Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for January 1-3, 2011

After raid, Dabur Nepal dragged to court

KATHMANDU – Misfortunes contained to rain down on Indian multinational Dabur Indias independent group company in Nepal, with a public interest litigation dragging it to Supreme Court Monday, just a week after its godown was raided by state vigilance bodies.

Supreme Court judge Bharat Upreti was Monday scheduled to hear a petition asking for Dabur … Read more : After raid, Dabur Nepal dragged to court.

‘Bigg Boss’ allowed prime time slot but no obscenity

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Monday allowed reality TV show “Bigg Boss” to be aired at prime time slot of 9 p.m. but directed that “no obscene language and visuals, including beeps” will be allowed.

The court observed that the channel could air season 4 of “Bigg Boss” at 9 p.m. following an …. Original article  : ‘Bigg Boss’ allowed prime time slot but no obscenity.

Ajmer shuts down over Gujjar protest

AJMER – Major markets here were shut and traffic on the roads was sparse as the shutdown call by Gujjars, demanding five percent reservation in government jobs in Rajasthan, evoked a near total response.

Security was tightened in the city and police personnel were seen patrolling sensitive areas. There were no reports of any violence.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pakistan’s two dozen Hindu families seek asylum in India

ISLAMABAD – More than two dozen Hindu families in Pakistan have sought political asylum in India after an increase in cases of kidnapping for ransom and target killings of the members of their community in Balochistan province, an official said.

The Hindu families have approached the Indian high commission here for visa and political asylum. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistan’s two dozen Hindu families seek asylum in India.

Chile’s prisons are like garbage cans: official

Santiago, Dec 27 (IANS/EFE) An official of Chile’s Catholic Church has said jails in the country are like “garbage cans”, referring to the overcrowded conditions in most of them.

“Our prisons are perfect garbage cans, where people are treated like human garbage,” Alfonso Baeza, a church priest and former vicar of the Pastoral Workers Organisation … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chile’s prisons are like garbage cans: official.

‘101 things’ – a door to the world of Indian police

NEW DELHI – Why do we need police, what is meant by police powers, if a police officer asks me to go to the police station do I have to go? 101 such questions along with answers about the Indian police in a new glossy pocket-sized booklet bring out unknown facts that one hardly knew … Original article on : ‘101 things’ – a door to the world of Indian police.

Court focuses on man who had brawl with Nepal’ ex-crown prince

KATHMANDU – While Nepal’s deposed crown prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah was turned into a hero by his supporters and released on bail after a drunken brawl in a jungle resort earlier this month, his alleged victim now faces the spotlight with the country’s apex court asking the government to explain whether it was sheltering …. Original source  : Court focuses on man who had brawl with Nepal’ ex-crown prince.

Iran hangs alleged spy, opposition collaborator

TEHRAN – Iran Tuesday hanged a man charged with spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence service and another man for collaboration with an opposition group, the judiciary reported.

Ali-Akbar S. had allegedly cooperated with Mossad for six years and provided it with classified information on the missile programme of the Iranian revolutionary guards, for which he … Read : Iran hangs alleged spy, opposition collaborator.

Chinese woman’s claim to virtual assets dismissed

BEIJING – A court in China has dismissed a woman’s claim to virtual assets she had earned while playing online games with her husband whom she was divorcing, a media report said.

The couple had married at the end of 2008. They had got to know each other through an online game, reported China Daily … Original article on : Chinese woman’s claim to virtual assets dismissed.

Milosevic confidante jailed in Serbia for embezzlement

Belgrade, Dec 28 (IANS/AKI) A Belgrade court has sentenced a confidante of former president of Yogoslavia and Serbia Slobodan Milosevic to eight years in prison for defrauding the country of 60 million euros.

Mihalj Kertes, who headed the country’s customs agency in the 1990’s during Milosevic’s rule, was accused of diverting customs revenue to [..] Read the original article: here.

More US job seekers head to Australia

WASHINGTON – Facing a job crunch at home, more US citizens are heading to Australia where nearly 7,000 Americans are currently working on long-term visas, an 80 percent jump over the past five years.

US citizens are now the third-largest group applying for work visas, after British and Indian nationals, the Wall Street Journal said, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : More US job seekers head to Australia.

