Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for January 24-31, 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Court asks for revised reports on Sabarimala stampede

KOCHI – A division bench of the Kerala High Court Monday asked the forest department and the devaswom department’s special commissioner in Sabarimala to revise their reports on the Jan 14 stampede that killed 102 people as there were too many discrepancies.

The bench comprising Justices Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and P.S. Gopinathan had studied … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Court asks for revised reports on Sabarimala stampede.

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on Radia tapes

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Central Government on a plea for disclosure of the entire contents of corporate lobbyist Niira Radia’s conversation with politicians, journalists and corporate tycoons, which were tapped by the government … Read more >>.

ABVP protests against Jethmalani, EU observers

BILASPUR – Security was beefed up around the Chhattisgarh High Court here Monday after Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) cadres demonstrated against senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani and an eight-member European Union (EU) team which was here to attend rights activist Binayak Sen’s bail plea hearing.

As news spread that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jethmalani … Read more : ABVP protests against Jethmalani, EU observers.

Apex court to examine mercy killing plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday said it would examine whether the right to live granted under Article 21 of the Constitution allows for passive euthanasia (mercy killing). The apex court was hearing a petition seeking mercy killing of a patient who is in coma since the last 36 years.

The apex court bench … Original article on : Apex court to examine mercy killing plea.

Apex court issues notice to centre on Radia-2G scam

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the central government on a petition related to lobbyist Nira Radia and the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

The apex court bench of Justices G.S. Singhvi and S.S. Nijjar also issued notice to the union home secretary on the petition filed by the Centre for Public … Read more »»».

Chhattisgarh HC to hear Binayak Sen bail plea

RAIPUR – The Chhattisgarh High Court today will hear a petition for the suspension of sentence and grant of bail of Human Rights activist Dr. Binayak Sen on Monday.

Sen was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on sedition charges by a Additional District and Sessions Court at Raipur last month.

Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chhattisgarh HC to hear Binayak Sen bail plea.

Mexican singer appears in court to answer rape charges

Cancun (Mexico), Jan 24 (IANS/EFE) Singer Kalimba, who is being held at a prison in the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo on rape charges, appeared before a judge and exercised his right not to make a statement during a four-hour hearing.

Judge Daniel Farah confirmed that the defence requested additional time to present evidence … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mexican singer appears in court to answer rape charges.

Kamal Nath summoned by US court in 1984 Sikh riots case

WASHINGTON – Indian Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath has been summoned by a New York court for a pre-trial conference Feb 9 for his alleged role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The trial will proceed as the US State Department has declined to intervene in the case due to the seriousness of allegations of human … Read more »».

Problems in NRI voting rights being worked out: Vayalar Ravi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Practical problems are being worked out to enroll non-residents Indians (NRIs), specially in the Middle East, on the electoral rolls, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said here Sunday.

“Look, there are practical problems in enrolling them because close to 90 percent of NRIs are in the Middle East and it …. Read the original article  : here.

PM’s silence on Balakrishnan issue baffling: Krishna Iyer

KOCHI – Retired justice V.R. Krishna Iyer has now turned his guns on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his silence on the allegations linked to former supreme court chief justice K.G. Balakrishnan.

Speaking to reporters at his residence here Sunday, Iyer said that he is baffled by the prime minister’s stoic silence … Read more >>>.

Steps taken by India to tackle black money

NEW DELHI – Following are the steps spelt out by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, which India has already taken and initiated to tackle the issue of black money abroad, estimated at between Rs.432 billion and $1.4 trillion:

-Constituted multidisciplinary panel to estimate illicit fund generated by Indians
-Vice-chair of Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange … Read more : Steps taken by India to tackle black money.

Black money row: Govt. has nothing to hide, says Mukherjee

NEW DELHI – After being criticized by the Supreme Court and the Opposition for its handling of black money deposited by industrialists and others in foreign bank accounts, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the government has nothing to hide, and added …. Source  : Black money row: Govt. has nothing to hide, says Mukherjee.

No rehabilitation for 95 percent of rescued child labourers

NEW DELHI – Around 95 percent of child labourers rescued from various factory units in Delhi over a year are yet to be rehabilitated, making them more liable to going back into the vicious loop, point out activists who say over 500,000 children work in various industries in the Indian capital.

