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Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will delegate more powers to his Cabinet colleagues after October 10, a senior minister said Monday.

Parrikar (62) is undergoing treatment at New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) since mid- September.

Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai, who met Parrikar in the hospital, told PTI that the CM wants to delegate more powers to Cabinet ministers after October 10, when the inauspicious `pitru paksha' (a period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors) ends.

He said Parrikar is recovering in the hospital where he is being treated for a pancreatic ailment.

"I met Manohar Parrikar and he is recovering. He told me that he wants to delegate more powers and also have a meeting with Cabinet ministers, which will happen after October 10," said Sardesai, who belongs to the Goa Forward Party (GFP), an ally of the BJP in the state.

"I told him (the CM) that whenever he calls for the meeting and whatever is his proposal, we (the GFP) will think over it," he added.

Sardesai said during his meeting with Parrikar, he raised the issue of restoring public confidence in sale and consumption of fish brought from outside following the formalin scare.

The Opposition Congress party had claimed the fish being imported in the state is laced with hazardous formalin chemical. Food and Drugs Administration Minister Vishwajit Rane had rubbished the Congress claim.

"We discussed the state administration. I told him that people's confidence in the state machinery vis--vis fish needs to be restored," Sardesai said.

"The government will have to see that there is no doubt in the minds of people whatsoever with regards to fish being sold in Goa," he said.

If the public confidence is not restored, the state government should stop the import of fish, Sardesai said.

The administration should adopt measures to restore the confidence of the people. If you ban the import, then people will know that whatever they buy is locally caught. Let people not have doubt about the fish that they consume," he added.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will delegate more powers to his Cabinet colleagues after October 10, a senior minister said Monday. Parrikar (62) is undergoing treatment at New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) since mid- September.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will delegate more powers to his Cabinet colleagues after October 10, a senior minister said Monday. Parrikar (62) is undergoing treatment at New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) since mid- September. Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai, who met Parrikar in the hospital, told PTI that the CM wants to delegate more powers to Cabinet ministers after October 10, when the inauspicious `pitru paksha' (a period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors) ends. He said Parrikar is recovering in the hospital where he is being treated for a pancreatic ailment. "I met Manohar Parrikar and he is recovering. He told me that he wants to delegate more powers and also have a meeting with Cabinet ministers, which will happen after October 10," said Sardesai, who belongs to the Goa Forward Party (GFP), an ally of the BJP in the state. "I told him (the CM) that whenever he calls for the meeting and whatever is his proposal, we (the GFP) will think over it," he added. Sardesai said during his meeting with Parrikar, he raised the issue of restoring public confidence in sale and consumption of fish brought from outside following the formalin scare. The Opposition Congress party had claimed the fish being imported in the state is laced with hazardous formalin chemical. Food and Drugs Administration Minister Vishwajit Rane had rubbished the Congress claim. "We discussed the state administration. I told him that people's confidence in the state machinery vis--vis fish needs to be restored," Sardesai said. "The government will have to see that there is no doubt in the minds of people whatsoever with regards to fish being sold in Goa," he said. If the public confidence is not restored, the state government should stop the import of fish, Sardesai said. The administration should adopt measures to restore the confidence of the people. If you ban the import, then people will know that whatever they buy is locally caught. Let people not have doubt about the fish that they consume," he added.

Ailing Goa CM to delegate more powers to Cabinet ministers

Fuel prices in the country continued to rise on Monday with the price of petrol escalating&nbsp;to Rs 91.08 per litre in Mumbai and Rs 83.73 per litre in Delhi.

While the prices of petrol rose by Rs 0.24, diesel witnessed an increase of around&nbsp;Rs 0.30.

The price of diesel rose to Rs&nbsp;75.09 per litre in Delhi while Rs 79.72 per litre in Mumbai.

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Petrol &amp; Diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> are Rs 83.73 per litre (increase by Rs 0.24) &amp; Rs 75.09 per litre (increase by Rs 0.30), respectively. Petrol &amp; Diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> are Rs 91.08 per litre (increase by Rs 0.24) &amp; Rs 79.72 per litre (increase by Rs 0.32), respectively. <a href="https://t.co/5WwFpIcbDk">pic.twitter.com/5WwFpIcbDk</a>
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Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on September 26 blamed global factors for the increase in prices of petroleum products. He said reducing taxes on these items would not have any lasting impact because crude oil prices were still quite volatile.

"The basic problem is that crude prices are volatile. The effect of any measures, including a reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) by the states and the excise duty by the Centre will not last long due to the volatility in crude prices," Pradhan said.

However, the minister also said that higher fuel prices are a matter of concern and that the government is finding ways to offer some relief to the public.

The Centre currently levies an excise duty of Rs 19.48 per litre on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel.

In addition to this, various states levy VAT at different rates. Mumbai has the highest VAT — 39.12 per cent — on petrol, while Telangana levies the highest VAT — 26 per cent — on diesel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fuel prices in the country continued to rise on Monday with the price of petrol escalating to Rs 91.08 per litre in Mumbai and Rs 83.73 per litre in Delhi. While the prices of petrol rose by Rs 0.

Fuel prices in the country continued to rise on Monday with the price of petrol escalating to Rs 91.08 per litre in Mumbai and Rs 83.73 per litre in Delhi. While the prices of petrol rose by Rs 0.24, diesel witnessed an increase of around Rs 0.30. The price of diesel rose to Rs 75.09 per litre in Delhi while Rs 79.72 per litre in Mumbai. Petrol & Diesel prices in #Delhi are Rs 83.73 per litre (increase by Rs 0.24) & Rs 75.09 per litre (increase by Rs 0.30), respectively. Petrol & Diesel prices in #Mumbai are Rs 91.08 per litre (increase by Rs 0.24) & Rs 79.72 per litre (increase by Rs 0.32), respectively. pic.twitter.com/5WwFpIcbDk — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on September 26 blamed global factors for the increase in prices of petroleum products. He said reducing taxes on these items would not have any lasting impact because crude oil prices were still quite volatile. "The basic problem is that crude prices are volatile. The effect of any measures, including a reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) by the states and the excise duty by the Centre will not last long due to the volatility in crude prices," Pradhan said. However, the minister also said that higher fuel prices are a matter of concern and that the government is finding ways to offer some relief to the public. The Centre currently levies an excise duty of Rs 19.48 per litre on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. In addition to this, various states levy VAT at different rates. Mumbai has the highest VAT — 39.12 per cent — on petrol, while Telangana levies the highest VAT — 26 per cent — on diesel. (With inputs from agencies)

Fuel prices continue to rise on Monday, Petrol breaches Rs 91-mark in Mumbai

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Russia from October 1 to 6, the Army said on Monday.

The delegation is scheduled to meet Russia`s military brass and visit key military formations and establishments.

General Rawat will visit the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy and the headquarters of a Motorised Rifle Division in Moscow.&nbsp;

"The visit is yet another milestone in giving impetus to the strategic partnership between India and Russia and taking forward the military to military cooperation to the next level," Army spokesman Colonel Aman Anand said.

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Russia from October 1 to 6, the Army said on Monday. The delegation is scheduled to meet Russia`s military brass and visit key military formations and establishments.

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Russia from October 1 to 6, the Army said on Monday. The delegation is scheduled to meet Russia`s military brass and visit key military formations and establishments. General Rawat will visit the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy and the headquarters of a Motorised Rifle Division in Moscow. "The visit is yet another milestone in giving impetus to the strategic partnership between India and Russia and taking forward the military to military cooperation to the next level," Army spokesman Colonel Aman Anand said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat leads delegation to Russia 

The Supreme Court has allowed a couple to part ways after waiving the mandatory cooling-off period for divorce. Using its extraordinary power under Article 142 of the Constitution, the apex court bench, comprising Justices Kurian Joseph and S K Kaul, said they were convinced that the couple has taken a “conscious decision to part as friends” and dissolved the marriage. Article 142 of the Constitution deals with the Supreme Court’s power to exercise its jurisdiction and pass order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.

“Both, the husband and the wife are present before us, who are well educated. We had a long interaction with them. We are convinced that they have taken a conscious decision to part as friends. Having regard to the background of the litigations between the parties, we are convinced that there is no point in requiring the parties to wait for another six months,” the court said.

The court noted that during the pendency of the transfer petition, the couple had reached an amicable settlement. The top court also considered the fact that the man has handed over a Demand Draft for a sum of Rs 12,50,000 to the woman which she has duly acknowledged. The couple got married in Delhi in 2016 and stayed together for a month. After disputes, they got separated and the man filed a divorce petition.

The woman had also filed a complaint against him at Anand in Gujarat in December 2017. She moved a transfer petition in the apex court through senior advocate Rakesh K Khanna and advocate Dushyant Parashar. The top court took note of the terms of the settlement and said the marriage has been dissolved by a decree of divorce by mutual consent.

The Supreme Court has allowed a couple to part ways after waiving the mandatory cooling-off period for divorce. Using its extraordinary power under Article 142 of the Constitution, the apex court bench, comprising Justices Kurian Joseph and S K Kaul, said they were convinced that the couple has taken a “conscious decision to part as friends” and dissolved the marriage.

The Supreme Court has allowed a couple to part ways after waiving the mandatory cooling-off period for divorce. Using its extraordinary power under Article 142 of the Constitution, the apex court bench, comprising Justices Kurian Joseph and S K Kaul, said they were convinced that the couple has taken a “conscious decision to part as friends” and dissolved the marriage. Article 142 of the Constitution deals with the Supreme Court’s power to exercise its jurisdiction and pass order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it. “Both, the husband and the wife are present before us, who are well educated. We had a long interaction with them. We are convinced that they have taken a conscious decision to part as friends. Having regard to the background of the litigations between the parties, we are convinced that there is no point in requiring the parties to wait for another six months,” the court said. The court noted that during the pendency of the transfer petition, the couple had reached an amicable settlement. The top court also considered the fact that the man has handed over a Demand Draft for a sum of Rs 12,50,000 to the woman which she has duly acknowledged. The couple got married in Delhi in 2016 and stayed together for a month. After disputes, they got separated and the man filed a divorce petition. The woman had also filed a complaint against him at Anand in Gujarat in December 2017. She moved a transfer petition in the apex court through senior advocate Rakesh K Khanna and advocate Dushyant Parashar. The top court took note of the terms of the settlement and said the marriage has been dissolved by a decree of divorce by mutual consent.

 SC allows couple to part ways ‘as friends’, waives 6-month cooling-off period

Infosys, TCS and Tata Motors are among the 12 Indian companies which feature in a list of the world's best-regarded firms compiled by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/scarlett-johansson-tops-the-forbes-highest-paid-actresses-2018-list-priyanka-deepika-not-in-top-10-159812">Forbes</a>.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/george-clooney-is-the-highest-paid-actor-in-the-world-akshay-kumar-salman-khan-in-top-10-160962">Also read: Clooney is highest paid actor; Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan in top 10 in Forbes list</a>

Entertainment giant Walt Disney, with a market cap of $165 billion topped the list, followed by hospitality major Hilton and Italian carmaker Ferrari at the second and third spots respectively.

Rounding out the top ten in 2018 are financial services companies Visa at the 4th place, digital payment company PayPal (5th), media company Netflix (6th), Siemens (7th), internet retailer Amazon.Com (8th) Marriott International (9th) and Mastercard (10th).

Housing finance major HDFC was the only company from India's banking and finance sector to figure in the list and was placed 217th.

Other Indian companies that made it to the coveted list include Infosys at the 31st place, Tata Consultancy Services (35), Tata Motors (70), Tata Steel (131), Larsen &amp; Toubro (135), Grasim Industries (154), General Insurance Corporation Of India (156), Mahindra &amp; Mahindra (164), Asian Paints (203), Steel Authority of India (227) and ITC (239).

US companies dominate the list with 61 of the total 250 firms.

Japan has 32 companies on the list. Video game maker Nintendo is the highest ranked Japanese company at the 11th rank, with Toyota following at 12th. Other well-represented countries are China with 19 companies, France (13), India (12) and Germany (11).

To compile this list, Forbes partnered with Statista, which surveyed 15,000 people from 60 countries.

The respondents were asked their opinions about the 2018 Global 2000 companies. Companies were evaluated on topics such as trustworthiness, social conduct, performance of the company's product or service and the company as an employer, Forbes said.

Infosys, TCS and Tata Motors are among the 12 Indian companies which feature in a list of the world's best-regarded firms compiled by Forbes. Also read: Clooney is highest paid actor; Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan in top 10 in Forbes list Entertainment giant Walt Disney, with a market cap of $165 billion topped the list, followed by hospitality major Hilton and Italian carmaker Ferrari at the second and third spots respectively.