Kolkata intellectuals to fight for Binayak Sen’s release

KOLKATA – Intellectuals, politicians and social activists in West Bengal Monday condemned the life sentence awarded to noted rights activist Binayak Sen and demanded his immediate release.

“The judge has not given a verdict for the life imprisonment of Dr Sen. He has given a verdict for the death of Indian democracy,” said singer-turned Trinamool …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kolkata intellectuals to fight for Binayak Sen’s release.

Former Russian oil tycoon convicted for fraud

Moscow, Dec 27 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia’s former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his business partner Platon Lebedev, both of whom have been jailed for tax evasion, were Monday found guilty of embezzlement by a Moscow court.

Khodorkovsky and Lebedev, who have already spent seven years behind bars, are facing new charges of embezzling 218 tonnes …. Original source  : Former Russian oil tycoon convicted for fraud.

Chomsky, 81 others, bat for Binayak Sen

NEW DELHI – Support continued to mount for jailed rights activist Binayak Sen, with noted American scholar Noam Chomsky and 81 other intellectuals and academicians Monday expressing shock at the life sentence awarded to him and a protest staged here to demand justice for him.

“Doctor Binayak Sen has never resorted to violence against any … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chomsky, 81 others, bat for Binayak Sen.

Free Binayak Sen: Delhi protestors demand

NEW DELHI – Holding placards and chanting slogans, activists, students and academicians Monday protested in the capital against a Chhattisgarh court sentencing rights activist and doctor Binayak Sen to life imprisonment. The protesters demanded that Sen be freed.

The Raipur court Dec 24 sentenced Sen to life imprisonment for sedition and links with outlawed Maoists.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Free Binayak Sen: Delhi protestors demand.

Northeast group wants case against Binayak Sen withdrawn

AGARTALA – A rights group from northeast India Wednesday urged the central and Chhattisgarh governments to withdraw the sedition cases against jailed human rights activist Binayak Sen at once to ensure his immediate release.

“To stifle the voice of the human rights movement and simultaneous protest against state and non-state sponsored terrorism, Sen has been …. Read the original article  : Northeast group wants case against Binayak Sen withdrawn.

Cuban court commutes death sentence against Cuban-American

HAVANA – Cuba’s only death row inmate will not receive capital punishment, the country’s highest court decided, according to dissident groups.

Humberto Eladio Real Suarez, 40, was the last man on death row in Cuba since two Salvadorans saw their sentence for terrorism commuted from death to prison terms a few weeks ago. His sentence … Read more »».

Court tells Wipro to deposit Rs.240 mn in tax case

BANGALORE – The Karnataka High Court has directed IT bellwether Wipro Ltd to deposit Rs.24 crore (Rs.240 million) by Wednesday evening in a case of tax on re-export of software, a company official admitted.

As the company did not comply with the courts order of Dec 10, the vacation bench of Justice Venugopala Gowda and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court tells Wipro to deposit Rs.240 mn in tax case.

Activists target Punjab information panel’s decisions

CHANDIGARH – Upset over the manner in which the Punjab Information Commission works, a group of Right to Information (RTI) activists here is all set to bring out a book highlighting a hundred of its “ridiculous” decisions. The chief information commissioner has refuted their charges.

Punjab’s RTI activists’ federation has accused state Chief Information Commissioner …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Remove Balakrishnan as NHRC chief: Prashant Bhushan

NEW DELHI – Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan Tuesday demanded the removal of former chief justice K.G. Balakrishnan as the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the wake of the controversy involving the spectacular increase in the assets of his son-in-law, P.V. Srinijan.

He said that as a part of the initiation of … Read : Remove Balakrishnan as NHRC chief: Prashant Bhushan.

Jhadapia not called as witness, riots panel tells court

GANDHINAGAR – The Nanavati-Mehta commission probing the 2002 Godhra train carnage and the communal riots that followed, Tuesday informed the Gujarat High Court that former state minister Gordhan Jhadapia was not summoned as a witness.

A communication by the commission’s secretary to the government’s advocate, read by the division bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jhadapia not called as witness, riots panel tells court.

High Court orders attachment of Sanjay Dutt’s properties

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Tuesday ordered the attachment of two properties of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt over a financial row with producer Shakeel Noorani, lawyers said.

