Legal News – Monthly Newsletter March 2011

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.

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 »».

Supreme Court asks Centre to file affidavit against Lalli

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday sought evidence from the Central Government on alleged irregularities committed by former Prasar Bharati CEO B S Lalli in running the public broadcaster on the basis of which he was suspended in December last year.

An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia asked the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Navy war room case: Apex court issues notice to CBI

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a petition by Commander (retd) Jarnail Singh Kalra seeking access to the confidential documents being relied upon by the prosecution against him and others in Navy war room leak case.

An apex court bench of Justice Markandey Katju … Original source on Gaea Times at : Navy war room case: Apex court issues notice to CBI.

UN envoy shows support for Tibetan refugees in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Tibetan refugees in Nepal, who feel increasingly vulnerable due to the growing Chinese influence on the republic’s government, have been heartened by the visit of a top American envoy to Nepal.

US Under Secretary of State Maria Otero, who is also US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, visited the Tibetan Refugee Transit Center … Read : UN envoy shows support for Tibetan refugees in Nepal.

India, China top as Canada admits record immigrants in 2010

TORONTO – India and China lead the pack as Canada welcomed the highest number of immigrants in more than 50 years by admitting 280,636 permanent residents in 2010.

This new number is about 60,000 higher than the average annual intake of permanent residents in recent years, according to a statement by Immigration and Citizenship Canada. … Original article on : India, China top as Canada admits record immigrants in 2010.

Court asks government why it wants to remove Lalli

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday asked the central government to file a statement of facts stating why it wants to remove public broadcaster Prasar Bharati’s CEO B.S. Lalli, who is currently under suspension.

The apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar gave the government …. Read the original article  : here.

Prajapati killing, Amar Singh cases to figure in apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court this week is expected to focus on the closely-followed cases related to the 2006 killing of Tulsiram Prajapati, a witness in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout case in Gujarat, and the unauthorised tapping of Rajya Sabha member and former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh’s telephones.

The court Thursday is … Read more : Prajapati killing, Amar Singh cases to figure in apex court.

Yemen: Opposition accepts Saleh’s reform initiative, protests continue

Sana`A – As a number of anti-government protesters marched toward the presidential palace in Yemen Sunday, the opposition accepted a political reform initiative offered earlier this month by President Ali Abdullah Saleh in which he pledged not to seek another term or hand over power to his son.

Hundreds of anti-government protesters marched toward the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Yemen: Opposition accepts Saleh’s reform initiative, protests continue.

Ayodhya litigant Ansari to move Supreme Court

LUCKNOW – The oldest litigant in the Ayodhya title suit, Mohammad Hashim Ansari, has finally decided to move the Supreme Court against the verdict of the Allahabad High Court in the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri-Masjid title case.

“I never wanted the nation to face any loss because of the Babri Masjid verdict. But the parties in the opposition …. Original article  : Ayodhya litigant Ansari to move Supreme Court.

Supreme Court offers relief to two Haryana officers

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has partially stayed a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling holding two Haryana officers guilty of willful disobedience of its order and asking them why they should not be punished.

The officers hauled up for contempt of court were Indian Administrative Service officer and Special Secretary, Department of Town … Read : Supreme Court offers relief to two Haryana officers.

Scuffles break out at Tahrir as army atempts clean-up (Second Lead)

CAIRO – Scuffles broke out between Egyptian soldiers and protesters at Cairo’s Tahrir Square Sunday after the military tried to remove activists from the epicentre of Egypt’s uprising, eyewitnesses said.

Hundreds of protesters are in the square, as organisers say they will not leave until more of their demands, among them … Read : Scuffles break out at Tahrir as army atempts clean-up (Second Lead).

Court moved to prevent Pak govt from providing Davis with immunity from sentence

LAHORE – Statements made by former Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Information Minister Fauzia Wahab about double-murder accused US diplomat Raymond Davis’ immunity status have been challenged in the Lahore High Court.

Advocate Azhar Siddique filed an application in the LHC, saying that it seemed the government was looking to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Court moved to prevent Pak govt from providing Davis with immunity from sentence.

Naked Cowboy sues CBS over ‘Bold and the Beautiful’ promo

NEW YORK – American street performer Robert John Burck, who is better known as the Naked Cowboy, has filed a lawsuit against CBS over a ‘Bold and the Beautiful’ promo.

Burck, 40, filed a 1.5 million dollar trademark infringement suit against CBS, in which he accused the network of using a guitar-toting drunken fool in a … Read more »».

Nithari killings: SC upholds death sentence for Surinder Koli

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the death penalty awarded to Surinder Singh Koli in the Nithari killings case.

Upholding Koli’s death sentence, the court said, “Killings by Koli are horrifying and barbaric.”

The apex court, however, kept pending the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appeal against the acquittal of businessman Moninder Singh … Read more »».

Adarsh scam: Society members challenge MOEF demolition order

MUMBAI – Almost a month after the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) passed an order to demolish the Adarsh Housing Society, its members have approached the Bombay High Court challenging the order.

The Environment Ministry had on January 16 directed the society to demolish within three months the unauthorised building in South Mumbai … Read more : Adarsh scam: Society members challenge MOEF demolition order.

CBI issued notice on petition by retired naval officials (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on petitions by two retired naval officials seeking access to secret documents being relied upon against them in a case under the Official Secrets Act.

The apex court bench of Justice Markandey Katju and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra issued … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : CBI issued notice on petition by retired naval officials (Second Lead).

Activists protest two Goa judges’ suspension

PANAJI – Hundreds of lawyers and civil society activists took to the streets here Monday, demanding the withdrawal of suspension of two Goa judges. They also sought an “immediate halt” to the alleged victimisation of upright judges by the Bombay High court.

The protesters, including members of the civil society as well as lawyers, … Original article on : Activists protest two Goa judges’ suspension.

Deaf can be given driving licences, rules court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday asked the government to grant driving licences to deaf people, so far prohibited from driving under the Motor Vehicles Act, if they satisfy other necessary criteria.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said: “We are obliged to certify that if an … Read more »».

Supreme Court directs Centre, States to rehabilitate prostitutes

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday observing that the sex workers are also entitled to the protection of Article 21(Liberty) asked the Central Government and States/Union Territories to prepare suitable rehabilitation schemes for their welfare.

