Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for February 1-7, 2011

Abandoned by all, Indian boy finds Italian home

NEW DELHI – He may have failed to find an Indian home, but an abandoned two-year-old boy with African features is finally set to get a loving family. A Delhi court has allowed an Italian couple to adopt him.

Little Partha, who has been living in Mamata care centre in south Delhi’s Vasant Vihar area, …. Original article  : Abandoned by all, Indian boy finds Italian home.

Mirchpur violence: Apex court pulls up Haryana government

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday pulled up Haryana government for failing to clear the national highway blockades by the Jat community protesting the arrests of its members allegedly involved in Mirchpur village attack on Dalits.

The apex court bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Asok Kumar Ganguly told the Haryana government …. Read the original article  : Mirchpur violence: Apex court pulls up Haryana government.

2G scam: Justice Patil probe panel submits report

NEW DELHI – The one man committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Shivraj Patil on Monday submitted the report on 2G spectrum allotment scam to Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.

Patil after submitting the report to Sibal, told the reporters that the terms of the probe were to look at the procedure of issuing licences …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2G scam: Justice Patil probe panel submits report.

Chirac’s lawyers to seek postponement of fraud trial on grounds of Alzheimer’s

PARIS – Lawyers representing former French president Jacques Chirac have claimed that may have Alzheimer’s disease, and therefore, may not be in a position to face a corruption trial next month.

The Independent quoted the Paris-based newspaper Journal du Dimanche, as saying on Sunday that defence lawyers are expected to use a procedural hearing Monday to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chirac’s lawyers to seek postponement of fraud trial on grounds of Alzheimer’s.

Panel on 2G spectrum submits report, names errant officials

NEW DELHI – Former Supreme Court judge Shivraj V. Patil Monday submitted his report on the procedures followed in awarding airwaves for second generation (2G) telecom services between 2001 and 2009, and identified some errant officials.

“We have identified some officials on whose part there have been some deficiencies and lapses. We have also suggested …. Original source  : Panel on 2G spectrum submits report, names errant officials.

Corporate mafia fuelling corruption: Prashant Bhushan (Interview)

NEW DELHI – He is credited with convincing the apex court to monitor the CBI probe into the 2G spectrum allocation scandal. Activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan says “India is heading towards a mafia state” and corporate houses have become “a law unto themselves”.

“The corporate mafia has come to control every institution of power and …. Source article  : Corporate mafia fuelling corruption: Prashant Bhushan (Interview).

Hundreds of Bihar junior doctors strike work

PATNA – Hundreds of junior doctors in Bihar went on an indefinite strike Monday, demanding action against a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislator and his bodyguard who fired at three interns of a hospital in Gaya district.

Three interns of the Anugrah Narain Magadh Medical College Hospital (ANMCH) in Gaya, about 100 km from …. Original source  : Hundreds of Bihar junior doctors strike work.

Actors, filmmakers protest Binayak Sen’s jail term

MUMBAI – About 150 people marked the Martyrs Day Sunday by staging a protest in Mumbai as part of a nationwide agitation against the life imprisonment awarded to rights activist Binayak Sen.

The group that included artists, activists and common people chanted slogans like “Shame on you, Chhattisgarh government” and “Free Dr. Binayak …. Source article  : Actors, filmmakers protest Binayak Sen’s jail term.

Rally in Chhattisgarh supports Binayak Sen

RAIPUR – Dozens of members of the People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) and activists of Left parties marched here Sunday to support rights activist Binayak Sen, convicted on sedition charges last month by a court here.

The PUCL members and workers of the Communist Party of India, the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha, the Adivasi Mahasabha …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

2G scam, Radia tapes, black money cases at apex court this week

NEW DELHI – For the central government battling legal cases on senstive issues, it is a crucial week ahead at the Supreme Court. At least four major legal tangles, riveting the nation’s attention, are slated at the apex court.

The four cases closely followed across the nation are: the 2G …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 2G scam, Radia tapes, black money cases at apex court this week.

CVC tells apex court media tarnished his image

NEW DELHI – Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) P.J. Thomas Tuesday told the Supreme Court that media tarnished his image as he did not oblige them by speaking to them amidst the ongoing controversy over his appointment.

“My refusal to speak was treated as if I had no defence to offer,” Thomas told the court while …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CVC tells apex court media tarnished his image.

