In a major relief for New Delhi, the Supreme Court has eased GRAP-IV (Stage IV) restrictions due to improved air quality. The Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce these measures to GRAP-II (Stage II) but restrained any further relaxation.

In a major relief for New Delhi, the Supreme Court has eased GRAP-IV (Stage IV) restrictions due to improved air quality. The Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce these measures to GRAP-II (Stage II) but restrained any further relaxation. This development is part of ongoing efforts to control severe pollution levels in Delhi, aggravated by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and construction activities. The Court directed the CAQM to consider the adoption of certain precautionary measures as in GRAP-III to be initiated when the Air Quality Index reached 350. When it was 400, the Court made it clear that all severe measures as in GRAP-IV would need to be reimposed. Delhi has improved significantly from 'very poor' to 'moderate' on its AQI. The AQI was recorded Thursday morning at 161. According to the AQI scale, air quality is qualified as: 'moderate' (101-200), 'poor' (201-300), and 'very poor' (301-400). "Considering the data before us, we do not think it will be appropriate at this stage to allow the Commission to go below Stage 2. So we permit the Commission to go to Stage 2 for the present," said Justice Abhay S. Oka, who was part of the bench that heard the case. Although certain areas recorded poor AQI like RK Puram, Mundka, and Shadipur while central areas like ITO and Anand Vihar had better readings. The Supreme Court had previously highlighted that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court has assigned the CAQM with the task of monitoring the vanishing air and taking necessary action. The CAQM commission continues to closely watch the situation.

Supreme Court lifts GRAP-IV restrictions as Delhi’s AQI drops to 'Moderate'

As Delhi continues to grapple&nbsp;with water shortage, the Himachal Pradesh government did a U-turn on&nbsp;Thursday (June 13) and told India's Supreme Court that it does not have surplus water for Delhi. This comes a day after the state government&nbsp;stated&nbsp;it had released some for the national capital that had to pass through Haryana.

The top court had directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release 136 cusecs of water to the national capital and Haryana to streamline its flow.

Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had said that the hill state had released the water and there were "no ifs and buts" about it.

"We have released water. We have asked advocates to inform the Supreme Court about this. The water we have released, we are ready to give that water. There are no ifs and buts," Sukhu said.

However, the Himachal Pradesh government withdrew&nbsp;its statement in the court Thursday and said&nbsp;it does not have surplus water to give to Delhi.

A vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale at the Supreme Court asked the Delhi government to submit an application to the UYRB seeking the supply of water to the national capital on humanitarian grounds.

It further said that sharing the water of the Yamuna River was a complex and sensitive matter and that the court did not have the required technical expertise to announce a decision even on an interim basis.

"The issue should be left to be considered by the body constituted with the agreement of parties in the memorandum of understanding dated 1994," the bench said.

"Since the UYRB has already directed Delhi to submit an application for the supply of water on humanitarian grounds... such an application be made, if not already made, by today by 5 pm, and the board shall convene a meeting tomorrow and take a decision in the matter at the earliest," it added.

The Supreme Court was hearing the Delhi government's plea seeking direction to the Haryana government to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh as the national capital is reeling under severe water crisis amid scorching heatwave.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Delhi continues to grapple with water shortage, the Himachal Pradesh government did a U-turn on Thursday (June 13) and told India's Supreme Court that it does not have surplus water for Delhi.

As Delhi continues to grapple with water shortage, the Himachal Pradesh government did a U-turn on Thursday (June 13) and told India's Supreme Court that it does not have surplus water for Delhi. This comes a day after the state government stated it had released some for the national capital that had to pass through Haryana. The top court had directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release 136 cusecs of water to the national capital and Haryana to streamline its flow. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had said that the hill state had released the water and there were "no ifs and buts" about it. "We have released water. We have asked advocates to inform the Supreme Court about this. The water we have released, we are ready to give that water. There are no ifs and buts," Sukhu said. However, the Himachal Pradesh government withdrew its statement in the court Thursday and said it does not have surplus water to give to Delhi. A vacation bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale at the Supreme Court asked the Delhi government to submit an application to the UYRB seeking the supply of water to the national capital on humanitarian grounds. It further said that sharing the water of the Yamuna River was a complex and sensitive matter and that the court did not have the required technical expertise to announce a decision even on an interim basis. "The issue should be left to be considered by the body constituted with the agreement of parties in the memorandum of understanding dated 1994," the bench said. "Since the UYRB has already directed Delhi to submit an application for the supply of water on humanitarian grounds... such an application be made, if not already made, by today by 5 pm, and the board shall convene a meeting tomorrow and take a decision in the matter at the earliest," it added. The Supreme Court was hearing the Delhi government's plea seeking direction to the Haryana government to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh as the national capital is reeling under severe water crisis amid scorching heatwave. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi water crisis: Himachal Pradesh takes U-turn, tells SC it doesn't have surplus water for national capital

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 12) condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failing to stop the operation of tanker mafia amid the water crisis in the national capital.

Noting that false statements had been made before it, the apex court asked the Delhi government to file an affidavit listing measures they had taken to prevent wastage of water.