According to the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No rehabilitation for 95 percent of rescued child labourers.

Black money abroad pegged at $500 bn to $1,400 bn: Mukjherjee

NEW DELHI – Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday said $462 billion to $1.4 trillion in black money is estimated to have been stashed abroad by Indians and all steps were being taken to bring it back. But the names of the perpetrators can’t be revealed yet.

Unless legal provisions are in place in other countries, …. Original article  : Black money abroad pegged at $500 bn to $1,400 bn: Mukjherjee.

Supreme Court modifies words in Graham Staines murder verdict

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Tuesday modified a portion of its judgment in the Graham Staines murder case.

The apex court bench of Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice B.S. Chauhan, in a suo motu order modifying the judgment, said it was deleting the portion, which read that the guilty, Dara Singh, and his accomplice …. Source  : Supreme Court modifies words in Graham Staines murder verdict.

Trial court to give Godhra verdict: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday declined to restrain the trial court in Gujarat from pronouncing its verdict in the Godhra train carnage case slated for Feb 19.

The apex court bench of Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice B.S. Chauhan said that “after asking the trial court to proceed with the trial, how are … Original article on : Trial court to give Godhra verdict: Supreme Court.

Court notice spells fresh trouble for Jagan, his firms

HYDERABAD – The notices issued by Andhra Pradesh High Court to former Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy and dozens of companies which invested in his businesses may well be the beginning of troubles for the son of late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

It was the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which had long … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Court notice spells fresh trouble for Jagan, his firms.

Kidney donor sacked for taking too much time off work

Venice, Jan 25 (IANS/AKI) A nursing home in the northern city of Venice sacked a 50-year-old woman carer for “taking too much time off” after she had donated one of her kidneys to save her sick brother, a media report said.

The woman, Francesca Scarpa received a phone-call from her employer telling her that her … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kidney donor sacked for taking too much time off work.

Trucker gets 34 years for deaths of 19 immigrants

Washington, Jan 25 (IANS/EFE) The driver of the truck in which 19 undocumented immigrants died nearly eight years ago from heat stroke and dehydration on a South Texas highway was re-sentenced Monday to almost 34 years in prison.

Federal prosecutors initially sought the death penalty for Tyrone Williams, a 39-year-old Jamaican-born US legal resident, for …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US reviewing immunity for Kamal Nath in 1984 Sikh riots case

WASHINGTON – The United States is still reviewing whether Indian Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath, who has been summoned by a New York court for his alleged role in the1984 anti-Sikh riots, can be given diplomatic immunity.

“The immunity question remains under review here at the State Department, and we have not made any determination … Original source on Gaea Times at : US reviewing immunity for Kamal Nath in 1984 Sikh riots case.

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.

Another petition seeking Karachi handover to Pak Army filed in Supreme Court

QUETTA – Another petition seeking the handing over of Karachi to Pakistan’s Armed Forces has been filed in the Supreme Court’s Lahore registry.

Filed by one Rana Ilumddin, the petition stated that Karachi’s security situation was worsening and that was reflecting badly on the country’s economy, the Dawn reported.

It had become necessary to call the armed …. Original article  : Another petition seeking Karachi handover to Pak Army filed in Supreme Court.

Supreme Court asks Govt. to disclose real faces behind black money

NEW DELHI – Talking tough on the black money issue, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Government what action it had taken against individuals and firms having foreign accounts.

The apex court also issued notice to the Central Government, Home Ministry, Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and … Read more : Supreme Court asks Govt. to disclose real faces behind black money.

Black money: Apex court seeks details on government steps

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday asked the central government to furnish details of the steps it had taken to get back the black money stashed away in foreign banks.

The apex court bench of Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy and Justice S.S. Nijjar asked Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium to file an affidavit giving details … Original article on : Black money: Apex court seeks details on government steps.

Unaware of CVC Thomas case: Government to Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Government today told the Supreme Court that they were not aware of the cases pending against controversial Central Vigilance Commissioner PJ Thomas.

This was stated by Attorney General G E Vahanvati before a bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia, which wanted to know if the issue of sanction and … Original article on : Unaware of CVC Thomas case: Government to Supreme Court.

CVC committee not told of pending chargesheet against Thomas

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court was told Thursday that the high-powered committee for the selection of central vigilance commissioner (CVC) was not informed about a pending chargesheet against P.J. Thomas and the sanction granted by the Kerala government to prosecute him in the palm oil import case.

