Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for December 1-6, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Ratan Tata moves Supreme Court on telephone tapping of Nira Radia
NEW DELHI – TATA Group chairman Ratan Tata on Monday moved the Supreme Court against the publication of intercepts of his conversations with Public Relations (PR) representative Nira Radia, who handles the corporate communication for the Tata Group.
The phone transcripts are part of the evidence in the 2G spectrum scam and have been made public.
WikiLeaks: a whistleblower that governments fear
WASHINGTON – WikiLeaks, the whistleblower website at the centre of a storm over leaking 250,000 US diplomatic despatches, is a not-for-profit media organisation launched in 2007 with the professed goal of bringing “important news and information to the public”.
WikiLeaks, which claims to provide “an innovative, secure and anonymous way for sources to leak information …. Source : WikiLeaks: a whistleblower that governments fear.
Bangladesh apex court upholds Zia’s eviction
DHAKA – Bangladeshs opposition leader Khaleda Zia Monday lost her appeal before the countrys Supreme Court against her eviction by the government from her Dhaka cantonment house.
The apex court dismissed the leave-to-appeal petition filed by the former prime minister. The petition challenged the Dhaka High Court verdict earlier that had declared valid the government …. Read the original article : Bangladesh apex court upholds Zia’s eviction.
War crimes trial: US special envoy to assist Bangladesh
DHAKA – US War Crimes Ambassador-at-large Stephen Rapp will be here next month to assist Bangladesh in the trial of Islamists accused of war crimes committed during the 1971 liberation movement.
Rapp will be here at the invitation of the Bangladesh government that is preparing to hold trial under its own laws.
The trial’s credibility … Original source on Gaea Times at : War crimes trial: US special envoy to assist Bangladesh.
Israel to build detention centre for illegal migrants
JERUSALEM – The Israeli government Sunday approved a plan to build a detention centre to house migrants who cross illegally into the country from Egypt in search of work.
The centre will provide the migrants with shelter, food and medical services until they are sent back to their countries of origin.
Addressing ministers at the … Original article on : Israel to build detention centre for illegal migrants.
Haryana to set up human rights commission
CHANDIGARH – Haryana will soon set up a human rights commission, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said Sunday.
The process to constitute the commission was in progress, Hooda told reporters after a function at Jagadhri town, 120 km from here.
The Haryana government had earlier maintained that there was no need of a human rights …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Government not against court monitoring spectrum probe
NEW DELHI – The central government Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it was not against the court monitoring the CBI probe into the 2G spectrum scam in whatever manner it wanted.
“(The) government has no objection to the court monitoring of the investigation as the government wants to establish its credentials,” Solicitor General Gopal … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Government not against court monitoring spectrum probe.
US cracks down on China-based merchandise websites
WASHINGTON – The US government has disabled dozens of websites based in China for allegedly selling counterfeit merchandise and other goods in violation of copyright laws, authorities said Monday.
US Justice Department and Homeland Security Department seized the domain names of 82 websites, mostly based in China, where the shipments of the purchased goods also …. Source article on Gaea Times at : US cracks down on China-based merchandise websites.
Sibal promises action against errant telecom firms
NEW DELHI – Communications Minister Kapil Sibal Monday said notices will be served on all firms that suppressed facts to buy licences and airwaves for mobile phone services in the country and had fallen short of their roll-out obligations.
He also assured a thorough probe to see if they had manipulated the self-certification process about …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Sibal promises action against errant telecom firms.
Scheme to safeguard child rights in Maoist-affected states
NEW DELHI – In an effort to protect the rights of children in areas of civil unrest — including those affected by Maoists, the central government has approved a special scheme which will be implemented in five states on a pilot project basis, parliament was informed Monday.
The scheme, called the Bal Bandhu scheme, … Read more »».
Notices soon on errant telecom companies: Sibal
NEW DELHI – The government will issue notices to companies that supressed facts while securing licences and airwaves for second generation (2G) telecom services in the country between 2006 and 2008, Communications Minister Kapil Sibal said Monday.
He also assured complete investigation to see if these companies had manipulated the self-certification process regarding their financials … Original source on Gaea Times at : Notices soon on errant telecom companies: Sibal.
Ratan Tata goes to court against publication of Radia tapes (Second Lead)
NEW DELHI – Tata group chairman Ratan Tata moved the Supreme Court Monday seeking judicial restraint on the publication of transcripts of phone intercepts of top corporate lobbyist Nira Radia with leading business, media and political figures on the ground of right to privacy.