A vacation bench, comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale, told the Delhi government if it can't deal with the tanker mafia, the court will direct the Delhi police to take action.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-water-crisis-atishi-blasts-haryana-government-as-blame-game-continues-729981" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-water-crisis-atishi-blasts-haryana-government-as-blame-game-continues-729981&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPlpm139WGAxWyRmwGHaUTDQAQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Dp51fxZmHXJqZwEystxR6&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-water-crisis-atishi-blasts-haryana-government-as-blame-game-continues-729981&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPlpm139WGAxWyRmwGHaUTDQAQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Dp51fxZmHXJqZwEystxR6&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" target="_blank">Delhi&nbsp;water crisis: Atishi blasts Haryana government&nbsp;</a>

“Why were forged statements made before this court? Water is coming from Himachal Pradesh then where is the water going in Delhi? There is so much spillage, tanker mafias etc.. What measures have you taken in this regard?” the bench asked the Delhi government.

The court further said the people of the national capital were suffering due to the water crisis.

"People are suffering; we are seeing visuals on every news channel. What measures have you taken to control water wastage if water scarcity is a recurring problem in summers,” the bench added.

Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the Delhi government, said the government had taken action, including disconnection of water supplies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-water-crisis-city-turns-to-ai-to-manage-groundwater-levels-714263" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-water-crisis-city-turns-to-ai-to-manage-groundwater-levels-714263&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPlpm139WGAxWyRmwGHaUTDQAQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2dSZuX2nTfj8JV7SaCsT4P&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-water-crisis-city-turns-to-ai-to-manage-groundwater-levels-714263" target="_blank">Bengaluru&nbsp;water crisis: City turns to AI for managing groundwater</a>

It may be noted here that&nbsp;Delhi water minister Atishi on Tuesday (June 11) claimed the BJP-led Haryana government had been intentionally and unlawfully halting the national capital's water supply.

Citing an affidavit submitted by the Haryana government in the Supreme Court, the minister said, “The Haryana government has been dishonest that they have released sufficient supply water to Delhi. Their affidavit filed in the Supreme Court presents the data on actual discharge of water which has exposed their lie.”

The minister claimed the Haryana government had reduced water supply to Delhi from May 23.

Atishi alleged that according to the affidavit provided by the Haryana government in the Supreme Court, from May 1 to 22, Haryana was releasing 719 cusecs of water in CLC and 330 cusecs of water in DSB via the Munak canal, totaling 1049 cusecs daily.&nbsp;

"However, starting from May 23, this amount began to decrease. This suggests that during the Delhi elections, Haryana reduced its water supply," claimed Atishi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-water-crisis-aaps-atishi-accuses-bjp-of-stopping-yamuna-flow-hatching-water-conspiracy-724363" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-water-crisis-aaps-atishi-accuses-bjp-of-stopping-yamuna-flow-hatching-water-conspiracy-724363&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPlpm139WGAxWyRmwGHaUTDQAQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0iJky9hOviLF6mTBHGIioq&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-water-crisis-aaps-atishi-accuses-bjp-of-stopping-yamuna-flow-hatching-water-conspiracy-724363" target="_blank">Delhi&nbsp;water crisis: AAP's Atishi accuses BJP of stopping water supply&nbsp;</a>

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said on Tuesday that Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini had told him the state was releasing water per allocated share. The court had also directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release surplus water to help Delhi tide over the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 12) condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failing to stop the operation of tanker mafia amid the water crisis in the national capital.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 12) condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failing to stop the operation of tanker mafia amid the water crisis in the national capital. Noting that false statements had been made before it, the apex court asked the Delhi government to file an affidavit listing measures they had taken to prevent wastage of water. A vacation bench, comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varale, told the Delhi government if it can't deal with the tanker mafia, the court will direct the Delhi police to take action. Also read: Delhi water crisis: Atishi blasts Haryana government “Why were forged statements made before this court? Water is coming from Himachal Pradesh then where is the water going in Delhi? There is so much spillage, tanker mafias etc.. What measures have you taken in this regard?” the bench asked the Delhi government. The court further said the people of the national capital were suffering due to the water crisis. "People are suffering; we are seeing visuals on every news channel. What measures have you taken to control water wastage if water scarcity is a recurring problem in summers,” the bench added. Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the Delhi government, said the government had taken action, including disconnection of water supplies. Also read: Bengaluru water crisis: City turns to AI for managing groundwater It may be noted here that Delhi water minister Atishi on Tuesday (June 11) claimed the BJP-led Haryana government had been intentionally and unlawfully halting the national capital's water supply. Citing an affidavit submitted by the Haryana government in the Supreme Court, the minister said, “The Haryana government has been dishonest that they have released sufficient supply water to Delhi. Their affidavit filed in the Supreme Court presents the data on actual discharge of water which has exposed their lie.” The minister claimed the Haryana government had reduced water supply to Delhi from May 23. Atishi alleged that according to the affidavit provided by the Haryana government in the Supreme Court, from May 1 to 22, Haryana was releasing 719 cusecs of water in CLC and 330 cusecs of water in DSB via the Munak canal, totaling 1049 cusecs daily. "However, starting from May 23, this amount began to decrease. This suggests that during the Delhi elections, Haryana reduced its water supply," claimed Atishi. Also read: Delhi water crisis: AAP's Atishi accuses BJP of stopping water supply Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said on Tuesday that Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini had told him the state was releasing water per allocated share. The court had also directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release surplus water to help Delhi tide over the crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi water crisis: India Supreme Court pulls up AAP govt for inaction on tanker mafia

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday (Mar 28) extended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Enforcement Directorate custody by four more days, i.e. till April 1 in the excise policy case.