“We direct the central and state governments to prepare schemes for giving technical/vocational training to sex workers and …. Source article  : Supreme Court directs Centre, States to rehabilitate prostitutes.

Kerala to book Congress MP for graft charge against judge

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Monday said the state police will register a case against Congress MP K.Sudhakaran, who claimed to have witnessed an apex court judge take a Rs.2.1 million bribe some years back at the Kerala House in Delhi.

“This is a very serious issue because he has spoken about a …. Read the original article  : here.

Reliance Infocomm refutes allegations in phone-tapping case

NEW DELHI – Reliance Infocomm on Monday refuted in the Supreme Court the allegations that it had illegally tapped former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh’s phone, saying that it had acted ‘in a bonafide manner’.

The telecom company submitted a 21-page affidavit before an apex court bench of Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly … Read : Reliance Infocomm refutes allegations in phone-tapping case.

Tri-Valley visa scam: US envoy assures fair treatment to students

NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON – The US Wednesday assured India of fair and appropriate treatment of around 1,500 Indian students affected by the closure of by a sham California-based university and said that it was committed to protecting them from predatory visa fraud rings.

We are working closely with the Indian Government on the issue of … Read more >>.

Tri-Valley scam: US envoy assures fair treatment to students

NEW DELHI – US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer Wednesday assured fair and appropriate treatment to around 1,500 Indian students affected by the closure of a sham California-based university and said the US was committed to protecting them from predatory visa fraud rings.

“We are working closely with the Indian government on the issue …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Three female judges to decide Berlusconi’s fate

ROME – The fate of Italy’s beleaguered Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, facing trial over sex scandal, will be decided by three female judges.

Milan-based Judge Cristina Di Censo Tuesday granted prosecutors’ request to hold a fast-track trial to look into the charges against Berlusconi, which include having sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three female judges to decide Berlusconi’s fate.

Police told to give Mumbai woman her ‘dowry’ money

MUMBAI – In a dowry harassment case, a Mumbai sessions court has ordered the city police to give to a woman Rs.6 lakh seized from her estranged husband, the woman’s lawyer said Tuesday.

Additional Sessions Judge W.K. Kanbarkar said: “The seized and the deposited amount of Rs.6 lakh in the Central Bank of India shall …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police told to give Mumbai woman her ‘dowry’ money.

Orissa rights panel seeks report on pulses scam

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa Human Rights Commission Tuesday sought a report from the secretary of the state’s women and child development department on the alleged supply of low grade pulses for children’s mid-day meals scheme in the state.

Commission chairman Justice R.K. Patra said the government has been asked to submit a report …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Notices to civic agencies, police on encroachment on roads

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Tuesday sought the response of the Muncipal Corporation Development (MCD), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Delhi Police on a plea of South Delhi residents for action against traders allegedly encroaching on public space and illgeally parked trucks and taxis causing traffic jams.

Justice G.S. Sistani, who had …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Notices to civic agencies, police on encroachment on roads.

Moily criticises Congress MP for graft claim against judge

BANGALORE – Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily Tuesday said he disapproved of passing remarks that damage the judiciarys image and reputation.

“Whoever it is, be it a minister, MP or anybody, one has to be careful,” he told reporters here on queries about Congress MP K.Sudhakarans claim to have witnessed an apex court judge take … Read more »»».

Government agency under scanner for child labour

BULANDSHAHR – Even as the government make efforts to prohibit child labour, an Uttar Pradesh government-owned urban development agency itself has come under scanner for hiring minors for whitewashing and cleaning work at a housing project.

Several children, aged below 14 years, were Tuesday seen sprucing up the Kanshi Ram Awas Yojna – a housing …. Source article  : Government agency under scanner for child labour.

CBI asked to file fresh report in Aseemanand case

NEW DELHI – After the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to file a detailed report on how a confessional statement of Swami Assemanand – who is allegedly involved in the 2008 Ajmer blast – was made public, a Delhi court Tuesday asked the CBI director to file a fresh report in the case.

Additional …. Original source  : CBI asked to file fresh report in Aseemanand case.

Kalmadi aide’s CBI remand extended

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Thursday extended the CBI custody of former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi’s aide Shekhar Deorukhkar by two more days. He was sent to five-day remand Feb 12.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge O.P. Saini allowed the CBI’s plea to quiz him for two more …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kalmadi aide’s CBI remand extended.

Raja sent to 14 days judicial custody

NEW DELHI – Former communications minister A. Raja was Thursday sent to 14 days judicial custody by a Delhi court here.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge O.P. Saini sent him to judicial custody till March 3, as the the investigation agency did not seek any further remand for interrogation.
Raja’s defence counsel Ramesh …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Raja sent to 14 days judicial custody.

Bihar lawyers strike against evening courts enters third day

PATNA – Thousands of lawyers in Bihar Thursday entered the third day of their week-long strike to protest against evening courts that were introduced in the state in December last year.

Bihar State Bar Council chairman Baleshwar Prasad Sharma said that nearly 80,000 lawyers have joined the strike. The lawyers, including those from the Patna …. Source  : Bihar lawyers strike against evening courts enters third day.

Nepal cracks down on Tibet war veterans welfare group

KATHMANDU – The Nepal police has cracked down on an organisation looking after Tibetan resistance fighters, who fought a long guerrilla war against the Chinese invasion and annexation of their country in the 1950s and 1960s, without any provocation, a rights group said.

Police in riot gear Sunday shut down local elections for the leadership … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nepal cracks down on Tibet war veterans welfare group.

Davis case adjourned till March 14 after Pak FM seeks more time to reply on his status

LAHORE – Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has sought more time from the Lahore High Court to file its reply on the immunity status of double murder-accused US official Raymond Davis.

The LHC began the hearing on Thursday to decide whether Davis possesses diplomatic immunity in a case that has frayed ties between the United States and Pakistan.

Chief …. Read the original article  : Davis case adjourned till March 14 after Pak FM seeks more time to reply on his status.

People taking lessons in law for better justice in China

BEIJING – Residents in China’s Shanghai city are enabling themselves — through legal lectures and counselling — to get just compensation from developers who expropriate their land and force them to move.