The petition was similar to what had been filed by … Read more »»».
Ratan Tata moves court against publication on Radia tapes
NEW DELHI – Tata group chairman Ratan Tata moved the Supreme Court Monday seeking restraint on the publication of transcripts pertaining to the phone intercepts of top corporate lobbyist Nira Radia related with the alleged 2G spectrum scam.
The petition was similar to what had been filed by Radia herself in the Delhi High Court … Read more »»».
52 convicted, eight sent to jail in fodder scam case
RANCHI – A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Ranchi Monday convicted 52 people in a scam related to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs.20 crore from the state treasury to purchase fodder for public distribution and sentenced eight to three years’ imprisonment.
Special CBI Judge A.H. Ansari convicted 52 people in the case related …. Source : 52 convicted, eight sent to jail in fodder scam case.
Disabled to march in Delhi for their rights
NEW DELHI – Some will be on their wheelchairs, others will be led by their friends or supported by their crutches. On Dec 3 nearly 5,000 disabled people are expected to march in the capital in support of their right to better facilities including a separate ministry for the community.
Dec 3 is the …. Source article : Disabled to march in Delhi for their rights.
Government planning to raise widows’ pension
NEW DELHI – The women and child development ministry Monday mooted various proposals to better the lives of widows in the country, including raising the pension to Rs. 1,500 a month.
Releasing a study on the condition of widows in the Braj area of Uttar Pradesh here, D.K. Sikri, secretary of the ministry, said the … Original article on : Government planning to raise widows’ pension.
CVC should step down: Retired Supreme Court judge
KOTTAYAM/NEW DELHI – It would be in the best interests of the country and of the high office he holds if Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) P.J. Thomas steps down, retired Supreme Court judge K.T. Thomas opined Wednesday.
Noting that that the office of the CVC should not be seen as a government office, K.T. Thomas …. Read the original article : CVC should step down: Retired Supreme Court judge.
Action against violators of rules on marriage processions
NEW DELHI – With the onset of the wedding season, Delhi Police Wednesday asked the residents of the city to strictly adhere to guidelines on marriage processions issued by the Delhi High Court or face strict action for violations.
In advertisements issued in major dailies, Delhi Police said marriage processions on road create traffic …. Read the original article : Action against violators of rules on marriage processions.
Central Vigilance Commissioner Thomas says he will continue
NEW DELHI -Chief Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas Wednesday said he would continue as the top corruption watchdog, despite the Supreme Court expressing its reservations about him as a fair investigator into the 2G spectrum scam.
“The government appointed me as CVC. I am continuing as CVC,” Thomas told reporters here.
Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium Wednesday … Original source on Gaea Times at : Central Vigilance Commissioner Thomas says he will continue.
US supreme court to hear Microsoft appeal on Word patent
TORONTO – The US supreme court has agreed to hear Microsoft’s appeal in the Word infringement case in which the software giant was held guilty of violating a patent held by Toronto-based i4i Inc. and ordered to pay $290 million in damages last year.
The Canadian company had taken the software giant to court in …. Source : US supreme court to hear Microsoft appeal on Word patent.
Tamil activists seek arrest of Rajapaksa during Britain visit over last year’s war crimes
LONDON – Lawyers working for Tamil activists are reportedly trying to obtain an arrest warrant against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and one of his senior associates, who have arrived in Britain, over ‘war crimes and human rights violations’ during the last phase of combat between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam … Read more >>>.
Government told to deposit Radia conversations with court
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the central government to deposit with the registry the original recordings of conversations of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia in connection with the 2G spectrum scam.
Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium informed the court that Central Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas would not be associated in any way with …. Original article : Government told to deposit Radia conversations with court.
Kamala Harris is California attorney general
WASHINGTON – Four weeks after election day, Democrat Kamala Harris, daughter of an African American father and Indian Tamil mother, finally sealed a narrow but historic win making her the first woman attorney general of California.
“I stand before you today humbled to be chosen to be the next attorney general of this state,” Harris …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Kamala Harris is California attorney general.
Gates urges Senate to end military ban on gays
WASHINGTON – US Defence Secretary Robert Gates pressed forward with plans to end the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military, urging the Senate to repeal the controversial 1993 law by the end of the year.
Gates presented Tuesday a comprehensive report he commissioned when he announced in February plans to repeal the law, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gates urges Senate to end military ban on gays.
EU launches Google anti-trust probe
BRUSSELS – The European Commission Tuesday launched an anti-trust probe into Google following claims that Google’s search engine manipulates results to harm rivals.