Infosys, TCS and Tata Motors are among the 12 Indian companies which feature in a list of the world's best-regarded firms compiled by Forbes. Also read: Clooney is highest paid actor; Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan in top 10 in Forbes list Entertainment giant Walt Disney, with a market cap of $165 billion topped the list, followed by hospitality major Hilton and Italian carmaker Ferrari at the second and third spots respectively. Rounding out the top ten in 2018 are financial services companies Visa at the 4th place, digital payment company PayPal (5th), media company Netflix (6th), Siemens (7th), internet retailer Amazon.Com (8th) Marriott International (9th) and Mastercard (10th). Housing finance major HDFC was the only company from India's banking and finance sector to figure in the list and was placed 217th. Other Indian companies that made it to the coveted list include Infosys at the 31st place, Tata Consultancy Services (35), Tata Motors (70), Tata Steel (131), Larsen & Toubro (135), Grasim Industries (154), General Insurance Corporation Of India (156), Mahindra & Mahindra (164), Asian Paints (203), Steel Authority of India (227) and ITC (239). US companies dominate the list with 61 of the total 250 firms. Japan has 32 companies on the list. Video game maker Nintendo is the highest ranked Japanese company at the 11th rank, with Toyota following at 12th. Other well-represented countries are China with 19 companies, France (13), India (12) and Germany (11). To compile this list, Forbes partnered with Statista, which surveyed 15,000 people from 60 countries. The respondents were asked their opinions about the 2018 Global 2000 companies. Companies were evaluated on topics such as trustworthiness, social conduct, performance of the company's product or service and the company as an employer, Forbes said.

Infosys, Tata Motors among 12 Indian companies in Forbes list of world's best firms

Google on Monday dedicated its doodle to Govindappa Venkataswamy, an Indian ophthalmologist who dedicated his life for eradicating needless blindness.

Born on October 1, 1918, Venkataswamy was the founder of the largest provider of eye care in the world, Aravind Eye Hospitals.

The hospital which has seen over 55 million patients charges highly subsidised rates from most of its patients.

Venkataswamy also known as Dr V personally performed over 100,000 eye surgeries and has helped in developing the concept of eye camps.&nbsp;

He is popularly known for developing a high quality, high volume, low-cost service delivery model that has helped in restoring sight to millions of people.

Dr V was awarded the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1973.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Google on Monday dedicated its doodle to Govindappa Venkataswamy, an Indian ophthalmologist who dedicated his life for eradicating needless blindness. Born on October 1, 1918, Venkataswamy was the founder of the largest provider of eye care in the world, Aravind Eye Hospitals.

Google on Monday dedicated its doodle to Govindappa Venkataswamy, an Indian ophthalmologist who dedicated his life for eradicating needless blindness. Born on October 1, 1918, Venkataswamy was the founder of the largest provider of eye care in the world, Aravind Eye Hospitals. The hospital which has seen over 55 million patients charges highly subsidised rates from most of its patients. Venkataswamy also known as Dr V personally performed over 100,000 eye surgeries and has helped in developing the concept of eye camps. He is popularly known for developing a high quality, high volume, low-cost service delivery model that has helped in restoring sight to millions of people. Dr V was awarded the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1973.

Google Doodle celebrates 100th birth anniversary of Padma Shree Govindappa Venkataswamy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-not-micromanaging-fbi-probe-kavanaugh-168642">White House says not 'micromanaging' FBI probe of Kavanaugh</a>

The FBI is free to investigate any sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh that it deems credible, two White House spokeswomen said on Sunday, rebuffing reports that the administration has tried to limit the probe.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-adviser-kellyanne-conway-im-victim-sexual-assault-168641">Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway: 'I'm a victim of sexual assault'</a>

Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump and one of the most public faces of his administration, revealed on Sunday that she has been a victim of sexual assault.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-us-reach-nafta-deal-report-168658">Canada, US reach NAFTA deal: Report</a>

Canadian and US negotiators reached a deal late Sunday on reforming the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian media reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-president-joko-widodo-visits-worst-hit-areas-earthquake-and-tsunami-168657">Indonesian earthquake: President Joko Widodo visits worst hit</a>

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday visited Palu, a coastal city on Sulawesi island, hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that triggered a tsunami with waves as high as six metres (20 feet) two days ago.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-delivers-pro-donald-trump-speech-saturday-night-live-168659">Kanye West delivers pro-Donald Trump speech at Saturday Night Live</a>

 
Kanye West, who has been vocal about his support for US President Donald Trump, delivered a pro-Trump speech on the premiere of the 44th season of `Saturday Night Live`.

&nbsp;

White House says not 'micromanaging' FBI probe of Kavanaugh The FBI is free to investigate any sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh that it deems credible, two White House spokeswomen said on Sunday, rebuffing reports that the administration has tried to limit the probe.

White House says not 'micromanaging' FBI probe of Kavanaugh The FBI is free to investigate any sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh that it deems credible, two White House spokeswomen said on Sunday, rebuffing reports that the administration has tried to limit the probe. Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway: 'I'm a victim of sexual assault' Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump and one of the most public faces of his administration, revealed on Sunday that she has been a victim of sexual assault. Canada, US reach NAFTA deal: Report Canadian and US negotiators reached a deal late Sunday on reforming the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian media reported. Indonesian earthquake: President Joko Widodo visits worst hit Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday visited Palu, a coastal city on Sulawesi island, hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that triggered a tsunami with waves as high as six metres (20 feet) two days ago. Kanye West delivers pro-Donald Trump speech at Saturday Night Live Kanye West, who has been vocal about his support for US President Donald Trump, delivered a pro-Trump speech on the premiere of the 44th season of `Saturday Night Live`.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra will be remembered for pronouncing some of the historical judgements that have been pending for a long time. Justice Misra was the 45th CJI.

Justice Ranjan Gogoi will succeed him and will take over on October 3. However, the CJI's term also saw his brother judges in January publically criticising the functioning of Supreme Court and on 'selective assigning of cases'.

They also released a letter that they had written to the CJI to highlight the 'corrosion and compromise taking place within the institution of the judiciary and especially within the portals of the Supreme Court.'&nbsp;

The judges also had issues with regard to the assignment of the case pertaining to the mysterious death of Special Central Bureau of Investigation judge, Justice Brijgopal Harikrishna Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case.

Later, in July this year, the bench headed by CJI Misra dismissed a review petition filed by the Bombay Lawyers Association seeking an independent probe into Justice Loya's death case.

The apex court said that the petition was frivolous and has been filed in a motivated manner to denigrate the judiciary.

Amid ups and downs, during his tenure of nearly 14 months, CJI Misra was part of the bench that delivered historical judgements including allowing the entry of women in Sabarimala Temple, the&nbsp;validity of Aadhaar and striking down of Section 377 and 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

A majority of these judgments were passed in the last week of CJI's tenure.

Here's a look at how things went on CJI Misra's tenure:

1. Decriminalisation of homosexuality

After months of deliberations, on September 6, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/historic-feat-india-decriminalises-homosexuality----a-timeline-of-events-163913">the Supreme Court struck down IPC Section 377</a> which criminalised homosexuality. The five-judge Constitution bench, headed by CJI Misra and comprising Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, gave the verdict scrapping the colonial-era law.

The 157-year-old law criminalised certain sexual acts, terming them as 'unnatural offences', punishable by a 10-year jail term. Criminalising gay sex is "irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary", CJI Misra observed while delivering the verdict and adding that Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community has the same rights as any other citizen.

He said that Section 377 was used as a weapon to harass people, resulting in discrimination.

2. Validity of Aadhaar

On September 26, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by CJI Misra <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-upholds-validity-aadhaar-says-cant-be-insisted-education-and-banking">upheld the Constitutional validity of Aadhaar</a> but with caveats.

While the bench asserted that Aadhaar empowers the marginalised sections of the society, it ruled that Aadhaar Card cannot be mandatory for admissions to schools and colleges, mobile phone connections, opening bank accounts.

The bench added that the 12-digit unique identification number is needed for social benefit schemes and filing income tax.

The top court also asked the central government to introduce a strong data protection law as soon as possible.

3. SC/ST reservation in job promotions

The five-judge Constitution bench, headed by CJI Misra, refused to refer its 2006 judgement on quotas in promotions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes to the seven-judge bench on September 26.

The court had earlier paved way for grant of quota for promotions in the government jobs to SC/ST while directing that the states were not required to collect "quantifiable data" reflecting the backwardness among these communities.

4. Live streaming of court proceedings

In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court on September 26 allowed the live streaming of its proceedings in the cases that hold Constitutional importance.

Rendering the judgement, the bench, comprising of CJI Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud allowed the live-streaming saying the move will bring "transparency and accountability" to the judicial process.

The apex court said a pilot project may be initially taken up for about three months by live-streaming only cases of national and Constitutional importance from Court Number 1 presided over by the Chief Justice.

However, certain sensitive cases like matrimonial or sexual assault cases, matters where children and juveniles are involved will be excluded.

5. Decriminalising adultery

The Supreme Court on September 27 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adultery-not-criminal-offence-says-supreme-court-167930">decriminalised adultery by striking down Section 497</a> of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), terming it unconstitutional.

The five-judge Constitution bench, led by CJI Misra, in four separate but concurring opinions held that "adultery is not a crime", adding that Section 497 treats a married woman as the commodity of her husband.

The apex court observed that mere adultery cannot be a crime unless it attracts the scope of IPC's Section 306 (Abetment of suicide).

The top court also made it clear that adultery can be a ground for divorce."It's time to say that the husband is not the master of the wife. Legal sovereignty of one sex over other sex is wrong," CJI Misra opined.

6. The Sabarimala Case

On September 28, the five-judge <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabrimala-verdict-activists-temple-board-unhappy-file-review-petition-168300">Constitution bench removed all restrictions imposed by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabrimala-verdict-activists-temple-board-unhappy-file-review-petition-168300">Sabarimala</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabrimala-verdict-activists-temple-board-unhappy-file-review-petition-168300"> Temple</a> with regard to the entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50.

Pronouncing the verdict, CJI Misra said that the ban in place violated Constitutional principles and that women's rights cannot be subverted as they are in no way less than men.

The court said that no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality.

On the one hand, women are worshipped as Goddesses, but there are restrictions on the other hand, said CJI Misra while reading the judgement.

"Relationship with God can't be defined by biological or physiological factors," he added.

7. Nirbhaya rape case

Upholding its earlier order of death sentence, the Supreme Court on July 9 dismissed review pleas filed by three of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case.

The verdict came after less than six years of five men and a juvenile gang-raping and brutally injuring a 23-year-old girl on a moving bus in Delhi and later dumping her on the road with her male friend. The girl succumbed to her injuries after 13 days of the incident.

A three-judge bench, headed by CJI Misra and comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan and R Bhanumathi, pronounced the verdict in the case.

The judgement came in response to a review petition filed by three death row convicts -- Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta -- against the Supreme Court order of May 2017, which said that Nirbhaya's rapists and killers should be hanged.

Apart from these path-breaking judgements, CJI Misra also faced severe criticism from his colleagues.

In an unprecedented move, four Supreme Court judges -- Justices Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurien Joseph -- on January 12 called a press conference where they said that they were compelled to act in such way because CJI Misra could not be persuaded to mend the ways of the court.

These judges had earlier written letters to the CJI on this issue. Justice J. Chelameshwar (now retired), who spoke on behalf of four other judges said the administration of the nation's top court was not in order.

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra will be remembered for pronouncing some of the historical judgements that have been pending for a long time. Justice Misra was the 45th CJI.