Consensual sex below age of 16 is offence: Krishna Tirath

NEW DELHI – A draft bill, which will soon be introduced in the cabinet, says consensual sex between children aged 16 to 18 is not a criminal offence, Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said Tuesday.

Tirath refuted a media report which stated that the draft Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Bill, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Consensual sex below age of 16 is offence: Krishna Tirath.

CAG report cannot be the only basis for cancellation of 2G licenses: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court made it clear on Tuesday that the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) cannot be the only basis for cancellation of licenses for 2G Spectrum, and added that any decision taken by the government on the issue, will be subject to the outcome of petitions pending before …. Source  : CAG report cannot be the only basis for cancellation of 2G licenses: Supreme Court.

Protect minorities, lawmakers ask Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani parliamentarians have demanded immediate government action to curb crimes against minorities following the migration of a Hindu lawmaker to India and a string of kidnappings, including that of a leading Hindu spiritual leader.

Ram Singh Sodho quit as a legislator in the Sindh provincial assembly late last month and shifted to India … Read more : Protect minorities, lawmakers ask Pakistan.

PM concerned over women’s security

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday expressed concern at violence against women in various parts of the country and asked the state governments to step up efforts to protect them.

“Most of the women in our country also do not have a voice,” Singh said in his inaugural address at the fourth Chief …. Original source  : PM concerned over women’s security.

Pak court blocks ‘murder-accused US diplomat’ from exiting country

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the government to include US national Raymond Davis, who shot two persons to death at Mazang Chowk in Lahore last Thursday, in the Exit Control List (ECL).

The court said on Tuesday that the accused American official cannot be allowed to leave Pakistan, and that the federal …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pak court blocks ‘murder-accused US diplomat’ from exiting country.

‘Centre’s action on 2G issue subject to outcome of petition’

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday said whatever steps the central government takes for regularising 2G spectrum licences of firms which failed to fulfill their rollout obligations would be subject to the final outcome of the petition that has challenged the allocation in 2008 at 2001 prices.

The apex court bench of Justice G.S. … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Centre’s action on 2G issue subject to outcome of petition’.

Iran summons freed US woman for trial

TEHRAN – An American woman, who was arrested in Iran on charges of spying and later freed on bail, has been summoned by an Iranian court for trial, the IRNA news agency reported.

US hiker Sarah Shourd and her two friends – Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer – were arrested in July 2009 for illegally …. Read the original article  : Iran summons freed US woman for trial.

Rs.7.77 lakh relief for widow of Liberty cinema blast victim

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday directed the Delhi government to pay a compensation of Rs.7.77 lakh to the widow of a man who died in a terror attack in central Delhi’s Liberty cinema hall in 2005.

Justice S. Muralidhar said: “Apart from the general inability to tackle the volatile situation, in this … Read more : Rs.7.77 lakh relief for widow of Liberty cinema blast victim.

Apex court nod to probe against former Tamil Nadu Bar Council head

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday cleared the decks for an inquiry by the Bar Council of India against suspended chairman of the Tamil Nadu Bar Council (TNBC) R.K. Chandramohan for allegedly trying to influence Justice R. Raghupathy (since retired) of the Madras High Court in a bail matter concerning an acquaintance of former … Read more »».

Court pulls up government in Amar Singh tapping case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday pulled up the central government and other contenders in the Amar Singh wire tapping case for filing a “very casual and vague” affidavit and asked them to file a fresh one.

The apex court bench of Justices G.S. Singhvi and A.K. Ganguly said casual and vague affidavits … Read more »».

Court issues contempt notices to Kayani, Musharraf

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Supreme Court Wednesday issued contempt notices to army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, former president Pervez Musharraf, former prime minister Shaukat Aziz and several army officers for their alleged role in imposing emergency and sacking judges Nov 3, 2007.

This is the first time that a serving army chief has been issued … Read more >>>.

Ex-judge moves high court over complaint against him

NEW DELHI – A retired Delhi court judge Tuesday approached the Delhi High Court seeking direction to its Public Information Officer (PIO) to supply him a copy of the complaint against him on the basis of which it had suspended him two years ago.

Former judge B.S. Mathur, who retired in August last year while … Read more >>.