The investigation comes after some of Google’s business rivals complained that its search engine gave their products unfair treatment, the commission said in a statement.
The commission “has decided to open an …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Supreme Court issues notice to Yeddyurappa
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday issued notice to Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah on a petition by seven rebel legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party who were disqualified from the house for expressing their lack of confidence in the chief minister.
An apex court bench of Justice Altamas [..] Read the original article: here.
Spanish woman stakes ownership claim to the sun
LONDON – A woman in Spain has claimed that she is the owner of the sun after she got it registered as her property. She now plans to charge people who benefit from the sun’s energy, it was reported here.
Fortynine-year-old Angeles Duran, a resident of Vigo in Spain’s northwestern region of Galicia, applied for …. Read the original article : here.
2G scam: Govt. places Radia tapes in sealed cover before Supreme Court
NEW DELHI – The Central Government on Thursday placed before the Supreme Court the recorded tapes containing the conversations between corporate lobbyist Radia and others in connection with the 2G scam. They were in a sealed cover.
Placing the recorded conversation before the bench comprising Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly, Solicitor General …. Original article : 2G scam: Govt. places Radia tapes in sealed cover before Supreme Court.
2G scam: Supreme Court to take up Ratan Tata’s petition
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will on Thursday take up a petition filed by Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata that seek a direction to be given to the government to probe the leakage of tapes containing his private conversation with corporate lobbyist Nira Radia.
The petition is listed for mentioning before a two-judge bench … Original article on : 2G scam: Supreme Court to take up Ratan Tata’s petition.
RIM sues app maker over BlackBerry Messenger patent
TORONTO – After software giant Microsoft which is embroiled in a legal battle over Word patent, now BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) too is entangled in a patent battle.
The Canadian wireless giant has dragged a fast-growing app developer called Kik Interactive Ltd to court here for infringing on its wildly popular BlackBerry Messenger …. Original source : RIM sues app maker over BlackBerry Messenger patent.
Tariq Aziz’s son pleads for condemned father’s life
Rome, Dec 2 (IANS/AKI) Tariq Aziz’s son Ziad Aziz has pleaded that his father, the condemned former aide to late Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein, not be put to death. Aziz was for years the “international face” of the regime.
Speaking through a lawyer, Ziad Aziz asked Iraq’s ambassador to Italy Saywan Barzani to transmit … Read more >>.
Court bench refuses to take up Ketan Desai PIL
GANDHINAGAR – A division bench of the Gujarat High Court Wednesday refused to hear a public interest litigation seeking to cancel the candidature of Ketan Desai, former chief of the Medical Council of India (MCI), in the senate elections of Gujarat University (GU).
The bench comprising Justices Jayant Patel and S.R. Brahmbhatt said: “Let … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Court bench refuses to take up Ketan Desai PIL.
Plea for CBI probe against Gujarat ATS officer
GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Wednesday issued notice to the state government and police on a petition seeking registration of a complaint and a CBI probe against Indian Police Service (IPS) officer G.L. Singhal over a residential dispute.
A single judge bench of Justice M.R. Shah issued notice following a petition by Vasudev Bhavsar …. Source : Gaea News Network.
‘Raja should have given serious consideration to PM’s letter’
NEW DELHI – Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium Wednesday said that former telecom minister A. Raja should have given a lot more serious consideration” to Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs letter expressing reservations on the allocation of 2G spectrum on 2001 prices.
He said this after an apex court bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Ashok …. Read the original article : here.
Why was TRAI silent for two years: Apex court on 2G
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday asked why the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was silent for two years on 85 ineligible firms bagging 2G spectrum and the remaining companies that got the airwaves failing to rollout services in varying degrees.
“Apart from the issues being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation … Read : Why was TRAI silent for two years: Apex court on 2G.
Government told to deposit Radia tapes with apex court (Second Lead)
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday called for the original taped recordings of the conversations of corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and others relating to 2G spectrum scam to be deposited with the court registry. The government told the court that CVC P.J. Thomas will not supervise the CBI’s probe into the scandal.
The …. Source : Government told to deposit Radia tapes with apex court (Second Lead).
Apex court permits construction in Noida park
NEW DELHI – In a major relief to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, the Supreme Court Friday permitted the construction of the Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar Park in Noida subject to certain conditionalities.
The forest bench of the apex court in its judgement said that only 25 percent of the total area of the park could …. Source : Apex court permits construction in Noida park.
