Vijay Mallya, liquor baron charged with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-adjourns-till-august-13-hearing-on-vijay-mallyas-plea-against-confiscation-of-properties-240124">fraud and money laundering</a> of around Rs 9,000 crores will be appearing in front of the UK High Court.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-moves-supreme-court-seeking-stay-on-confiscation-of-properties-238928">Mallya </a>has remained on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April 2017 and has sought permission to appeal from the High Court against the extradition order.

A two-member High Court bench comprising Justices George Leggatt and Andrew Popplewell ruled last year that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-orders-sale-of-force-india-yacht-linked-to-vijay-mallya-276912">arguments can be reasonably made</a>” on some aspects of the prima facie case ruling by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot in her extradition order of December 2018.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-raids-vijay-mallyas-close-associate-239240">Enforcement Directorate raids Vijay Mallya's close associate</a>

Clare Montgomery, a member of Mallya's legal team, had questioned the basis on which Judge Arbuthnot had arrived at certain conclusions. She had further claimed that the Chief Magistrate had been "plain wrong" in accepting some of the Indian authorities' assertions.&nbsp;

Some of these assertions stated that Mallya had fraudulent intentions when he sought some of the loans for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines and that he made misrepresentations to the banks to seek the loans and had no intentions of paying them back.

Mallya has been very public about his intention of reimbursing the money to the Indian banks and that he felt “vindicated” by the ruling.

High Court judges who accepted Judge Arbuthnot's conclusions on certain aspects of the extradition case had dismissed the grounds on which permission to appeal was sought, including the “extraneous circumstances” of Mallya being pursued by Indian authorities due to political reasons.

Other grounds on which claims were invoked included that Mallya would not receive a fair trial in India, a statement which was dismissed as the judges upheld Arbuthnot's ruling on the matter that the broad media interest in the case would guarantee justice.

Assurances from the government of India that Mallya would be held in safe prison conditions were also challenged by Mallya's legal team.

Judge Arbuthnot had found “clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds” after a year-long extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and accepted a prima facie case of fraud and a conspiracy to launder money against Mallya. A bail bond worth 650,000 pounds is involved with Mallya's bail as well as other restrictions on travel.

Vijay Mallya, liquor baron charged with fraud and money laundering of around Rs 9,000 crores will be appearing in front of the UK High Court. Mallya has remained on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April 2017 and has sought permission to appeal from the High Court against the extradition order.

Vijay Mallya, liquor baron charged with fraud and money laundering of around Rs 9,000 crores will be appearing in front of the UK High Court. Mallya has remained on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April 2017 and has sought permission to appeal from the High Court against the extradition order. A two-member High Court bench comprising Justices George Leggatt and Andrew Popplewell ruled last year that "arguments can be reasonably made” on some aspects of the prima facie case ruling by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot in her extradition order of December 2018. Also Read: Enforcement Directorate raids Vijay Mallya's close associate Clare Montgomery, a member of Mallya's legal team, had questioned the basis on which Judge Arbuthnot had arrived at certain conclusions. She had further claimed that the Chief Magistrate had been "plain wrong" in accepting some of the Indian authorities' assertions. Some of these assertions stated that Mallya had fraudulent intentions when he sought some of the loans for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines and that he made misrepresentations to the banks to seek the loans and had no intentions of paying them back. Mallya has been very public about his intention of reimbursing the money to the Indian banks and that he felt “vindicated” by the ruling. High Court judges who accepted Judge Arbuthnot's conclusions on certain aspects of the extradition case had dismissed the grounds on which permission to appeal was sought, including the “extraneous circumstances” of Mallya being pursued by Indian authorities due to political reasons. Other grounds on which claims were invoked included that Mallya would not receive a fair trial in India, a statement which was dismissed as the judges upheld Arbuthnot's ruling on the matter that the broad media interest in the case would guarantee justice. Assurances from the government of India that Mallya would be held in safe prison conditions were also challenged by Mallya's legal team. Judge Arbuthnot had found “clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds” after a year-long extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and accepted a prima facie case of fraud and a conspiracy to launder money against Mallya. A bail bond worth 650,000 pounds is involved with Mallya's bail as well as other restrictions on travel.