The high-powered selection committee comprises Prime Minister …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Make son look after me, aged mother pleads with court

NEW DELHI – A 73-year-old woman in Delhi is battling it out in court with her son, pleading that she be looked after by him in her old age and be allowed to stay in the house where she lived with her husband.

Kamla Sharma, a resident of west Delhi, says her son refuses to …. Source  : Make son look after me, aged mother pleads with court.

‘Bunga bunga’ parties were dignified soirees, say Berlusconi’s lawyers

LONDON – Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s lawyers have claimed that his parties were not wild “bunga bunga” orgies but gentle soirees where modestly dressed young women sipped mineral water and watched movies.

As counter-attack to the allegations laid out by prosecutors over 616 pages citing various models and showgirls who attended the parties, Berlusconi’s lawyers … Read more »»».

Islamabad HC rejects petition for cancellation of case against Salman Taseer’s assassin

ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court has set aside an intra-court appeal seeking cancellation of a case against late Punjab Governor Salman Taseer’s assassin Mumtaz Qadri, primarily on technical grounds.

A division bench of the IHC maintained that the appeal was not maintainable for hearing, as the appellant- Advocate Zaffar Awan of Chakwal- was not aggrieved … Original article on : Islamabad HC rejects petition for cancellation of case against Salman Taseer’s assassin.

Sikh group to challenge diplomatic immunity for Kamal Nath

WASHINGTON – A Sikh community group says it will challenge any effort by the Indian government to get diplomatic immunity for Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath for his alleged role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The issue of diplomatic immunity is decided by the court and the US Department of State can only give …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sikh group to challenge diplomatic immunity for Kamal Nath.

Supreme Court to hear PIL seeking CVC Thomas removal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will on Thursday hear a PIL challenging Central Vigilance Commissioner PJ Thomas’ appointment and seeking his removal.

The PIL filed by eminent citizens, including former Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh, said that Thomas is a tainted civil servant and chargesheeted in the Palmoline import scam in Kerala.

However, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court to hear PIL seeking CVC Thomas removal.

Dalai Lama goes hi-tech to reach ordinary Chinese

DHARAMSALA – The Dalai Lama is now relying on tools like videoconferencing and Twitter to bypass the Chinese establishment and reach out to the ordinary Chinese.

Interacting with Chinese rights activists for the first time through videoconferencing this month, the Tibetan spiritual leader said: “Even though our consistent stand of middle way policy based on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Dalai Lama goes hi-tech to reach ordinary Chinese.

Illinois SC allows Rahm Emanuel to run for Chicago’s Mayor post

WASHINGTON – The Illinois supreme court has finally allowed President Barack Obama’s former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel to run for the Mayor’s post in Chicago, overturning a lower court’s decision.

Earlier, an appellate court in Illinois had disqualified Emanuel saying that the former White House Chief of staff was not a resident of the city. …. Read the original article  : Illinois SC allows Rahm Emanuel to run for Chicago’s Mayor post.

Judge quashes rape charge against Mexican singer

Cancun, Jan 28 (IANS/EFE) Mexican singer Kalimba was exonerated Thursday on charges he raped a 16-year-old girl in the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo.

A judge in Chetumal, the state capital, said he had not found “sufficient evidence” to bring the case to trial.
It was shortly before 9 a.m. when Judge Daniel Farah Godoy …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Judge quashes rape charge against Mexican singer.

Apex court, BJP question CVC’s appointment, Moily meets PM (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – The BJP Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the appointment of P.J. Thomas as the Central Vigilance Commissioner, saying the “trail” in the selection leads to his door even as the apex court wanted to know if the correct procedure was followed in selecting the corruption watchdog …. Original article  : Apex court, BJP question CVC’s appointment, Moily meets PM (Roundup).

India seeks report from missions over ’sham’ US university

NEW DELHI – External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Thursday said India has sought a report from its missions in the US over the fate of Indian students after authorities closed down a California-based university on charges of visa fraud and illegal immigration.

“We have asked for a report from our embassy and from our consulate … Original source on Gaea Times at : India seeks report from missions over ’sham’ US university.