Organised by the Shanghai Tianyi Law Firm and Real Estate Times, the lectures are given in two sessions, Xinhua quoted China Daily … Read more >>>.

Davis case: Foreign ministry seeks more time from court

LAHORE – Pakistan’s foreign ministry Thursday sought more time from the Lahore High Court to respond to whether US official Raymond Davis, who shot dead two Pakistanis here, enjoys diplomatic immunity, a media report said.

The foreign ministry sought more time to file reply in the Raymond Davis case that the court began hearing to … Read more »»».

Deadline for ban on gutkha in plastic sachet stays

NEW DELHI – In a setback to chewing tobacco manufacturers, the Supreme Court Thursday declined to extend the March 1 deadline banning the marketing of tobacco products in plastic sachets.

An apex court bench of Justices G.S Singhvi and A.K. Ganguly, however, said the central government’s rules prohibiting the plastic packaging, which was to come … Read more >>.

Myanmar parliament agrees to set up union supreme court

YANGON – Myanmar’s parliament Wednesday agreed to form a new union supreme court with seven members, the state run radio and television reported.

Of the seven supreme court judges, U Tun Tun Oo was nominated by president-elect U Thein Sein as the chief justice and the nomination is to be discussed in Thursday’s parliament …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Myanmar parliament agrees to set up union supreme court.

Former Kerala minister sent to prison

KOCHI – Former Kerala power minister R. Balakrishnan Pillai surrendered before a special court and was sent to the Central Prison here Friday, a day after the Supreme Court handed him a one-year jail term in a corruption case.

Special court judge B. Vijayakumar directed police to take both Pillai and another accused, contractor …. Source  : Former Kerala minister sent to prison.

Former Kerala minister sent to jail

KOCHI – Former Kerala power minister R. Balakrishnan Pillai surrendered before a special court and was sent to jail here Friday, a day after the Supreme Court handed him a one-year jail term in a corruption case.

Special court judge B. Vijayakumar directed police to take Pillai and another accused, contractor P.K. Sajeevan, to …. Read the original article  : Former Kerala minister sent to jail.

Court resumes perjury hearings in Jessica Lall case

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday resumed perjury proceedings against 19 witnesses who turned hostile in the 1999 murder of model Jessica Lall.

The matter was listed before the division bench of Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and G.P. Mittal.
The court proceedings started with the 19 witnesses, including actor Shyan Munshi, …. Read the original article  : Court resumes perjury hearings in Jessica Lall case.

Apex court seeks status report on K.G. Balakrishnan

DELHI – Supreme Court Friday asked Attorney General G. Vahanvati to submit the status report on the home ministry’s investigation into a complaint alleging former chief justice K.G. Balakrishnan possessed wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.

An apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatantra Kumar gave …. Source  : Apex court seeks status report on K.G. Balakrishnan.

‘Indian-origin bride’s murder suspects ‘tortured by SA police’ to give statement against husband’

CAPE TOWN – In a new twist to Anni Dewai’s murder case in Cape Town, the lawyers of two men arrested over the Indian-origin bride’s killing have claimed that the accused were tortured by the South African police to give their statements against her husband.

South African police has been insisting that Anni’s Brit-Indian millionaire husband, …. Original article  : ‘Indian-origin bride’s murder suspects ‘tortured by SA police’ to give statement against husband’.

PF scam: court adjourns hearing till March 14

GHAZIABAD – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Friday adjourned till March 14 the hearing of the provident fund (PF) scam involving misappropriation of funds in the accounts of class III and IV employees of the Ghaziabad court.

CBI judge A.K. Singh adjourned the hearing in view of the strike called by …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : PF scam: court adjourns hearing till March 14.

Obama proposal for entry fee on Canadians creates uproar

TORONTO – President Barack Obama’s proposal to charge an entry fee from Canadians entering the US has infuriated political and business leaders in this country.

In his proposal in the 2012 draft budget submitted to the US Congress Monday, Obama has proposed a ‘passenger inspection fee’ of $5.50 for Canadian entering the US to raise …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Compulsory education gives poor right to dignity: Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court said Thursday provision of free and compulsory education to the disadvantaged sections of society was to afford them a right to live with dignity.

An apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice K.S. Panicker Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar made the observation in the course of the …. Source article  : Compulsory education gives poor right to dignity: Court.

Enhanced penalties mooted for cruelty against animals

NEW DELHI – In order to check animal abuse in the country, the environment ministry has called for higher penalties for cruelty against animals in its proposed draft Animal Welfare Act, 2011.

The ministry Thursday came out with a draft of the legislation and invited comments by March 20. The Animal Welfare Act, 2011, when … Read more : Enhanced penalties mooted for cruelty against animals.

Supreme Court reserves verdict on Mulayam’s plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday reserved its verdict on the petitions by Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and his family members seeking a review of its 2007 verdict directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe their assets.

An apex court bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice H.L. Dattu reserved …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court reserves verdict on Mulayam’s plea.

Date for Tiwari’s DNA test to be decided March 8

NEW DELHI – Delhi High Court’s Joint Registrar Deepak Garg Saturday deferred to March 8 a decision on the date for the DNA test on Congress leader N.D. Tiwari in a paternity suit.

He also issued notice to the Centre for Cellular Microbiology in Hyderabad seeking an explanation for not discussing the test procedure with … Read more »»».

Kalmadi’s aide, businessman sent to judicial custody

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Saturday sent former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi’s aide Shekhar Deorukhkar and businessman Binu Nanu to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till March 5 in connection with irregularities in contracts for the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG).

Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge O.P. Saini sent Deorukhkar … Read : Kalmadi’s aide, businessman sent to judicial custody.

Qureshi questions Pak Govt’s 3-week-time plea in court to reply on Davis’ immunity

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has questioned the three-week time given by the Lahore High Court to the Foreign Ministry to file a reply on the immunity status of double-murder accused US diplomat Raymond Davis.

“As the Deputy Attorney General has requested three weeks to submit a reply on the status of …. Read the original article  : Qureshi questions Pak Govt’s 3-week-time plea in court to reply on Davis’ immunity.