Vijay Mallya's appeal against extradition to India to be heard in UK court

Delhi election: CM Kejriwal, President Kovind and others cast votes

Jaipur was formally accorded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbais-victorian-gothic-art-deco-buildings-get-unesco-world-heritage-tag-148123">World Heritage</a> City status on Wednesday by UNESCO.

UNESCO Director-General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/audrey-azoulay-confirmed-to-head-unesco-23935">Audrey Azoulay</a> presented the World <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unesco-declares-ahmedabad-mandu-best-heritage-city-168086">Heritage Certificate</a> for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Speaking at the event, Azoulay said, "It is truly an honour and privilege to be here in Jaipur. I came here from our headquarters in Paris with a message to bring to the people of Jaipur the recognition of the international community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and to capitalize on cultural heritage."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unesco-names-jaipur-city-world-heritage-site-233594\">UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site</a>

"UNESCO is very proud to have since last summer the walled city of Jaipur inscribed on our world heritage list. Of course, Jaipur is an iconic city because of its architecture, forts and palaces. It is in everybody's imagination," she added.

Jaipur was formally accorded World Heritage City status on Wednesday by UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay presented the World Heritage Certificate for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Jaipur was formally accorded World Heritage City status on Wednesday by UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay presented the World Heritage Certificate for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal. Speaking at the event, Azoulay said, "It is truly an honour and privilege to be here in Jaipur. I came here from our headquarters in Paris with a message to bring to the people of Jaipur the recognition of the international community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and to capitalize on cultural heritage." Also Read: UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site "UNESCO is very proud to have since last summer the walled city of Jaipur inscribed on our world heritage list. Of course, Jaipur is an iconic city because of its architecture, forts and palaces. It is in everybody's imagination," she added.

Walled city of Jaipur formally accorded World Heritage City status by UNESCO

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said that out of 136 people who have returned from China in the state, 133 were found healthy. He said that three were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-health-department-registers-fir-against-fortis-hospital-26358">admitted in hospitals</a>, while samples of two have been found negative for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-temporarily-suspends-e-visa-facility-for-chinese-and-foreigners-residing-in-china-278144">Coronavirus</a>.

In a press release, Vij said, "Out of 136 people who have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-bans-export-of-protective-masks-clothing-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-277861">returned from China</a> in the state, three people have been admitted to hospitals in different districts, however, the presence of Coronavirus infection in two cases is negative, while the report of one is pending."

The Health Minister said, "Out of these remaining three people, one person is admitted to the isolation ward of a hospital in Gurugram, the second person is admitted to a hospital Karnal, and the third person is admitted to a hospital in Hisar."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-settles-on-standard-treatment-protocol-as-third-case-of-coronavirus-confirmed-278848">India settles on standard treatment protocol as third case of coronavirus confirmed</a>

"The Government has issued helpline numbers of all the districts, on which any person can give information in this regard," he added. 
The virus originated in Wuhan in December and has since then spread to various parts around the world.

China has imposed quarantine and travel restrictions, affecting the movement of 56 million people in more than a dozen cities, amid fears that the transmission rate will accelerate.

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said that out of 136 people who have returned from China in the state, 133 were found healthy. He said that three were admitted in hospitals, while samples of two have been found negative for Coronavirus.

