Legal News – Newsletter for January 26, 2011

Rights groups cry foul as Nepal denies torture at UN

KATHMANDU – As Nepal underwent the first periodic review of its human rights situation at the UN in Geneva, rights groups have said that security forces continue to practise “systematic torture” even four years after the end of a decade of communist insurrection that saw torture and extrajudicial killings.

The Nepal NGO Coalition for the …. Source  : Rights groups cry foul as Nepal denies torture at UN.

It’s season of petitions in Karnataka (Letter from Karnataka)

BANGALORE – Once hailed as a city of pensioners, this Karnataka capital has almost become a city of petitioners. Keeping track of pleas, both filed and planned, has become a major talking point.

Five complaints have been filed by two lawyers in two days in a city court against Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa over allegedly … Read more »».

Michael Jackson’s doctor pleads not guilty

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s former personal physician pleaded not guilty Tuesday to an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of the former King of Pop in 2009.

“Your Honour, I’m an innocent man,” cardiologist Conrad Murray, 57, told Los Angeles Judge Michael Pastor when asked for his plea. “Therefore I plead not guilty.”
His …. Read the original article  : Michael Jackson’s doctor pleads not guilty.

Gays need more protection, says UN chief

GENEVA – Gays and lesbians need more support to protect their rights, even if homosexuality raises cultural issues in some parts of the world, the UN chief said Tuesday.

“We must reject persecution of people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
“Cultural practice cannot justify any violation …. Original article  : Gays need more protection, says UN chief.

Bangladesh to clear beggars from streets ahead of World Cup

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government plans to clear beggars off the streets of capital Dhaka ahead of next month’s ICC World Cup, officials said Tuesday.

The beggars would be taken to rehabilitation centres, Home Minister Sahara Khatun told reporters after a meeting of the committee dealing with security during the World Cup.
Hawkers will also … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bangladesh to clear beggars from streets ahead of World Cup.

Court raps Delhi government, power regulator

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Tuesday pulled up the Delhi government and the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) over appointment of members of the power regulator, saying it is “not happy with the state of affairs”.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan sharply criticised the government and said …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Next hearing on Binayak Sen’s bail plea Feb 9

BILASPUR – The Chhattisgarh High Court heard the bail plea of rights activist Binayak Sen for the second consecutive day Tuesday and then fixed Feb 9 for the next hearing.

Sen is at present lodged in a central jail in Raipur after he was sentenced to life term by a trial court in Raipur Dec … Read : Next hearing on Binayak Sen’s bail plea Feb 9.

Christians welcome modification of Staines murder verdict

BHUBANESWAR – Christian organisations Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s modification of a portion of its verdict in the Graham Staines murder case.

President of the Bangalore-based Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) Sajan K. George thanked the court for setting the record straight sue motto in the right perspective.
“We welcome the modification,” George told …. Original source  : Christians welcome modification of Staines murder verdict.

‘Can’t reveal names yet of Indians with black money abroad’ (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Secrecy clauses in treaties with other countries are preventing the government from disclosing the names of Indians with black money abroad, estimated at $462 billion to $1.4 trillion, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Tuesday.

“We have nothing to hide. But there are legal provisions,” the finance minister told a press conference here, …. Original source  : ‘Can’t reveal names yet of Indians with black money abroad’ (Roundup).

Myanmar, Indonesian tourists to get visa on arrival

NEW DELHI – The government Tuesday announced that it has extended its tourist visa-on-arrival facility for visitors from Myanmar and Indonesia to promote tourism.

The visa-on-arrival scheme was introduced from Jan 1, 2010 for five countries — Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg and New Zealand. It was extended for the nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and [..] Read the original article: here.