Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for December 20-27, 2010

Monday, December 27, 2010

Assange’s lawyers mad over leaked report detailing his rape charges

NEW YORK – WikiLeaks boss Julian Assange’s lawyers and supporters are furious over someone leaking the confidential police report detailing graphic rape allegations against him.

According to the Australian newspaper, Assange’s Swedish lawyer, Bjorn Hurtig, plans to lodge a formal complaint and demand that Swedish cops investigate how such sensitive material was leaked.

“I do not know … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Assange’s lawyers mad over leaked report detailing his rape charges.

50 dead in Ivory Coast as human rights abuses grow: UN

NEW YORK/GENEVA/PARIS – More than 50 people have been killed and “massive violations of human rights” have taken place in Ivory Coast since Thursday, the UN human rights chief said Sunday as the West African nation swings closer to civil war.

Ivory Coast faces growing unrest as Laurent Gbagbo, backed by the army, resists international …. Source article : 50 dead in Ivory Coast as human rights abuses grow: UN.

China paying Nepal to nab Tibetan refugees: WikiLeaks

KATHMANDU – The reason the number of Tibetan refugees fleeing to India dropped dramatically since 2008 is because China is paying money to Nepal police to arrest them from the border areas, says a US embassy cable released by whistleblowing website WikiLeaks.

The cable, sent by an unnamed political officer at the American Embassy in …. Original article : China paying Nepal to nab Tibetan refugees: WikiLeaks.

Swedish accusers may be victims in successful smear: Assange

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange claimed Tuesday that the sexual offences allegations against him in Sweden were a “very successful smear” – and he would not receive “natural justice” if he was extradited from Britain.

He suggested that the two women who made the allegations against him in Sweden were themselves “maybe victims” in …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Swedish accusers may be victims in successful smear: Assange.

Dhaka parliamentary body wants laws common to all

DHAKA – A committee of Bangladesh’s parliament has recommended a common law to govern people of all faiths with regard to marriage registration, succession and the giving and taking of gifts.

The current laws on these cover only the majority Muslims.
The parliamentary standing committee on the law ministry Monday recommended enactment of a new …. Read the original article : Dhaka parliamentary body wants laws common to all.

Supreme Court asserts its powers, overrules technicalities of law

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has said that it holds vast powers under the constitution and an aggrieved person could not be rendered remediless on mere technicalities of law.

“A mere technicality cannot prevent the court from doing justice in exercise of its inherent power,” said the apex court bench of Justice P. Sathasivam … Original article on : Supreme Court asserts its powers, overrules technicalities of law.

Pay in dollars if plea is found frivolous, court tells NRI

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Monday told a non-resident Indian (NRI) petitioner to be ready to pay costs in dollars if his petition is dismissed on grounds of being a frivolous one.

The court was hearing a public interest petition (PIL) filed by Kolkata-based NGO People for Better Treatment (PBT) on the issue of …. Source article : Pay in dollars if plea is found frivolous, court tells NRI.

Divorced women in dire straits: Survey

NEW DELHI – Approximately 80 percent of divorced or separated women in India live below the poverty line, with a monthly income of less than Rs.4,000, a survey said.

Conducted between October 2008 and September 2009, the survey to determine the economic rights and entitlements of divorced and separated women involved interviewing 405 women across …. Read the original article : Divorced women in dire straits: Survey.

Haryana speaker asked to decide on defectors within 4 months

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab and Haryana High Court Monday directed the Haryana assembly speaker to decide within four months on the disqualification of five legislators who defected.

Justice Ajay Tiwari of the high court issued the directive to assembly Speaker Harmohinder Singh Chatha on the petition of the Haryana Janhit Congress …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Haryana speaker asked to decide on defectors within 4 months.

Anti-China protesters right to demonstrate upheld by court

HONG KONG – A Hong Kong court Monday threw out charges of unlawful assembly against six activists who demonstrated outside Beijing’s de facto embassy over the jailing of dissident Liu Xiaobo.

The activists were arrested Dec 25 last year for protesting at the Beijing Liaison Office over the jailing that day of Liu, who was … Original article on : Anti-China protesters right to demonstrate upheld by court.

