labour disruptions.

The interior ministry said that five of the 12 refineries which had been hit by … Read more : French strike easing off.

Act against Roy, Geelani, demands Kashmiri Pandit group

NEW DELHI – An organisation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits Tuesday demanded action against writer-activist Arundhati Roy and separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani for their remarks on Kashmir.

“We are warning the government that if it fails to act against Geelani, Roy and others, we will have no option but to resort to legal recourse not … Read : Act against Roy, Geelani, demands Kashmiri Pandit group.

Denmark to probe role in handover of prisoners to Iraq

COPENHAGEN – Denmark will investigate allegations of possible wrongdoing by its forces in connection with the Iraq conflict, Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Tuesday.

The allegations include that prisoners handed over by Danish forces to Iraqi security forces were later ill-treated, according to some of the classified US military documents recently released by whistle-blower … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Denmark to probe role in handover of prisoners to Iraq.

Apex court lifts stay on Gujarat riot cases, bar Gulberg society

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday sought the Gujarat government’s response on a petition seeking change of the judge conducting the trial in 2002 Gulberg Society massacre case, while revoking its bar on pronouncement of verdicts in other cases of the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The plea to change the judge …. Source  : Apex court lifts stay on Gujarat riot cases, bar Gulberg society.

Zardari, Gilani, Musharraf felicitate Asma on winning SCBA presidential election

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Supreme Court Advocate and noted human rights activist Asma Jehangir has won the annual elections of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), becoming the first ever woman president of the most significant lawyers’ association.

Asma, who had earlier fought for the restoration of the judges but has now become a strong critic of the … Read more : Zardari, Gilani, Musharraf felicitate Asma on winning SCBA presidential election.

Pakistan’s bar association elects its first woman chief

ISLAMABAD – Supreme court advocate and human rights activist Asma Jehangir Wednesday became the first woman to be elected president of Pakistan’s Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), a media report said.

Asma Jehangir bagged 834 votes against 796 votes secured by her closest competitor Ahmed Owais in a nationwide poll Wednesday, Geo TV reported.
President …. Source  : Pakistan’s bar association elects its first woman chief.

India, US can learn from constitutional experience: Moily

NEW DELHI – The Indian constitution is flexible and vulnerable to Supreme Court action, union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily said, adding that India and the US can learn from each other’s experiences.

He was speaking at a panel discussion on “Indian Constitution and the United States Bill of Rights” here Wednesday.
“This vulnerability … Original source on Gaea Times at : India, US can learn from constitutional experience: Moily.

Don’t treat Bengal as accused in Nandigram firing, CBI told

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) not to treat the West Bengal government as an accused in the 2007 police firing in Nandigram even as the state government opposed the federal probe into the incident.

The state government told the apex court that the probe into the …. Source  : Don’t treat Bengal as accused in Nandigram firing, CBI told.

Bodos to march in Delhi – for separate state

NEW DELHI – About 3,000 Bodo people will take out a rally in the capital Thursday demanding a separate state to be carved out of Assam, an activist said.

Organised by the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), the rally will start from Ram Lila Maidan in central Delhi and reach Parliament Street in the …. Read the original article  : Bodos to march in Delhi — for separate state.

Musharraf cronies, PPP backing Asma to beat Pak CJ loyalists in SCBA polls

ISLAMABAD – With the crucial Supreme Court Bar Association polls taking place today, old cronies of former president Pervez Musharraf are pinning strong hopes on candidate Asma Jahangir to bundle out the loyalists of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry by winning the election.

Asma, who had earlier fought for the restoration of the judges, has now …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Apex court adjourns Lalit Modi case till Nov 11

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday adjourned till Nov 11 the hearing on former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi’s petition challenging the composition of the Disciplinary Committee probing charges of financial irregularities against him.

A bench of Justice J.M. Panchal and Justice H.L. Gokhale adjourned the hearing after senior counsel Ram Jethmalani … Read more >>.