G.R.Sofi to head Kashmir Information Commission (Second Lead, superseding earlier story)

JAMMU – G.R.Sofi, a serving income tax officer, was Thursday appointed the Chief Information Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir. He will head the first information commission in the state.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti met in the afternoon and selected Sofi to …. Original source  : G.R.Sofi to head Kashmir Information Commission (Second Lead, superseding earlier story).

Court to hear legislator’s plea against NDMC

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Thursday decided to hear a plea of a legislator challenging a resolution of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to withdraw perks given to him as its elected and non-official member.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra fixed Feb 22 to hear the petition of legislator Karan …. Original article  : Court to hear legislator’s plea against NDMC.

UN officials visit Kolkata’s red light area

KOLKATA – A high profile UN team Thursday visited Asias largest red-light area here and urged an umbrella organisation of sex workers to prepare a scheme for their economic rehabilitation in old age.

“The umbrella body – Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC) – is running a cooperative society involving the sex-workers. We have asked …. Original source  : UN officials visit Kolkata’s red light area.

Ex-RAW official who disrobed in court to undergo check-up

NEW DELHI – A former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) woman official who tried to disrobe before a Delhi High Court bench Jan 20 is to be examined by the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS).

The court Thursday agreed to the institute’s plea that the woman official, Nisha Bhatia, needed to remain …. Original article  : Ex-RAW official who disrobed in court to undergo check-up.

Tiwari paternity suit: Plea challenging DNA test hearing Feb 7

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Thursday deferred till Feb 7 hearing on Congress leader N.D. Tiwari’s plea challenging its directive to undergo DNA test to determine if he was the biological father of a young man who has made the claim.

Challenging the single bench’s order, Tiwari filed an appeal before …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Canada to throw out billionaire kin of Tunisia dictator

TORONTO – With a billionaire brother-in-law of the ousted Tunisian dictator Zine el Abidine Ben Ali fleeing with his family to Montreal last week, Canada Friday said it was taking steps to remove him from the country.

Billionaire businessman Belhassen Trabelsi, who has been accused of amassing wealth by looting the Tunisian people, landed in … Original article on : Canada to throw out billionaire kin of Tunisia dictator.

Court martial of Indian general gets Pakistan chief justice thinking

ISLAMABAD – Citing the example of a serving Indian Army general who was court-martialled, Pakistan Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has wondered “why don’t a few top guns in our country get booked for their wrongdoings”, and added, “It is high time that some heads roll”.

Justice Chaudhry made the observation while hearing the case …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Court martial of Indian general gets Pakistan chief justice thinking.

Burmese Supreme Court refuses to hear Suu Kyi party’s appeal

YANGON – Myanmar’s highest court has refused to hear a case filed by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi seeking to overturn the government’s dissolution of her political party.

The Supreme Court ruled the appeal had no legal basis; the Scotsman quoted her lawyer, as saying.

Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy lost its legal status …. Source article  : Burmese Supreme Court refuses to hear Suu Kyi party’s appeal.

Cuban dissident briefly detained for second time

Havana, Jan 29 (IANS/EFE) Cuban dissident Guillermo Farias, winner of the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Conscience in 2010, was briefly detained for a second time this week in the central city of Santa Clara.

Alicia Hernandez, mother of the 49-year-old psychologist and independent journalist known for staging more than a score of …. Original article  : Cuban dissident briefly detained for second time.

Obama talks tough with embattled Mubarak

WASHINGTON – As revolt swept key ally Egypt, US President Barack Obama asked Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to make good on his promises and avoid a violent response to the thousands of protesters in the streets. Obama spoke with Mubarak shortly after the latter addressed his country saying he was asking his government to make … Original article on : Obama talks tough with embattled Mubarak.

Obama calls on Mubarak to respect rights of Egyptians

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama called Friday for the Egyptian government to respect the rights of its people, following days of protests demanding the ouster of President Hosny Mubarak.

The US leader spoke from the White House, shortly after telephoning with Mubarak, who had just given his address vowing not to step down but … Read more >>>.

Supreme Court orders status quo for Vedanta University project

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday ordered status quo in respect of land acquired or sought to be acquired for the proposed Vedanta University project at Puri in Orissa.

An apex court bench of Justices D K Jain and H L Dattu ordered status quo on …. Read the original article  : Supreme Court orders status quo for Vedanta University project.