Activists demonstrate against Punjab information commission

CHANDIGARH – Right to Information (RTI) activists Monday demonstrated outside the Punjab State Information Commission here to protest delays in giving details to applicants.

Carrying placards and banners against Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) R.I. Singh, the activists raised slogans against the commission.
The people who are running the State Information Commission are least bothered about … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Activists demonstrate against Punjab information commission.

Indians celebrate century of living in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – It is celebration time for ethnic Indians, whose forefathers came to settle in Malaysia, as they complete a century of living in the northeastern state of Kelantan, bordering Thailand.

The ethnic Indian community chose for the celebrations the historic Batu Caves, a site 13 km from Kuala Lumpur that has one of …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Indians celebrate century of living in Malaysia.

Rajasthan High Court rejects five percent quota plea for Gujjars

NEW DELHI – The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday rejected a petition seeking five per cent reservation in government job for the Gujjar community.

The High Court directed the government to collect and provide data on the educational and economic background of the Gujjar community in a year.

Today’s ruling will mean that the Gujjars will …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Rajasthan High Court rejects five percent quota plea for Gujjars.

Robbins Umeda LLP Announces an Investigation of Genoptix, Inc.

CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Robbins Umeda LLP has commenced an investigation into possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of the law by certain officers and directors at Genoptix, Inc. (”Genoptix” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GXDX). Genoptix provides specialized laboratory service that focus on delivering diagnostic services in the United States. The Company was … Read : Robbins Umeda LLP Announces an Investigation of Genoptix, Inc..

Carney Williams PLLC Files Shareholder Lawsuit Against PrivateBancorp Inc.

Carney Williams Bates Bozeman & Pulliam, PLLC announces that December 21, 2010, is the deadline for shareholders of PrivateBancorp, Inc. who purchased stock between November 2, 2007 and October 23, 2009, to inform the court of their intention to be appointed lead plaintiff in the shareholder lawsuit against the company. For more information about … Read : Carney Williams PLLC Files Shareholder Lawsuit Against PrivateBancorp Inc..

Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. Announces Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Against RINO International Corporation

CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com) — The law firm of Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased the common stock of RINO International Corporation (”RINO” or the “Company”) (Pink Sheets: RINO.PK) between May … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. Announces Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Against RINO International Corporation.

Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd. Being Invested On Breach of Fiduciary Duties

DETROIT (GaeaTimes.com) — Ryan & Maniskas, LLP (www.rmclasslaw.com/cases/cpd) is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd. (”Caraco” or the “Company”) (AMEX: CPD) concerning the Company’s receipt of a proposal from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (”Sun”) and Sun Pharma Global, Inc. (”Sun Global”) to acquire the remainder of the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd. Being Invested On Breach of Fiduciary Duties.

Ryan & Maniskas Law Firm Investigates Against Dionex Corporation

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) — Ryan & Maniskas, LLP (www.rmclasslaw.com/cases/dnex) is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Dionex Corporation (”Dionex” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DNEX) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law related to the Company’s efforts to sell Dionex to Thermo Fisher Scientific in a transaction valued at …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Howard G. Smith Law Firm Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Mecox Lane Limited

BENSALEM, Pa. (GaeaTimes.com) — Howard G. Smith Law Offices has reportedly filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased the common stock of Mecox Lane Limited (”Mecox” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:MCOX) pursuant to the Registration Statement and Prospectus issued in connection with the Company’s October 26, 2010, Initial … Read more : Howard G. Smith Law Firm Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Mecox Lane Limited.

Ryan & Maniskas, LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against China Education Alliance, Inc.

WAYNE (GaeaTimes.com) — Ryan & Maniskas, LLP has announced that they have filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of purchasers the securities of China Education Alliance, Inc. (”China Education Alliance” or the “Company”) (NYSE:CEU) between March 31, 2009, to November 29, 2010, …. Source : Ryan & Maniskas, LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against China Education Alliance, Inc..

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Mediacom Communications Corp.