The central probe agency had sought a seven-day extension of the Delhi chief minister's custodial remand at the court stating that they would&nbsp;be requiring&nbsp;further&nbsp;interrogation of Kejriwal in order to confront him with a set of other people.

However, the court stated that the AAP chief have&nbsp;to be produced before it on Monday (Apr 1) at 11 am.

He was produced in the court before special Judge Kaveri Baweja who extended the ED remand period until April 1, 2024.

The investigation agency in its renewed remand plea stated that Kejriwal's statements were recorded on five days during his custodial interrogation and he was "giving evasive replies".

It said that during the remand, the statements of the other three persons were also recorded.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-claims-ed-trying-to-crush-aap-top-quotes-from-court-hearing-705163">Arvind Kejriwal claims ED trying to crush AAP, top quotes from court hearing</a>

<h2>'I was arrested, but no court has proven me guilty yet,' says Kejriwal</h2>

The Delhi chief minister addressed the court during the hearing and said, "CBI lodged an FIR on August 17, 2022, ED lodged ECIR on August 22, 2022."

"I was arrested, but no court has proven me guilty yet. CBI filed 31,000 pages and ED has filed 25,000 pages related to this matter. Even if you read them together, I would like to ask why have I been arrested? My name came to light only in four statements of four people," Kejriwal added.

"Are these four statements made by different people sufficient to arrest a sitting Chief Minister?" he asked referring to the statements of C Arvind, Raghav Magunta and his father&nbsp;Sharath Reddy.

He then alleged that people were being forced to turn&nbsp;approvers in the case and&nbsp;change their statements further claiming that there was a political conspiracy behind his arrest.

"You may keep me in remand as long as you like...I am ready for investigation," the Delhi Chief Minister said.

He also alleged that the ED's agenda was to crush his party.

"It's being alleged that 100 crore was in Liquor scam...Justice Sanjiv Khanna said that the money trail is not yet traced," Kejriwal said.

"The real liquor scam begins post the ED investigation. The motive of the ED is to crush the Aam Aadmi Party," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday (Mar 28) extended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Enforcement Directorate custody by four more days, i.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday (Mar 28) extended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Enforcement Directorate custody by four more days, i.e. till April 1 in the excise policy case. The central probe agency had sought a seven-day extension of the Delhi chief minister's custodial remand at the court stating that they would be requiring further interrogation of Kejriwal in order to confront him with a set of other people. However, the court stated that the AAP chief have to be produced before it on Monday (Apr 1) at 11 am. He was produced in the court before special Judge Kaveri Baweja who extended the ED remand period until April 1, 2024. The investigation agency in its renewed remand plea stated that Kejriwal's statements were recorded on five days during his custodial interrogation and he was "giving evasive replies". It said that during the remand, the statements of the other three persons were also recorded. Also read: Arvind Kejriwal claims ED trying to crush AAP, top quotes from court hearing 'I was arrested, but no court has proven me guilty yet,' says Kejriwal The Delhi chief minister addressed the court during the hearing and said, "CBI lodged an FIR on August 17, 2022, ED lodged ECIR on August 22, 2022." "I was arrested, but no court has proven me guilty yet. CBI filed 31,000 pages and ED has filed 25,000 pages related to this matter. Even if you read them together, I would like to ask why have I been arrested? My name came to light only in four statements of four people," Kejriwal added. "Are these four statements made by different people sufficient to arrest a sitting Chief Minister?" he asked referring to the statements of C Arvind, Raghav Magunta and his father Sharath Reddy. He then alleged that people were being forced to turn approvers in the case and change their statements further claiming that there was a political conspiracy behind his arrest. "You may keep me in remand as long as you like...I am ready for investigation," the Delhi Chief Minister said. He also alleged that the ED's agenda was to crush his party. "It's being alleged that 100 crore was in Liquor scam...Justice Sanjiv Khanna said that the money trail is not yet traced," Kejriwal said. "The real liquor scam begins post the ED investigation. The motive of the ED is to crush the Aam Aadmi Party," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi court extends Arvind Kejriwal's ED custody till April 1

While denying bail to one of the accused in the 2020 Delhi riots that claimed 53 lives and left more than 400 injured, the Delhi high court said the communal riots was “pre-planned and premeditated” intend to disturb law and order in the city.

Justice Subramonium Prasad made these remarks on Monday while denying the bail request of an accused, Mohammad Ibrahim, who was arrested in December in connection with the alleged murder of Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal.&nbsp;

The court, while observing the video footage submitted by the prosecution, said the riots were meticulously planned to disrupt the normal life.

“The riots which shook the National Capital of the country in February 2020 evidently did not take place in a spur of the moment, and the conduct of the protestors who are present in the video footage which has been placed on&nbsp;record by the prosecution visibly portrays that it was a calculated attempt to dislocate the functioning of the government as well as to disrupt the normal 
life of the people in the city," the Court said

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-riots-2020-the-untold-story-why-banning-a-book-cannot-be-justified-322859">&nbsp;'Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story' — Why banning a book cannot be justified</a>

.“This is also evident from the fact that innumerable rioters ruthlessly descended with sticks, dandas (batons), bats etc. upon a hopelessly outnumbered cohort of police officials,” the order stated.