Mirchpur violence: Court orders CRPF deployment at village

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Tuesday ordered deployment of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Mirchpur village in Haryana to protect the witnesses till they record their testimonies in the case relating to an attack on Dalits there in 2010, which led to the death of two community members.

Special Judge (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribal …. Source  : Mirchpur violence: Court orders CRPF deployment at village.

Adarsh scam: CBI informs Bombay High Court about registration of FIR

MUMBAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday informed the Bombay High Court that it has registered case against 13 accused in the Adarsh Housing Society scam.

The High Court later directed social activist Simpreet Singh, who had demanded that the entire scam probe be handed over to CBI, to forward … Read more : Adarsh scam: CBI informs Bombay High Court about registration of FIR.

Gujarat High Court lawyers strike work

GANDHINAGAR – A majority of advocates practicing at the Gujarat High Court Tuesday abstained from work in support of a two-day shutdown call given by a lawyers’ association over the non-appointment of judges to the court.

A few lawyers, however, did not support the shut-down call and attended courts which functioned normally.
… Read more »»».

CWG scam: Court issues notice to CBI on accused’s bail plea

NEW DELHI – The CBI was Tuesday issued notice by the Delhi High Court Tuesday on the bail plea of Binu Nanu, an official of a private firm who is in jail for his involvement in the controversy over granting Rs.600 crore overlays contract for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) last year.

Justice Ajit Bharihoke asked … Read more >>.

Haryana questioned on ‘nepotism’ in bureaucrats’ selection

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab and Haryana High Court Tuesday issued notices to the Haryana government and the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) over alleged nepotism in the recent selections for the state’s civil and allied services.

Justice Mahesh Grover issued the notices and sought replies by April 6, the next date of hearing.
The notices …. Source article  : Haryana questioned on ‘nepotism’ in bureaucrats’ selection.

Consensual sex below age 16 is an offence: Tirath

NEW DELHI – A draft bill, which will soon be introduced in the cabinet, says consensual sex between children aged 16 to 18 is not a criminal offence, Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said Tuesday.

Tirath refuted a media report stating that the draft Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Bill, 2010 sought …. Source article  : Consensual sex below age 16 is an offence: Tirath.

Court to hear appeal against own information officer

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court administration is set to hear an appeal against its public information officer’s (PIO) order allegedly denying information to a right to information (RTI) applicant on the unavailability of high court judges for judicial work during 2009 and 2010.

In an application filed under the RTI Act before the high …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Only individuals can invest in Kisan Vikas Patra

GANDHINAGAR – A Hindu undivided family (HUF) is not entitled to purchase Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP), the Gujarat High Court has ruled, saying the investment scheme is meant only for individuals.

In the order made available Thursday, a single judge bench of Justice R.R. Tripathi dismissed a petition by Chandrakant Patel, who invested Rs.2.8 lakh …. Source article  : Only individuals can invest in Kisan Vikas Patra.

Was Thomas given clean chit by former CVC, asks court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday asked the central government whether the then central vigilance commissioner (CVC) gave the tainted P.J. Thomas a clean chit so that he could become a secretary in the government.

The observation was made by an apex court bench headed by Justice S.H. Kapadia.
The court asked the government … Read more : Was Thomas given clean chit by former CVC, asks court.

Raja, aides to be produced in court Thursday

NEW DELHI – Former communications minister A. Raja, arrested for his role in the award of spectrum to telecom players that has been dubbed the biggest scam in Indian history, is to be produced in a court here Thursday.

Along with two aides — former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura and personal secretary R.K. Chandolia — …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Raja, aides to be produced in court Thursday.

Pak court extends double murder-accused US diplomat’s remand till Feb 11

ISLAMABAD – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has extended the physical remand of double murder-accused US diplomat Raymond Davis till February 11.

Davis, who had shot two Pakistani persons to death at Mazang Chowk in Lahore last Thursday, was produced before court after the expiry of the six-day remand, Geo News reported.

Also, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza …. Source article  : Pak court extends double murder-accused US diplomat’s remand till Feb 11.

Court adjourns hearing on black money case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday did not hear the petition seeking a direction to the government to take steps for the recovery of black money stashed away in foreign banks in tax havens.

The case was listed for hearing by the apex court bench of Justices B. Sudarshan Reddy and S.S. Mijjar. It …. Source article  : Court adjourns hearing on black money case.