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra will be remembered for pronouncing some of the historical judgements that have been pending for a long time. Justice Misra was the 45th CJI. Justice Ranjan Gogoi will succeed him and will take over on October 3. However, the CJI's term also saw his brother judges in January publically criticising the functioning of Supreme Court and on 'selective assigning of cases'. They also released a letter that they had written to the CJI to highlight the 'corrosion and compromise taking place within the institution of the judiciary and especially within the portals of the Supreme Court.' The judges also had issues with regard to the assignment of the case pertaining to the mysterious death of Special Central Bureau of Investigation judge, Justice Brijgopal Harikrishna Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case. Later, in July this year, the bench headed by CJI Misra dismissed a review petition filed by the Bombay Lawyers Association seeking an independent probe into Justice Loya's death case. The apex court said that the petition was frivolous and has been filed in a motivated manner to denigrate the judiciary. Amid ups and downs, during his tenure of nearly 14 months, CJI Misra was part of the bench that delivered historical judgements including allowing the entry of women in Sabarimala Temple, the validity of Aadhaar and striking down of Section 377 and 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A majority of these judgments were passed in the last week of CJI's tenure. Here's a look at how things went on CJI Misra's tenure: 1. Decriminalisation of homosexuality After months of deliberations, on September 6, the Supreme Court struck down IPC Section 377 which criminalised homosexuality. The five-judge Constitution bench, headed by CJI Misra and comprising Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, gave the verdict scrapping the colonial-era law. The 157-year-old law criminalised certain sexual acts, terming them as 'unnatural offences', punishable by a 10-year jail term. Criminalising gay sex is "irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary", CJI Misra observed while delivering the verdict and adding that Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community has the same rights as any other citizen. He said that Section 377 was used as a weapon to harass people, resulting in discrimination. 2. Validity of Aadhaar On September 26, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by CJI Misra upheld the Constitutional validity of Aadhaar but with caveats. While the bench asserted that Aadhaar empowers the marginalised sections of the society, it ruled that Aadhaar Card cannot be mandatory for admissions to schools and colleges, mobile phone connections, opening bank accounts. The bench added that the 12-digit unique identification number is needed for social benefit schemes and filing income tax. The top court also asked the central government to introduce a strong data protection law as soon as possible. 3. SC/ST reservation in job promotions The five-judge Constitution bench, headed by CJI Misra, refused to refer its 2006 judgement on quotas in promotions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes to the seven-judge bench on September 26. The court had earlier paved way for grant of quota for promotions in the government jobs to SC/ST while directing that the states were not required to collect "quantifiable data" reflecting the backwardness among these communities. 4. Live streaming of court proceedings In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court on September 26 allowed the live streaming of its proceedings in the cases that hold Constitutional importance. Rendering the judgement, the bench, comprising of CJI Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud allowed the live-streaming saying the move will bring "transparency and accountability" to the judicial process. The apex court said a pilot project may be initially taken up for about three months by live-streaming only cases of national and Constitutional importance from Court Number 1 presided over by the Chief Justice. However, certain sensitive cases like matrimonial or sexual assault cases, matters where children and juveniles are involved will be excluded. 5. Decriminalising adultery The Supreme Court on September 27 decriminalised adultery by striking down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), terming it unconstitutional. The five-judge Constitution bench, led by CJI Misra, in four separate but concurring opinions held that "adultery is not a crime", adding that Section 497 treats a married woman as the commodity of her husband. The apex court observed that mere adultery cannot be a crime unless it attracts the scope of IPC's Section 306 (Abetment of suicide). The top court also made it clear that adultery can be a ground for divorce."It's time to say that the husband is not the master of the wife. Legal sovereignty of one sex over other sex is wrong," CJI Misra opined. 6. The Sabarimala Case On September 28, the five-judge Constitution bench removed all restrictions imposed by Sabarimala Temple with regard to the entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50. Pronouncing the verdict, CJI Misra said that the ban in place violated Constitutional principles and that women's rights cannot be subverted as they are in no way less than men. The court said that no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality. On the one hand, women are worshipped as Goddesses, but there are restrictions on the other hand, said CJI Misra while reading the judgement. "Relationship with God can't be defined by biological or physiological factors," he added. 7. Nirbhaya rape case Upholding its earlier order of death sentence, the Supreme Court on July 9 dismissed review pleas filed by three of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case. The verdict came after less than six years of five men and a juvenile gang-raping and brutally injuring a 23-year-old girl on a moving bus in Delhi and later dumping her on the road with her male friend. The girl succumbed to her injuries after 13 days of the incident. A three-judge bench, headed by CJI Misra and comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan and R Bhanumathi, pronounced the verdict in the case. The judgement came in response to a review petition filed by three death row convicts -- Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma and Pawan Gupta -- against the Supreme Court order of May 2017, which said that Nirbhaya's rapists and killers should be hanged. Apart from these path-breaking judgements, CJI Misra also faced severe criticism from his colleagues. In an unprecedented move, four Supreme Court judges -- Justices Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurien Joseph -- on January 12 called a press conference where they said that they were compelled to act in such way because CJI Misra could not be persuaded to mend the ways of the court. These judges had earlier written letters to the CJI on this issue. Justice J. Chelameshwar (now retired), who spoke on behalf of four other judges said the administration of the nation's top court was not in order.

As Dipak Misra demits office, a look at his historic judgements as CJI

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Sunday called Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan a chaprasi&nbsp;(peon), adding that Islamabad is run by the military, ISI and terrorists.

"Imran Khan is nothing but a 'chaprasi'&nbsp;because the country (Pakistan) is run by the military, ISI and terrorists, and Imran Khan is just one of the 'chaprasi'&nbsp;of the government. He may be called the Prime Minister, but he is a 'chaprasi'," Swamy said while addressing a press conference in Tripura.

"There is only one solution to Pakistan. Balochis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Sindhis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Pashtuns don't want to be part of Pakistan, so break Pakistan into four parts - these three (Baloch, Sindh, Pashtun) and the residual West Punjab.... I also think that (External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj should not waste her breath speaking about Pakistan in the UN because Pakistan gets psychic pleasure when India abuses it. Just ignore Pakistan, prepare your military and one day break it up into four," he added.

Swamy's statement comes after Swaraj on Saturday used the United Nations platform to highlight the serious issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and human rights violations in India.

Meanwhile, speaking on Bangladesh, Swamy said, "India will continue to support it, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be warned to stop those mad people from demolishing Hindu temples, converting Hindu temples into Masjid and converting Hindus to Muslims.

If Bangladesh does not stop torturing the Hindus, I would recommend that our government invades Bangladesh and takes it over."

Swamy was in Agartala to attend a programme of 'Sanskritik Gaurav Sansthan'&nbsp;Tripura unit.&nbsp;

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Sunday called Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan a chaprasi (peon), adding that Islamabad is run by the military, ISI and terrorists.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Sunday called Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan a chaprasi (peon), adding that Islamabad is run by the military, ISI and terrorists. "Imran Khan is nothing but a 'chaprasi' because the country (Pakistan) is run by the military, ISI and terrorists, and Imran Khan is just one of the 'chaprasi' of the government. He may be called the Prime Minister, but he is a 'chaprasi'," Swamy said while addressing a press conference in Tripura. "There is only one solution to Pakistan. Balochis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Sindhis don't want to be part of Pakistan, Pashtuns don't want to be part of Pakistan, so break Pakistan into four parts - these three (Baloch, Sindh, Pashtun) and the residual West Punjab.... I also think that (External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj should not waste her breath speaking about Pakistan in the UN because Pakistan gets psychic pleasure when India abuses it. Just ignore Pakistan, prepare your military and one day break it up into four," he added. Swamy's statement comes after Swaraj on Saturday used the United Nations platform to highlight the serious issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and human rights violations in India. Meanwhile, speaking on Bangladesh, Swamy said, "India will continue to support it, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be warned to stop those mad people from demolishing Hindu temples, converting Hindu temples into Masjid and converting Hindus to Muslims. If Bangladesh does not stop torturing the Hindus, I would recommend that our government invades Bangladesh and takes it over." Swamy was in Agartala to attend a programme of 'Sanskritik Gaurav Sansthan' Tripura unit.

ISI, Army and terrorists run Pakistan; Imran Khan a 'chaprasi': Subramanian Swamy

Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday described the controversial Rafale deal as the "father of Bofors" and said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's importance in the country's politics had increased after repeatedly speaking against the deal.

In an article in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', Raut said those who accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's relatives of receiving kickbacks worth Rs 65 crore in the Bofors deal were in power now. "Today, they are accused of pocketing Rs 700 crore in the Rafale jet deal. Rafale is the father of Bofors."

Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party over Francois Hollande's reported claims on the deal, the Sena MP wondered if the former French president would be dubbed a supporter the Congress president or an "anti-national".

On September 21, a French media report quoted Hollande as purportedly saying the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Rafale maker Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore deal and France did not have a choice.

"The question is not that Anil Ambani was given the contract for the fighter jets, but, as against the price of Rs 527 crore for each jet, the deal was done at Rs 1,570 crore during (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi government's tenure. This means middlemen got a commission of about Rs 1,000 crore per jet," the Sena leader said.

Raut termed it laughable the BJP's allegations that Gandhi's criticism of the deal was akin to "speaking in the words of Pakistan and helping" the neighbouring country. "The same allegations were levelled against the Congress during the Bofors deal (in late 1980s). Was it then not helping Pakistan? Those in power term Bofors a scandal... However, they are not ready to believe Rafale is also a scam."

"In the country, only Rahul Gandhi was speaking against the Rafale deal, while all other political parties kept mum. Thus, Rahul is now getting more importance in the politics of the nation," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

Raut was apprehensive that the government would try to bring curtains down on the controversy by shifting the public's attention to issues like Ram temple and Hindu-Muslim. He alleged that a process was on to fool everybody on the deal and the government and BJP spokespersons were having to speak a "100 lies to hide one lie".

"Nothing related to security deals are hidden anymore. Thus, there is no point in not disclosing details in the name of (national) security. Defence deals have not been brought under the ambit of the RTI, yet this Rafale came out," he added.

Led by the Congress, the Opposition parties have been attacking the BJP government over the Rafale deal, alleging it was procuring 36 Rafale jets from France at an exorbitantly high cost.

The government has denied the charge, arguing that it was getting the jets cheaper than what the previous UPA dispensation had negotiated. Anil Ambani had contended that the Indian government had no role in Dassault picking up his company as a local partner.

The Shiv Sena is part of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and also in Maharashtra. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has often criticised the Modi government over its policies and other issues.&nbsp;

Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday described the controversial Rafale deal as the "father of Bofors" and said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's importance in the country's politics had increased after repeatedly speaking against the deal.

Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday described the controversial Rafale deal as the "father of Bofors" and said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's importance in the country's politics had increased after repeatedly speaking against the deal. In an article in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', Raut said those who accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's relatives of receiving kickbacks worth Rs 65 crore in the Bofors deal were in power now. "Today, they are accused of pocketing Rs 700 crore in the Rafale jet deal. Rafale is the father of Bofors." Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party over Francois Hollande's reported claims on the deal, the Sena MP wondered if the former French president would be dubbed a supporter the Congress president or an "anti-national". On September 21, a French media report quoted Hollande as purportedly saying the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Rafale maker Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore deal and France did not have a choice. "The question is not that Anil Ambani was given the contract for the fighter jets, but, as against the price of Rs 527 crore for each jet, the deal was done at Rs 1,570 crore during (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi government's tenure. This means middlemen got a commission of about Rs 1,000 crore per jet," the Sena leader said. Raut termed it laughable the BJP's allegations that Gandhi's criticism of the deal was akin to "speaking in the words of Pakistan and helping" the neighbouring country. "The same allegations were levelled against the Congress during the Bofors deal (in late 1980s). Was it then not helping Pakistan? Those in power term Bofors a scandal... However, they are not ready to believe Rafale is also a scam." "In the country, only Rahul Gandhi was speaking against the Rafale deal, while all other political parties kept mum. Thus, Rahul is now getting more importance in the politics of the nation," the Rajya Sabha MP said. Raut was apprehensive that the government would try to bring curtains down on the controversy by shifting the public's attention to issues like Ram temple and Hindu-Muslim. He alleged that a process was on to fool everybody on the deal and the government and BJP spokespersons were having to speak a "100 lies to hide one lie". "Nothing related to security deals are hidden anymore. Thus, there is no point in not disclosing details in the name of (national) security. Defence deals have not been brought under the ambit of the RTI, yet this Rafale came out," he added. Led by the Congress, the Opposition parties have been attacking the BJP government over the Rafale deal, alleging it was procuring 36 Rafale jets from France at an exorbitantly high cost. The government has denied the charge, arguing that it was getting the jets cheaper than what the previous UPA dispensation had negotiated. Anil Ambani had contended that the Indian government had no role in Dassault picking up his company as a local partner. The Shiv Sena is part of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and also in Maharashtra. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has often criticised the Modi government over its policies and other issues.

Rafale deal is 'father of Bofors': Sena MP Sanjay Raut

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday reiterated that the spike in the price of petrol and diesel in the country was because of the depreciation in the value of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar.

Pradhan also said one of the reasons behind the rise could be the decrease in the production of oil in the countries that produce them.

Launching a scathing attack at the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, who urged the Centre to reduce taxes on oil prices, Pradhan claimed that the state government was "shedding crocodile tears" over the price hike.

"In 2014, the Odisha government was collecting an annual tax revenue of about Rs 3,000 crore from fuel, and now, they are collecting Rs. 7,000 crore. It is their duty to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) but they are not ignoring it. Even a few months ago, the Central government deducted the excise duty on petrol and diesel, but the government in Odisha didn't do anything. They are shedding crocodile tears over the price hike," Pradhan told reporters in Delhi.

Earlier, Patnaik, while responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s statement on the slow pace of development in Odisha, had said that the Prime Minister should address the spiralling rise of petrol and diesel in the country, which is adding to the woes of common man.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday reiterated that the spike in the price of petrol and diesel in the country was because of the depreciation in the value of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday reiterated that the spike in the price of petrol and diesel in the country was because of the depreciation in the value of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar. Pradhan also said one of the reasons behind the rise could be the decrease in the production of oil in the countries that produce them. Launching a scathing attack at the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, who urged the Centre to reduce taxes on oil prices, Pradhan claimed that the state government was "shedding crocodile tears" over the price hike. "In 2014, the Odisha government was collecting an annual tax revenue of about Rs 3,000 crore from fuel, and now, they are collecting Rs. 7,000 crore. It is their duty to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) but they are not ignoring it. Even a few months ago, the Central government deducted the excise duty on petrol and diesel, but the government in Odisha didn't do anything. They are shedding crocodile tears over the price hike," Pradhan told reporters in Delhi. Earlier, Patnaik, while responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s statement on the slow pace of development in Odisha, had said that the Prime Minister should address the spiralling rise of petrol and diesel in the country, which is adding to the woes of common man.