Gujarat High Court seeks details of EVM, e-voters

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court, hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) against introduction of online voting in local self-government bodies polls, has sought details of voters who cast ballot through the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and e-voting.

In details available Wednesday, a bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Anant Dave, allowing the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Gujarat High Court seeks details of EVM, e-voters.

How long will 2G spectrum probe take, asks Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday asked the central government how long it would take to complete investigations into the 2G spectrum scam.

The court also sought the central government’s response to a Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report pointing out irregularities in allocation of spectrum 2G licences to telecom operators.
The apex court …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sohrabuddin case: Gujarat HC to decide on Amit Shah’s fate

AHMEDABAD – The Gujarat High Court is expected to deliver its verdict on a petition filed by former Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah, challenging the rejection of his bail plea by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court today.

Shah was arrested by the CBI in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case on …. Read the original article  : Sohrabuddin case: Gujarat HC to decide on Amit Shah’s fate.

Karnataka crisis: Verdict on disqualified lawmakers today

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court will today pronounce its much-awaited verdict on the disqualification of eleven rebel BJP MLAs today.

Justice V G Sabhahit, the third judge who heard the batch of petitions filed by the rebels challenging their disqualification from Assembly membership by Speaker K G Bopaiah will deliver the judgement at 2.30 p.m.

The … Read : Karnataka crisis: Verdict on disqualified lawmakers today.

Kuwait seeks UNHRC membership

New York, Oct 28 (IANS/WAM) Kuwait has sought UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) membership for 2013-2015.

The country’s permanent representative to the UN, Mansour Al-Etebi made the announcement during a UN General Assembly meeting Wednesday.
He said his country is committed to human rights and wants to participate in all relevant international events …. Source  : Kuwait seeks UNHRC membership.

Court verdict on Karnataka rebel legislators Friday

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

A single judge bench of Justice V.G. Sabhahit is scheduled to give the verdict at 2.30 p.m., according to the court’s registry. He had reserved the verdict Oct 21 after two [..] Read the original article: here.

Ketchup adulteration case against Nestle set aside

GANDHINAGAR – An adulteration complaint against Nestle India, makers of Maggi tomato ketchup, pending in a trial court has been set aside by the Gujarat High Court.

In a judgment made available Thursday, Justice Akil Kureshi struck down the case registered against Nestle for violating provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.
Samples of …. Original source  : Ketchup adulteration case against Nestle set aside.

Law to protect women from workplace harassment soon

NEW DELHI – India will soon have a law protecting women from sexual harassment at the workplace, Minister of Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath said Thursday. This, she added, was an effort to create a gender-just society.

Addressing state secretaries in charge of women and child development at a meeting, Tirath said: “Tremendous progress …. Original article  : Law to protect women from workplace harassment soon.

Street vendors’ meet in Delhi next month

NEW DELHI – The head of StreetNet International, a global alliance of street vendors’ associations, will come down to Delhi Nov 1 to hold talks with street vendors to understand their problems and suggest solutions.

Pat Horn, the head of StreetNet International, will hold consultations with the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) …. Original article  : Street vendors’ meet in Delhi next month.

Railway Protection Force to get women’s battalion

NEW DELHI – The government Thursday said it will enact a law giving the Railway Protection Force (RPF) the power to probe offences committed against railway property and passengers and also raise a women’s battalion of the force.

The railway ministry is actively considering amendments to the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act to empower Railway … Read more »».

CBI moves petition before Supreme Court against Amit Shah

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) late night filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail granted by the Gujarat High Court to former state Home Minister Amit Shah and sought an urgent hearing.

The petition was filed in the Deputy Registrar’s office around 10.30 p.m hours after … Read more >>.

‘Wrong to say 4-year-old approaching fifth birthday not incapable of negligence’: NY judge

NEW YORK – A New York State Supreme Court judge has said that it is wrong to say that four-year-olds approaching their fifth birthday are not “presumed incapable of negligence.”

The New York Times and CBS News quoted Judge Paul Wooten, as saying this in an order that he passed in a case related … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Wrong to say 4-year-old approaching fifth birthday not incapable of negligence’: NY judge.