Gujarat questioned on relief for accident victims

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court has questioned the state government on allegations that the state’s bus transport corporation was harassing accident victims and their kin for payment of compensation.

Petitioner Neeta Chaudhari claimed that the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) had failed to compensate the victims as per the awards …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Gujarat questioned on rights of displaced villagers

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Wednesday questioned the state government on the rights of people from four villages who were shifted to a distant place due to the construction of Ukai dam in southern part of the state.

The division bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice K.M. Thaker questioned the government [..] Read the original article: here.

Court orders basic facilities at shelter within 48 hours

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the Delhi government to provide within 48 hours basic amenities, including potable water and toilets, in shelters meant for the homeless in Kashmere Gate area in north Delhi.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Sanjiv Khanna directed the Urban Shelter Improvement Board …. Original article  : Court orders basic facilities at shelter within 48 hours.

Punish cops for tobacco shops near schools, says court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the Delhi Police commissioner to initiate departmental inquiry against local police officers if any outlet was found selling tobacco products illegally close to a school or college.

Directing police to effectively enforce the Tobacco Products Control Act, the division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and … Original article on : Punish cops for tobacco shops near schools, says court.

Supreme Court slaps Rs.10 lakh fine on frivolous litigant

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday slapped an exemplary cost of Rs.10 lakh on an appellant for filing a frivolous litigation aimed at frustrating attempts to acquire his land for the Bangalore-Mysore road project.

The litigant was penalised for embarking upon a second round of litigation on an issue identical to the earlier phase … Read more >>.

Younger immigrants embrace new cultures faster

TORONTO – Adapting to a new country or culture can be challenging but it is easier for those under 15 years, says a research.

Psychological scientists have found that many aspects of learning and development have a critical window — if it doesn’t happen by a particular age, it never will.
Steven Heine, … Read more : Younger immigrants embrace new cultures faster.

Raja’s presence in court leads to media scramble

NEW DELHI – It was a melee of media persons at the Patiala House court complex as former communications minister A. Raja was brought in amid tight security, just after 2 p.m.

The police barricaded the complex’s entrance to prevent the army of media persons from pushing the three accused – Raja, former telecom …. Original source  : Raja’s presence in court leads to media scramble.

Court moved over CBI probe into Orissa pulses scam

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa High Court was Thursday moved by a petitioner seeking a CBI probe into an alleged multi-crore rupee scam involving supply of poor quality pulses under government welfare schemes. A team of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also plans to inquire into the allegations.

Petitioner Dilip Mohapatra said …. Read the original article  : here.

CBI court sends Raja, aides to 5-day custody (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI – Former communications minister A. Raja and his two aides were sent to CBI custody for five days by a special court here Thursday a day after their arrest over the allocation of airwaves for 2G phone services that the probe agency said caused a loss of Rs.22,000 crore to the national exchequer.

… Original article on : CBI court sends Raja, aides to 5-day custody (Third Lead).

Supreme Court frowns on CVC clean chit for Thomas

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday asked if Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) P.J. Thomas could have been given a clean chit by the corruption watchdog ahead of his selection despite a pending charge sheet against him in Kerala’s palm oil import case.

“Can the CVC say that let there be a high court judgment …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Immigrants ‘must know English’, says British PM

LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to introduce tougher rules to ensure that immigrants specially from the Indian sub-continent have a “reasonable standard” of English, a media report said Thursday.

Cameron told the House of Commons that “migrant families had an obligation to teach their children English” before they start school, … Read : Immigrants ‘must know English’, says British PM.

Curbs on rallies: Court seeks political parties’ views

KOLKATA – The Calcutta High Court Thursday asked all political parties for suggestions to avoid public inconvenience caused by rallies staged on city roads.

The division bench of Justice P.C. Ghose and Justice Shukla Kabir (Sinha) said: “We want suggestions from all the (political) parties. All must endeavour to find a solution. All the parties …. Original article  : Curbs on rallies: Court seeks political parties’ views.

Find missing child labourers, court tells Delhi Police

NEW DELHI – Following a rescue operation gone wrong when 50 trafficked child labourers were forcibly taken away by their employer, the Delhi High Court Thursday directed the Delhi Police to find the children and file a status report before the court in two weeks’ time.