Berlusconi calls for judicial reform, new immunity law

ROME – Italy’s beleaguered Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, facing trial for having sex with a teenaged prostitute, has called for an overhaul in the judicial system and said political leaders should be free from prosecution.

Arguing that he has been targeted by the “socialist judges” for political motives, the prime minister said the judiciary should …. Read the original article  : Berlusconi calls for judicial reform, new immunity law.

Court drops match-fixing charges against Delhi jeweller

NEW DELHI – Ten years after jeweller Mukesh Kumar Gupta was accused of fixing cricket matches and bribing cricketers, including then South Africa captain Hansie Cronje, the Delhi High Court Friday dropped all charges against him after investigations failed to find any evidence.

Justice Hima Kohli in her judgment relied on an order passed by [..] Read the original article: here.

Lalgarh killings: Calcutta High Court orders CBI probe

KOLKATA – The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the January 7 killings in Lalgarh’s Netai village.

The orders of the court came on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Calcutta Bar Association in January demanding a CBI probe into the incident.

“You should go to …. Original article  : Lalgarh killings: Calcutta High Court orders CBI probe.

Bhopal gas tragedy survivor, activist Irfan dies

BHOPAL – Syed M. Irfan (62), a frontline activist for justice in the case against Union Carbide and himself a survivor of the Bhopal gas disaster, died Friday afternoon at his home after long illness.

Despite being severely exposed to the toxic gas in the 1984 industrial disaster, Irfan, who was president …. Read the original article  : here.

Delhi government rapped for interfering in power tariff

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday pulled up the Delhi government for trying to interefere with the fixing of tariff rates for 2010-11 by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).

The division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan sharply criticised the government, saying: “Delhi government cannot pass any direction, asking … Original source on Gaea Times at : Delhi government rapped for interfering in power tariff.

Former Kerala minister sent to prison (Second Lead, superseding earlier story)

KOCHI – Former Kerala power minister R. Balakrishnan Pillai surrendered before a special court and was sent to the Central Prison here Friday, a day after the Supreme Court handed him a one-year jail term in a corruption case.

Special Court Judge V. Vijayakumar directed police to take both Pillai and another accused, contractor …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CBI moves SC against clean chit to Advani in Babri demolition case

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday moved the Supreme Court against the clean chit to senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani and other leaders in the Babri mosque demolition case.

Earlier on May 20, former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and 20 other Bharatiya Janata Party and …. Original article  : CBI moves SC against clean chit to Advani in Babri demolition case.

Rahat, manager fined Rs.1.5 each

NEW DELHI – Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his manager Maroof Ali were Sunday fined Rs.1.5 million ($33,000) each for carrying undeclared foreign currency while trying to leave India earlier this month, sources said.

The artiste and his manager, who were charged under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Customs Act, will …. Read the original article  : Rahat, manager fined Rs.1.5 each.

German journalists freed by Iran arrive in Berlin

BERLIN/TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle arrived back in Germany Sunday with two journalists released by Iran after more than four months in custody, the ministry said.

A spokesman confirmed that the government plane carrying Marcus Hellwig and Jens Koch of Bild am Sonntag newspaper had landed at Berlin-Tegel airport Sunday morning.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : German journalists freed by Iran arrive in Berlin.

Fresh attempt to stop CBI from closing Bofors case

NEW DELHI – In a bid to stop the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from closing the Bofors scam case, a Delhi court was Saturday told that the agency may have inflated the amount spent on the probe of the kickbacks in the Rs.15-billion gun deal of 1986.

During a hearing Feb 10 on the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bhutto murder: New arrest warrant against Musharraf

ISLAMABAD – The anti-terrorism court in Pakistan’s garrison city of Rawalpindi Saturday again issued an arrest warrant in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case against former president Pervez Musharraf, a media report said.

Judge Rana Nisar, while hearing the case in Adiyala jail, issued the warrant and ordered the authorities concerned to send it to the …. Source article  : Bhutto murder: New arrest warrant against Musharraf.

Kerala families keep anxious eye on Bahrain

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Families and regional experts in Kerala are anxiously following the ongoing turmoil in several Middle Eastern countries, especially Bahrain which has a large Indian diaspora.

“Of the 2.3 million Keralites in the various Middle East countries, one lakh (100,000) are in Bahrain — our state having a little over 50 percent …. Original article  : Kerala families keep anxious eye on Bahrain.

BJP apprehensive on execution of Kasab’s sentence

NEW DELHI – Even as Mumbai terror attack convict Mohammed Ajmal Kasab’s death sentence was upheld, the Bhartiya Janata party Monday expressed apprehension over the execution of the sentence.

“The court has sentenced Kasab, but the question is whether he will be hanged because the ruling party will again say that he is in the … Read more >>.

Kasab trial raised prestige of Indian judiciary: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Monday said the trial of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab had raised the prestige of the Indian judiciary and welcomed the Bombay High Court judgement upholding his death sentence.

This is a tribute to our legal system. We should allow our legal system to deal with the case … Read more : Kasab trial raised prestige of Indian judiciary: Chidambaram.

26/11 attacks: Bombay High Court upholds death sentence for Kasab

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court on Monday upheld the death sentence for Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving militant of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

A two-judge bench comprising Justices Ranjana Desai and R V More also upheld the acquittal of Faheem Ansari and Sabahuddin Shaikh. Ansari and Shaikh are Indian accused in the case, who …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bofors deal: court defers order on CBI plea

NEW DELHI – A local court Monday deferred its order till March 4 on a CBI plea seeking to close all criminal cases against Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, one of the alleged recipients of kickbacks in the controversial Bofors gun deal that had led to the fall of the Rajiv Gandhi government.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bofors deal: court defers order on CBI plea.

Mirchpur protests: Apex court asks for steps to recover losses

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday asked the central and Haryana governments what steps they were taking to recover the losses they suffered in the course of the 11-day long agitation of the Jats last month to protest the arrests of the community’s members allegedly involved in Mirchpur village attack on Dalits.

The …. Original article  : Mirchpur protests: Apex court asks for steps to recover losses.

Britain to grant 20,000 visas to Indian workers annually

LONDON – Britain is set to welcome 20,000 extra Indian workers annually as part of a secretive trade deal brokered by the European Union (EU), a media report said.