‘This is not America’, court tells married man in live-in relationship

NEW DELHI – “This is not America”, is what the Delhi High Court Friday told a 22-year-old woman in a live-in relationship with her brother-in-law, who had deserted her sister and two children and sought the court protection on the ground that they faced a threat to their lives from her family members.

Justice Hema …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘This is not America’, court tells married man in live-in relationship.

Neelam Krishnamoorthy opposes adjournment of plea against Ansals

NEW DELHI – Neelam Krishnamoorthy, president of Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT), Friday strongly opposed the plea of Sushil and Gopal Ansal, owners of Uphaar theatre, seeking adjournment of hearing in a case relating to allegedly threatening and abusing her in 2007.

“The ex-parte stay granted to the accused (Ansals and others) … Original article on : Neelam Krishnamoorthy opposes adjournment of plea against Ansals.

Court appoints amicus curiae in Ishrat Jahan case

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Friday appointed senior advocate Yogesh Lakhani as amicus curiae for the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Ishrat Jahan alleged staged shoot-out case.

A division bench of Justice Jayant Patel and Justice Abhilasha Kumari also directed the SIT to respect the spirit of its order and conduct itself in …. Source article  : Court appoints amicus curiae in Ishrat Jahan case.

Thousands march against corruption in Pune, Aurangabad

PUNE/AURANGABAD/MUMBAI – Marking the 63rd death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, thousands of people participated in a protest march against corruption in Pune and Aurangabad Sunday, an official said.

The march, that is taking place simultaneously in 60 cities across India, is part of an anti-graft campaign by civil society groups.
“In Pune, we have made … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thousands march against corruption in Pune, Aurangabad.

India protests, community angered as sham US varsity students tagged (Night Lead)

WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI – Some of the Indian students duped by a ’sham’ university in California have been forced to wear radio-trackers around their ankles, triggering a wave of anger through the Indian community. India said the use of monitors was “unwarranted” and raised the issue with the US deputy ambassador Saturday.

Some 1,555 students …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : India protests, community angered as sham US varsity students tagged (Night Lead).

India protests as sham US varsity students radio-tagged (Third Lead)

WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI – After being duped by a ’sham’ university in California, some of the affected Indian students have been forced to wear radio-trackers around their ankles to the chagrin of the Indian community. India said the use of monitors was “unwarranted” and raised the issue with the US deputy ambassador Saturday.

Some 1,555 students … Read more >>.

India protests as students of sham US varsity tagged (Second Lead)

WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI – After being duped by a ’sham’ university in California, some of the affected Indian students have been forced to wear radio-trackers around their ankles to the chagrin of the Indian community. India Saturday said it has told US that the use of monitors was “unwarranted” and demanded the immediate removal of the … Read more >>>.

India protests radio-tagging of duped Indian students in US

NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON – India Saturday said it has told United States that the use of monitors on some duped Indian students of closed American Tri-Valley University by authorities was “unwarranted” and demanded the immediate removal of the measure.

The Tri-Valley University (TVU) in Pleasanton, a suburb in San Francisco Bay Area, was raided Tuesday and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US opens helpline for ’sham’ varsity’s students

WASHINGTON – The US authorities have opened a helpline for the Indian students of a ’sham’ university in California, while asking some of them to wear radio trackers around their ankles as the case proceeds.

Some 1,555 students of Tri-Valley University, 95 percent of them from India, mostly Andhra Pradesh face the prospect of deportation … Original article on : US opens helpline for ’sham’ varsity’s students.

Anti ‘honour-based’ marriage law sought in New Zealand

AUCKLAND – Various ethnic women groups in New Zealand have urged the government to make a law which can prevent forced marriages, as an escalating number of high-risk young victims are coming forward to seek help.

Shakti, which runs refuges for Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern women in New Zealand, has joined with Pacific …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Anti ‘honour-based’ marriage law sought in New Zealand.

Police encounters developing culture of slaying people with indemnity: Pak SC

ISLAMABAD – Expressing its disapproval over fake encounters, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has observed that such incidents had developed a culture of slaying people with indemnity.

The court disapproved of the method adopted by the Punjab Police for reducing the crime rate by resorting to fake encounters, the Daily Times reported.

On a suo motu case …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Police encounters developing culture of slaying people with indemnity: Pak SC.

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