According to a statement by the Bachpan Bachao Andolan … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Find missing child labourers, court tells Delhi Police.

Magsaysay winner spurns NREGS award

LUCKNOW – After once turning down the prize money of the prestigious Magsaysay Award, IIT professor-turned-activist Sandeep Pandey has now spurned a union government sponsored NREGS Achievement Award citing the government’s “failure to curb rampant financial bungling” in a village.

Pandey, who announced his decision at the award giving ceremony in New Delhi Wednesday, told … Read : Magsaysay winner spurns NREGS award.

Pak Chief Justice to decide if Musharraf should be prosecuted for defying SC order

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Supreme Court has declined to accept the pleas of two sitting superior court judges facing contempt charges, who sought the prosecution of former president Pervez Musharraf and former prime minister Shaukat Aziz among others for defying a restraining order issued by the apex court on November 3, 2007.

“It is, in our opinion, … Read : Pak Chief Justice to decide if Musharraf should be prosecuted for defying SC order.

Kids getting hurt in Mexico’s war on drugs

Geneva, Feb 5 (IANS/EFE) The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has expressed “great concern” over the killing of more than 1,000 minors during the past four years in the Mexican military’s war on drug cartels and organised crime.

In a report on Mexico, which took into account a presentation from the Mexican …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kids getting hurt in Mexico’s war on drugs.

Swamy names Karunanidhi as co-accused in 2G case

NEW DELHI – Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy Saturday named Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with former communications minister A. Raja in the 2G spectrum scam in his complaint to a CBI court here.

I have named DMK chief Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with Raja in … Read more : Swamy names Karunanidhi as co-accused in 2G case.

Karunanidhi involved in 2G scam, Swamy tells CBI court

NEW DELHI – Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy Saturday named DMK chief M.Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with former communications minister A.Raja in the 2G spectrum scam in his complaint to a CBI court here.

Swamy told Central Bureau of Investigation judge Pradeep Chaddha that along with Karunanidhi, who is Tamil Nadu chief minister, “there …. Source  : Karunanidhi involved in 2G scam, Swamy tells CBI court.

Court approached for renewal of bus permits

NEW DELHI – Two ex-service men, who were operating their buses under the State Transport Authority (STA) of Delhi government, Friday approached the Delhi High Court seeking direction to renew their permits to run buses on the capital’s roads.

Filing an application before a division bench headed by Justice A.K. Sikri, the two alleged the … Read more : Court approached for renewal of bus permits.

State files details of CID probe in Netai carnage

KOLKATA – The West Bengal state administration Friday filed three affidavits before the Calcutta High Court stating the progress in the probe into the Jan 7 Netai village carnage and on the presence of armed camps in and around Lalgarh area.

Home Secretary G.D. Gautama and Additional Director General of Police of the Criminal Investigation …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Confession statement to police is weak evidence: Apex court

NEW DELHI – Observing that the “rampant” practice among the police to use third degree methods to extract confessions was well known, the apex court has said that courts should be cautious in accepting the confession made by an accused to the police when it is the sole ground for prosecution.

The prosecution case resting …. Original article  : Confession statement to police is weak evidence: Apex court.

Court recalls order of costs for frivolous lawsuit

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Friday recalled its order of imposing Rs.20,000 costs on a petitioner for filing a frivolous public interest litigation after his lawyer said costs should be recovered from him instead.

The bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice K.M. gave the order after advocate Girish Das submitted …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court recalls order of costs for frivolous lawsuit.

Bihar’s junior doctors end strike; legislator surrenders

PATNA – Junior doctors of Bihar’s six hospitals ended their indefinite strike Friday after the legislator involved in an attack on medicos surrendered in the court and was sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

An official said the strike caused the death of over a dozen patients under treatment, but the government has not …. Original source  : Bihar’s junior doctors end strike; legislator surrenders.

Zia blamed for rebel’s hanging

DHAKA – A US journalist and writer has accused former Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman for the hanging of a former army officer who turned a rebel in 1976.

Pulitzer Prize winner Lawrence Lifschultz alleged in an affidavit that Zia decided to hang Colonel (Retd) Abu Taher, who turned a Marxist before a military tribunal … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Zia blamed for rebel’s hanging.