Under the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, European countries will grant India between 35,000 and 50,000 visas in return for four billion pounds worth of trade.
However, …. Original source  : Britain to grant 20,000 visas to Indian workers annually.

Kasab recites Quran in jail ahead of verdict

MUMBAI – Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving militant of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, whose fate will be decided by the Bombay High Court today, offered prayers and recited verses of Quran in his cell at the Arthur Road Jail.

The Bombay High Court will deliver its verdict on the fate of Kasab, nine months … Read more »».

China undertakes judicial reforms to ensure uniformity

BEIJING – China is undertaking judicial reforms to ensure that uniform standards exist across the country for sentencing criminals. It intends to achieve this by enhancing supervision and person-centred care for both convicts and victims.

Wang Hongmei, vice president of a district court in east China’s Shandong Province, remembers an incident in which a defendant … Read more >>>.

Breather for government in apex court this week

NEW DELHI – As the government, hounded by allegations related to scams, prepares for the budget session of parliament starting Monday, it can look forward to a breather in the Supreme Court with some cases that put it in the dock earlier not listed for this week.

However, an apex court bench of Justice G.S. …. Source  : Breather for government in apex court this week.

Rahat thanks Malik for support during detention

ISLAMABAD – Beleaguered singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan telephoned Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik from India Sunday and “thanked him for providing help during the legal troubles over the past week”, state-run PTV said.

Rahat and his 16-member troupe was detained at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Feb 13 for carrying $142,000 in cash and …. Source article  : Rahat thanks Malik for support during detention.

BJP welcomes Godhra verdict

NEW DELHI – Saying that the “malicious intentions” of the central government have been exposed, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday welcomed an Ahmedabad court’s verdict in the 2002 Godhra train burning in which 59 people died.

“The verdict has exposed the malicious intentions of the central government and the pseudo secularists who tried …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : BJP welcomes Godhra verdict.

Godhra verdict: Sections under which 31 were convicted

AHMEDABAD – Nine years after 59 people were burnt to death in the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express near Godhra railway station in Gujarat, a special court here Tuesday convicted 31 people. The accused were held guilty under the following sections of the Indian Penal Code:

Section 149 (unlawful assembly)
Section 302 (murder)
Section [..] Read the original article: here.

Godhra verdict: Ahmedabad court convicts 31, acquits 63 (Second Lead)

AHMEDABAD – Thirty one people were held guilty by a special court here Tuesday for the Godhra train carnage in which 59 people, mostly ‘kar sevaks’ returning from Ayodhya, were burnt to death, triggering the 2002 Gujarat communal riots. The court also acquitted 63, among them a prime accused.

Additional sessions judge P.R. … Original article on : Godhra verdict: Ahmedabad court convicts 31, acquits 63 (Second Lead).

CBI submits status report in 2G scam

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Tuesday submitted toa local court its status report in the 2G spectrum case and suggested that all other cases relating to the spectrum allocation should be clubbed.

The case was filed on the basis of a private complaint filed by Janata Dal leader Subramaninan Swamy …. Read the original article  : here.

Godhra train carnage: 31 convicted, 63 acquitted

AHMEDABAD – A special fast track court here Tuesday convicted 31 people and acquitted 63 in the Godhra train carnage case in which 59 people on board the Sabarmati Express were burnt to death, triggering communal frenzy in Gujarat in 2002.

Maulvi Saeed Umarji, believed to be the prime accused, was acquitted.
Additional sessions judge [..] Read the original article: here.

Security high ahead of Godhra train carnage verdict

AHMEDABAD – Stringent security was in place Tuesday, with a special fast track court here set to deliver its verdict on the fire in a train in Godhra town in which 59 people were burnt to death, triggering the 2002 communal violence in Gujarat.

The verdict will be delivered in the confines of the Sabarmati …. Read the original article  : Security high ahead of Godhra train carnage verdict.

26/11 attacks: Maharashtra Govt. to appeal against Ansari, Sabauddin in SC

MUMBAI – Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan expressing his unhappiness over the acquittal of two Indian accused by the Bombay High Court in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, on Monday said his government will file an appeal against the judgment in the Supreme Court.

The Bombay High Court earlier today confirmed the death penalty to …. Source  : 26/11 attacks: Maharashtra Govt. to appeal against Ansari, Sabauddin in SC.

Aarushi case: Talwars challenge CBI court order in Allahabad HC

ALLAHABAD – Aarushi Talwar’s parents, Dr. Rajesh Talwar and Dr. Nupur Talwar, moved the Allahabad High Court on Monday challenging a order issued by the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court earlier this month, whereby they have been accused of killing their teenaged daughter.

In their petition, the Talwars’ have challenged the order issued …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Aarushi case: Talwars challenge CBI court order in Allahabad HC.

Health of citizens is wealth of nation: Court

NEW DELHI – “The health of the citizens is the wealth of the nation” and it cannot be allowed to be jeopardized, the Delhi High Court said Monday while slamming an anti-quota stir at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2006.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice … Read more >>.

Onion, cement price hike under competition panel’s scanner

CHANDIGARH – The Competition Commission of India (CCI), constituted to promote consumer welfare through fair competition in markets, has received various complaints pertaining to the sudden rise in the prices of cement and onions during the past few months — and its officials are looking into them.

“Yes, we have received complaints about the sudden …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Onion, cement price hike under competition panel’s scanner.

Bangladesh apex court to have first woman judge

DHAKA – Bangladesh is set to have its first woman judge at the Supreme Court.

Justice Nazmun Ara Sultana is among four senior High Court judges elevated by President Zillur Rahman to the appellate division of the apex court.
Sultana was also the first woman to be made a high court judge in 2000, … Read : Bangladesh apex court to have first woman judge.

Diplomat says civilians attacked in western Libya

NEW YORK – Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi has sent military forces to attacks civilians in the western part of the country, a Libyan diplomat said Tuesday.

Ibrahim Dubbashi, deputy ambassador at the Libyan mission to the UN in New York, told reporters that he had information that “genocide” had started in the western region.
“They … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Diplomat says civilians attacked in western Libya.

