Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for February 7-14, 2011

Jayalalithaa backs Swamy’s demand on Karunanidhi

CHENNAI – Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa Monday backed Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy’s demand to name Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi as a co-accused in the 2G spectrum scam.

Swamy Saturday sought to name Karunanidhi along with former communications minister A. Raja in his complaint to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court …. Source  : Jayalalithaa backs Swamy’s demand on Karunanidhi.

Supreme Court to hear pleas against gay sex in April

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday fixed April 19 for hearing a bunch of petitions challenging a Delhi High Court judgement decriminalising homosexual relationship among consenting adults.

Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Asok Kumar Ganguly directed all the parties to file their documents within eight weeks.
The bench also directed the court registry to … Read more »».

Centre may manage immigration desks at Goa

PANAJI – Irked by complaints about corruption at the immigration counters at Goa’s seaport and the only military-operated airport, a top level delegation of the ministry of home affairs (MHA) will visit Goa this week to discuss the modalities for taking over the immigration chores from the state police.

A state home ministry official …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Centre may manage immigration desks at Goa.

Tiwari asked to complete DNA formalities for paternity suit

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday gave Congress leader N.D. Tiwari a day to complete the formalities regarding a DNA test on a petition filed by a young man claiming to be his biological son.

Justices Vikramjit Sen and Siddharth Mridul asked someone to appear on behalf of Tiwari and complete all … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tiwari asked to complete DNA formalities for paternity suit.

Assange threatens to sue The Guardian for malicious libel

LONDON – Julian Assange, founder of the whistleblower website ‘Wikileaks’ that had created controversy by its disclosure of thousands of US secret dilomatic cables, has threatened to sue The Guardian for libel over claims in a book published by the newspaper about its collaboration with him.

The Australian-born journalist is understood to be have been offended …. Original article  : Assange threatens to sue The Guardian for malicious libel.

Supreme Court to hear legalisation on gay rights

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will today hear the issue of decriminalisation of gay sex among consenting adults in private.

A bench of Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly would be hearing a bunch of petitions filed by gay rights activists and political, social and religious organisations who have opposed the Delhi High …. Source article  : Supreme Court to hear legalisation on gay rights.

Kasab death sentence: Bombay HC to announce verdict on Feb 21

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court will deliver the final verdict on Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving militant of 2008 Mumbai attacks on February 21.

A two judge-bench of the High Court fixed February 21 as the date for pronouncing its much-awaited judgment on the sentencing of Kasab.

Apart from Kasab, the court will also pronounce … Read more »»».

Major’s widow’s pension raised from Rs.80 to Rs.18,000

NEW DELHI – The pension of an army officer’s widow has been revised from Rs.80 to Rs.18,000 a month, the government Monday informed the Supreme Court, which, however, observed there was a feeling that bureaucrats were insensitive towards families of the armed forces personnel.

“There is a feeling that bureaucrats don’t care for …. Read the original article  : here.

Bombay High Court to confirm date on Kasab’s death sentence

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court will on Monday decide the fate of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

It is expected that the High Court will announce the final date of its judgment to confirm the death penalty to Kasab.

Apart from Kasab, the court will also pronounce the verdict …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bombay High Court to confirm date on Kasab’s death sentence.

Punjab’s passport office to keep check on ‘holiday marriages’

JALANDHAR – Thousands of women in Punjab have fallen prey to “holiday marriages”, duped into marriage by non-resident Indians visiting India and then dumped. The passport office in Jalandhar has formed a women’s grievance cell to deal with such complaints and take action against the accused husbands.

“Around 15,000 girls from Punjab’s Doaba region, consisting …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Punjab’s passport office to keep check on ‘holiday marriages’.

Court fixes Feb 19 to decide on Tiwari’s DNA test

NEW DELHI – Delhi High Court Joint Registrar Deepak Garg Tuesday fixed Feb 19 for the counsels of Congress leader N.D. Tiwari and the man claiming to be his biological son to decide on when and how to collect Tiwari’s blood sample for a DNA test.

As per the court directive, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Court fixes Feb 19 to decide on Tiwari’s DNA test.