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has reportedly filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of current stockholders of Mediacom Communications Corp. regarding the planned … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Mediacom Communications Corp..

Milberg LLP Files Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Against SMART Technologies Inc.

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Reportedly, a class action lawsuit has been filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of SMART Technologies Inc.Allegedly, SMART Technologies has violated the Securities Act. They intentionally or unintentionally is said to have delivered incomplete statement and prospectus failing to …. Original article : Milberg LLP Files Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Against SMART Technologies Inc..

US suits against ISI chief in Mumbai massacre case face ’serious legal obstacles’

NEW YORK – The plaintiffs in two US lawsuits, accusing the chief of Pakistan’s main spy agency- the Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)- of nurturing terrorists involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, would have to overcome serious legal obstacles, according to lawyers and experts.

A lawyer for the US plaintiff, John Kreindler, expressed the hope of …. Original source : US suits against ISI chief in Mumbai massacre case face ’serious legal obstacles’.

Australia apologises to Indian-origin doctor

MELBOURNE – The Australian government Thursday issued a formal apology to Indian-origin doctor Mohamed Haneef, who was wrongly detained on terrorism-related charges three years ago, expressing the hope that he can now move on with his life.

Haneef received a substantial compensation payout from the government this week for his detention in July 2007.
“The [..] Read the original article: here.

We are starving, say ex-staff of Union Carbide

BHOPAL – They are neither victims nor accused in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy and yet 632 former permanent employees of the now defunct Union Carbide plant find themselves at the receiving end.

They were employees at the plant, which saw the world’s worst industrial disaster break out on the night of Dec 2-3, 1984, …. Original source : We are starving, say ex-staff of Union Carbide.

Train services continue to remain disrupted due to Gujjar agitation

PILUPURA – Train services continue to remain disrupted in Rajasthan as Gujjars have stepped up their agitation a day after the High Court kept on hold the state government’s Reservation Act giving five per cent extra quota for Gujjars in government jobs.

About 60 trains, have already been either diverted or cancelled. They have now threatened …. Source : Train services continue to remain disrupted due to Gujjar agitation.

Verdict on N D Tiwari paternity suit today

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court will pronounce its order on whether veteran Congress leader N D Tiwari would have to undergo a DNA test following a claim by Rohit Shekhar, who claims to be his biological son

Justice S Ravindra Bhatt had reserved his order on September 21 after hearing the contention of Shekhar, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Verdict on N D Tiwari paternity suit today.

Plea against Ketan Desai’s university post rejected

AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI – The Gujarat High Court Wednesday rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) against the election of tainted former Medical Council of India (MCI) chief Ketan Desai to the Gujarat University senate.

The bench comprising Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi also imposed a cost of Rs.10,000 on the petitioner.
The court, … Read more : Plea against Ketan Desai’s university post rejected.

Obama signs law allowing gays in military

WASHINGTON – A measure that allows homosexuals to serve openly in the US military was signed into law Wednesday by President Barack Obama.

The previous ban on open service — known as don’t ask, don’t tell — was implemented in the 1990s as a compromise measure, but grew increasingly unpopular as homosexuals serving in the … Read more >>.

Gujarat court rejects plea against Ketan Desai

The court also imposed a cost of Rs.10,000 on the petitioner.
I am deeply shocked that the court dismissed our PIL that …. Original source : Gujarat court rejects plea against Ketan Desai.

Don’t evict ‘unauthorized occupant’ without permission

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has held that even an unauthorized occupant of a house in a slum is treated as a tenant and permission of competent authorities is needed to initiate eviction proceedings against him.

By no stretch of imagination can a trespasser (unauthorised occupant) be taken out of the definition of occupier …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Don’t evict ‘unauthorized occupant’ without permission.

Child rights panel comes to rescue of jailed Jharkhand girls

NEW DELHI – The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked a Jharkhand official to take action in a case in which three arrested school girls were treated as adults and sent to jail, a statement said Wednesday.

According to the commission, the girls should have been tried under the Juvenile Justice …. Original source : Child rights panel comes to rescue of jailed Jharkhand girls.