Noting that the accused was identified on multiple CCTV footages, carrying a sword, and instigating the crowd, the court said that individual liberty cannot be misused in a manner that threatens the very fabric of civilised society by attempting to destabilise it and cause hurt to other persons.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-delhi-burnt-under-centres-watch-283153">Why Delhi burnt under Centre's watch?</a>

Even though the petitioner cannot be seen at the scene of crime, he was a part of the mob for the sole reason that the petitioner had consciously travelled 1.6 km away from his neighbourhood with a sword which could only be used to incite violence and inflict damage, the court said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/delhi-riots-clashes-over-caa-rock-the-national-capital-282859#section-144-imposed-282850">Delhi Riots: Clashes over CAA rock the national capital</a>

The petitioner, Ibrahim, was arrested in December 2020 and has been in judicial custody since then. He sought bail on the ground that he never participated in any protest or the riots at any point in time and the place on a record by the prosecution did not place him anywhere close to the scene of the crime.

The case pertains to a mob attack on police officers at Chand Bagh in northeast Delhi at the peak of the riots revolving around protests over a new citizenship law.

Ratan Lal, who was a part of the grossly outnumbered contingent of policemen, died of head injuries and another official was severely injured.

(With inputs from agencies)

While denying bail to one of the accused in the 2020 Delhi riots that claimed 53 lives and left more than 400 injured, the Delhi high court said the communal riots was “pre-planned and premeditated” intend to disturb law and order in the city.

While denying bail to one of the accused in the 2020 Delhi riots that claimed 53 lives and left more than 400 injured, the Delhi high court said the communal riots was “pre-planned and premeditated” intend to disturb law and order in the city. Justice Subramonium Prasad made these remarks on Monday while denying the bail request of an accused, Mohammad Ibrahim, who was arrested in December in connection with the alleged murder of Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal. The court, while observing the video footage submitted by the prosecution, said the riots were meticulously planned to disrupt the normal life. “The riots which shook the National Capital of the country in February 2020 evidently did not take place in a spur of the moment, and the conduct of the protestors who are present in the video footage which has been placed on record by the prosecution visibly portrays that it was a calculated attempt to dislocate the functioning of the government as well as to disrupt the normal life of the people in the city," the Court said Also read | 'Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story' — Why banning a book cannot be justified .“This is also evident from the fact that innumerable rioters ruthlessly descended with sticks, dandas (batons), bats etc. upon a hopelessly outnumbered cohort of police officials,” the order stated. Noting that the accused was identified on multiple CCTV footages, carrying a sword, and instigating the crowd, the court said that individual liberty cannot be misused in a manner that threatens the very fabric of civilised society by attempting to destabilise it and cause hurt to other persons. Also read | Why Delhi burnt under Centre's watch? Even though the petitioner cannot be seen at the scene of crime, he was a part of the mob for the sole reason that the petitioner had consciously travelled 1.6 km away from his neighbourhood with a sword which could only be used to incite violence and inflict damage, the court said. Also see | Delhi Riots: Clashes over CAA rock the national capital The petitioner, Ibrahim, was arrested in December 2020 and has been in judicial custody since then. He sought bail on the ground that he never participated in any protest or the riots at any point in time and the place on a record by the prosecution did not place him anywhere close to the scene of the crime. The case pertains to a mob attack on police officers at Chand Bagh in northeast Delhi at the peak of the riots revolving around protests over a new citizenship law. Ratan Lal, who was a part of the grossly outnumbered contingent of policemen, died of head injuries and another official was severely injured. (With inputs from agencies)

2020 Delhi riots pre-planned & premeditated, didn't take place in spur of the moment, says court

The "deadly and highly infectious" nature of the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> and "unpreparedness" of the national capital's health infrastructure forced citizens to visit hospitals in neighbouring states, the Delhi High Court said and rejected the Delhi government's argument that such patients should seek medical relief from the state where they are getting treatment.

"This submission of respondent 1 (Delhi government) has been noted only to be rejected.... It is a matter of public knowledge that the deadly, highly infectious nature of the second wave of COVID-19 and the unpreparedness of the health infrastructure in the city had compelled many desperate citizens of the NCT of Delhi, like the petitioner's father, to seek admission/medical attention at hospitals in the neighbouring states," Justice Rekha Palli said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-ruffles-diplomatic-feathers-with-a-tweet-on-covid-19-singapore-variant-385961">India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal ruffles diplomatic feathers with a tweet on COVID-19 'Singapore variant'</a>

The observation by the high court came during the hearing of a Delhi citizen's plea seeking Liposomal Amphotericin B Injection /Amphonex-50, used in treatment of black fungus, for his father who is admitted in a hospital in Gurugram. 
The Delhi government, during the hearing, told the court that since the petitioner's father was not being treated in a hospital in the national capital, he should seek the medicine from the authorities concerned in Haryana.

Rejecting the contention of the Delhi government, the court said that in the instant case the petitioner's father was being treated for COVID-19 for over a month and since the medicine he was seeking would determine recovery of the patient, "there is definite urgency in the matter".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-259591-new-covid-19-cases-4209-deaths-386414">India reports 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases, 4,209 deaths</a>

"I am, therefore, of the view that it would be in the interest of justice to direct the respondent 1 to take a compassionate view towards the petitioner's request and, if at all possible, to provide his father with the necessary medicine for his treatment, at least for the next few days," Justice Palli said.

The court also issued notice to the governments of Delhi and Haryana and the Centre, asking for their stand on the plea by May 25, the next date of hearing.