Panel on food ingredients norms not per law, says court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday said the experts’ panel – to frame guidelines on what ingredients could be used in food products – was set up contrary to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

An apex court bench of Justice Dalveer Bhandari and Justice A.K. Ganguly said: “Experts’ panel is …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bangladesh court orders exhumation of ‘whipped to death’ girl’s body for new autopsy

DHAKA – A Bangladesh High Court has ordered the authorities to exhume the body a 14-year-old girl who was whipped to death by a village body for allegedly having an illicit relationship with her married cousin, and conduct another autopsy on her.

The BBC quoted the court as ordering a three-member committee of doctors and forensic … Original article on : Bangladesh court orders exhumation of ‘whipped to death’ girl’s body for new autopsy.

Assange may be executed in US under Espionage Act if extradited to Sweden: Lawyers

LONDON – The legal team of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has expressed fears that he could be forcefully taken to the United States and executed under the Espionage Act if he is extradited to Sweden.

Lawyers of Assange fear that Sweden could come under the US’ pressure or simply rely on diplomatic assurances and allow the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Assange may be executed in US under Espionage Act if extradited to Sweden: Lawyers.

Partially clad demonstrators oppose bullfighting

Mexico City, Feb 8 (IANS/EFE) More than 300 partially clad demonstrators turned out in Mexico City over the weekend to protest bullfighting, organisers said.

The protest was staged Sunday, a day after the capital’s Plaza Monumental marked its 65th anniversary, representatives of animal rights group Anima Naturalis told EFE.
The demonstration was staged on the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Partially clad demonstrators oppose bullfighting.

Can examine lapses in CVC’s appointment: Apex court (Second Lead, superseding earlier story)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday said it was not barred from examining the validity of a statutory appointment, including that of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), by the highest constitutional authority if the selection and appointment procedure was vitiated.

“Some constitutional authority is entrusted with the powers to make statutory appointments. We must …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pension of major’s widow raised from Rs.80 to Rs.18,000

NEW DELHI – The pension of an army officer’s widow has been revised from Rs.80 to Rs.18,000 a month, the government Monday informed the Supreme Court, which, however, observed there was a feeling that bureaucrats were insensitive towards families of armed forces personnel.

“There is a feeling that bureaucrats don’t care for them (service …. Source article  : Pension of major’s widow raised from Rs.80 to Rs.18,000.

Supreme Court dismisses plea to hear armed forces on homosexuality

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea to make armed forces a party to the petitions supporting and opposing the Delhi High Court’s ruling, which decriminalised homosexual acts between two consenting adults in private.

An apex court bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi dismissed …. Original article  : Supreme Court dismisses plea to hear armed forces on homosexuality.

2G scam: Telecom company official’s plea disallowed

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday disallowed a plea for speedy disposal of a petition filed by an official of a telecom company, facing probe in the 2G spectrum scam.

India Director of Etisalat DB Telecom Shahid Usman Balwa moved the court for directions to restrain the central government from making any allegation … Original source on Gaea Times at : 2G scam: Telecom company official’s plea disallowed.

Paternity suit: Tiwari gets a day to undergo DNA test

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday gave Congress leader N.D. Tiwari a day to complete the formalities for undergoing a DNA test on a suit filed by a young man claiming to be his biological son.

A division bench of Justice Vikramjit Sen and Justice Siddharth Mridul asked for a Tiwari aide …. Source article  : Paternity suit: Tiwari gets a day to undergo DNA test.

Hearing of Musharraf’s extradition, trial pleas put off until February 24

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has deferred the hearing of two identical petitions seeking the extradition and trial of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on high treason charges until February 24.

The judge had to postpone the hearing as the counsels for the petitioners and the respondent did not appear before the court, the Daily … Read more >>>.

Border intruders won’t be shot, Delhi tells Dhaka

DHAKA – Delhi has reiterated its assurance to Dhaka that its Border Security Force (BSF) will not shoot at Bangladeshis crossing the border.

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna gave the assurance to his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni when they met on the sidelines of a two-day meet of the SAARC foreign …. Original article  : Border intruders won’t be shot, Delhi tells Dhaka.