Sharjah’s shops for women to have only female workers

SHARJAH – Shops in the emirate of Sharjah that sell items for women now must have only female workers, according to a new law.

All commercial outlets that sell items and commodities for women will have to appoint female workers, the Sharjah Executive Council said.
The meeting was chaired by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Salim Al [..] Read the original article: here.

63 Godhra acquitted by court leave Sabarmati Jail

AHMEDABAD – All the 63 people acquitted by a court in the 2002 Godhra train burning case were released from Sabarmati Central Jail here Tuesday and taken to Godhra in two buses.

The acquitted people belong to Godhra, 160 km away. The two buses were escorted by police vehicles. One bus contained all their belongings, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 63 Godhra acquitted by court leave Sabarmati Jail.

High Court quashes lower court’s bail order

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Tuesday quashed a lower court’s order granting bail to an accused in September last year and pulled up the judge, since transferred, for his “poor understanding of criminal law”.

“Without going into the merits of the case and looking into the conduct of learned ACMM (additional chief metropolitan …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : High Court quashes lower court’s bail order.

Boy’s father moves court over ‘torture’ by school

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has questioned the central and Delhi governments, Delhi Police and a D.A.V. public school in south Delhi on a man’s complaint that the school authorities tortured his son and did not allow him to attend classes.

Justice A.K. Pathak, in a direction delivered Monday, asked all …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Godhra verdict vindicates government’s stand: Minister

GANDHINAGAR – Jainarayan Vyas, Gujarat’s tourism minister and the government’s official spokesperson, Tuesday termed the judgement in the Godhra train carnage as a vindication of the governments stand.

We have all along maintained that the fire in the coach was not accidental but a pre-planned conspiracy. Now an impartial judicial process has confirmed our point … Read more : Godhra verdict vindicates government’s stand: Minister.

2G spectrum scam: CBI questioned on three accused’s bail pleas

NEW DELHI – The CBI was Tuesday issued a notice by a Delhi Court on the bail pleas of three accused in the 2G spectrum allocation scandal – R.K. Chandolia, Siddharth Behura and Shahid Usman Balwa.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge O.P. Saini asked the probe agency to respond to the bail …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2G spectrum scam: CBI questioned on three accused’s bail pleas.

Godhra verdict travesty of justice: Prashant Bhushan (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Prominent Supreme Court lawyer and public interest activist Prashant Bhushan Tuesday said the verdict in the Godhra train carnage case coming nine years after the incident was a “travesty of justice”.

“It is a travesty of justice. I understand most of the 63 persons let off today were denied bail and spent …. Original article  : Godhra verdict travesty of justice: Prashant Bhushan (Second Lead).

31 convicted in Godhra train burning, sentencing Friday (Third Lead)

AHMEDABAD – Nine long years later, a court Tuesday convicted 31 people but acquitted 63 for the 2002 burning of the Sabarmati Express in Godhra town in Gujarat that killed 59 people and triggered one of the worst communal riots in Indian history.

Additional Sessions Judge P.R. Patel delivered the verdict within the Sabarmati Central …. Original source  : 31 convicted in Godhra train burning, sentencing Friday (Third Lead).

India’s ex-judge, Grameen supporters rally behind Yunus

DHAKA – Former chief justice of India J.S. Verma has condemned the vilification campaign against Grameen micro credit pioneer and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, while a group of prominent world citizens has lent its voice to the protests.

Verma Wednesday took exception to Muzammel Huq, Grameen Bank’s newly appointed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India’s ex-judge, Grameen supporters rally behind Yunus.

Davis case may end up at the International Court of Justice

ISLAMABAD – The ongoing dispute on whether US official Raymond Davis, who gunned down two men in Lahore, enjoys diplomatic immunity may get referred to the International Court of Justice if talks between Washington and Islamabad fail, a media report said.

The daily Dawn quoted diplomatic sources as suggesting that the dispute could be referred … Original source on Gaea Times at : Davis case may end up at the International Court of Justice.

Libya unrest may unleash wave of 350,000 migrants: Italy

Rome, Feb 24 (IANS/AKI) The violent unrest in Libya may spark a wave of up to 350,000 immigrants toward European shores, warned Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, who asked the European Union for help.

“We ask that Europe do its duty,” he said during a Wednesday address to parliament in Rome. “We want Europe to … Read more >>>.

Delhi Zoo a death trap, court told

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday sought a reply from the central government on a public interest litigation by a law student who said that the National Zoological Park (Delhi zoo) had become a “death trap” for animals and should be shifted to the city’s outskirts.

A division bench of chief justice Deepak … Read more »».

Court queries NGO on non-summoning of Modi by riots panel

AHMEDABAD – The Gujarat High Court Tuesday questioned an NGO on the issue of non-summoning of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others by the Nanavati-Mehta judicial inquiry commission probing the 2002 Godhra train carnage and the communal riots thereafter.

The high court query came a day after a special fast track court in Ahmedabad [..] Read the original article: here.

Only 10,000 free passes for World Cup matches at Delhi

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) to issue only 10,000 complimentary passes for each of the four World Cup cricket matches to be played at the 41,000-seat Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.

Justice Sunil Gaur said: “DDCA should not issue more than 10,000 complimentary passes … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Only 10,000 free passes for World Cup matches at Delhi.

TV show ‘Emotional Atyachaar’ gets court notice

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notices to the chairman of TV channel UTV, team of the reality show “Emotional Atyachar” and two union ministries on a plea seeking a ban on the show due to its “violent and vulgar” content.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Sanjiv Khanna …. Source  : TV show ‘Emotional Atyachaar’ gets court notice.

Next hearing of Aarushi murder case on Feb 25

ALLAHABAD – The Allahabad High Court has fixed the next hearing of Aarushi- Hemraj murder case for Friday.

Nupur Talwar approached the Allahabad High Court on Monday to challenge the orders of designated Special Court of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Ghaziabad to summon the Talwars in the case.

The CBI has been arguing … Original article on : Next hearing of Aarushi murder case on Feb 25.

Kasab to appeal against death sentence in Supreme Court

MUMBAI – Farhana Shah, the lawyer of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, on Wednesday said her client will appeal against his death sentence to the Supreme Court of India.