Fuel price hike a result of weakening rupee:  Dharmendra Pradhan

On Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, the Congress will discuss the country's social, political and cultural atmosphere and pass a resolution urging people to follow his vision of love, peace and brotherhood.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet at Mahatma Gandhi's Sevagram Ashram at Wardha in Maharashtra on October 2, where former prime minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party president Rahul Gandhi will lead the deliberations.

The CWC is the top decision-making body of the grand old party. On the birth anniversary of the father of the nation, the Congress is seeking to send a political message to the country ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The party is on an all-out mission to defeat the BJP in the next general elections and is utilising every occasion to attack the ruling party and the RSS.

"On Gandhiji's birth anniversary, the CWC under Rahul Gandhi's presidentship will meet and discuss the current social political and cultural atmosphere under the BJP and Narendra Modi's rule, and will send Gandhiji's message of love, peace and communal harmony from Bapu's ashram, where he spent the last 12 years of his life," AICC General Secretary Ashok Gehlot told PTI.

He said, "Mahatma Gandhi message has assumed significant in today's India which is being increasingly gripped by the politics of hatred and communal violence being spread by the BJP and the RSS."

On October 2, top Congress leadership will pay their respects to Gandhiji at his samadhi in Delhi and will then attend a prayer meeting at his Wardha ashram.&nbsp;

Gehlot said a peace march will also be taken out by Congress workers in the afternoon followed by a public meeting at Wardha. Top Congress leaders from across the country will attend the rally.

According to a senior party leader, the Congress will hold its working committee meeting in Wardha on October 2 to mark the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary celebrations and will give a message against the "atmosphere of fear, hate and violence prevailing in the country".

"Now fascist forces have have started taking the name of Mahatma Gandhi. Those who do not believe in democracy, those who believe in violence, these forces are indulging in politics over his name," the leader said.

"In my entire political career, I have never seen such a political atmosphere --every family, every household is living in fear. There is an atmosphere of hate, there is an atmosphere of violence, innocents are being killed, economy has collapsed, farmers are committing suicide," he alleged.

Claiming that messages of hate were being sent "from the top", Gehlot said it was only befitting that a message to remove the "atmosphere of fear, hate and violence" is given from a place where the Quit India resolution was passed.

On Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, the Congress will discuss the country's social, political and cultural atmosphere and pass a resolution urging people to follow his vision of love, peace and brotherhood.

On Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, the Congress will discuss the country's social, political and cultural atmosphere and pass a resolution urging people to follow his vision of love, peace and brotherhood. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet at Mahatma Gandhi's Sevagram Ashram at Wardha in Maharashtra on October 2, where former prime minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party president Rahul Gandhi will lead the deliberations. The CWC is the top decision-making body of the grand old party. On the birth anniversary of the father of the nation, the Congress is seeking to send a political message to the country ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party is on an all-out mission to defeat the BJP in the next general elections and is utilising every occasion to attack the ruling party and the RSS. "On Gandhiji's birth anniversary, the CWC under Rahul Gandhi's presidentship will meet and discuss the current social political and cultural atmosphere under the BJP and Narendra Modi's rule, and will send Gandhiji's message of love, peace and communal harmony from Bapu's ashram, where he spent the last 12 years of his life," AICC General Secretary Ashok Gehlot told PTI. He said, "Mahatma Gandhi message has assumed significant in today's India which is being increasingly gripped by the politics of hatred and communal violence being spread by the BJP and the RSS." On October 2, top Congress leadership will pay their respects to Gandhiji at his samadhi in Delhi and will then attend a prayer meeting at his Wardha ashram. Gehlot said a peace march will also be taken out by Congress workers in the afternoon followed by a public meeting at Wardha. Top Congress leaders from across the country will attend the rally. According to a senior party leader, the Congress will hold its working committee meeting in Wardha on October 2 to mark the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary celebrations and will give a message against the "atmosphere of fear, hate and violence prevailing in the country". "Now fascist forces have have started taking the name of Mahatma Gandhi. Those who do not believe in democracy, those who believe in violence, these forces are indulging in politics over his name," the leader said. "In my entire political career, I have never seen such a political atmosphere --every family, every household is living in fear. There is an atmosphere of hate, there is an atmosphere of violence, innocents are being killed, economy has collapsed, farmers are committing suicide," he alleged. Claiming that messages of hate were being sent "from the top", Gehlot said it was only befitting that a message to remove the "atmosphere of fear, hate and violence" is given from a place where the Quit India resolution was passed.

CWC to discuss India's social, political, cultural atmosphere on October 2

The Delhi High Court on Monday allowed Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with Koregaon-Bhima case, to be freed from the house arrest.

The high court granted him the relief saying that the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed.

The high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court.

Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable", the high court said.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel set aside the August 28 order of chief metropolitan magistrate granting transit remand of Navlakha saying there was non-compliance of basic provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC which were mandatory in nature.

The bench said the trial court order was unsustainable in law.

"In view of Section 56 read with Section 57 of the CrPC and absence of remand order of the CMM, the detention of the petitioner has clearly exceeded 24 hours which is untenable in law. Consequently, the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the court said.

It made it clear that this order will not preclude the state of Maharashtra from proceeding further.

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Very happy.For 35 days he has not stepped out. It's a political battle&amp;this is a small victory.Bigger victory is yet to come as many others are still under house arrest or in Pune Jail:Sehba Hussain,activist on Gautam Navlakha's transit remand set aside by Delhi HC <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhimaKoregaon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhimaKoregaon</a> <a href="https://t.co/rGBT2SYd6w">pic.twitter.com/rGBT2SYd6w</a>
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When the counsel for Maharashtra government sought the court to extend Navlakha's house arrest by two more days as the apex court has also extended it by four weeks, the bench said, the counsel has overlooked that the top court has passed this order to enable the activist to avail appropriate legal remedy.

The high court allowed the petition filed on behalf of Navlakha challenging his arrest and the transit remand order of the trial court.

Navlakha was arrested from the national capital on August 28. The other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country.

The Maharashtra police had arrested the activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action.

Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi.

The Delhi High Court on Monday allowed Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with Koregaon-Bhima case, to be freed from the house arrest.

The Delhi High Court on Monday allowed Gautam Navlakha, one of the five rights activists arrested in connection with Koregaon-Bhima case, to be freed from the house arrest. The high court granted him the relief saying that the Supreme Court last week had given him the liberty to approach the appropriate forum within four weeks to seek further recourse, which he has availed. The high court also quashed the trial court's transit remand order which he had challenged before the matter was taken to the apex court. Navlakha's detention has exceeded 24 hours which was "untenable", the high court said. A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel set aside the August 28 order of chief metropolitan magistrate granting transit remand of Navlakha saying there was non-compliance of basic provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC which were mandatory in nature. The bench said the trial court order was unsustainable in law. "In view of Section 56 read with Section 57 of the CrPC and absence of remand order of the CMM, the detention of the petitioner has clearly exceeded 24 hours which is untenable in law. Consequently, the house arrest of the petitioner comes to an end now," the court said. It made it clear that this order will not preclude the state of Maharashtra from proceeding further. Very happy.For 35 days he has not stepped out. It's a political battle&this is a small victory.Bigger victory is yet to come as many others are still under house arrest or in Pune Jail:Sehba Hussain,activist on Gautam Navlakha's transit remand set aside by Delhi HC #BhimaKoregaon pic.twitter.com/rGBT2SYd6w — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × When the counsel for Maharashtra government sought the court to extend Navlakha's house arrest by two more days as the apex court has also extended it by four weeks, the bench said, the counsel has overlooked that the top court has passed this order to enable the activist to avail appropriate legal remedy. The high court allowed the petition filed on behalf of Navlakha challenging his arrest and the transit remand order of the trial court. Navlakha was arrested from the national capital on August 28. The other four activists were arrested from different parts of the country. The Maharashtra police had arrested the activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had allegedly triggered violence later at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state. The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- were put under house arrest on August 29 following an apex court order on the plea by historian Romila Thapar, economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala against the police action. Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi.

Bhima-Koregaon case: Delhi HC ends activist Gautam Navlakha's house arrest

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused the Opposition of misleading the people by demanding that the details of the Rafale deal be made public.

Addressing a rally in Haryana's Ambala district, Singh said all details regarding that Rafale fighter jet deal could not be made public in view of the security concerns.

This has happened not only in the current government's time, but also during the tenure of previous governments, he said.

Singh alleged that the Opposition leaders' demand to make details of the deal public was not practical and they were making efforts to come to power by spreading lies and misleading the people.

The Union minister said the Centre had strongly checked the Naxal movement and the security forces were successful in controlling their activities, he said.

Singh added that an integrated border security system was being implemented to secure and strengthen the borders of the country as it was not possible to secure the 22,000-km long land-and-water borders of the country with wires.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused the Opposition of misleading the people by demanding that the details of the Rafale deal be made public. Addressing a rally in Haryana's Ambala district, Singh said all details regarding that Rafale fighter jet deal could not be made public in view of the security concerns.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused the Opposition of misleading the people by demanding that the details of the Rafale deal be made public. Addressing a rally in Haryana's Ambala district, Singh said all details regarding that Rafale fighter jet deal could not be made public in view of the security concerns. This has happened not only in the current government's time, but also during the tenure of previous governments, he said. Singh alleged that the Opposition leaders' demand to make details of the deal public was not practical and they were making efforts to come to power by spreading lies and misleading the people. The Union minister said the Centre had strongly checked the Naxal movement and the security forces were successful in controlling their activities, he said. Singh added that an integrated border security system was being implemented to secure and strengthen the borders of the country as it was not possible to secure the 22,000-km long land-and-water borders of the country with wires.

Opposition misleading people on Rafale deal: Rajnath Singh

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Monday ringed-in its 60th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, the American space research organisation tweeted out links to some of its groundbreaking discoveries, researches and technologies used to make space exploration easier.&nbsp;

"For six decades, NASA has led the peaceful exploration of space, making discoveries about our planet, our solar system, and our universe," as stated on NASA's website.&nbsp;

NASA's 60-year-long tryst with 'the other world' also involved making "great advances in aviation, developing a commercial space industry, enriching economy, creating jobs, and strengthening national security," in the United States.

"Outside the United States, our international partnerships shine as examples of diplomacy. Space exploration has brought together people of diverse backgrounds working for the good of all humankind," the website read.&nbsp;

One of the NASA tweets caught our fancy, it depicted the gradual conversion of croplands and grasslands around New Delhi into city structures, "to create one of the fastest urban expansions in the world."

NASA's captivating imagery captured by its Earth satellites show urban growth in and around New Delhi from 1989 to 2018.&nbsp;

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Croplands and grasslands around New Delhi are being converted into city structures to create one of the fastest urban expansions in the world. Here’s a look at imagery captured by our <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAEarth</a> satellites that show urban growth from 1989 to 2018: <a href="https://t.co/aVnsgZeJsd">https://t.co/aVnsgZeJsd</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dhqt2VQFdi">pic.twitter.com/Dhqt2VQFdi</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1046506248542330881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"New Delhi has been experiencing one of the fastest urban expansions in the world. Vast areas of croplands and grasslands are being turned into streets, buildings, and parking lots, attracting an unprecedented amount of new residents. By 2050, the United Nations projects India will add 400 million urban dwellers, which would be the largest urban migration in the world for the thirty-two year period," NASA noted on its website.

"The images show the growth in the city of New Delhi and its adjacent areas—a territory collectively known as Delhi—from December 5, 1989, to June 5, 2018," NASA added further.

NASA also honoured the sacrifice and the tragic loss of lives including aviation pilots and the crew members of Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia.&nbsp;

"Sacrifice has also come in the countless hours dedicated NASA personnel—on the ground and in space—have spent away from families to plan and execute missions," the website read.

On its 60th anniversary, the space research body shared that in the coming decade, NASA's exploits and missions will be "full of adventures that only science fiction writers dreamed of and only NASA and its partners will accomplish."