Videogame sparks controversy

Washington, Feb 9 (IANS/EFE) A videogame that will be in the stores this March, and which invites users to drive a pickup truck full of undocumented immigrants without losing any while trying to get them across the border, has sparked a heated controversy.

“Smuggle Truck: Operation Immigration” is the creation of Boston-based Owlchemy Labs.
The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Videogame sparks controversy.

Restaurant may be fined $197,000 for violating smoking ban

Malaga (Spain), Feb 9 (IANS/EFE) Authorities Tuesday proposed imposing a fine of 145,000 euros ($197,200) on a restaurant for refusing to comply with the law that bans smoking in non-open-air public establishments in Spain.

The Andalusian administration said that Asador de Guadalmina, a restaurant in the upscale resort city of Marbella, had committed a very … Read : Restaurant may be fined $197,000 for violating smoking ban.

Medha Patkar protests against Adarsh Society

MUMBAI – Social activist Medha Patkar and several others were detained Tuesday evening for forcefully entering the premises of the scam-hit Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society in south Mumbai, police said. They were later released.

Patkar and other activists had forcefully entered Adarsh Society premises to protest the ongoing activities in connection with the society, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Medha Patkar protests against Adarsh Society.

Fraud case: Subrata Roy gets relief in high court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Tuesday stayed the proceedings against Sahara India group chairman Subrata Roy and four others in a court here on a complaint that they had duped investors in a proposed housing project.

Justice Ajit Bharihoke said: “The proceedings and the execution of the warrants against Roy and four other [..] Read the original article: here.

‘Put Mubarak on trial for human rights violations’

BERLIN – Germany should put Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on trial for human rights breaches if he seeks refuge in a German hospital, Amnesty International said in Berlin Tuesday.

The rights group spoke up amid speculation, so far denied by Berlin, that Mubarak might seek medical care abroad as a face-saving way of leaving Cairo …. Source article  : ‘Put Mubarak on trial for human rights violations’.

Court dismisses plea on irregularities in electoral rolls

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Tuesday disposed as “infructuous” a public suit alleging irregularities in the voters list for the local bodies elections and challenging the e-voting system introduced by the government, noting that the polls had already been held.

A bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Anant Dave said elections have …. Original source  : Court dismisses plea on irregularities in electoral rolls.

Apex court laments inaction against child marriages

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday lamented that thousands of marriages involving minor girls were being solemnised in the country, particularly in Rajasthan, and yet no action was being taken by those in authority.

“Hundreds of marriages take place. Not in hundreds but in thousands. Everyone knows it. Dates of marriages are fixed. Wedding … Original source on Gaea Times at : Apex court laments inaction against child marriages.

CBI gets two more days for questioning Raja

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Tuesday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to keep former communications minister A. Raja in its custody and question him for two more days over the 2G spectrum scam.

Raja was brought to the Patiala House courts complex at the end of his five-day CBI custody, and after … Read more >>.

Chhattisgarh court dismisses Binayak Sen’s bail plea (Second Lead)

BILASPUR – The Chhattisgarh High Court Thursday rejected the bail plea of human rights activist Binayak Sen, who has been sentenced to a life term for sedition and his links with the Maoists.

A division bench of Justice T.P. Sharma and Justice R.L. Jhanwar pronounced the judgment in a jam-packed court room here, some …. Original source  : Chhattisgarh court dismisses Binayak Sen’s bail plea (Second Lead).

Binayak Sen’s bail plea rejected

RAIPUR – The Chhattisgarh High Court Thursday rejected the bail plea of rights activist Binayak Sen, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sedition.

Sen is at present lodged in a jail here, following his sentencing by a trial court Dec 24 for sedition and over his links with Maoist ideologue Narayan Sanyal.
…. Original source  : Binayak Sen’s bail plea rejected.

Black money trail: Supreme Court asks Government to locate Hasan Ali

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Central Government to tell it where was the country’s top tax evader Hasan Ali, who has stashed away a huge amount of money in banks in Switzerland and other countries.

The apex court bench of Justice B Sudershan Reddy and Justice SS Nijjar told Solicitor …. Source  : Black money trail: Supreme Court asks Government to locate Hasan Ali.