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said that out of 136 people who have returned from China in the state, 133 were found healthy. He said that three were admitted in hospitals, while samples of two have been found negative for Coronavirus. In a press release, Vij said, "Out of 136 people who have returned from China in the state, three people have been admitted to hospitals in different districts, however, the presence of Coronavirus infection in two cases is negative, while the report of one is pending." The Health Minister said, "Out of these remaining three people, one person is admitted to the isolation ward of a hospital in Gurugram, the second person is admitted to a hospital Karnal, and the third person is admitted to a hospital in Hisar." Also Read: India settles on standard treatment protocol as third case of coronavirus confirmed "The Government has issued helpline numbers of all the districts, on which any person can give information in this regard," he added. The virus originated in Wuhan in December and has since then spread to various parts around the world. China has imposed quarantine and travel restrictions, affecting the movement of 56 million people in more than a dozen cities, amid fears that the transmission rate will accelerate.

133 out of 136 people who returned from China found healthy, says Haryana Health Minister

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested as many as 19 people including the National General Secretary of Ulema Council, for allegedly pelting stones at cops during an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">anti-Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) protest at Bilariyaganj here.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">Police have arrested</a> the main conspirator Maulana Tahir Madani, National General Secretary of Ulema Council and 18 other miscreants, while three main absconders include Ulema council leaders Nurul Hoda, Mirza Shane Alam and Osama.

Police have also announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each on the three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/akhilesh-yadav-files-nomination-from-azamgarh-211489">absconders</a>. "Section 144 is in force in the district. Some women and children had gathered to protest on Tuesday. When police tried to disperse them, some rowdies pelted stones at police," said Triveni Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-br-ambedkars-statue-vandalised-in-azamgarh-35301">Ambedkar's statue vandalised in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh</a>

"A few women were misled and gathered in the park yesterday without taking any prior permission. Children were also present there. We had to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Women were safely dispersed from there," he added.

At the same time, police have also started monitoring social sites through the cyber cell. Search for 16 other people, who have been named in the FIR along with 100 unknown people involved in the incident, is underway.

Hundreds of women reached the Maulana Jauhar Park in Bilariaganj on Tuesday to protest against the CAA, proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) along with children.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested as many as 19 people including the National General Secretary of Ulema Council, for allegedly pelting stones at cops during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest at Bilariyaganj here.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested as many as 19 people including the National General Secretary of Ulema Council, for allegedly pelting stones at cops during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest at Bilariyaganj here. Police have arrested the main conspirator Maulana Tahir Madani, National General Secretary of Ulema Council and 18 other miscreants, while three main absconders include Ulema council leaders Nurul Hoda, Mirza Shane Alam and Osama. Police have also announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each on the three absconders. "Section 144 is in force in the district. Some women and children had gathered to protest on Tuesday. When police tried to disperse them, some rowdies pelted stones at police," said Triveni Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP). Also Read: Ambedkar's statue vandalised in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh "A few women were misled and gathered in the park yesterday without taking any prior permission. Children were also present there. We had to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Women were safely dispersed from there," he added. At the same time, police have also started monitoring social sites through the cyber cell. Search for 16 other people, who have been named in the FIR along with 100 unknown people involved in the incident, is underway. Hundreds of women reached the Maulana Jauhar Park in Bilariaganj on Tuesday to protest against the CAA, proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) along with children.

19 in police custody for pelting stones at law enforcement in UP's Azamgarh

At least seven shops were gutted after a massive fire broke out in Rabindranagar market area in Siliguri in the wee hours on Wednesday. According to the locals, heavy smoke came out from the market area, following which the shopkeepers immediately called the fire officials.

At least seven shops were gutted after a massive fire broke out in Rabindranagar market area in Siliguri in the wee hours on Wednesday. According to the locals, heavy smoke came out from the market area, following which the shopkeepers immediately called the fire officials. Five fire tenders reached the spot and succeeded in bringing the fire under control. The fire left seven shops destroyed while two were damaged partially. There is no report of any casualties, said a fire officer. Also Read: West Bengal: Bridge collapses near Siliguri, truck driver injured One of the shopkeepers in the market said: "The fire destroyed seven shops completely. It might be a case of short circuit." A Bardhan, fire officer, Siliguri fire station said, "We tried our best to douse the fire as early as possible. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact reason for the fire."