The "deadly and highly infectious" nature of the second wave of COVID-19 and "unpreparedness" of the national capital's health infrastructure forced citizens to visit hospitals in neighbouring states, the Delhi High Court said and rejected the Delhi government's argument that such patients should seek medical relief from the state where they are getting treatment.

The "deadly and highly infectious" nature of the second wave of COVID-19 and "unpreparedness" of the national capital's health infrastructure forced citizens to visit hospitals in neighbouring states, the Delhi High Court said and rejected the Delhi government's argument that such patients should seek medical relief from the state where they are getting treatment. "This submission of respondent 1 (Delhi government) has been noted only to be rejected.... It is a matter of public knowledge that the deadly, highly infectious nature of the second wave of COVID-19 and the unpreparedness of the health infrastructure in the city had compelled many desperate citizens of the NCT of Delhi, like the petitioner's father, to seek admission/medical attention at hospitals in the neighbouring states," Justice Rekha Palli said. Also Read | India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal ruffles diplomatic feathers with a tweet on COVID-19 'Singapore variant' The observation by the high court came during the hearing of a Delhi citizen's plea seeking Liposomal Amphotericin B Injection /Amphonex-50, used in treatment of black fungus, for his father who is admitted in a hospital in Gurugram. The Delhi government, during the hearing, told the court that since the petitioner's father was not being treated in a hospital in the national capital, he should seek the medicine from the authorities concerned in Haryana. Rejecting the contention of the Delhi government, the court said that in the instant case the petitioner's father was being treated for COVID-19 for over a month and since the medicine he was seeking would determine recovery of the patient, "there is definite urgency in the matter". Also Read | India reports 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases, 4,209 deaths "I am, therefore, of the view that it would be in the interest of justice to direct the respondent 1 to take a compassionate view towards the petitioner's request and, if at all possible, to provide his father with the necessary medicine for his treatment, at least for the next few days," Justice Palli said. The court also issued notice to the governments of Delhi and Haryana and the Centre, asking for their stand on the plea by May 25, the next date of hearing.

Unprepared health infra in Delhi forced people to visit hospitals in neighbouring states: HC

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to 82 Bangladeshi nationals who participated in the Markaz Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin area, which had reportedly become an epicentre of COVID-19 spread in the country.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur granted bail to the 82 Bangladeshi nationals on furnishing personal bonds of Rs 10,000 each.

Advocates Ashima Mandla, Mandakini Singh and Fahim Khan appeared for Bangladeshi nationals. The plea bargaining application will be filed by tomorrow, the lawyers said.

Plea bargaining is an arrangement between the prosecutor and the defendant, in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lenient sentence or an agreement to drop other charges.

The Bangladeshi nationals had appeared before the court today through video conferencing in pursuance of summons issued against them. They have been duly identified by the concerned official of concern High Commissions as well as investigating officer.

The court had recently taken cognisance of various charge sheets filed against 956 foreign nationals who attended the Nizamuddin congregation.

According to the Delhi Police, the investigation related to the 956 foreign nationals is complete in the case and each of the foreign national has been found to have independently committed the offence for which he or she has been charge-sheeted.

Investigation Officer categorically specified that no evidence has come against the foreign nationals concerned under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and hence they have not been charge-sheeted for the abovesaid offences.Delhi Police said that the charge sheet against the Bangladeshi nationals has been filed under relevant Sections of the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which are independent of the other offences which were added during the investigation of the source FIR.&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to 82 Bangladeshi nationals who participated in the Markaz Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin area, which had reportedly become an epicentre of COVID-19 spread in the country.

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to 82 Bangladeshi nationals who participated in the Markaz Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin area, which had reportedly become an epicentre of COVID-19 spread in the country. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur granted bail to the 82 Bangladeshi nationals on furnishing personal bonds of Rs 10,000 each. Advocates Ashima Mandla, Mandakini Singh and Fahim Khan appeared for Bangladeshi nationals. The plea bargaining application will be filed by tomorrow, the lawyers said. Plea bargaining is an arrangement between the prosecutor and the defendant, in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lenient sentence or an agreement to drop other charges. The Bangladeshi nationals had appeared before the court today through video conferencing in pursuance of summons issued against them. They have been duly identified by the concerned official of concern High Commissions as well as investigating officer. The court had recently taken cognisance of various charge sheets filed against 956 foreign nationals who attended the Nizamuddin congregation. According to the Delhi Police, the investigation related to the 956 foreign nationals is complete in the case and each of the foreign national has been found to have independently committed the offence for which he or she has been charge-sheeted. Investigation Officer categorically specified that no evidence has come against the foreign nationals concerned under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and hence they have not been charge-sheeted for the abovesaid offences.Delhi Police said that the charge sheet against the Bangladeshi nationals has been filed under relevant Sections of the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which are independent of the other offences which were added during the investigation of the source FIR.

Delhi court grants bail to 82 Bangladeshi Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendees

As the number of earthquakes in Delhi NCR is increasing every week, the experts are forecasting a major earthquake that can damage the national capital.

Following warnings by various experts and committees, the Delhi High Court&nbsp;has asked the experts to show some groundwork, rather than merely consulting and filing paperwork.

"It goes without saying that mere paperwork and consultations would not solve the imminent threat that the citizens of NCT of Delhi face due to heightened seismic activity and that it is only actual work on ground which would come to rescue of the citizens," the court said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-after-more-than-10-earthquakes-experts-fear-major-quake-303342">Also read|&nbsp;Delhi: After more than 10 earthquakes, experts fear major quake</a>

The bench headed by Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar asked the state government to closely monitor the situation and take steps to&nbsp;sensitize other Government functionaries and the public at large about the same.