 
&nbsp;

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Monday ringed-in its 60th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, the American space research organisation tweeted out links to some of its groundbreaking discoveries, researches and technologies used to make space exploration easier.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Monday ringed-in its 60th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, the American space research organisation tweeted out links to some of its groundbreaking discoveries, researches and technologies used to make space exploration easier. "For six decades, NASA has led the peaceful exploration of space, making discoveries about our planet, our solar system, and our universe," as stated on NASA's website. NASA's 60-year-long tryst with 'the other world' also involved making "great advances in aviation, developing a commercial space industry, enriching economy, creating jobs, and strengthening national security," in the United States. "Outside the United States, our international partnerships shine as examples of diplomacy. Space exploration has brought together people of diverse backgrounds working for the good of all humankind," the website read. One of the NASA tweets caught our fancy, it depicted the gradual conversion of croplands and grasslands around New Delhi into city structures, "to create one of the fastest urban expansions in the world." NASA's captivating imagery captured by its Earth satellites show urban growth in and around New Delhi from 1989 to 2018. Croplands and grasslands around New Delhi are being converted into city structures to create one of the fastest urban expansions in the world. Here’s a look at imagery captured by our @NASAEarth satellites that show urban growth from 1989 to 2018: https://t.co/aVnsgZeJsd pic.twitter.com/Dhqt2VQFdi — NASA (@NASA) September 30, 2018 × "New Delhi has been experiencing one of the fastest urban expansions in the world. Vast areas of croplands and grasslands are being turned into streets, buildings, and parking lots, attracting an unprecedented amount of new residents. By 2050, the United Nations projects India will add 400 million urban dwellers, which would be the largest urban migration in the world for the thirty-two year period," NASA noted on its website. "The images show the growth in the city of New Delhi and its adjacent areas—a territory collectively known as Delhi—from December 5, 1989, to June 5, 2018," NASA added further. NASA also honoured the sacrifice and the tragic loss of lives including aviation pilots and the crew members of Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia. "Sacrifice has also come in the countless hours dedicated NASA personnel—on the ground and in space—have spent away from families to plan and execute missions," the website read. On its 60th anniversary, the space research body shared that in the coming decade, NASA's exploits and missions will be "full of adventures that only science fiction writers dreamed of and only NASA and its partners will accomplish."

Watch: On 60th anniversary, NASA shares images on urban growth in Delhi

The valedictory function of late leader M G Ramachandran's birth centenary Sunday saw DMK bashing by Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, highlighting 'achievements' of ruling AIADMK.

Denying DMK's barb that the MGR events were 'extravagant,' Palaniswami said these functions were not "pompous" as made out, but people-centric and aligned towards taking welfare measures for their benefit.

"Every (MGR) event is centred around work for the people."

Stalin had dubbed the events as "pompous," accused the government of seeking political mileage from the events and for attacking his party and its late patriarch M Karunanidhi and said he would not participate in the function.

AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran too had said he would not participate.

Palaniswami said Stalin was always in the habit of uttering lies about the AIADMK government.

"Whatever he utters to reporters are lies... He claims that nothing (welfare schemes) has been implemented during our rule" when the fact was that a slew of measures have been implemented, he said.

Citing incidents of violence involving DMK workers, including that of a party functionary beating up a hotel owner and another attacking a woman at a beauty parlour (video clips of which went viral), he asked if Stalin condemned them.

Stalin had visited the restaurant owner and pacified him and disciplinary action was taken against the functionary.

Marking the culmination of the centenary events, the Chief Minister announced a slew of projects for Chennai worth Rs 18.79 crore,including a world class international airport near Chennai.

The centenary events were held in 31 districts by the government, beginning at Madurai on June 30, 2017 and the valedictory function was held here Sunday.

Emphasising that welfare schemes were implemented at all MGR events in 31 districts, Palaniswami, without naming any party, said slander was spread and efforts made to halt the celebrations by some who were unable to stomach such good work being done for the people.

"They faced failure in that too. I am happy that the event was held in a grand manner, overcoming all opposition.

Palaniswami said Rs 10,884.42 crore worth of projects were implemented during the MGR events in 31 districts.

Palaniswami had inaugurated over Rs 5,140.10 crore worth of projects and laid foundation stones for Rs 5,747.24 crore worth of new projects, distributed Rs 5,464.79 worth welfare assistance to 8,26,392 beneficiaries in connection with MGR centenary events.

The Chief Minister said government orders had been issued for 434 of 547 announcements made during the centenary events and work was on for another 391 projects, out of which 43 had been completed.

Earlier in the day, the Madras High Court directed removal of all unauthorised banners in connection with the event.

Last year an activist had moved the court against bringing school children to the MGR centenary events and an injuction was granted restraining it.

Priding himself as an ordinary party worker from a farming family, Palaniswami said such a rise was possible only in the AIADMK.

Deputy Chief Minister Pannerselveam claimed that 10 lakh people participated in the valedictory function.

On Stalin's barb that the MGR events targeted his party and its late leader Karunanidhi, he said they had to mention the 'betrayals' of the then DMK government on issues like Cauvery, while speaking of the achievements of late AIADMK leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa.

"How can we avoid mentioning betrayal of DMK on Cauvery, the Sri Lankan Tamils issue and ceding of Katchatheevu islet when that party was in power?" he asked.

Referring to the killings of Tamil people in Sri Lanka (in 2009, during the civil war) when DMK and its ally Congress were in power at the State and Centre respectively, he said no efforts were taken to halt it.

He recalled various steps taken by Jayalalithaa like seeking economic sanction against Sri Lanka and said the then Chief Minister Karunanidhi observed a fast for a few hours in 2009 and announced that the war has ended.

"The Sri Lankan Tamils, believing his word that the war had ended after his three hour fast here for their cause,came out of hiding only to be killed," he alleged.

He also cited ceding of Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka and legal efforts by Jayalalithaa to try and retrieve it.

"Is speaking about such historical facts wrong?" he asked.

All parties who opposed DMK over the Sri Lankan issue in 2009 were now maintaining silence as they are going to strike an alliance with the main opposition party, he said.

Panneerselvam also slammed Dhinakaran, a rival to the welfare legacy of Jayalalithaa.

Notwithstanding any "mega coalition" to be propped up by the DMK and any "conspiracy," it is the AIADMK that will emerge victorious at the future hustings, he said.

The valedictory function of late leader M G Ramachandran's birth centenary Sunday saw DMK bashing by Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, highlighting 'achievements' of ruling AIADMK.

The valedictory function of late leader M G Ramachandran's birth centenary Sunday saw DMK bashing by Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, highlighting 'achievements' of ruling AIADMK. Denying DMK's barb that the MGR events were 'extravagant,' Palaniswami said these functions were not "pompous" as made out, but people-centric and aligned towards taking welfare measures for their benefit. "Every (MGR) event is centred around work for the people." Stalin had dubbed the events as "pompous," accused the government of seeking political mileage from the events and for attacking his party and its late patriarch M Karunanidhi and said he would not participate in the function. AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran too had said he would not participate. Palaniswami said Stalin was always in the habit of uttering lies about the AIADMK government. "Whatever he utters to reporters are lies... He claims that nothing (welfare schemes) has been implemented during our rule" when the fact was that a slew of measures have been implemented, he said. Citing incidents of violence involving DMK workers, including that of a party functionary beating up a hotel owner and another attacking a woman at a beauty parlour (video clips of which went viral), he asked if Stalin condemned them. Stalin had visited the restaurant owner and pacified him and disciplinary action was taken against the functionary. Marking the culmination of the centenary events, the Chief Minister announced a slew of projects for Chennai worth Rs 18.79 crore,including a world class international airport near Chennai. The centenary events were held in 31 districts by the government, beginning at Madurai on June 30, 2017 and the valedictory function was held here Sunday. Emphasising that welfare schemes were implemented at all MGR events in 31 districts, Palaniswami, without naming any party, said slander was spread and efforts made to halt the celebrations by some who were unable to stomach such good work being done for the people. "They faced failure in that too. I am happy that the event was held in a grand manner, overcoming all opposition. Palaniswami said Rs 10,884.42 crore worth of projects were implemented during the MGR events in 31 districts. Palaniswami had inaugurated over Rs 5,140.10 crore worth of projects and laid foundation stones for Rs 5,747.24 crore worth of new projects, distributed Rs 5,464.79 worth welfare assistance to 8,26,392 beneficiaries in connection with MGR centenary events. The Chief Minister said government orders had been issued for 434 of 547 announcements made during the centenary events and work was on for another 391 projects, out of which 43 had been completed. Earlier in the day, the Madras High Court directed removal of all unauthorised banners in connection with the event. Last year an activist had moved the court against bringing school children to the MGR centenary events and an injuction was granted restraining it. Priding himself as an ordinary party worker from a farming family, Palaniswami said such a rise was possible only in the AIADMK. Deputy Chief Minister Pannerselveam claimed that 10 lakh people participated in the valedictory function. On Stalin's barb that the MGR events targeted his party and its late leader Karunanidhi, he said they had to mention the 'betrayals' of the then DMK government on issues like Cauvery, while speaking of the achievements of late AIADMK leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa. "How can we avoid mentioning betrayal of DMK on Cauvery, the Sri Lankan Tamils issue and ceding of Katchatheevu islet when that party was in power?" he asked. Referring to the killings of Tamil people in Sri Lanka (in 2009, during the civil war) when DMK and its ally Congress were in power at the State and Centre respectively, he said no efforts were taken to halt it. He recalled various steps taken by Jayalalithaa like seeking economic sanction against Sri Lanka and said the then Chief Minister Karunanidhi observed a fast for a few hours in 2009 and announced that the war has ended. "The Sri Lankan Tamils, believing his word that the war had ended after his three hour fast here for their cause,came out of hiding only to be killed," he alleged. He also cited ceding of Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka and legal efforts by Jayalalithaa to try and retrieve it. "Is speaking about such historical facts wrong?" he asked. All parties who opposed DMK over the Sri Lankan issue in 2009 were now maintaining silence as they are going to strike an alliance with the main opposition party, he said. Panneerselvam also slammed Dhinakaran, a rival to the welfare legacy of Jayalalithaa. Notwithstanding any "mega coalition" to be propped up by the DMK and any "conspiracy," it is the AIADMK that will emerge victorious at the future hustings, he said.

MGR event ends with grand finale; chief minister,deputy train guns on DMK

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday refuted reports of rift within his family and alleged that the rumours were being spread at the instance of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to demoralise party cadre and supporters.

The younger son of Lalu Prasad was responding to a query by reporters about the family facing frequent grilling and raids by investigating agencies, besides reports that his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav and eldest sister Misa Yadav were miffed over having been politically overshadowed by him.

"All these reports of a rift within our family are planted at the instance of Nitish Kumar. Attempts are being made to psychologically affect our dedicated workers and supporters," Tejashwi Yadav said.

"It appears that those in power wish to seek votes in the name of what is happening to my family instead of speaking about their own performance. This is new India under Narendra Modi for you," he said.

To a query about Union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha's possibility of joining the RJD, Congress, HAM combine in Bihar, he said, "We had invited him long back and the invitation stands. But it is for him to take the decision."

About Pappu Yadav, who had won the Madhepura seat in 2014 Lok Sabha polls on RJD ticket and has floated Jan Adhikar Party upon being expelled from the Lalu Prasad-led party, Tej Pratap Yadav said, "For him it is no entry. Period."

Pappu Yadav's wife Ranjeet Ranjan is a Congress MP.&nbsp;

About disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has off late been highly appreciative of Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad, besides turning up at functions held at the RJD leaders' place, he said, "There are no talks with him. There cannot be any until and unless the BJP takes a clear decision about him."

Accusing the Nitish Kumar government of failing to effectively maintain law and order and implement its own welfare schemes, Tejashwi Yadav said that he would embark on his next phase of public awareness campaign after Dussehra.