Supreme Court reserves verdict on CVC’s appointment

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday reserved its verdict on a petition which has challenged P.J. Thomas’ appointment as central vigilance commissioner on the grounds that he was facing a chargesheet in a palm oil imports case and was not an outstanding civil servant of impeccable integrity.

An apex court bench of Chief Justice …. Read the original article  : Supreme Court reserves verdict on CVC’s appointment.

Black money: Where is Hasan Ali, asks apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday asked the central government to tell it where was the country’s top tax evader Hasan Ali, who has stashed away a huge amount of money in foreign banks.

The apex court bench of Justice B. Sudershan Reddy and Justice S.S. Nijjar told Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium to give …. Original source  : Black money: Where is Hasan Ali, asks apex court.

Supreme Court to hear black money issue

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will on Thursday conduct a hearing in the black money case a day after the Centre notified it that the illegal money stashed in tax havens abroad will be taxable income under the Direct Taxes Code Bill.

The Centre on Wednesday filed an affidavit before the apex court in … Original article on : Supreme Court to hear black money issue.

2G scam: CBI to submit status report in Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate will file the status report on the 2G spectrum allocation scam in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

CBI had in September last year promised to file the chargesheet in the case by March 31 this year. However, as per some reports, the investigating agency …. Original article  : 2G scam: CBI to submit status report in Supreme Court.

Doctrine of separation of power must be respected: Congress

NEW DELHI – The Congress Wednesday expressed reservations over a Supreme Court judge’s remarks about continuance of Vilasrao Deshmukh in the Union cabinet and said every institution must respect the doctrine of separation of power enshrined in the Constitution.

“Within the constitutional scheme, there is a very time tested and enduring concept called the doctrine …. Source  : Doctrine of separation of power must be respected: Congress.

Gujarat imposes curbs on mining close to sanctuaries

GANDHINAGAR – There will be no mining or industrial activity in a one kilometre area from the boundary of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, the Gujarat High Court has been assured by the state government.

Government sources said Wednesday that S.K. Nanda, principal secretary of forest and environment department, filed the affidavit tendering an unconditional …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mahasweta Devi urges youth to support Binayak Sen

KOLKATA – Eminent writer and Magsaysay award winner Mahasweta Devi Wednesday urged the younger generation to join in the protest against the conviction of rights activist Binayak Sen.

“We need the younger generation to make our protest successful. They need to be aware of the ground realities. We must inspire them.
“Why Binayak (Sen) should …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mahasweta Devi urges youth to support Binayak Sen.

Protect Bangladesh’s oldest archaeological site: Court

DHAKA – The high court here has ordered enhanced security at Bangladeshs oldest archaeological site — dating back to 3rd century BC — where illegal digging is underway.

Taking note of media reports, the court Thursday asked the secretary, Ministry of Culture, to report within 10 days whether a mosque in the vicinity can be … Original article on : Protect Bangladesh’s oldest archaeological site: Court.

Apex court allows iron ore export from major Karnataka ports

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday allowed the export of the iron ore lying at major ports of Karnataka. As the state government had banned the ore’s offshore movement in July 2010 in the wake of widespread allegations of illegal mining, the ore was held up at these ports.

An apex court bench of …. Source article  : Apex court allows iron ore export from major Karnataka ports.

Agra lawyers strike work over evening courts decision

AGRA – Lawyers in Agra are on a three-day strike to protest the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to start evening courts to clear the huge backlog of cases.

The Agra Bar Association members began their strike Thursday and said they would send a delegation to Lucknow and Allahabad to apprise the authorities and the high …. Source  : Agra lawyers strike work over evening courts decision.

Law giving voting rights to NRIs comes into force

NEW DELHI – Non-resident Indians can now get their names registered in the electoral rolls, with the amended legislation coming into force Thursday.

A press release by the law and justice ministry Thursday said the government has issued the necessary notification bringing the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2010 into force on Feb 10.
… Read : Law giving voting rights to NRIs comes into force.

Petitioner find Rs.20,000 for plea against court

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Thursday fined a petitioner Rs.20,000 for questioning the secular credentials of its administration, which organised Hindu religious rituals during a ceremony on the court premises last year.