Russian opposition sues Putin for slander

MOSCOW – Russia’s opposition leaders have said that they were filing defamation suits against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for accusing them of extravagantly spending Russia’s resources.

“This is nothing else but lies and slander. We demand from Putin an apology and a million roubles (???21,200) in compensation,” The Telegraph quoted Boris Nemtsov, a former Deputy Prime …. Read the original article : here.

Bihar’s landless march for land reforms

PATNA – Ignoring the freezing winter winds and away from whatever warmth their thatched huts provide, hundreds of poor and marginalised men and women in Bihar are marching towards Patna demanding land reforms. The state, in the cusp of major changes, has seen landlessness increase over the two decades.

The “Land March,” which began at …. Source article : Bihar’s landless march for land reforms.

Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. Announces Investigation of Todd Shipyards Corporation Buyout

WILMINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. announces that it is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Todd Shipyards Corporation (”Todd” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TOD) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law related to the Company’s entry into an agreement to be acquired by Vigor Industrial … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. Announces Investigation of Todd Shipyards Corporation Buyout.

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against J.Crew Group, Inc.

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of current stockholders of J.Crew Group, Inc. (NYSE:JCG) in connection with the planned acquisition of the company by TPG Capital L.P. and Leonard Green & …. Read the original article : Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against J.Crew Group, Inc..

Weiss & Lurie Announces Investigation of Martek Biosciences Corporation

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Weiss & Lurie, a national class action and shareholder rights law firm with offices in New York City and Los Angeles, is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by members of the Board of Directors of Martek Biosciences Corporation (”Martek” or the “Company”) arising from … Read more >>.

Robbins Umeda LLP Investigates Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc.

SAN DIEGO (GaeaTimes.com) — Robbins Umeda LLP has commenced an investigation into Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc. (”Alternate Energy” or the “Company”) (OTC: AEHI.PK) concerning possible violations of state and federal securities laws.
Alternate Energy claims that it is a development stage company, focusing on the purchase, optimization, and construction of green energy sources, primarily nuclear …. Original article : Robbins Umeda LLP Investigates Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc..

Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. Announces Investigations Of Whitney Holding Corporation Buyout

WILMINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. announces that it is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Whitney Holding Corporation (”Whitney” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: WTNY) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law related to the Company’s entry into an agreement to be acquired by Hancock Holding …. Source : Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. Announces Investigations Of Whitney Holding Corporation Buyout.

‘Tees Maar Khan’, ‘Dabangg’ dragged to court

LUCKNOW – A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed before the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court Thursday alleging obscenity in Bollywood films “Dabangg” and “Tees Maar Khan”.

The petition sought the deletion of popular songs “Munni Badnaam Hui” from “Dabangg” and “Shiela ki Jawani” from “Tees Maar Khan”.
Filed by Nutan Thakur, wife of …. Source : ‘Tees Maar Khan’, ‘Dabangg’ dragged to court.

Undergo paternity test, court tells Tiwari (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Veteran Congress leader N.D. Tiwari was Thursday directed by Delhi High Court to undergo a DNA test to ascertain a young man’s claim that Tiwari is his biological father.

Rejecting Tiwari’s plea that he could not be forced to undergo the DNA test, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat said that “the wider … Original source on Gaea Times at : Undergo paternity test, court tells Tiwari (Second Lead).

World Bank increases funding for Tamil Nadu project

CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu government’s poverty reduction scheme Vazhndhu Kaattuvom Project (VKP) got an additional funding of Rs.950 crore from the World Bank Thursday.

An agreement to this effect was signed by the state government, the central government and the World Bank at the state secretariat here.
With this fund, the state government has decided …. Source article : World Bank increases funding for Tamil Nadu project.

BCCI panel’s proceedings against Lalit Modi stayed

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Saturday stayed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) disciplinary committees proceedings against suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, saying that the panel did not have the BCCI general bodys mandate.

Modis counsel Mehmood Abdi had earlier challenged the legality of the three-member disciplinary committee …. Original article : BCCI panel’s proceedings against Lalit Modi stayed.