The bench also asked the state government regarding the&nbsp;detailed action plan in the terms, which has not been publicised yet.

High Court asked the government to publish the directive on urgent basis to make people aware as to what steps the citizens&nbsp;need to take to save themselves from a major earthquake.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-asteroids-head-towards-earth-one-the-size-of-stadium-303234">Also read:&nbsp;Five asteroids head towards Earth; one the size of stadium</a>

"The affidavit to be filed by the GNCTD should also state as to what steps it had taken in this regard and what further steps it proposes to take, and within how much time," the high court said in its order on Tuesday.

The court has asked the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi to file their respective affidavits on urgent basis explaining their detailed plan of implementation. Similar affidavits have been asked from Delhi government, Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Cantonment Board.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

As the number of earthquakes in Delhi NCR is increasing every week, the experts are forecasting a major earthquake that can damage the national capital. Following warnings by various experts and committees, the Delhi High Court has asked the experts to show some groundwork, rather than merely consulting and filing paperwork.

As the number of earthquakes in Delhi NCR is increasing every week, the experts are forecasting a major earthquake that can damage the national capital. Following warnings by various experts and committees, the Delhi High Court has asked the experts to show some groundwork, rather than merely consulting and filing paperwork. "It goes without saying that mere paperwork and consultations would not solve the imminent threat that the citizens of NCT of Delhi face due to heightened seismic activity and that it is only actual work on ground which would come to rescue of the citizens," the court said. Also read| Delhi: After more than 10 earthquakes, experts fear major quake The bench headed by Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar asked the state government to closely monitor the situation and take steps to sensitize other Government functionaries and the public at large about the same. The bench also asked the state government regarding the detailed action plan in the terms, which has not been publicised yet. High Court asked the government to publish the directive on urgent basis to make people aware as to what steps the citizens need to take to save themselves from a major earthquake. Also read: Five asteroids head towards Earth; one the size of stadium "The affidavit to be filed by the GNCTD should also state as to what steps it had taken in this regard and what further steps it proposes to take, and within how much time," the high court said in its order on Tuesday. The court has asked the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi to file their respective affidavits on urgent basis explaining their detailed plan of implementation. Similar affidavits have been asked from Delhi government, Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Cantonment Board. (With inputs from ANI)

Paperwork and consultations will not avert earthquake: Delhi HC tells government

The Delhi High Court on Saturday dismissed a bail plea of EPFO worker who was accused of siphoning a huge amount of provident funds (PF) and causing a misappropriation of approximately Rs 3.88 crores.

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait dismissed the bail plea of Uaday Singh who has been in judicial custody since March last year. The accused was working as a Data Base Administrator at EPFO before he was put behind the bars. Initially, an FIR was registered by the Delhi Police but later it was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that petitioner Singh joined EPFO in October 2011 and his co-accused Devender Choudhary was also working as Project Engineer with EPFO.

Both Choudhary and Singh were engaged in developing the software of EPFO Department and were dealing with online claims and deductions.

Singh was acquainted with the loopholes of the software programme following which he conspired with Choudhary and planned to withdraw the amount from the Central Account of EPFO, the investigating agency alleged adding that it was decided by them that share of each person would be 20 per cent. According to the agency, all the accused filled in the details of the fake members in the EPFO portal and the huge amount was transferred in various fake accounts.

The agency further claimed that the EPFO data created by the accused has caused a misappropriation of approximately Rs 3.88 crores. According to an FIR, Singh is alleged to have information about receiving the amount by co-accused Neeraj Kumar in his account from Devender Chaudhary. However, Singh`s counsel said that there are no allegations of misappropriation or transferring of money by his client.

But the investigating agency said that co-accused Kumar, in his statement has alleged that Singh had knowledge about the crediting of the sum of money in his account, which allegedly he, later on, shared with Singh and Devendra Chaudhary. Neeraj Kumar was granted bail on April 13, 2018, by a trial court. Singh has moved the bail plea seeking parity with co-accused Neeraj Kumar.

However, Singh bail plea was dismissed by the trial court on the grounds that he had played a key role and has siphoned off a huge amount.CBI has also opposed Singh`s bail plea in the Delhi High Court saying that the investigation is at the advanced stage and probe agency has decided to file an application for cancellation of bail of Neeraj Kumar. It also stated that further investigation is required as to how the money was siphoned off.

"In view of the serious allegations and fraud played upon the EPFO department and the fact that Devender Chaudhary is absconding, I am of the view that present case is not fit for bail," Justice Kait added.

The Delhi High Court on Saturday dismissed a bail plea of EPFO worker who was accused of siphoning a huge amount of provident funds (PF) and causing a misappropriation of approximately Rs 3.