The decision followed an arbitration award passed by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) in January this year in favour of Noorani.
Noorani’s lawyer Ashok …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Himachal Pradesh mulls legal action against vulgar phone calls

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh is considering making vulgar telephone calls a cognisable offence, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said here Tuesday.

“The government is contemplating whether vulgar telephone calls can be made a cognisable offence through an appropriate law,” Dhumal said while reviewing the law and order situation in the state.
Dhumal said the police …. Original article  : Himachal Pradesh mulls legal action against vulgar phone calls.

Mother vows to get son Binayak Sen out of jail

KOLKATA – With support mounting for rights activist Binayak Sen, handed a life sentence by a Chattisgarh court for Maoist links, the doctor’s mother says she will “do whatever is needed” to get her son out of prison.

“The whole world is with my son. This is my biggest source of strength,” said 84-year-old Anasua …. Source article  : Mother vows to get son Binayak Sen out of jail.

Bangladesh apex court seeks details of graft survey

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s Supreme Court Tuesday asked the national chapter of Transparency International to submit documents to support its recent survey report that said the people in the country are victims of corruption in the judiciary.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has been in news for its report released earlier this month, with ministers criticising its … Read more »»».

Apple slapped with privacy lawsuit

SAN FRANCISCO – Apple has been slapped with a lawsuit contending that applications for its iPhone and iPad unlawfully provide unique and personal information about users to advertising networks.

The lawsuit against Apple and four other companies that provide apps for its popular devices was filed in San Jose, California Dec 23 but was first …. Source article  : Apple slapped with privacy lawsuit.

Gujjars agree to talks Thursday as stir reaches Delhi (Night Lead)

BAYANA/NEW DELHI – The Gujjar community said it would hold talks with the Rajasthan government Thursday while its 10-day agitation for five percent reservation in government jobs continued to hit rail services in parts of the state and even spilled over to the national capital and Greater Noida.

“Gujjar leaders today (Wednesday) evening communicated to … Read : Gujjars agree to talks Thursday as stir reaches Delhi (Night Lead).

Wipro deposits Rs.240 mn in tax case on court order

BANGALORE – IT bellwether Wipro Limited Wednesday deposited Rs.24 crore (Rs.240 million) with the state commercial tax department in compliance with a Karnataka High Court directive, a company official said.

We have deposited the amount (Rs.240 million) as directed by the court Tuesday but we look forward to an early solution to the issue of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Wipro deposits Rs.240 mn in tax case on court order.

Passengers stuck in Metro for 40 minutes, services hit (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Travellers on Delhi Metro’s Jahangirpuri-Gurgaon line faced problems after a train got stuck due to a technical snag in a tunnel near Patel Chowk station locking in passengers for more than 40 minutes Wednesday afternoon.

Metro traffic in both the directions on the line remained adversely affected between Patel Chowk and … Original article on : Passengers stuck in Metro for 40 minutes, services hit (Second Lead).

Apex court judge criticised for listing daughters as ‘liability’

NEW DELHI – Supreme Court judge Gyan Sudha Misra has come under criticism from the legal fraternity for declaring the future marriages of her two daughters as “liability” with a senior counsel calling it as manifestation of a “retrograde mindset”.

Misra, the only women judge in the Supreme Court at present, shocked everyone by … Read more >>.

Gujjars agree to talks but stir reaches Delhi (Second Lead)

BAYANA – The Gujjar community Wednesday prepared to hold talks with the Rajasthan government while its 10-day agitation for five percent reservation in government jobs continued to hit rail services in parts of the state and even spilled over to the national capital and Greater Noida.

Colonel (retired) K.S. Bainsla, convener of the Gujjar … Read more >>.

Treat farmer suicides as murders, demands Vidarbha outfit

NAGPUR – Treat suicides of Vidarbha cotton farmers as murder cases, farmers and farm widows demanded Wednesday as they took out a 5,000-strong rally in Pandharkawada town of Yavatmal district of eastern Maharashtra to protest their exclusion from the recent Rs.1,600-crore aid packages.

“Cotton farmers have submitted the memorandum to the local talsildar and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Treat farmer suicides as murders, demands Vidarbha outfit.