Massive fire causes damage to seven shops in Siliguri, investigation underway

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-lifetime-government-accommodation-for-former-chief-ministers-indias-top-court-3850" target="_blank">government accommodations</a>&nbsp;living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days. The court was hearing a petition filed by an organisation named Anti-Corruption Council of India.

A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar told the ministry to put the belongings of the people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerned-about-homelessness-madras-high-court-asks-why-not-limit-individuals-from-buying-more-than-one-house-278575" target="_blank">illegally occupying government accommodation</a>&nbsp;on the road if they do not vacate the house.

The High Court clarified that if there is stay order over vacating of any houses by any tribunal or court, then the ministry should not do anything about the houses or the occupants. The matter was listed for further hearing on February 27.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-up-ex-cms-leave-official-bungalows-after-supreme-court-order-141822" target="_blank">Most UP ex-CMs leave official bungalows after Supreme Court order</a>

The court also pulled up the Ministry for its ineffective approach to vacate 575 illegally occupied government accommodations in the national capital and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 against the secretary of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which will be deducted from his salary.

The ministry informed the court that crores of rupees are due to the government from the people, who are illegally occupying these government accommodations.

There are a total of 11 former MPs, including AP Jithender Reddy, Murali Mohan Maganti, Ranjeet Ranjan, Dhananjay Mahadik, Dr K Gopal, Veena Devi, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, Manohar Untwal, Udit Raj, KC Ramamurthy, and Sanjay Sinh, who illegally occupied government accommodations. While some of them have vacated the accommodation, their dues are still pending.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of government accommodations living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of government accommodations living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days. The court was hearing a petition filed by an organisation named Anti-Corruption Council of India. A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar told the ministry to put the belongings of the people illegally occupying government accommodation on the road if they do not vacate the house. The High Court clarified that if there is stay order over vacating of any houses by any tribunal or court, then the ministry should not do anything about the houses or the occupants. The matter was listed for further hearing on February 27. Also Read: Most UP ex-CMs leave official bungalows after Supreme Court order The court also pulled up the Ministry for its ineffective approach to vacate 575 illegally occupied government accommodations in the national capital and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 against the secretary of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which will be deducted from his salary. The ministry informed the court that crores of rupees are due to the government from the people, who are illegally occupying these government accommodations. There are a total of 11 former MPs, including AP Jithender Reddy, Murali Mohan Maganti, Ranjeet Ranjan, Dhananjay Mahadik, Dr K Gopal, Veena Devi, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, Manohar Untwal, Udit Raj, KC Ramamurthy, and Sanjay Sinh, who illegally occupied government accommodations. While some of them have vacated the accommodation, their dues are still pending.

Delhi HC directs Housing Ministry to vacate illegally occupied government accommodations within 15 days

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto dispensation to Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, to commence international flight services between India and Sri Lanka.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto dispensation to Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, to commence international flight services between India and Sri Lanka. A special dispensation is allowed for an interim period till Alliance Air deploys a minimum of 20 aircraft or 20 per cent of total capacity, whichever is higher for domestic operations. Also Read: Sky is limit as inaugural flight bridges distance between Chennai and Jaffna India has close bilateral ties with Sri Lanka and it is in the interest of the country to increase connectivity and to expand people to people contact between the two countries. Before this approval, there was no commercial operation scheduled from Palaly and Batticaloa airports.

Cabinet approves Alliance Air to commence international flight services between India, Sri Lanka

Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will start from March 17 the final hearing on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law, which grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs.

Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will start from March 17 the final hearing on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law, which grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs. A division bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Deepak Gupta refused to pass an interim order and said, "We will hear on March 17, no adjournment will be granted and all pleadings will be completed by then. We will hear the matter finally and pass the order. We are not staying it. Already there is an order that all appointments will be subject to the outcome of this petition." The bench was hearing two appeals, including one filed by J Laxman Rao Patil challenging the Bombay High Court order that upheld the constitutional validity of the quota for the Maratha community in education and government jobs in Maharashtra. During the hearing of the case in the top court, senior advocate Gopalshankar Narayan appearing for the petitioner asked the bench to stay the High Court order as the reservation today is 65 per cent in education and 62 per cent in jobs, exceeding 50 per cent cap in total reservation. Also Read: Maharashtra Assembly passes SEBC Amendment Bill paving way for Maratha reservation The Bombay High Court had on June 27, 2019, said the 50 per cent cap on total reservations imposed by the Supreme Court could be exceeded in exceptional circumstances. Another appeal filed by advocate Sanjeet Shukla, a representative of "Youth for Equality", said the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018, enacted to grant reservation to the Maratha community people in jobs and education, breached the 50-per cent ceiling on reservation fixed by the top court in its judgment in the Indira Sawhney case. The Maharashtra Assembly had, on November 30, 2018, passed the Maratha Reservation Bill which extended 16 per cent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to the Maratha community.

Supreme Court to start final hearing on pleas challenging Maratha reservation

A suspected case of coronavirus was on Tuesday admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there, said Hospital's Nodal Officer.

A suspected case of coronavirus was on Tuesday admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there, said Hospital's Nodal Officer. "He returned from China on February 1 and called us up on 3rd, after experiencing fever and sore throat. His samples have been taken. Results are awaited," said Rama Goyal, Nodal Officer Rapid Action Committee. Mohan underwent a medical check-up at Delhi airport upon his arrival. Doctors have collected his samples which have further been sent to Delhi's NCD central lab and his reports are likely to arrive after three days. Also Read: India: ICMR working on drug for nCOV "ENT doctors have collected the samples from the adrenal part of the patient's throat. Currently, he is being treated for a fever. Family and health workers have been instructed to maintain a proper distance from the patient," Rama added. The virus originated in Wuhan in December and has since then spread to various parts around the world. China has imposed quarantine and travel restrictions, affecting the movement of 56 million people in more than a dozen cities, amid fears that the transmission rate will accelerate.

Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Nirbhaya gang-rape</a> and murder case.

A single-judge bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait had on Sunday reserved the order in the matter after hearing arguments from all the parties. During the hearing, advocate AP Singh, who was appearing for convicts Pawan Gupta, Akshay Thakur, and Vinay Sharma, asked: "Why there was a hurry to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-supreme-court-dismisses-curative-petition-i-hope-convicts-are-hanged-on-february-1-nirbhayas-mother-277536">execute the death sentence</a> in this case only. Justice hurried is justice buried."

"They (convicts) belong to rural areas and Dalit families. They come to Delhi and get implicated. Mukesh and Ram Singh are Dalits. Both are brothers who came from a rural part of Rajasthan. It is not the convicts' fault. They cannot be made to bear brunt of ambiguity in the law," Singh had said.

Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing on behalf of convict Mukesh, had said that the "Centre has sought the setting aside of the order of the Patiala House Court" when "an earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deliberate-calculated-design-to-frustrate-mandate-of-law-by-nirbhaya-convicts-solicitor-general-to-delhi-hc-278170">Delhi High Court</a> order has clearly said that any order of the trial court should be challenged in the Supreme Court only".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-death-row-convict-challenges-rejection-of-mercy-petition-in-supreme-court-276531">Nirbhaya death row convict challenges rejection of mercy petition in Supreme Court</a>

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre, had alleged that the convicts were deliberately delaying the execution, adding that any delay in death sentence will have a dehumanising effect on the convicts.

A Delhi court last week stayed till further orders the execution of the four convicts -- Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma -- which was earlier scheduled to take place on February 1.

The case pertains to the gang-rape and brutal murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people, including a juvenile, in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case.