Chandigarh court summons Rahul Gandhi, Arundhati Roy

CHANDIGARH – A court here Friday issued summons to Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi and author-activist Arundhati Roy on a complaint by a local human rights activist against the two for making “inflammatory” speeches.

Civil judge Ranjeev Kumar asked Gandhi and Roy to appear before the court Jan 17.
Activist and lawyer Arvind Thakur … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chandigarh court summons Rahul Gandhi, Arundhati Roy.

Orissa asks Supreme Court to stay Posco order

NEW DELHI – The Orissa government Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the state high court order cancelling permission given to Posco for iron ore mining in the state.

The Orissa High Court by its order July 14 had overturned the state governments decision to grant permission to Posco for iron ore …. Source  : Orissa asks Supreme Court to stay Posco order.

Court allows Blueline buses to ply in south Delhi

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday said the government notification to phase out Blueline buses from the capital by Dec 14 will not apply to buses plying in south Delhi.

Justice Indermit Kaur said the court’s previous order in March allowing Blueline operators to ply will continue till further orders, and the … Read more >>.

Why can’t food be given to poor, asks Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday asked the central government why foodgrains it had procured but could not preserve because of inadequate storage capacity could not be given to the poor.

“Procurement of adequate foodgrains is essential to provide food security and to protect the interest of the farmers. All through our anxiety has …. Original article  : Why can’t food be given to poor, asks Supreme Court.

Task force set up for barrier-free public buildings

NEW DELHI – A task force has been set up to work out details for a national centre to facilitate and support development of a barrier-free environment in public buildings, an official said Friday.

The task force headed by Samir K. Brahmachari, director general of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will work …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Task force set up for barrier-free public buildings.

Court upholds 11 Karnataka BJP legislators’ disqualification (Second Lead)

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court Friday upheld the disqualification of 11 rebel lawmakers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the state assembly for expressing lack of confidence in Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. The 11 said they will now move the apex court.

Yeddyurappa hailed the verdict as a lesson to defectors.
Yeddyurappa, … Read more >>>.

RTI law being grossly misused, says former CJI Balakrishnan

NEW DELHI – Former chief justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan Friday said the Right To Information (RTI) Act “was grossly misused” and needed amending to prevent the misuse.

“It is time for introspection on the five-year-old RTI Act. It is grossly misused. Most of the applicants are applying the RTI not for public good, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : RTI law being grossly misused, says former CJI Balakrishnan.

Court grants bail to Gujarat ex-minister Amit Shah

AHMEDABAD – The Gujarat High Court Friday granted bail to former minister of state for home Amit Shah, who was arrested July 25 in the Sohrabbudin Sheikh staged shootout case of 2005.

Justice R.H. Shukla allowed the release of Shah, a legislator of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Sarkhej in Ahmedabad, on a …. Source article  : Court grants bail to Gujarat ex-minister Amit Shah.

These kids make crackers to light up your Diwali!

CHENNAI – As you prepare to light up a sparkler to celebrate Diwali next week, spare a thought for the around 40,000 children employed in the hazardous firecrackers industry in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, for whom the festival simply translates into more forced work.

Sivakasi, about 650 km south of Chennai, is India’s fireworks capital. …. Source  : These kids make crackers to light up your Diwali!.

Badal withdraws defamation cases against Sonia, Amarinder

CHANDIGARH – A local court here Saturday allowed a plea by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to withdraw civil defamation cases filed against Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Congress leader and former chief minister Amarinder Singh.

Acting on a plea by Badal, filed early this month, Chief Judicial Magistrate J.S. Sidhu dismissed the defamation …. Source  : Badal withdraws defamation cases against Sonia, Amarinder.

Supreme Court issues notice to Amit Shah on bail

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Saturday issued notice to former Gujarat minister of state for home Amit Shah on a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) petition seeking stay of a Gujarat High Court order giving him bail in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout case.

However, the apex court bench of Justice Aftab …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court issues notice to Amit Shah on bail.