Jaitapur n-plant site issue being politicised, says Ramesh

NEW DELHI – Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh Wednesday said that the issue of setting up a nuclear power plant at Jaitapur in Maharashtra is being “politicised” by opposition parties, unhappy over the “success” of the India-US nuclear deal, and ruled out a review of the green nod for the project site.

“The issue …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jaitapur n-plant site issue being politicised, says Ramesh.

Gujjars agree to talks to end stir (Lead, Changing dateline)

BAYANA – The Gujjar community, agitating for over a week for five percent reservation in government jobs in Rajasthan, Wednesday agreed to hold talks with government representatives.

Colonel (retired) K.S. Bainsla, convener of the Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti, the outfit spearhheading the protests, is likely to lead an eight-member delegation to meet government representatives … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gujjars agree to talks to end stir (Lead, Changing dateline).

Harbhajan to get notice for evading service tax

LUDHIANA – India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been caught on a wrong foot for not paying service tax on his income, here Wednesday.

According to the officials of central excise department here, Harbhajan, who stays in Jalandhar some 60 km from here, has not paid the service tax on his income through first and second … Read more : Harbhajan to get notice for evading service tax.

Two Pakistani judges lobbying for promotion face action

ISLAMABAD – Two Pakistani judges have been issued show-cause notices for trying to influence the Lahore High court chief justice for their promotion and posting.

The Daily Times reported Friday that Lahore High Court Chief Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry Thursday issued the show-cause notices to the two judicial officers for trying to put external influence … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two Pakistani judges lobbying for promotion face action.

Pakistan to defend ISI officials in Mumbai attacks lawsuit filed in US court

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has decided to contest the US lawsuit implicating its top intelligence officials, including Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

“The government of Pakistan has taken a firm decision to strongly contest the suit filed against the ISI, its present and past directors general,” the Dawn … Original article on : Pakistan to defend ISI officials in Mumbai attacks lawsuit filed in US court.

Sony sues LG for patent violation

SAN FRANCISCO – Sony has taken the plunge into the escalating mobile phone patent wars. The Japanese electronics company has sued South Korean rival LG for patent infringement, claiming that LG’s mobile phones violate seven Sony patents, according to court documents.

Sony filed the patent suit Wednesday with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New speed limit rules for Abu Dhabi roads

Abu Dhabi, Dec 30 (IANS/WAM) New rules on speed limits on all roads in the emirate of Abu Dhabi will be enforced from Saturday, an official said.

The rules were approved by the transport department and the municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain and the Western Region, said Colonel Hussain Ahmad Al-Harithi, director of the Traffic … Original article on : New speed limit rules for Abu Dhabi roads.

NIA files chargesheet in Kerala against SIMI members

NEW DELHI – The National Investigation Agency Thursday filed a chargesheet against 17 members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India outfit for holding a “seditious” secret meeting in 2006 in Kerala.

The chargesheet was filed in a special court in Ernakulam.
A press release issued Thursday said that NIA presented a chargesheet against …. Read the original article  : here.

Visa on arrival to tourists from four Southeast Asian nations

NEW DELHI – Tourists from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines will be provided tourist visa on arrival from Jan 1, 2011, home ministry officials said Thursday.

The visa shall be allowed for a maximum validity of 30 days with single entry facility by immigration officers at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata Airports on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Visa on arrival to tourists from four Southeast Asian nations.

Deve Gowda asks farmers to revolt against government

GUNTUR – Former prime minister and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) president H.D. Deve Gowda Thursday urged farmers to rise and revolt against the central government which, he claimed, was neglecting their problems.

Addressing a public meeting organised by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in this Andhra Pradesh town to highlight the problems of farmers, Deve Gowda …. Original source  : Deve Gowda asks farmers to revolt against government.

Delhi’s disabled community to hold candlelight vigil Friday

NEW DELHI – The disabled community here will hold a candlelight vigil outside social justice and empowerment minister Mukul Wasnik’s house to protest against the delay in drafting of a new disability law, even as the rest of the country welcomes the New Year with parties and get-togethers Friday.

Javed Abidi of the Disabled Rights …. Original source  : Delhi’s disabled community to hold candlelight vigil Friday.

Mizoram governor wants census of Myanmarese migrants

AIZAWL – Mizoram Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) M.M. Lakhera has suggested a census of Myanmarese nationals staying in the northeastern state, bordering Myanmar, officials said here Saturday.