“In my brief meeting with Kasab, I told him that he can file appeal to the Supreme Court challenging the …. Original article  : Kasab to appeal against death sentence in Supreme Court.

Death penalty sought for all Godhra convicts

AHMEDABAD – The prosecution in the Godhra train carnage case Friday sought death penalty for all the 31 men convicted of burning the Sabarmati Express and killing 59 people in February 2002.

Additional Sessions Judge P.R. Patel Friday reserved the judgement on quantum of sentence for March 1.
A special fast track court had Tuesday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dhaka mulls stringent law to tackle rebellion

DHAKA – Bangladesh is mulling stringent laws to discourage any rebellion among the para-military forces, media reports said Friday on the anniversary of the February 2009 rebellion by the border guard troopers.

Special courts have so far convicted 1,065 troopers from among the thousands who rebelled across the country Feb 25-26, 2009.
The troopers, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dhaka mulls stringent law to tackle rebellion.

Pak court ‘refuses to declare Kasab proclaimed offender’ in Mumbai terror attacks

RAWALPINDI – The Lahore High Court has refused to declare Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, a proclaimed offender under Pakistan’s Criminal Procedure Code.

The court was informed that trial court proceedings against seven men arrested in Pakistan for allegedly planning the Mumbai attacks had made no progress for one … Original article on : Pak court ‘refuses to declare Kasab proclaimed offender’ in Mumbai terror attacks.

Technology diluting privacy: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday said that with the march of technology, privacy is “virtually disappearing”.

“Given the technological advancement, privacy is virtually disappearing,” said a bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and A.K. Ganguly.
The court’s observation came in the wake of senior counsel Harish Salve’s submission that if the government …. Original article  : Technology diluting privacy: Supreme Court.

Apex court to hear plea to hike Bhopal gas victims’ relief

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday said it would hear a petition of the central government seeking enhancement of compensation for the victims of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy to the tune of Rs.7,500 crore.

The apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice Altmas Kabir, Justice R.V. Raveendran, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Apex court to hear plea to hike Bhopal gas victims’ relief.

INLD leader gunned down in Haryana

ROHTAK – A leader of Haryana’s opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) who was staging a sit-in for the past one month to protest against the state government’s land acquisition policy was gunned down by four men here Thursday, police said. One of the assailants was chased and shot dead by the police, while the … Original article on : INLD leader gunned down in Haryana.

Girl wants parks in Shimla: Notice issued to state government

SHIMLA – Acting for the second time on the plea of a 10-year-old girl, the Himachal Pradesh High Court Thursday issued notice to the government over the lack of recreational places in this state capital.

Issuing notice to chief secretary Rajwant Sandhu, a division bench of Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice V.K. Ahuja observed: … Original source on Gaea Times at : Girl wants parks in Shimla: Notice issued to state government.

Order on bail plea of 2G accused deferred

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Thursday deferred its order on bail pleas of R.K. Chandolia and Shahid Usman Balwa, the two accused in the 2G spectrum allocation scam along with former telecom minister A. Raja.

The bail pleas were filed before Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge O.P. Saini Monday. The judge … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Order on bail plea of 2G accused deferred.

Telecom policy sound, scam if any will be dealt with: PM (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – In a very significant speech, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday asserted that there was nothing wrong with the current telecom policy that has paid rich dividend in improving tele-density and bringing down tariffs and “if there is a scam” in its implementation it will be dealt with.

“My own view has been …. Source  : Telecom policy sound, scam if any will be dealt with: PM (Roundup).

China to award death penalty for organ trafficking

BEIJING – People convicted of organ trafficking in China may get the death penalty under a draft law amendment being reviewed by the top legislature, a media report said Thursday.

The amendment, submitted Wednesday to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for a third reading, stipulates that criminals convicted of “forced organ removal, … Read more : China to award death penalty for organ trafficking.

US has nearly 11 mn illegal migrants; India major source country

Washington, Feb 26 (IANS/EFE) The US had around 11 million illegal immigrants in January 2010 and India was a major “source country” for them, according to an official report.

The document released by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration Statistics, said Mexicans continue to make up 62 percent of the total number.
However, …. Read the original article  : here.

Godhra train burning case sentencing March 1 (Third Lead)

AHMEDABAD – All the 31 men convicted of setting a train coach on fire near Godhra in Gujarat, killing 59 people in 2002, will be sentenced by a court here March 1.

The prosecution Friday sought the death penalty for all the 31, terming it a “rarest of rare case”, while the defence has appealed …. Source  : Godhra train burning case sentencing March 1 (Third Lead).

More detailed pollution check ordered at Tuticorin plant

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday asked the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to carry out a more detailed inspection of the pollution allegedly being caused by a Tuticorin-based copper smelting plant.

The smelting plant belongs to Sterlite Industries.
Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice A.K. Patnaik asked NEERI to carry out detailed … Read more »».

Karnataka Govt. to challenge Krishna tribunal order in Supreme Court

BANGALORE – Karnataka Government has decided to challenge the verdict of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal on the division of surplus water from the Krishna River in the Supreme Court of India.

A meeting, which was chaired here today Chief …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Karnataka Govt. to challenge Krishna tribunal order in Supreme Court.

Court rejects Tiwari’s plea on fine

NEW DELHI – Rejecting Congress leader N.D. Tiwari’s plea, the Delhi High Court Friday directed him to pay Rs.75,000 penalty, as directed by the court, within two weeks’ time.

A division bench of Justices Vikramjit Sen and Mukta Gupta passed the order on Tiwari’s petition seeking modification of the single bench order imposing Rs.75,000 …. Original source  : Court rejects Tiwari’s plea on fine.

Canada to allow skilled immigrants without degrees

CHANDIGARH – People who do not possess university degrees or have not cleared language proficiency tests but have the skills in required trades will now find seeking immigration to Canada a little easier, an immigration consultant said Friday.

B.S. Sandhu, chairman and managing director of the World Wide Immigration Consultancy Services (WWICS) group, said that …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Canada to allow skilled immigrants without degrees.

Apex court asks for report on erring cops

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday asked the Tamil Nadu government what action it has taken against policemen who reportedly were mute spectators to a clash between two groups of students in a law college in Chennai.