To a query about when was he planning to get married, he replied shyly that it was likely to be after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday refuted reports of rift within his family and alleged that the rumours were being spread at the instance of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to demoralise party cadre and supporters.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday refuted reports of rift within his family and alleged that the rumours were being spread at the instance of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to demoralise party cadre and supporters. The younger son of Lalu Prasad was responding to a query by reporters about the family facing frequent grilling and raids by investigating agencies, besides reports that his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav and eldest sister Misa Yadav were miffed over having been politically overshadowed by him. "All these reports of a rift within our family are planted at the instance of Nitish Kumar. Attempts are being made to psychologically affect our dedicated workers and supporters," Tejashwi Yadav said. "It appears that those in power wish to seek votes in the name of what is happening to my family instead of speaking about their own performance. This is new India under Narendra Modi for you," he said. To a query about Union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha's possibility of joining the RJD, Congress, HAM combine in Bihar, he said, "We had invited him long back and the invitation stands. But it is for him to take the decision." About Pappu Yadav, who had won the Madhepura seat in 2014 Lok Sabha polls on RJD ticket and has floated Jan Adhikar Party upon being expelled from the Lalu Prasad-led party, Tej Pratap Yadav said, "For him it is no entry. Period." Pappu Yadav's wife Ranjeet Ranjan is a Congress MP. About disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has off late been highly appreciative of Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad, besides turning up at functions held at the RJD leaders' place, he said, "There are no talks with him. There cannot be any until and unless the BJP takes a clear decision about him." Accusing the Nitish Kumar government of failing to effectively maintain law and order and implement its own welfare schemes, Tejashwi Yadav said that he would embark on his next phase of public awareness campaign after Dussehra. To a query about when was he planning to get married, he replied shyly that it was likely to be after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Nitish Kumar behind rumours of rift within my family: Tejashwi Yadav

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Monday demitted office and made way for his successor Justice Ranjan Gogoi to take over. In his farewell speech at an event held by the Supreme Court Bar Association in Delhi, Misra stated that he does not judge people by their history but by their actions.&nbsp;

"I do not judge people by their history but by their perspective and by their actions," Misra stated.&nbsp;

He added that truth has no colour and described Indian judiciary as one of the most robust in the world.&nbsp;

"Tears of poor man are equal to tears of a rich man," he said, adding that the Bar council connects judges with the reality.&nbsp;

"We live in the time of extreme political churning," Misra noted.&nbsp;

Misra's successor, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, hailed Misra stating that "he has upheld freedom of the individual to choose and express choice. Cases like Shakti Vahini, Shafin Jahan and Navtej Johar involved individual's liberty to choose his choice in form of a partner whom society doesn't approve."&nbsp;

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When SC Bar Assn connects a judge with ground reality, it's a strong bridge. It doesn't mean that judges aren't aware of reality but I am talking of the needed bridge to connect. It connects us to belong&amp;it matters: Outgoing CJI Dipak Misra during his farewell address in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/UNXcZBV9o2">pic.twitter.com/UNXcZBV9o2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1046733064368353280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Justice Misra, earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/emotional-cji-holds-court-last-time-168743">got emotional while holding court</a>, along with his successor Ranjan Gogoi, for the last time.

CJI Misra, who presided over benches that delivered a series of key verdicts like the one on Aadhaar and homosexuality during the last 10 days, appeared to be emotional during the brief court proceedings that lasted about 25 minutes.&nbsp;

Justice Gogoi, who will take over the baton from Justice Misra on October 3, and Justice AM Khanwilkar were sitting on the bench, which said it will hear no urgent mentioning of matters Monday and added that the matter could be heard later on October 3 by the bench headed by the next CJI.

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He has upheld freedom of individual to choose&amp;express choice.Cases like Shakti Vahini,Shafin Jahan&amp;Navtej Johar involved individual's liberty to choose his choice in form of partner whom society doesn't apporve: CJI-designate R Gogoi at farewell function to CJI Dipak Misra <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/zM4xpQHnls">pic.twitter.com/zM4xpQHnls</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1046733510591934464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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CJI Misra has headed various benches of different combinations and delivered several verdicts in the recent past.

These include upholding the Centre's flagship scheme Aadhaar with certain riders and decriminalising consensual gay sex and adultery.

The verdicts also include judgements in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and allowing all women entry into the Sabarimala temple.

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I appreciate responsive wisdom of the youth, of which I'm a part. Today young lawyers are assets&amp;they've potentiality to develop jurisprudence in new areas of legislation as law &amp; jurisprudence cannot be static: Outgoing CJI Dipak Misra during his farewell address in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/aIgCJLWlzH">pic.twitter.com/aIgCJLWlzH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1046736909999861761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Justice Misra was elevated as a judge of the apex court on October 10, 2011, and became the Chief Justice on August 28, 2017.

He is demitting office after leaving behind a tenure that lasted 13 months.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Monday demitted office and made way for his successor Justice Ranjan Gogoi to take over. In his farewell speech at an event held by the Supreme Court Bar Association in Delhi, Misra stated that he does not judge people by their history but by their actions.

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Monday demitted office and made way for his successor Justice Ranjan Gogoi to take over. In his farewell speech at an event held by the Supreme Court Bar Association in Delhi, Misra stated that he does not judge people by their history but by their actions. "I do not judge people by their history but by their perspective and by their actions," Misra stated. He added that truth has no colour and described Indian judiciary as one of the most robust in the world. "Tears of poor man are equal to tears of a rich man," he said, adding that the Bar council connects judges with the reality. "We live in the time of extreme political churning," Misra noted. Misra's successor, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, hailed Misra stating that "he has upheld freedom of the individual to choose and express choice. Cases like Shakti Vahini, Shafin Jahan and Navtej Johar involved individual's liberty to choose his choice in form of a partner whom society doesn't approve." When SC Bar Assn connects a judge with ground reality, it's a strong bridge. It doesn't mean that judges aren't aware of reality but I am talking of the needed bridge to connect. It connects us to belong&it matters: Outgoing CJI Dipak Misra during his farewell address in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/UNXcZBV9o2 — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × Justice Misra, earlier in the day, got emotional while holding court, along with his successor Ranjan Gogoi, for the last time. CJI Misra, who presided over benches that delivered a series of key verdicts like the one on Aadhaar and homosexuality during the last 10 days, appeared to be emotional during the brief court proceedings that lasted about 25 minutes. Justice Gogoi, who will take over the baton from Justice Misra on October 3, and Justice AM Khanwilkar were sitting on the bench, which said it will hear no urgent mentioning of matters Monday and added that the matter could be heard later on October 3 by the bench headed by the next CJI. He has upheld freedom of individual to choose&express choice.Cases like Shakti Vahini,Shafin Jahan&Navtej Johar involved individual's liberty to choose his choice in form of partner whom society doesn't apporve: CJI-designate R Gogoi at farewell function to CJI Dipak Misra #Delhi pic.twitter.com/zM4xpQHnls — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × CJI Misra has headed various benches of different combinations and delivered several verdicts in the recent past. These include upholding the Centre's flagship scheme Aadhaar with certain riders and decriminalising consensual gay sex and adultery. The verdicts also include judgements in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and allowing all women entry into the Sabarimala temple. I appreciate responsive wisdom of the youth, of which I'm a part. Today young lawyers are assets&they've potentiality to develop jurisprudence in new areas of legislation as law & jurisprudence cannot be static: Outgoing CJI Dipak Misra during his farewell address in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/aIgCJLWlzH — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × Justice Misra was elevated as a judge of the apex court on October 10, 2011, and became the Chief Justice on August 28, 2017. He is demitting office after leaving behind a tenure that lasted 13 months. (With inputs from PTI)

'We live in time of extreme political churning,' Dipak Misra during farewell speech 

The BJP Monday took a swipe at the Congress for "failing" to field candidates for the upcoming urban local bodies (ULB) elections, saying it is instead "spinning excuses" to hide "inability" to motivate the party cadre.

ULB elections are scheduled to take place in four phases beginning October 8 and the panchayat polls will be held in November-December in nine phases.

"The Congress has failed to field candidates for the ULB elections and instead they are spinning excuses to hide its inability to rejuvenate its cadre and motivate them to join the electoral fray", BJP state spokesperson&nbsp;Brigadier (retired) Anil Gupta told reporters here.

He claimed that the BJP has so far won more than 50 seats uncontested in Kashmir.

While complimenting the party's candidates for displaying utmost respect for democracy and people's sentiments by braving all odds to file their nominations, Gupta castigated Congress for being unable to keep up to its "lofty claims" of being a party that has a base in all three regions of the state.

"The mere fact that the party is unable to field candidates shows that it has been completely decimated at the grassroots level and lacks organisational strength," he said.

The Congress today is an "only leaders party" and has no mass base and cadre strength, Gupta said.

He said the situation is no better in the Jammu region.

"At a number of places the party has failed to field even a single candidate and plans to piggyback on Independent or rebel candidates," Gupta said.

"The reality is that individuals offered party's mandate are declining to accept it as they realise that contesting on Congress party's symbol means a certain defeat", he said.

The BJP leader said that Congress's "desperate attempt to win over the electorate by launching an anti-BJP propaganda has failed miserably because the patriotic people of the region are determined to teach the&nbsp;Congress a lesson for pro-Pakistan utterances of its senior leaders".

Reacting to the statement of chief spokesperson of the Congress that it is part of Congress party's strategy to not to field their own candidates but support Independents in order to defeat the BJP candidates, Gupta said it is "nothing but a desperate attempt to escape from reality".

Challenging the Congress, he said, "It is not a proxy contest. It is a direct fight. If the Congress is sure of its strength it must enter the electoral battle directly and field its own candidates".&nbsp;

The BJP Monday took a swipe at the Congress for "failing" to field candidates for the upcoming urban local bodies (ULB) elections, saying it is instead "spinning excuses" to hide "inability" to motivate the party cadre.

The BJP Monday took a swipe at the Congress for "failing" to field candidates for the upcoming urban local bodies (ULB) elections, saying it is instead "spinning excuses" to hide "inability" to motivate the party cadre. ULB elections are scheduled to take place in four phases beginning October 8 and the panchayat polls will be held in November-December in nine phases. "The Congress has failed to field candidates for the ULB elections and instead they are spinning excuses to hide its inability to rejuvenate its cadre and motivate them to join the electoral fray", BJP state spokesperson Brigadier (retired) Anil Gupta told reporters here. He claimed that the BJP has so far won more than 50 seats uncontested in Kashmir. While complimenting the party's candidates for displaying utmost respect for democracy and people's sentiments by braving all odds to file their nominations, Gupta castigated Congress for being unable to keep up to its "lofty claims" of being a party that has a base in all three regions of the state. "The mere fact that the party is unable to field candidates shows that it has been completely decimated at the grassroots level and lacks organisational strength," he said. The Congress today is an "only leaders party" and has no mass base and cadre strength, Gupta said. He said the situation is no better in the Jammu region. "At a number of places the party has failed to field even a single candidate and plans to piggyback on Independent or rebel candidates," Gupta said. "The reality is that individuals offered party's mandate are declining to accept it as they realise that contesting on Congress party's symbol means a certain defeat", he said. The BJP leader said that Congress's "desperate attempt to win over the electorate by launching an anti-BJP propaganda has failed miserably because the patriotic people of the region are determined to teach the Congress a lesson for pro-Pakistan utterances of its senior leaders". Reacting to the statement of chief spokesperson of the Congress that it is part of Congress party's strategy to not to field their own candidates but support Independents in order to defeat the BJP candidates, Gupta said it is "nothing but a desperate attempt to escape from reality". Challenging the Congress, he said, "It is not a proxy contest. It is a direct fight. If the Congress is sure of its strength it must enter the electoral battle directly and field its own candidates".

BJP attacks Congress over 'failure' to field candidates in local body polls

Union Minister Rajanath Singh on Monday noted that state governments have been directed to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The state governments will also need to submit a report with the Centre on the same after which the government will take appropriate measures with the government of Myanmar to get the issue resolved, Singh further added.&nbsp;

"States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that, they'll send a report to the Centre. Then the Central government will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar and we will get it resolved," the Home Minister stated.&nbsp;

The comments came during Singh's visit to Kolkata to chair the 23rd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council.

The meeting was also attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her Jharkhand counterpart Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi.

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States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that they'll send report to the Centre. Then Central govt will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar&amp;then we will get it resolved: HM Rajnath Singh on Rohingyas <a href="https://t.co/BDIR5jFZIr">pic.twitter.com/BDIR5jFZIr</a>
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Singh's statement comes a day after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of Rohingya refugees in groups to Kerala and hand them over to police if they are found travelling on trains, ANI reported.&nbsp;

More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees.&nbsp;

In June, the Home Ministry wrote a letter to the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation."&nbsp;

Union Minister Rajanath Singh on Monday noted that state governments have been directed to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics, news agency ANI reported.

Union Minister Rajanath Singh on Monday noted that state governments have been directed to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics, news agency ANI reported. The state governments will also need to submit a report with the Centre on the same after which the government will take appropriate measures with the government of Myanmar to get the issue resolved, Singh further added. "States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that, they'll send a report to the Centre. Then the Central government will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar and we will get it resolved," the Home Minister stated. The comments came during Singh's visit to Kolkata to chair the 23rd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council. The meeting was also attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her Jharkhand counterpart Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi. States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that they'll send report to the Centre. Then Central govt will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar&then we will get it resolved: HM Rajnath Singh on Rohingyas pic.twitter.com/BDIR5jFZIr — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × Singh's statement comes a day after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of Rohingya refugees in groups to Kerala and hand them over to police if they are found travelling on trains, ANI reported. More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees. In June, the Home Ministry wrote a letter to the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation."

Rajnath Singh asks state governments to identify Rohingyas, collect biometric data

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra held court, along with his successor Ranjan Gogoi, for the last time Monday, stopping a lawyer who broke into song to wish him a long life to say he was "responding from the heart" but will speak from his mind in the evening.

CJI Misra, who presided over benches that delivered a series of key verdicts like the one on Aadhaar and homosexuality during the last 10 days, appeared to be emotional during the brief court proceedings that lasted about 25 minutes.&nbsp;

The chief justice in his inimitable style stopped a lawyer who started singing at the fag end of the proceedings.&nbsp;

"Tum jiyo hazaron saal..." the lawyer crooned, singing the opening lines of a Hindi film song from the late 1950s usually played on birthdays.&nbsp;

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CJI Misra immediately stopped him and said, "Presently I am responding from my heart. I will respond from my mind in the evening."