Several NGOs and societal organisations recently met the governor at Raj Bhavan and expressed concern over the sudden increase in crime and narcotics peddling, mostly attributed to …. Read the original article  : Mizoram governor wants census of Myanmarese migrants.

Prisoners extend support to Binayak Sen in Bihar

PATNA – Hundreds of prisoners in Patna’s Beur Central Jail in Bihar Friday staged protests and extended their support to activist Binayak Sen, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Chhattisgarh court last week.

According to officials of the high-security jail, the prisoners aired their protest by staging a relay hunger-strike and threatened …. Read the original article  : Prisoners extend support to Binayak Sen in Bihar.

Rajasthan urges Gujjars to hold talks

JAIPUR – The Rajasthan government Saturday requested the Gujjar community, agitating for five percent reservation in jobs, to send a delegation to hold further talks on their charter of demands while their protests continued to affect train services in parts of the state.

“We have requested them to send the delegation and we are confident …. Source article  : Rajasthan urges Gujjars to hold talks.

NHRC slams government for opposing ban on endosulfan

NEW DELHI – The National Human Rights Commission Friday slammed the government for opposing the ban on the endosulfan pesticide, stating that this position has led and will continue to lead to grave violations of human rights”.

In a order dated Dec 31, NHRC has recommended that the government should take administrative and legislative action …. Original source  : NHRC slams government for opposing ban on endosulfan.

Chhattisgarh right activists protest Binayak Sen’s conviction

RAIPUR – Right activists and workers of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha (CMM) held a rally and staged a sit-in Friday here to extend support to activist Binayak Sen, who was sentenced to life by a local court here last week.

It … Original article on : Chhattisgarh right activists protest Binayak Sen’s conviction.

Tripura introduces online RTI plea filing

AGARTALA – Tripura Friday became the first Indian state to introduce online filing of Right to Information (RTI) complaints.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar launched the service of the Tripura Information Commission (TIC) here.
“The National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed a software for the National Information Commission to operate the ‘Online System’ of getting information, filing … Read more >>>.

Andhra not happy with Krishna waters verdict

HYDERABAD – The Andhra Pradesh government Friday said it was not satisfied with the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal verdict on sharing of surplus water with neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Revenue Minister Raghuveera Reddy told reporters that the government would study the full report and consult irrigation experts, engineers and lawyers before taking any decision.
Major … Read : Andhra not happy with Krishna waters verdict.

Intellectuals speak up for M.F. Husain, Arundhati Roy

NEW DELHI – The pitch in support of M.F. Husain’s return to India, and the opposition to the gag on writer Arundhati Roy and legal action against human rights activist Teesta Setalvad rose a notch at the 22nd Safdar Hashmi Memorial hosted by the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT) in Delhi Saturday.

Safdar Hashmi, theatre … Read more >>.

Court pulls up Gujarat government on tribes recognition delay

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court has pulled up the state government for its inaction in recognising the scheduled tribes living in the forest areas of Gir, Alech and Barda.

The first bench of the court comprising Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice K.M. Thaker directed the state government to form committees in this … Read : Court pulls up Gujarat government on tribes recognition delay.

Curbs imposed on tobacco items’ ads on Gujarat public transport buses

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court has imposed curbs on advertisements of tobacco products on public transport buses in the state.

The bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi issued the directions to the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) following a public interest litigation …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Curbs imposed on tobacco items’ ads on Gujarat public transport buses.

Hundreds protest in Bhopal against Binayak Sen’s conviction

BHOPAL – Hundreds of people belonging to at least nine organisations held a rally here Saturday to protest against the life imprisonment verdict awarded to rights activist and doctor Binayak Sen.

The protestors marched to Nilam Park from Yadgare Shahjani Park, shouting slogans against the sentence.
“If Binayak Sen, who has worked in remote areas …. Read the original article  : here.

Pamela Anderson named PETA’s person of the year

LONDON – “Baywatch” beauty Pamela Anderson has been named the person of the year by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for her tireless work to end animal cruelty.

“For years, Anderson has been penning letters and posing in ads for PETA UK’s American affiliate in order to raise awareness about cruelty to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pamela Anderson named PETA’s person of the year.