The Delhi High Court on Saturday dismissed a bail plea of EPFO worker who was accused of siphoning a huge amount of provident funds (PF) and causing a misappropriation of approximately Rs 3.88 crores. Justice Suresh Kumar Kait dismissed the bail plea of Uaday Singh who has been in judicial custody since March last year. The accused was working as a Data Base Administrator at EPFO before he was put behind the bars. Initially, an FIR was registered by the Delhi Police but later it was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that petitioner Singh joined EPFO in October 2011 and his co-accused Devender Choudhary was also working as Project Engineer with EPFO. Both Choudhary and Singh were engaged in developing the software of EPFO Department and were dealing with online claims and deductions. Singh was acquainted with the loopholes of the software programme following which he conspired with Choudhary and planned to withdraw the amount from the Central Account of EPFO, the investigating agency alleged adding that it was decided by them that share of each person would be 20 per cent. According to the agency, all the accused filled in the details of the fake members in the EPFO portal and the huge amount was transferred in various fake accounts. The agency further claimed that the EPFO data created by the accused has caused a misappropriation of approximately Rs 3.88 crores. According to an FIR, Singh is alleged to have information about receiving the amount by co-accused Neeraj Kumar in his account from Devender Chaudhary. However, Singh`s counsel said that there are no allegations of misappropriation or transferring of money by his client. But the investigating agency said that co-accused Kumar, in his statement has alleged that Singh had knowledge about the crediting of the sum of money in his account, which allegedly he, later on, shared with Singh and Devendra Chaudhary. Neeraj Kumar was granted bail on April 13, 2018, by a trial court. Singh has moved the bail plea seeking parity with co-accused Neeraj Kumar. However, Singh bail plea was dismissed by the trial court on the grounds that he had played a key role and has siphoned off a huge amount.CBI has also opposed Singh`s bail plea in the Delhi High Court saying that the investigation is at the advanced stage and probe agency has decided to file an application for cancellation of bail of Neeraj Kumar. It also stated that further investigation is required as to how the money was siphoned off. "In view of the serious allegations and fraud played upon the EPFO department and the fact that Devender Chaudhary is absconding, I am of the view that present case is not fit for bail," Justice Kait added.

Delhi HC dismisses plea of EPFO accused of siphoning off Rs 3.88 crore from PF

The prosecution sanction of the Delhi government for the JNU sedition case has come across a roadblock with Law Minister Kailash Gahlot issuing a notice to the principal secretary (law) for sending the ministry's opinion directly to the home department, without placing the related file before him.

In the show-cause notice to Principal Secretary (Law) AK Mendiratta dated January 21, the minister cited rules, saying no decision could be made and no opinion could be communicated to any other department without his prior approval.

Sources said the principal secretary (law) had given reasons for not placing the file before Gahlot, claiming that the minister was not the "competent authority" for the grant of prosecution sanction.

In a fresh communication to the principal secretary (law) on Thursday, Gahlot said he was fully aware that he was not the "competent authority" for the grant of prosecution sanction.&nbsp;

However, he countered Mendiratta's reason for not sending the file to him by saying, "A file for grant of prosecution sanction under section 197, CrPC was sent to me on December 21, 2018. How can Mendiratta send a file to the minister (law) and not send a similar file to me and then try to justify it? I am not satisfied with the explanation tendered by him"&nbsp;

Commenting on the matter, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Delhi government's law department was examining the granting of sanction for prosecution of former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar in a sedition case.&nbsp;

He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre of committing "sedition" by creating hurdles in the works of the Delhi government.&nbsp;

"I do not know whether Kanhaiya has committed sedition or not, which is being examined by the law department.

"On the other hand, Modi ji has stalled (works on) schools for children, hospitals, installation of CCTV cameras, setting up of mohalla clinics in Delhi--- is this not sedition?," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi.

Gahlot said sending the file directly to the principal secretary (home) by Mendiratta was "not only an act of insubordination, but it appears to have been done intentionally so that the views of the law minister are not recorded on the file".

The Delhi Police, on January 14, filed a chargesheet in a city court against Kumar and others in connection with an incident, in which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised on the university campus during an event marking the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in February, 2016.

The police had told the court that the sanction for prosecution in the case was sought from the Delhi government.

The concerned file submitted by the police to the home department of the Delhi government was sent to the law ministry for opinion. The principal secretary (law) sent it back with the opinion on January 18.

"The file is currently with Home Minister Satyendar Jain, who will take the final call on the prosecution sanction. It is not clear whether it will be sent back to Gahlot for his approval," the sources said.

The court had refused to take cognisance of the police chargesheet, saying the prosecution sanction was not taken from the authority concerned.&nbsp;

The prosecution sanction of the Delhi government for the JNU sedition case has come across a roadblock with Law Minister Kailash Gahlot issuing a notice to the principal secretary (law) for sending the ministry's opinion directly to the home department, without placing the related file before him.