Chhattisgarh lawyers, politicians silent on Sen verdict

RAIPUR – A day has passed since life imprisonment has been pronounced to rights activist Binayak Sen along with Maoist ideologue Narayan Sanyal and businessman Piyush Guha, but Chhattisgarh’s lawyers and politicians are silent on the subject.

Leading figures from social work, media and even advocates have so far refused to make any public …. Source : Chhattisgarh lawyers, politicians silent on Sen verdict.

Goa governor gets X-mas gift – copy of RTI Act

PANAJI – A ribbon-wrapped copy of the Right To Information Act (RTI) Act – that’s one Christmas gift Goa Governor S.S. Sidhu might not forget for a long while.

Sidhu, who was summoned Wednesday by the Goa State Information Commission (GSIC) for denying information sought under the RTI to social activist Aires Rodrigues, …. Read the original article : Goa governor gets X-mas gift – copy of RTI Act.

Himachal all set to empower rural women

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh is all set to empower women at the grassroots level by electing only women to around 13,000 seats in panchayati raj institutions (PRIs), the village-level third tier of governance.

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, in 2008 raised reservation of seats for women in all rural … Read more : Himachal all set to empower rural women.

Activist’s in Mumbai protest Binayak Sen verdict

Dec 23, Mumbai (IANS) Activists and the public gathered outside Mumbais busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Friday to protest a Chhattisgarh court’s verdict sentencing rights campaigner Binayak Sen to life imprisonment for sedition and links with Maoists.

Its a tragic day for our country, said documentary-filmmaker Anand Patwardhan who was part of the demonstration.
… Original article on : Activist’s in Mumbai protest Binayak Sen verdict.

Smiling faces turn red after Sen verdict

RAIPUR – It was a huge gathering of right activists and mediapersons outside at the district and sessions court Friday here as judge B.P. Varma prepared to rule in a case involving rights activist Binayak Sen.

Activists, mainly of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), of which Sen a national vice president, reached the … Read more »».

Samjhauta blasts: Hindu leader sent to police custody till Jan 3

PANCHKULA – Hindu religious leader Swami Aseemanand was Friday sent to police custody till Jan 3 by the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) special court here in connection with the 2007 Samjhauta train blasts in Haryana that killed 68 people.

Aseemanand was brought to NIA special judge Ritu Garg’s court under tight security, from where he … Read more : Samjhauta blasts: Hindu leader sent to police custody till Jan 3.

Case against Sen fraudulent, says Maoist MP from Nepal

KATHMANDU – Reacting in stunned disbelief to the news that Indian rights activist Binayak Sen had been slapped with life imprisonment by an Indian court Friday for “sedition” and “conspiracy”, a Maoist lawmaker with long links with India said it was a “fraudulent case”.

“Binayak Sen is a rights activist and should not be dragged …. Source article : Case against Sen fraudulent, says Maoist MP from Nepal.

Binayak Sen case timeline

NEW DELHI – The following is the timeline of the prosecution of Binayak Sen, a doctor and human rights activist convicted for sedition and conspiracy by a Chhattisgarh court and awarded a life term Friday.

May 14, 2007: Binayak Sen arrested in Bilaspur on charges of carrying messages between Piyush Guha, a businessman, and Narayan … Read more >>.

Nepal’s new ‘crown prince’ gets a Christmas reprieve

KATHMANDU – Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala’s son-in-law, who became embroiled in a long and increasingly acrimonious controversy after locking horns with deposed crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah, was granted a Christmas reprieve by the Supreme Court Friday.

Rubel Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi national married to Koirala’s daughter Melanie, faces mounting negative publicity ever … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nepal’s new ‘crown prince’ gets a Christmas reprieve.

Bangladesh detains Indian ship

DHAKA – Bangladesh authorities have detained Indian ship MV Ocean Pearl after a court issued an “arrest order” over a suit claiming compensation for the alleged loss of cargo.

The ship has been detained at Patenga, 14 km south of the port city of Chittagong, the New Age reported Sunday.
A cargo supplier has sought …. Original source : Bangladesh detains Indian ship.