The clash took place between students of Thevar and Scheduled Castes communities of Dr. Ambedkar Law College …. Read the original article  : Apex court asks for report on erring cops.

Bail plea of 2G accused rejected

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Friday rejected the bail plea of R.K. Chandolia and Shahid Usman Balwa, arrested in the spectrum allocation scam along with former communications minister A. Raja.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special Judge O.P. Saini rejected their bail request saying the investigation was at a preliminary stage and the … Read more : Bail plea of 2G accused rejected.

Godhra train carnage sentencing March 1 (Second Lead)

AHMEDABAD – All the 31 men convicted of razing a train coach near Godhra in Gujarat, killing 59 people in 2002, will be sentenced by a court here March 1.

The prosecution Friday sought the death penalty for all the 31, terming it a “rarest of rare case”, while the defence has appealed that the … Read more >>>.

Death sought for Godhra train burning convicts

AHMEDABAD – The prosecution Friday sought death penalty for all 31 men convicted for the Godhra train burning in 2002 that killed 59 people. The quantum of sentence will be announced March 1.

The prosecution appeal was made to Additional sessions Judge P.R. Patel in his court within the high-security Sabarmati prison here.
The judge [..] Read the original article: here.

500 Indians return from Libya with horror tales (Fifth Lead)

NEW DELHI – Some hugged and kissed in relief as over 500 Indians arrived here from Libya in two specially arranged flights Sunday, after days of harassment, fear and hopelessness in the north African country where a mass revolt has erupted against Muammar Gaddafi.

Many had worried relatives waiting for them outside Terminal 2 of …. Source article  : 500 Indians return from Libya with horror tales (Fifth Lead).

Harrowing tales as over 500 Indians return from Libya (Fourth Lead)

NEW DELHI – The dawn of Sunday brought more than 500 Indians here from Libya with tales of suffering and killings in the strife-torn country. Some said they had gone without food and water and vowed never to return.

Relieved family members hugged and kissed those who flew in on two Air India flights. Almost [..] Read the original article: here.

Over 500 evacuees from Libya reach Delhi (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI – Over 500 Indian nationals were brought to the capital from strife-torn Libya in two flights specially arranged by Air India, after an anti-government uprising put their lives at risk, officials said Sunday.

The first flight, a Boeing 747, carrying 291 Indian nationals, arrived here around Saturday midnight.
The second batch of 237 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Over 500 evacuees from Libya reach Delhi (Third Lead).

Shun parties opposing anti-graft law: Activists

NEW DELHI – Don’t vote for political parties which do not support the anti-graft Lokpal bill, social activists urged the public in a message as they pitched for a strong and effective draft bill.

India Against Corruption, a group of eminent social activists demanding civil society’s involvement in drafting the anti-graft bill, Saturday called upon …. Read the original article  : here.

No relief to Yeddyurappa over corruption complaints

BANGALORE – A court here Saturday decided to begin recording Monday evidence against Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa over corruption and illegal land deal charges against him.

Additional City Civil and Session Court Judge C.B. Hippargi rejected the plea of Yeddyurappa’s son-in-law to stay hearing of the private complaints against the chief minister, his two sons, …. Original article  : No relief to Yeddyurappa over corruption complaints.

No relief to Yeddyurappa over corruption complaints

BANGALORE – A court here Saturday decided to begin recording Monday evidence against Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa over corruption and illegal land deal charges against him.

Additional City Civil and Session Court Judge C.B. Hippargi rejected the plea of Yeddyurappa’s son-in-law to stay hearing of the private complaints against the chief minister, his two sons, … Read more >>>.

No relief to Yeddyurappa over corruption complaints

BANGALORE – A court here Saturday decided to begin recording Monday evidence against Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa over corruption and illegal land deal charges against him.

Additional City Civil and Session Court Judge C.B. Hippargi rejected the plea of Yeddyurappa’s son-in-law to stay hearing of the private complaints against the chief minister, his two sons, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No relief to Yeddyurappa over corruption complaints.

More Asians in Britain oppose new arrivals

LONDON – Asians are more likely to oppose immigration than white Britons, according to a study.

It shows opposition to new arrivals in Britain now transcends race. Thirty-nine percent of Asians, 34 percent of whites and 21 percent of blacks believed immigration should be stopped either permanently or at least until the recovery of the … Read more >>.

68 more Indians return from Libya, 600 to arrive Monday night

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI – The third batch of 68 Indians from violence-torn Libya landed in Mumbai in a Gulf Air flight Monday morning. Another 600 Indians will be brought back on two special Air India flights in the night.

With the fresh arrivals, the total number of Indians who have returned from Libya, where the …. Source  : 68 more Indians return from Libya, 600 to arrive Monday night.

Alahabad high court to resume hearing of Talwars’ plea

ALLAHABAD – The Allahabad High Court will resume the hearing of Nupur Talwar’s plea challenging a Ghaziabad CBI court’s order which made her and her husband, Rajesh Talwar, the main accused in the murder of their teenage daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj.

The high court had began hearing a writ petition filed by Nupur …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Activists call for stringent law to check corruption

NEW DELHI – Thousands of people, including social activists, Sunday took out a march demanding stringent laws against corruption and black money stashed in foreign banks.

The protest march was held by the members of Bharat Swabhiman Trust from Ramlila ground in central Delhi to Jantar Mantar.
Former top cop Kiran Bedi, right to …. Read the original article  : Activists call for stringent law to check corruption.

Spectrum scam, black money case to top apex court agenda

NEW DELHI – After a relatively calm week for the government, hounded by allegations of scams, the Supreme Court is all set to hear this week cases relating to 2G spectrum allocation, black money stashed in foreign banks and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia’s wire-tapping.

A petition seeking enhancement of compensation for victims of the Bhopal …. Original source  : Spectrum scam, black money case to top apex court agenda.

Over 100 Hindu rights activists arrested in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian police Sunday arrested more than 100 members of a Hindu rights group for participating in an “illegal” rally here to protest against a controversial school textbook they say has elements derogatory to ethnic Indians.

Those arrested included eight women and belong to the Human Rights Party (HRP), an offshoot of …. Original article  : Over 100 Hindu rights activists arrested in Malaysia.