The prosecution sanction of the Delhi government for the JNU sedition case has come across a roadblock with Law Minister Kailash Gahlot issuing a notice to the principal secretary (law) for sending the ministry's opinion directly to the home department, without placing the related file before him. In the show-cause notice to Principal Secretary (Law) AK Mendiratta dated January 21, the minister cited rules, saying no decision could be made and no opinion could be communicated to any other department without his prior approval. Sources said the principal secretary (law) had given reasons for not placing the file before Gahlot, claiming that the minister was not the "competent authority" for the grant of prosecution sanction. In a fresh communication to the principal secretary (law) on Thursday, Gahlot said he was fully aware that he was not the "competent authority" for the grant of prosecution sanction. However, he countered Mendiratta's reason for not sending the file to him by saying, "A file for grant of prosecution sanction under section 197, CrPC was sent to me on December 21, 2018. How can Mendiratta send a file to the minister (law) and not send a similar file to me and then try to justify it? I am not satisfied with the explanation tendered by him" Commenting on the matter, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Delhi government's law department was examining the granting of sanction for prosecution of former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar in a sedition case. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre of committing "sedition" by creating hurdles in the works of the Delhi government. "I do not know whether Kanhaiya has committed sedition or not, which is being examined by the law department. "On the other hand, Modi ji has stalled (works on) schools for children, hospitals, installation of CCTV cameras, setting up of mohalla clinics in Delhi--- is this not sedition?," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi. Gahlot said sending the file directly to the principal secretary (home) by Mendiratta was "not only an act of insubordination, but it appears to have been done intentionally so that the views of the law minister are not recorded on the file". The Delhi Police, on January 14, filed a chargesheet in a city court against Kumar and others in connection with an incident, in which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised on the university campus during an event marking the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in February, 2016. The police had told the court that the sanction for prosecution in the case was sought from the Delhi government. The concerned file submitted by the police to the home department of the Delhi government was sent to the law ministry for opinion. The principal secretary (law) sent it back with the opinion on January 18. "The file is currently with Home Minister Satyendar Jain, who will take the final call on the prosecution sanction. It is not clear whether it will be sent back to Gahlot for his approval," the sources said. The court had refused to take cognisance of the police chargesheet, saying the prosecution sanction was not taken from the authority concerned.

JNU sedition case: Delhi law minister issues notice to official over file on prosecution sanction 

Shashi Tharoor has&nbsp;been summoned, as the accused, by a Patiala House court in the Sunanda Pushkar death case. Tharoor has been asked to appear before the court on July 7.&nbsp;

The Congress leader has been asked to appear before the&nbsp;court on the morning of July 7. Tharoor is currently in London but is likely to return to India soon.

Delhi Police had on May 14 accused Tharoor, the Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, of abetting his wife Sunanda Pushkar's suicide and told a city court that he should be summoned as an accused in the four-and-a-half-year-old case, claiming there was sufficient evidence against him.

In a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet, the police named Tharoor as the only accused while also alleging that he had subjected his wife to cruelty. &nbsp;

In the&nbsp;chargesheet filed before a Delhi court in the&nbsp;death case, Delhi Police has accused Congress leader Shashi Tharoor of ignoring his wife Sunanda Pushkar while she was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shashi-tharoor-ignored-sunanda-when-she-was-slipping-into-depression-delhi-police-to-court-140370">slipping into depression</a>".

The chargesheet states that Shashi Tharoor "as a husband ignored Sunanda when she was sliding or slipping into depression and she had Alprax". It also mentions that they had frequent fights.

Sunanda Pushkar was found dead in her suite at a luxury hotel in Delhi on January 17, 2014.&nbsp;

Tharoor meanwhile issued a statement&nbsp;calling the charges against him "preposterous and baseless, the product of a malicious and vindictive campaign against myself".

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My statement on today's news. <a href="https://t.co/5zWf4PR9ue">pic.twitter.com/5zWf4PR9ue</a>
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Tharoor's lawyer Vikas Pahwa told ANI they would ask for a copy of the charge sheet, and then decide a course of action.&nbsp;

"Since the Magistrate summoned Dr Shashi Tharoor for 7th July, we shall be asking for a copy of the charge-sheet, after going through it, we'll decide our further course of action. He will take all legal remedies available to him in law," ANI quoted Pahwa as saying.&nbsp;

"Since no offences are made out and the prosecution case is absurd and preposterous and is contrary to various judgments of SC, we shall take appropriate steps to deal with the charge-sheet," Pahwa added.&nbsp;

The Congress leader has been asked to appear before a Delhi court on the morning of July 7. Tharoor is currently in London but is likely to return to India soon

Shashi Tharoor has been summoned, as the accused, by a Patiala House court in the Sunanda Pushkar death case. Tharoor has been asked to appear before the court on July 7. The Congress leader has been asked to appear before the court on the morning of July 7. Tharoor is currently in London but is likely to return to India soon. Delhi Police had on May 14 accused Tharoor, the Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, of abetting his wife Sunanda Pushkar's suicide and told a city court that he should be summoned as an accused in the four-and-a-half-year-old case, claiming there was sufficient evidence against him. In a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet, the police named Tharoor as the only accused while also alleging that he had subjected his wife to cruelty. In the chargesheet filed before a Delhi court in the death case, Delhi Police has accused Congress leader Shashi Tharoor of ignoring his wife Sunanda Pushkar while she was "slipping into depression". The chargesheet states that Shashi Tharoor "as a husband ignored Sunanda when she was sliding or slipping into depression and she had Alprax". It also mentions that they had frequent fights. Sunanda Pushkar was found dead in her suite at a luxury hotel in Delhi on January 17, 2014. Tharoor meanwhile issued a statement calling the charges against him "preposterous and baseless, the product of a malicious and vindictive campaign against myself". My statement on today's news. pic.twitter.com/5zWf4PR9ue — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 5, 2018 × Tharoor's lawyer Vikas Pahwa told ANI they would ask for a copy of the charge sheet, and then decide a course of action. "Since the Magistrate summoned Dr Shashi Tharoor for 7th July, we shall be asking for a copy of the charge-sheet, after going through it, we'll decide our further course of action. He will take all legal remedies available to him in law," ANI quoted Pahwa as saying. "Since no offences are made out and the prosecution case is absurd and preposterous and is contrary to various judgments of SC, we shall take appropriate steps to deal with the charge-sheet," Pahwa added.

Delhi court summons Shashi Tharoor as the accused in Sunanda Pushkar death case

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