This wheelchair-bound weightlifter inspires many (Dec 3 is World Disability Day)
NEW DELHI – Polio bound him to a wheelchair and he faced ridicule the first time he visited a gym. But Joginder Singh Saluja fought the odds to become a weightlifter who is an inspiration for thousands of disabled people.
The 24-year-old, who contracted polio when he was just 10 months old, will receive the …. Source article : This wheelchair-bound weightlifter inspires many (Dec 3 is World Disability Day).
Lack of opportunity prompts four million Italians to live abroad
Rome, Dec 3 (IANS/AKI) More than four million Italians, or about seven percent of Italy’s population, live abroad in search of a work, according to a new report presented Thursday in Rome by the Catholic refugee and immigrant charity Migrantes. About half the expatriates are women.
Italian immigration conjures images of ships transporting millions … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lack of opportunity prompts four million Italians to live abroad.
Colombia elects woman attorney general
Bogota, Dec 3 (IANS/EFE) Colombia’s Supreme Court has elected Viviane Morales as the country’s new attorney general, ending 16 months of uncertainty stemming from feuds between the previous government and the judiciary, the media said.
Colombia’s first woman attorney general was elected late Wednesday, with Morales receiving 14 of 18 votes from participating justices.
An … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Colombia elects woman attorney general.
Jerry Hobbs’ to Sue Lake County Police for ‘a lot of money’
CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com) — Jerry Hobbs, jailed for none less than five years for allegedly killing his daughter claimed that he will file a lawsuit against the Lake County for framing him guilty. He was released after DNA sample of another person was found in the crime scene. He wants ‘a lot of money’ compensation from …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Street View Lawsuit Costs Google $1
Google Inc. is supposed to pay $1 duo to invasion of privacy of a Pennsylvania couple who took the company to court. They claim that Google’s Street View caused damage to their privacy.
Street View happens to be a feature that allows users to pick a point on a map and watch a panoramic street-level …. Original article : Street View Lawsuit Costs Google $1.
24 Lawsuits over IPOs Revived
SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com) — A federal appeals court reportedly revived 24 lawsuits against a group of bank underwriters accused of conflicts of interest in initial public offerings.
According to Reuters, the lawsuits stated that the investment banks, including JPMorgan Chase & Co and Morgan Stanley, engaged in prohibited “short-swing” transactions related to initial public offerings … Read more »».
Permanent Injunction on ‘Shariah Law Amendment’ Granted By Oklahama Judge
OKLAHAMA (GaeaTimes.com) — Ballot Question 755 — aka the “Shariah law amendment” has been put to a hault by a federal judge from Oklahama.
For those of who are in the dark about the Shariah law, this law forbids state courts from implementing international laws, including Islamic Shariah law. The injunction posed will provide the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Permanent Injunction on ‘Shariah Law Amendment’ Granted By Oklahama Judge.
March on farmers’ rights reaches Chandigarh
CHANDIGARH – A nationwide march aimed at drawing attention towards the need to protect the interests of farmers reached Chandigarh Thursday evening, an NGO activist said.
The march, Kisan Swaraj Yatra (KSY), started from the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Gujarat Oct 2 and it would culminate at Rajghat, Delhi, Dec 11 after passing through 20 … Read : March on farmers’ rights reaches Chandigarh.
‘Media should be trained, sensitised in HIV reporting’
NEW DELHI – A story in the media can act as a powerful communicator of an important message, while a misrepresentation can cause irreversible damage. For reporting on the sensitive and important issue of HIV, the media should be trained and sensitised, experts said at conference here Thursday.
The conference which saw the participation of … Read more : ‘Media should be trained, sensitised in HIV reporting’.
Gujarat High Court a corrupt judges’ dump, allege advocates
GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Advocates Association (GHAA) has given a bandh call for Tuesday to protest what it called ill-treatment of the high court by the Supreme Court, and claimed the state high court has become a “dumping ground” for corrupt judges.
“We welcome every judge to our high court with open arms. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gujarat High Court a corrupt judges’ dump, allege advocates.
Pakistani hotel introduces braille menu for blind
ISLAMABAD – A hotel in Islamabad has introduced a menu in braille for its visually impaired guests on World Disability Day.
Serena Hotel Islamabad has become the first hotel in Pakistan to have menus in braille, Daily Times reported Saturday.
The hotel’s general manager Peter Hill said: “People with disability are denied basic …. Read the original article : here.
Law Amended On Player’s Behalf
The International Rugby Board Council approved Law 10.4(j), Law 10.4(f) and Law 5.2 today to ensure the fact that the welfare of players always comes first. These laws are supposed to be governing the spear tackle and hand-off will operate across the Game and provide greater clarity on the definition of each action and …. Read the original article : here.