Justice Gogoi, who will take over the baton from Justice Misra on October 3, and Justice A M Khanwilkar were sitting on the bench, which said it will hear no urgent mentioning of matters Monday and added that the matter could be heard later on October 3 by the bench headed by the next CJI.

In a strange turn of events, lawyer R P Luthra mentioned two alleged controversial tweets by senior lawyer Indira Jaising and advocate Prashant Bhushan against the outgoing CJI, criticising his recent judgements, including the verdict in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case.

He urged the court to take cognisance of the alleged controversial tweets. But the bench didn't respond after perusing the tweets.

CJI Misra has headed various benches of different combinations, and delivered several verdicts in the recent past.

These include upholding the Centre's flagship scheme Aadhaar with certain riders and decriminalising consensual gay sex and adultery.

The verdicts also include judgements in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and allowing all women entry into the Sabarimala temple.

Justice Misra was appointed additional judge of the Orissa High Court on January 17, 1996, before his transfer to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. He became a permanent judge on December 19, 1997.

He assumed charge of the office of chief justice of Patna High Court on December 23, 2009 and became chief justice of the Delhi High Court on May 24, 2010.&nbsp;

He was elevated as a judge of the apex court on October 10, 2011 and became the Chief Justice on August 28, 2017.

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra held court, along with his successor Ranjan Gogoi, for the last time Monday, stopping a lawyer who broke into song to wish him a long life to say he was "responding from the heart" but will speak from his mind in the evening.

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra held court, along with his successor Ranjan Gogoi, for the last time Monday, stopping a lawyer who broke into song to wish him a long life to say he was "responding from the heart" but will speak from his mind in the evening. CJI Misra, who presided over benches that delivered a series of key verdicts like the one on Aadhaar and homosexuality during the last 10 days, appeared to be emotional during the brief court proceedings that lasted about 25 minutes. The chief justice in his inimitable style stopped a lawyer who started singing at the fag end of the proceedings. "Tum jiyo hazaron saal..." the lawyer crooned, singing the opening lines of a Hindi film song from the late 1950s usually played on birthdays. × CJI Misra immediately stopped him and said, "Presently I am responding from my heart. I will respond from my mind in the evening." Justice Gogoi, who will take over the baton from Justice Misra on October 3, and Justice A M Khanwilkar were sitting on the bench, which said it will hear no urgent mentioning of matters Monday and added that the matter could be heard later on October 3 by the bench headed by the next CJI. In a strange turn of events, lawyer R P Luthra mentioned two alleged controversial tweets by senior lawyer Indira Jaising and advocate Prashant Bhushan against the outgoing CJI, criticising his recent judgements, including the verdict in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case. He urged the court to take cognisance of the alleged controversial tweets. But the bench didn't respond after perusing the tweets. CJI Misra has headed various benches of different combinations, and delivered several verdicts in the recent past. These include upholding the Centre's flagship scheme Aadhaar with certain riders and decriminalising consensual gay sex and adultery. The verdicts also include judgements in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and allowing all women entry into the Sabarimala temple. Justice Misra was appointed additional judge of the Orissa High Court on January 17, 1996, before his transfer to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. He became a permanent judge on December 19, 1997. He assumed charge of the office of chief justice of Patna High Court on December 23, 2009 and became chief justice of the Delhi High Court on May 24, 2010. He was elevated as a judge of the apex court on October 10, 2011 and became the Chief Justice on August 28, 2017.

Emotional CJI Dipak Misra holds court for last time

The family of a tech company executive, shot dead by a policeman in the Gomti Nagar area in Lucknow, met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday and said that they "have faith" in the state government.

"I have said earlier that I have faith in the state government. This faith has been strengthened after meeting the CM. I have lost capacity to take a stand after the unfortunate incident, which should not have happened. It has shaken me. After meeting the CM, I have gained confidence that I will be able to fulfil the responsibilities my husband left on me," said Kalpana Tiwari, the wife of Vivek Tiwari (38).

The executive was shot dead on September 29 when he allegedly refused to stop his car.

"All my demands have been met. I wanted strict action against the guilty, a job, accommodation, expenses for education of my daughters and my mother-in-law. The CM acceded to all my demands," she told reporters.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma reached Tiwari's residence here Monday morning and take along with him Vivek's wife, brother-in-law and two daughters to the 5 Kalidas Marg residence of Adityanath for a meeting.

The chief minister assured family of all the possible help and also met the two daughters and consoled the family promising strict action against the guilty.

"The family is satisfied with the action taken. We will be giving all possible help to the victim's family including a job to Kalpana as per her educational qualifications. A relief amount of Rs 25 lakh, two fixed deposits of Rs 5 lakh each in the name two daughters of the victim and a Rs 5 lakh FD for mother-in-law has been approved by the CM," the deputy chief minister told PTI.

"I was in touch with the family members, who are known to us, and met them Sunday after arriving in Lucknow. The family members had been in BJP too in the past and they did not want politics in the matter," Sharma said.

The family wanted strict action, which has already been taken as the two accused were arrested and dismissed from service, he said.

Two constables -- Prashant Chowdhury and Sandeep Kumar -- have been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Tiwari's colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him at the time of the incident. The two accused have also been dismissed from the service.

His body was Sunday cremated at Bhaisakund in the presence of state minister Brijesh Pathak and local MLA Ashutosh Tondon and others.

The family of a tech company executive, shot dead by a policeman in the Gomti Nagar area in Lucknow, met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday and said that they "have faith" in the state government.

The family of a tech company executive, shot dead by a policeman in the Gomti Nagar area in Lucknow, met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday and said that they "have faith" in the state government. "I have said earlier that I have faith in the state government. This faith has been strengthened after meeting the CM. I have lost capacity to take a stand after the unfortunate incident, which should not have happened. It has shaken me. After meeting the CM, I have gained confidence that I will be able to fulfil the responsibilities my husband left on me," said Kalpana Tiwari, the wife of Vivek Tiwari (38). The executive was shot dead on September 29 when he allegedly refused to stop his car. "All my demands have been met. I wanted strict action against the guilty, a job, accommodation, expenses for education of my daughters and my mother-in-law. The CM acceded to all my demands," she told reporters. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma reached Tiwari's residence here Monday morning and take along with him Vivek's wife, brother-in-law and two daughters to the 5 Kalidas Marg residence of Adityanath for a meeting. The chief minister assured family of all the possible help and also met the two daughters and consoled the family promising strict action against the guilty. "The family is satisfied with the action taken. We will be giving all possible help to the victim's family including a job to Kalpana as per her educational qualifications. A relief amount of Rs 25 lakh, two fixed deposits of Rs 5 lakh each in the name two daughters of the victim and a Rs 5 lakh FD for mother-in-law has been approved by the CM," the deputy chief minister told PTI. "I was in touch with the family members, who are known to us, and met them Sunday after arriving in Lucknow. The family members had been in BJP too in the past and they did not want politics in the matter," Sharma said. The family wanted strict action, which has already been taken as the two accused were arrested and dismissed from service, he said. Two constables -- Prashant Chowdhury and Sandeep Kumar -- have been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Tiwari's colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him at the time of the incident. The two accused have also been dismissed from the service. His body was Sunday cremated at Bhaisakund in the presence of state minister Brijesh Pathak and local MLA Ashutosh Tondon and others.

Family members of tech company executive shot dead by cop meet UP Chief Minister

The Home Secretary of National Human Rights Commission Rajiv Gauba said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was suspended in various parts of the country.

While addressing the International Human Rights Conclave on Monday he said the AFSPA was lifted from many states after the improved security scenario.

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"We have been reviewing Armed Forces Special Powers Act in various parts of the country and in response to the improvement in security scenario, it has been lifted from many states", he said.

He further said, "In our endeavour to protect human rights, we must not lose sight of the stark ground realities of the internal security scenario and the constraints under which the security forces operate and the overall resources, positions of the central and state governments".

We have also taken steps to mainstream and sensitise human rights in officers' training courses. I think we need to be equally vigilant to protect legal rights of the security personnel.They need reassurance that their life and rights are also equally precious".

The Home Secretary of National Human Rights Commission Rajiv Gauba said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was suspended in various parts of the country.

The Home Secretary of National Human Rights Commission Rajiv Gauba said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was suspended in various parts of the country. While addressing the International Human Rights Conclave on Monday he said the AFSPA was lifted from many states after the improved security scenario. We have been reviewing Armed Forces Special Powers Act in various parts of the country&in response to the improvement in security scenario, it has been lifted from many states: Rajiv Gauba, Home Secretary at NHRC, International Human Rights Conclave pic.twitter.com/PjkOoFJA0n — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × "We have been reviewing Armed Forces Special Powers Act in various parts of the country and in response to the improvement in security scenario, it has been lifted from many states", he said. He further said, "In our endeavour to protect human rights, we must not lose sight of the stark ground realities of the internal security scenario and the constraints under which the security forces operate and the overall resources, positions of the central and state governments". We have also taken steps to mainstream and sensitise human rights in officers' training courses. I think we need to be equally vigilant to protect legal rights of the security personnel.They need reassurance that their life and rights are also equally precious".

Armed Forces Special Powers Act suspended from various states: Home Secretary of NHRC

A Delhi court today granted seven weeks to the CBI to obtain sanction to prosecute former Union minister P Chidambaram and other serving or former public servants in the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

The court pulled up the agency for filing the charge sheet without proper sanction and told the CBI that if required documents are not filed by November 26, the next day of hearing, the court may take appropriate action. “You (CBI) should not have filed the charge sheet. It is only increasing the pendency of the court.

A lot of time of the court has been wasted due to this,” Special Judge O P Saini said. The agency had on July 19 filed a charge sheet against the Congress leader, his son Karti, ten individuals including public servants and six companies as accused in the case. The judge allowed the CBI’s request for grant of some time after senior advocate Sonia Mathur, representing the agency, informed the judge that sanctions are awaited.

“If the sanction is not received, appropriate actions will be taken,” the court said. “Granting of sanction is under active consideration of the government,” Mathur said. Chidambaram’s name is among the persons against whom sanction for prosecution from authorities concerned was awaited. The court also adjourned a money laundering case, which is an off-shoot of the Aircel-Maxis deal case, against Karti and others, after Mathur and advocates N K Matta and Nitesh Rana requested an adjournment on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED had on July 13 filed a charge sheet against Karti and others for the alleged offence of money laundering.

However, the former Union minister was not arrayed as an accused in the case. In the case filed by CBI, Mathur told the court that the agency was expecting sanctions for prosecution from authorities concerned in about four weeks. The counsel told the court that there were serving public servants and some retired ones against whom the sanctions would be needed before proceeding with their prosecution in the case. The CBI had filed the charge sheet for the alleged offences of criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), public servant taking illegal gratification, punishment for abetting this offence and public servant committing criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act. If convicted, the offences entail a maximum punishment of seven years.

The agency has alleged that when foreign investment in Aircel by Malaysian telecom major Maxis was cleared by the finance ministry in March 13, 2006, a payment of Rs 26 lakh was made by Aircel to Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting, officials said. It is alleged that Advantage Strategic Consulting was indirectly controlled by Karti and had raised an invoice on March 29, 2006 against which Aircel made a payment on April 1, 2006. The CBI has alleged that Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, a company in which Karti is promoter and director, also received Rs 87 lakh in several installments from an associate company of Maxis, they said.

While the payment of Rs 26 lakh to Advantage Strategic Consulting was shown as fee for market research, Rs 87 lakh to Chess Management was shown as fee for a software, the CBI had alleged in the charge sheet. During investigation, the agency had asked Chess Management officials and Karti to produce the software which was allegedly provided to Maxis for a fee but they could not produce any such software, they said alleging that it was a bribe for the clearance of foreign investment proposal which was laced with several irregularities. The agency said this is a fresh charge sheet in the matter even as it stems from the FIR related to Aircel-Maxis deal registered in 2012 in which the then telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others have been charged and later discharged by a trial court. The CBI has filed an appeal against the court order.

The officials said this is a completely separate aspect of the case related to clearance of now defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), under Finance Ministry, to the foreign investment clearance of Maxis in Aircel. Among others listed in the charge sheet are the then secretary (economic affairs) Ashok Jha, the then additional secretary Ashok Chawla, the then joint secretary in finance ministry Kumar Sanjay Krishna, and the then director in the ministry Dipak Kumar Singh. The agency has also named in the charge sheet former CEO of Aircel V Srinivasan, nephew of Chidambaram A Palaniappan who was also the promoter of Chess Management Services, Malaysian nationals Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, Augustus Ralph Marshall, both linked with Maxis, one S Bhaskaraman, and the then under secretary in the ministry Ram Sharan.