The court also dismissed the public suit alleging violation of the constitution’s secular provisions due to the performance of Hindu rituals and …. Source  : Petitioner find Rs.20,000 for plea against court.

2G scam: Raja, Balwa sent to CBI custody till Feb 14 (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Former communications minister A. Raja and Shahid Usman Balwa, managing director of DB Realty, were both remanded to four days CBI custody by a court here Thursday to enable the probe agency quiz them face to face to “unearth the conspiracy” in the 2G spectrum scam.

For Raja, it was the third … Read more >>.

Catch the big fish, apex court tells CBI in 2G scam case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to go after the big fish involved in the 2G spectrum scam and the beneficiaries of the wrongdoings. It also told courts not to pass any orders related to the federal agency’s probe.

The court said that the CBI investigation …. Read the original article  : Catch the big fish, apex court tells CBI in 2G scam case.

Unethical drug trials caused death of 10 gas victims: Rights groups

BHOPAL – An RTI query has revealed that at least 10 people have died at the Bhopal Memorial Hospital – meant for the treatment of 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy victims – due to unethical drug trials, several rights groups claimed Thursday.

Five organisations – Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmachari Sangh, Bhopal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Unethical drug trials caused death of 10 gas victims: Rights groups.

Chhattisgarh HC rejects Binayak Sen’s bail plea

RAIPUR – The Chhattisgarh High Court on Thursday rejected the bail application of Human Rights activist Dr. Binayak Sen, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a sessions court on charges of sedition and links with Naxalites.

A division …. Original article  : Chhattisgarh HC rejects Binayak Sen’s bail plea.

Apex court suggests special court for 2G scam trial

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday sought the central government’s response on its suggestion to set up a special court to exclusively carry out the trial in the 2G spectrum scam case.

“Our endeavour is that the case is taken to its logical conclusion and is not frustrated by some technical endeavours,” said … Read more >>.

LHC calls for Pak Govt’s report on plea seeking Musharraf’s high treason charges trial

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has called for a report from the Pakistan Government on a petition seeking the trial of former President Pervez Musharraf on high treason charges.

After a preliminary hearing, Justice Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain directed … Original article on : LHC calls for Pak Govt’s report on plea seeking Musharraf’s high treason charges trial.

Government withdraws direction to DERC on power tariff

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government Friday informed the Delhi High Court that it was withdrawing its directive to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to put on hold a decision on the power tariff for 2010-2011.

The court reserved verdict on the issue whether the government has the jurisdiction … Original article on : Government withdraws direction to DERC on power tariff.

Court decision Feb 23 on riot panel summons to Modi

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court is expected to decide Feb 23 whether or not Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others should be summoned before the Nanavati-Mehta judicial commission probing the 2002 riots cases.

The development comes after rights group Jan Sangharsh Manch’s lawyer Mukul Sinha sought the final hearing on the issue. The …. Source  : Court decision Feb 23 on riot panel summons to Modi.

No party wants strong judiciary, moans Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – In a dig at every political party, the Supreme Court Friday said that no government wants judiciary to be strong, and cited the paltry allocation of 0.76 percent of the national budget for the judicial functioning to buttress its point.

Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Asok Kumar Ganguly said that unless the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : No party wants strong judiciary, moans Supreme Court.

Court serves notice to Kutch port over grazing land

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court on Friday issued notices to Mundra Port Special Economic Zone (MPSEZ) and the union and state governments over the sale of village grazing land in Navinal village of Kutch district.

Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhyaya and Akil Kureshi issued the notice in a public suit filed by Fakir Mammad …. Source article  : Court serves notice to Kutch port over grazing land.

Court serves notice to power grid on Kutch creek towers

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Friday issued notice to the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and the union and state governments over installing transmission towers in Surajbari creek of Kutch district.

The bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi issued the notice following a public interest litigation by Samma … Read more >>.

Official accused of spying moves for bail

NEW DELHI – A senior home ministry official accused of leaking sensitive information in return for sexual favours moved his bail application in a court here Friday.

Suspended IAS officer Ravi Inder Singh and his accomplice and Kolkata-based businessman Vineet Kumar have been chargesheeted by police for allegedly hatching a conspiracy and for destroying evidence. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Official accused of spying moves for bail.