Natalee Holloway Missing Case Lingers On
ARUBA (GaeaTimes.com) — Reportedly the jawbone that was found on a beach in Aruba this month is human, but according to the prosecutors it doesn’t belong to long-missing Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway.
Those of you unaware of the case must know, Holloway was on an outing with about 100 classmates in celebration of their graduation … Read more : Natalee Holloway Missing Case Lingers On.
Actor Wesley Snipes Sentenced Three Years Imprisonment
WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Actor Wesley Snipes has been asked to report to the Pennsylvania prison on December 9. According to the Justice department he will begin serving a three-year prison sentence December 9 for failing to file income tax returns.
For those of who don’t know the actor let me tell you he is best … Read more »».
Oregon Boy Kyron Horman Missing For 6 Months: New Plea Issued
OREGON (GaeaTimes.com) — The 8-year-old boy was last seen June 4. His biological parents have issued a new appeal to help bring back home.
Terri Horman, claimed to have dropped Kyron Horman off at school that morning. In divorce filing the boys father stated that he believes Terri Horman “is involved” in the boy’s disappearance. Already …. Original article : Oregon Boy Kyron Horman Missing For 6 Months: New Plea Issued.
Narendra Modi given clean chit in Godhra riot case
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court (SC) appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) is reported to have given a clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Narendra Modi has long been alleged to connive with 62 others including some cabinet colleagues, police officials and bureaucrats in aiding and abetting the post-Godhra program that claimed 1000 lives …. Original article : Narendra Modi given clean chit in Godhra riot case.
Chinese dissident’s Nobel prize money to be reserved
STOCKHOLM – Jailed Chinese Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo’s prize money will be set aside in his name, the head of the Nobel Foundation announced Friday, a week before the formal Nobel award ceremony.
Liu is serving an 11-year sentence for subversion and is not allowed to leave China to attend the award ceremony … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chinese dissident’s Nobel prize money to be reserved.
Hundreds of disabled march for rights in Delhi
NEW DELHI – Hundreds of differently-abled people from across the country participated in a protest march near India Gate in Delhi Friday on the occasion of World Disability Day and demanded fulfilment of their rights.
Javed Abidi, chairperson of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment of Disabled People (NCPEDP) who organised the protest, said: …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Hundreds of disabled march for rights in Delhi.
Former Teesta Setalvad aide earns court ire for false evidence
GANDHINAGAR – A special fast track court Friday not only rejected the plea of Rais Khan, one time aide of social activist Teesta Setalvad, to become witness in the 2002 Naroda Gam massacre case of Ahmedabad but ordered proceedings against him for falsification of evidence.
Additional sessions judge S.H. Vora while rejecting the plea …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Former Teesta Setalvad aide earns court ire for false evidence.
Indian firm seeks $48,000 from Nepal for aborted passport deal
KATHMANDU – India’s state-owned currency printing firm, the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India, has asked the Nepalese government to reimburse the $48,000 the company incurred after Kathmandu signed a major passport contract with it but then cancelled it unilaterally because of political pressure.
The New Delhi-based company is seeking from Nepal’s cash-strapped caretaker … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian firm seeks $48,000 from Nepal for aborted passport deal.
Indian firm seeks $48,000 for aborted Nepal passport deal
KATHMANDU – India’s state-owned currency printing firm, Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India, has asked Nepal to reimburse the $48,000 the New Delhi-headquartered company incurred after the Nepalese government signed a major passport contract with it but then cancelled it unilaterally due to political pressure.
The Indian company is seeking from Nepal’s cash-strapped caretaker …. Source : Gaea News Network.
BJP wants government to ratify UN convention against graft
NEW DELHI – Accusing the government of delaying the ratification of the UN Convention against Corruption, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Saturday demanded that steps should be taken to bring back the country’s money illegally parked in banks abroad.
BJP vice-president Shanta Kumar told reporters that India was among 22 of the 148 countries … Read : BJP wants government to ratify UN convention against graft.
Australia to help US bring Assange to justice
SYDNEY – Australia will help the US bring WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to justice, Attorney General Robert McClelland said Saturday.
Assange, an Australian citizen, is wanted by Swedish authorities on rape charges and has been threatened with prosecution by Washington over the posting of over 250,000 US diplomatic memos on the WikiLeaks whistleblower website.
“I’m …. Source article : Australia to help US bring Assange to justice.