The six companies listed as accused are Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd and Malaysian companies Astro All Asia Networks, Maxis Mobile, Bumi Armada Berhad and Bumi Armada Navigation. The agency has charged all the accused with criminal conspiracy, bribery and abuse of official position. It is alleged that FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was empowered to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

A Delhi court today granted seven weeks to the CBI to obtain sanction to prosecute former Union minister P Chidambaram and other serving or former public servants in the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

A Delhi court today granted seven weeks to the CBI to obtain sanction to prosecute former Union minister P Chidambaram and other serving or former public servants in the Aircel-Maxis deal case. The court pulled up the agency for filing the charge sheet without proper sanction and told the CBI that if required documents are not filed by November 26, the next day of hearing, the court may take appropriate action. “You (CBI) should not have filed the charge sheet. It is only increasing the pendency of the court. A lot of time of the court has been wasted due to this,” Special Judge O P Saini said. The agency had on July 19 filed a charge sheet against the Congress leader, his son Karti, ten individuals including public servants and six companies as accused in the case. The judge allowed the CBI’s request for grant of some time after senior advocate Sonia Mathur, representing the agency, informed the judge that sanctions are awaited. “If the sanction is not received, appropriate actions will be taken,” the court said. “Granting of sanction is under active consideration of the government,” Mathur said. Chidambaram’s name is among the persons against whom sanction for prosecution from authorities concerned was awaited. The court also adjourned a money laundering case, which is an off-shoot of the Aircel-Maxis deal case, against Karti and others, after Mathur and advocates N K Matta and Nitesh Rana requested an adjournment on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED had on July 13 filed a charge sheet against Karti and others for the alleged offence of money laundering. However, the former Union minister was not arrayed as an accused in the case. In the case filed by CBI, Mathur told the court that the agency was expecting sanctions for prosecution from authorities concerned in about four weeks. The counsel told the court that there were serving public servants and some retired ones against whom the sanctions would be needed before proceeding with their prosecution in the case. The CBI had filed the charge sheet for the alleged offences of criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), public servant taking illegal gratification, punishment for abetting this offence and public servant committing criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act. If convicted, the offences entail a maximum punishment of seven years. The agency has alleged that when foreign investment in Aircel by Malaysian telecom major Maxis was cleared by the finance ministry in March 13, 2006, a payment of Rs 26 lakh was made by Aircel to Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting, officials said. It is alleged that Advantage Strategic Consulting was indirectly controlled by Karti and had raised an invoice on March 29, 2006 against which Aircel made a payment on April 1, 2006. The CBI has alleged that Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, a company in which Karti is promoter and director, also received Rs 87 lakh in several installments from an associate company of Maxis, they said. While the payment of Rs 26 lakh to Advantage Strategic Consulting was shown as fee for market research, Rs 87 lakh to Chess Management was shown as fee for a software, the CBI had alleged in the charge sheet. During investigation, the agency had asked Chess Management officials and Karti to produce the software which was allegedly provided to Maxis for a fee but they could not produce any such software, they said alleging that it was a bribe for the clearance of foreign investment proposal which was laced with several irregularities. The agency said this is a fresh charge sheet in the matter even as it stems from the FIR related to Aircel-Maxis deal registered in 2012 in which the then telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others have been charged and later discharged by a trial court. The CBI has filed an appeal against the court order. The officials said this is a completely separate aspect of the case related to clearance of now defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), under Finance Ministry, to the foreign investment clearance of Maxis in Aircel. Among others listed in the charge sheet are the then secretary (economic affairs) Ashok Jha, the then additional secretary Ashok Chawla, the then joint secretary in finance ministry Kumar Sanjay Krishna, and the then director in the ministry Dipak Kumar Singh. The agency has also named in the charge sheet former CEO of Aircel V Srinivasan, nephew of Chidambaram A Palaniappan who was also the promoter of Chess Management Services, Malaysian nationals Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, Augustus Ralph Marshall, both linked with Maxis, one S Bhaskaraman, and the then under secretary in the ministry Ram Sharan. The six companies listed as accused are Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd and Malaysian companies Astro All Asia Networks, Maxis Mobile, Bumi Armada Berhad and Bumi Armada Navigation. The agency has charged all the accused with criminal conspiracy, bribery and abuse of official position. It is alleged that FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was empowered to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Aircel-Maxis case: Court grants time to CBI for obtaining sanction to prosecute P Chidambaram

An Indian Navy Chetak helicopter crashed on Monday which was on a training sortie crash landed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;

According to police and naval officials, three persons who were on board were safe and no casualty has been reported as of now.

The Chetak CH422 crashed while carrying out dry winching dual sortie. The chopper has suffered damage to main and tail rotors according to the reports.

(With inputs from ANI)

An Indian Navy Chetak helicopter crashed on Monday which was on a training sortie crash landed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, Navy said in a statement. According to police and naval officials, three persons who were on board were safe and no casualty has been reported as of now.

An Indian Navy Chetak helicopter crashed on Monday which was on a training sortie crash landed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, Navy said in a statement. According to police and naval officials, three persons who were on board were safe and no casualty has been reported as of now. The Chetak CH422 crashed while carrying out dry winching dual sortie. The chopper has suffered damage to main and tail rotors according to the reports. (With inputs from ANI)

Indian Navy's helicopter Chetak CH442 crashes at Rajali base in Tamil Nadu, crew safe

A Delhi court today granted seven weeks to the CBI to obtain sanction to prosecute former Union minister P Chidambaram and other serving or former public servants in the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

The court pulled up the agency for filing the charge sheet without proper sanction and told the CBI that if required documents are not filed by November 26, the next day of hearing, the court may take appropriate action.

"You (CBI) should not have filed the charge sheet. It is only increasing the pendency of the court. A lot of time of the court has been wasted due to this," Special Judge O P Saini said.

The agency had on July 19 filed a charge sheet against the Congress leader, his son Karti, ten individuals including public servants and six companies as accused in the case.

The judge allowed the CBI's request for grant of some time after senior advocate Sonia Mathur, representing the agency, informed the judge that sanctions are awaited.

"If the sanction is not received, appropriate actions will be taken," the court said.

"Granting of sanction is under active consideration of the government," Mathur said.

Chidambaram's name is among the persons against whom sanction for prosecution from authorities concerned was awaited.

The court also adjourned a money laundering case, which is an off-shoot of the Aircel-Maxis deal case, against Karti and others, after Mathur and advocates N K Matta and Nitesh Rana requested an adjournment on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The ED had on July 13 filed a charge sheet against Karti and others for the alleged offence of money laundering.

However, the former Union minister was not arrayed as an accused in the case.

In the case filed by CBI, Mathur told the court that the agency was expecting sanctions for prosecution from authorities concerned in about four weeks.

The counsel told the court that there were serving public servants and some retired ones against whom the sanctions would be needed before proceeding with their prosecution in the case.

The CBI had filed the charge sheet for the alleged offences of criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), public servant taking illegal gratification, punishment for abetting this offence and public servant committing criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

If convicted, the offences entail a maximum punishment of seven years.

The agency has alleged that when foreign investment in Aircel by Malaysian telecom major Maxis was cleared by the finance ministry in March 13, 2006, a payment of Rs 26 lakh was made by Aircel to Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting, officials said.

It is alleged that Advantage Strategic Consulting was indirectly controlled by Karti and had raised an invoice on March 29, 2006 against which Aircel made a payment on April 1, 2006.

The CBI has alleged that Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, a company in which Karti is promoter and director, also received Rs 87 lakh in several installments from an associate company of Maxis, they said.

While the payment of Rs 26 lakh to Advantage Strategic Consulting was shown as fee for market research, Rs 87 lakh to Chess Management was shown as fee for a software, the CBI had alleged in the charge sheet.

During investigation, the agency had asked Chess Management officials and Karti to produce the software which was allegedly provided to Maxis for a fee but they could not produce any such software, they said alleging that it was a bribe for the clearance of foreign investment proposal which was laced with several irregularities.

The agency said this is a fresh charge sheet in the matter even as it stems from the FIR related to Aircel-Maxis deal registered in 2012 in which the then telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others have been charged and later discharged by a trial court. The CBI has filed an appeal against the court order.

The officials said this is a completely separate aspect of the case related to clearance of now defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), under Finance Ministry, to the foreign investment clearance of Maxis in Aircel.

Among others listed in the charge sheet are the then secretary (economic affairs) Ashok Jha, the then additional secretary Ashok Chawla, the then joint secretary in finance ministry Kumar Sanjay Krishna, and the then director in the ministry Dipak Kumar Singh.

The agency has also named in the charge sheet former CEO of Aircel V Srinivasan, nephew of Chidambaram A Palaniappan who was also the promoter of Chess Management Services, Malaysian nationals Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, Augustus Ralph Marshall, both linked with Maxis, one S Bhaskaraman, and the then under secretary in the ministry Ram Sharan.

The six companies listed as accused are Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd and Malaysian companies Astro All Asia Networks, Maxis Mobile, Bumi Armada Berhad and Bumi Armada Navigation.

The agency has charged all the accused with criminal conspiracy, bribery and abuse of official position.

It is alleged that FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was empowered to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).&nbsp;

A Delhi court today granted seven weeks to the CBI to obtain sanction to prosecute former Union minister P Chidambaram and other serving or former public servants in the Aircel-Maxis deal case. The court pulled up the agency for filing the charge sheet without proper sanction and told the CBI that if required documents are not filed by November 26, the next day of hearing, the court may take appropriate action. "You (CBI) should not have filed the charge sheet. It is only increasing the pendency of the court. A lot of time of the court has been wasted due to this," Special Judge O P Saini said. The agency had on July 19 filed a charge sheet against the Congress leader, his son Karti, ten individuals including public servants and six companies as accused in the case. The judge allowed the CBI's request for grant of some time after senior advocate Sonia Mathur, representing the agency, informed the judge that sanctions are awaited. "If the sanction is not received, appropriate actions will be taken," the court said. "Granting of sanction is under active consideration of the government," Mathur said. Chidambaram's name is among the persons against whom sanction for prosecution from authorities concerned was awaited. The court also adjourned a money laundering case, which is an off-shoot of the Aircel-Maxis deal case, against Karti and others, after Mathur and advocates N K Matta and Nitesh Rana requested an adjournment on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED had on July 13 filed a charge sheet against Karti and others for the alleged offence of money laundering. However, the former Union minister was not arrayed as an accused in the case. In the case filed by CBI, Mathur told the court that the agency was expecting sanctions for prosecution from authorities concerned in about four weeks. The counsel told the court that there were serving public servants and some retired ones against whom the sanctions would be needed before proceeding with their prosecution in the case. The CBI had filed the charge sheet for the alleged offences of criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), public servant taking illegal gratification, punishment for abetting this offence and public servant committing criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act. If convicted, the offences entail a maximum punishment of seven years. The agency has alleged that when foreign investment in Aircel by Malaysian telecom major Maxis was cleared by the finance ministry in March 13, 2006, a payment of Rs 26 lakh was made by Aircel to Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting, officials said. It is alleged that Advantage Strategic Consulting was indirectly controlled by Karti and had raised an invoice on March 29, 2006 against which Aircel made a payment on April 1, 2006. The CBI has alleged that Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, a company in which Karti is promoter and director, also received Rs 87 lakh in several installments from an associate company of Maxis, they said. While the payment of Rs 26 lakh to Advantage Strategic Consulting was shown as fee for market research, Rs 87 lakh to Chess Management was shown as fee for a software, the CBI had alleged in the charge sheet. During investigation, the agency had asked Chess Management officials and Karti to produce the software which was allegedly provided to Maxis for a fee but they could not produce any such software, they said alleging that it was a bribe for the clearance of foreign investment proposal which was laced with several irregularities. The agency said this is a fresh charge sheet in the matter even as it stems from the FIR related to Aircel-Maxis deal registered in 2012 in which the then telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others have been charged and later discharged by a trial court. The CBI has filed an appeal against the court order. The officials said this is a completely separate aspect of the case related to clearance of now defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), under Finance Ministry, to the foreign investment clearance of Maxis in Aircel. Among others listed in the charge sheet are the then secretary (economic affairs) Ashok Jha, the then additional secretary Ashok Chawla, the then joint secretary in finance ministry Kumar Sanjay Krishna, and the then director in the ministry Dipak Kumar Singh. The agency has also named in the charge sheet former CEO of Aircel V Srinivasan, nephew of Chidambaram A Palaniappan who was also the promoter of Chess Management Services, Malaysian nationals Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, Augustus Ralph Marshall, both linked with Maxis, one S Bhaskaraman, and the then under secretary in the ministry Ram Sharan. The six companies listed as accused are Chess Management Services Holding Ltd, Chennai-based Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd and Malaysian companies Astro All Asia Networks, Maxis Mobile, Bumi Armada Berhad and Bumi Armada Navigation. The agency has charged all the accused with criminal conspiracy, bribery and abuse of official position. It is alleged that FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was empowered to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Court grants time to CBI for obtaining sanction to prosecute Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case

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