Lowering age of sex to decriminalise innocent behaviour

NEW DELHI – India’s apex child rights body Friday said that its suggestion to bring down the age of a consensual, non-penetrative sexual act between two children to 12 years was meant to decriminalise “normal” and “innocent” behaviour by kids.

“The reason for this formulation is not to promote child sexual promiscuity or sexual aggression …. Original source  : Lowering age of sex to decriminalise innocent behaviour.

PM calls for legal system supporting development

HYDERABAD – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said that developing countries need a legal system conducive to both rapid economic development and promoting equitable distribution of the fruits of development.

“The developing countries need a legal system which is conducive both to rapid economic development and which also has built in mechanism to promote equitable …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : PM calls for legal system supporting development.

New interim visa in New Zealand

WILLINGTON – To maintain a person’s lawful status in New Zealand, a new interim visa system will come into effect from Monday that will help overseas students, workers and visitors extending their stay.

To be eligible for an interim visa, a person must hold a valid temporary visa when their application for another temporary … Read more >>.

Government can’t provide food to all: Chief Justice

HYDERABAD – Chief Justice of India S.H. Kapadia Sunday said the government can’t be expected to provide food, education and healthcare to all but advocated relief to the deprived sections.

Addressing the 17th Commonwealth Law Conference, he said while it was not possible to have access for everyone to everything, the needs of those below [..] Read the original article: here.

Bangladesh court demands govt explanation over failure to protest ‘whipped to death’ teen

DHAKA – Amid massive protests, the Bangladesh High Court has demanded an explanation from the government over its failure to protect a teenage girl who died after being whipped in accordance with a fatwa (edict) issued in Shariatpur three days ago.

Gulf News quoted court officials and reports as saying that a two-member High Court bench … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bangladesh court demands govt explanation over failure to protest ‘whipped to death’ teen.

Operation theatre staff strike work in Chandigarh hospital

CHANDIGARH – The premier Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) hospital here was Sunday hit by an indefinite strike by the operation theatre technicians demanding a pay hike.

The indefinite strike, that has hit surgeries at the hospital, was called after talks with the authorities collapsed.
Earlier, the operation theatre technicians had gone … Read more : Operation theatre staff strike work in Chandigarh hospital.

Jailed Islamists engage British lawyers

DHAKA – The Jamaat-e-Islami has engaged three British legal experts to defend its top leaders accused of committing war crimes during Bangladesh’s liberation struggle of 1971.

Steven Kay, Toby Cadman and John Cammegh are advising on their defence to be put up before the International War Crimes Tribunal, a three-judge panel named by Prime Minister …. Read the original article  : here.

Maoism, Azad and Binayak Sen a hit at Kolkata Book Fair

KOLKATA – A slew of pro-ultra publications, on killed Maoist ideologue Azad and jailed activist Binayak Sen, sold like hot cakes in the two-week long Kolkata Book Fair that concluded Sunday.

Activists brought out booklets containing the writings of Azad alias Cherukuri Rajkumar, about jailed paediatrician-cum-rights activist Binayak Sen, and in support of the …. Original source  : Maoism, Azad and Binayak Sen a hit at Kolkata Book Fair.

Mexican judge arrested for sexual harassment

Mexico City, Feb 6 (IANS/EFE) A judge here was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing female subordinates at his office and demanding bottles of wine from workers in exchange for authorising their overtime payments and days off, authorities said.

Mexico City’s Superior Tribunal of Justice said in a communique that Judge Alfredo Reyes Flores will now …. Source article  : Mexican judge arrested for sexual harassment.

2G scam: Swamy says Karunanidhi is involved

NEW DELHI – Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy Saturday made a fresh plea before a Delhi court that the CBI should probe issues related to national security and alleged involvement of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in the 2G spectrum scam.

Hearing Swamy’s plea, Special Judge Pradeep Chaddah asked him how a parallel inquiry … Read more »».

Pakistan’s Chief Justice meets Indian counterpart

HYDERABAD – Chief Justice of Pakistan Ifthikar Muhammad Chaudhry Saturday met his Indian counterpart S.H. Kapadia.

The meeting, described as a courtesy call, lasted for 35 minutes. The two chief justices are here to attend the 17th Commonwealth Law Conference that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday.
Chief Justice Chaudhry, who is …. Original source  : Pakistan’s Chief Justice meets Indian counterpart.