Court serves notice to Orissa government on pulses scam

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa High court Friday issued notice to the state government, seeking its response within ten days, on the alleged scam involving the purchase of pulses for the mid-day meal scheme and the supplementary nutrition programme, a lawyer said.

The court in Cuttack, 26 kms from here, issued the notice in response to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court serves notice to Orissa government on pulses scam.

No Govt. wants a strong judiciary: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday said that no government wants a strong judiciary.

The apex court’s observation came during the hearing of the Amar Singh telephone-tapping case.

Discussing the delays in disposing cases in the lower courts, the bench observed: “No government wants strong judiciary. Look …. Original source  : No Govt. wants a strong judiciary: Supreme Court.

Goa lawyers continue strike over judge’s suspension

PANAJI – Goa lawyers continued their agitation against the suspension of a district judge for the second day, with more lawyers joining the strike Friday. A ruling Congress leader also criticised the suspension, terming it “a sad day for judiciary”.

Lawyers from South Goa district headquarters of Margao staged a demonstration and boycotted …. Read the original article  : here.

Brit villagers warned wire to protect garden sheds ‘could hurt burglars’

LONDON – Police in UK have ordered villagers to remove wire mesh protecting their windows – because it could hurt burglars and lead to lawsuits.

Many homeowners in the villages of Tandridge and Tatsfield in Surrey and in Westerham, Brasted and Sundridge in Kent had reinforced their windows with wire mesh after a spate of shed …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Brit villagers warned wire to protect garden sheds ‘could hurt burglars’.

Egypt: Peace prevails, but protesters warn of more rallies

CAIRO – Egypt woke up to its first working day Sunday since the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak, but many protesters didn’t seem inclined to leave Tahrir Square and many threatened more rallies to demand the army hand over to a civilian government.

Soldiers formed lines and moved in around the protesters in Tahrir Square. … Original article on : Egypt: Peace prevails, but protesters warn of more rallies.

Wait till court decides on Raymond Davis: Pakistan tells US

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan government Saturday made it clear it will wait for the court’s decision in the case involving US official Raymond Davis, arrested for killing two Pakistanis, despite repeated pleas for his deportation to America.

“The government is not going to bow before any pressure. All these rumours that we are trying to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Wait till court decides on Raymond Davis: Pakistan tells US.

Boy accuses all-girls scout group of sexual bias

LONDON – A teenaged boy in Britain has accused an all-girls scout group of sexual discrimination for not allowing him to attend its meet.

Thomas Desai, 17, was invited by two female friends to join them at their weekly session of Girl Guides, an all-girls scout group. But he was turned away at the … Read more »»».

‘Lincoln tried to deport slaves to British colonies’

LONDON – US president Abraham Lincoln, known for his campaign against slavery, wanted to send many of the American slaves to British colonies in Caribbean, according to British archive documents.

Academics Phillip Magness and Sebastian Page claim that documents uncovered in British archives show that Lincoln was rather less enamoured by the prospect of …. Read the original article  : here.

‘Allocate more funds to implement Domestic Violence Act’

NEW DELHI – A delegation of activists and academicians Saturday met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to discuss and submit recommendations for the union budget 2011-12, including provisions of a flexible pool of funds for better implementation of the Domestic Violence Act by the states.

A statement by the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), …. Source article  : ‘Allocate more funds to implement Domestic Violence Act’.

Justice Gogoi new Punjab and Haryana chief justice

CHANDIGARH – Justice Ranjan Gogoi was sworn in as the chief justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court here Saturday.

Gogoi was administered the oath of office by Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia at the Raj Bhawan here. He succeeds Mukul Mudgal, who retired Jan 3.
Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Justice Gogoi new Punjab and Haryana chief justice.

Ferrari to modify name of race car after spat with Ford

Turin, Feb 12 (IANS/AKI) Italy’s Ferrari has said it has agreed to use the full name of its new Formula One race car after Ford complained that its abbreviation was a copy of the name of its F-150 pick-up truck.

The American auto giant filed a lawsuit against the Fiat-controlled luxury sportscar maker, saying … Read more »».