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case. A single-judge bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait had on Sunday reserved the order in the matter after hearing arguments from all the parties. During the hearing, advocate AP Singh, who was appearing for convicts Pawan Gupta, Akshay Thakur, and Vinay Sharma, asked: "Why there was a hurry to execute the death sentence in this case only. Justice hurried is justice buried." "They (convicts) belong to rural areas and Dalit families. They come to Delhi and get implicated. Mukesh and Ram Singh are Dalits. Both are brothers who came from a rural part of Rajasthan. It is not the convicts' fault. They cannot be made to bear brunt of ambiguity in the law," Singh had said. Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing on behalf of convict Mukesh, had said that the "Centre has sought the setting aside of the order of the Patiala House Court" when "an earlier Delhi High Court order has clearly said that any order of the trial court should be challenged in the Supreme Court only". Also Read: Nirbhaya death row convict challenges rejection of mercy petition in Supreme Court Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre, had alleged that the convicts were deliberately delaying the execution, adding that any delay in death sentence will have a dehumanising effect on the convicts. A Delhi court last week stayed till further orders the execution of the four convicts -- Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma -- which was earlier scheduled to take place on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape and brutal murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people, including a juvenile, in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Delhi HC to pass order on Centre's plea challenging stay on Nirbhaya convicts' execution

A protest erupted in the national capital on Sunday against the sit-in protest by women at Shaheen Bagh. Scores of women at Shaheen are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The protestors raised slogans `Jai Shree Ram` and `Vande Matram` while some were seen carrying Indian flags."No permission granted to anyone to hold a demonstration in and around Shaheen Bagh area against the ongoing protest here over CAA. But still, some people called on the protest today, so, they were stopped and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-urge-anti-caa-protestors-at-shaheen-bagh-to-clear-road-blockade-275002">dispersed by police</a>," said DCP Chinmoy Biswal while talking to ANI. This comes a day after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-person-open-fires-at-shaheen-bagh-shouting-sirf-hinduon-ki-chalegi-278057">man fired aerial shots</a> at the site of a protest in Shaheen Bagh on Saturday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hc-directs-police-to-look-into-kalindi-kunj-shaheen-bagh-blockage-causing-difficulty-for-students-275051">Delhi HC directs police to look into Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh blockage causing difficulty for students</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-fires-two-rounds-of-bullets-in-shaheen-bagh-area-gets-detained-278046">police have detained</a> the man, identified as Kapil Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, said Chinmoy Biswal, DCP, South-East. Gujjar told the police that he was angry with the traffic blockade as his cousin`s wedding is approaching and he had to run around a lot to make arrangements, police sources said.

Protests have been going on at Shaheen Bagh since December 15 last year against the CAA due to which Kalindi Kunj road has been shut for traffic movement.&nbsp;

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court last week seeking appropriate directions to the police to open the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch contending that the road closure is causing huge inconvenience to people.

The amended citizenship law grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India before 2015.

A protest erupted in the national capital on Sunday against the sit-in protest by women at Shaheen Bagh. Scores of women at Shaheen are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

A protest erupted in the national capital on Sunday against the sit-in protest by women at Shaheen Bagh. Scores of women at Shaheen are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The protestors raised slogans `Jai Shree Ram` and `Vande Matram` while some were seen carrying Indian flags."No permission granted to anyone to hold a demonstration in and around Shaheen Bagh area against the ongoing protest here over CAA. But still, some people called on the protest today, so, they were stopped and dispersed by police," said DCP Chinmoy Biswal while talking to ANI. This comes a day after a man fired aerial shots at the site of a protest in Shaheen Bagh on Saturday. Also Read: Delhi HC directs police to look into Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh blockage causing difficulty for students The police have detained the man, identified as Kapil Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, said Chinmoy Biswal, DCP, South-East. Gujjar told the police that he was angry with the traffic blockade as his cousin`s wedding is approaching and he had to run around a lot to make arrangements, police sources said. Protests have been going on at Shaheen Bagh since December 15 last year against the CAA due to which Kalindi Kunj road has been shut for traffic movement. A petition was filed in the Supreme Court last week seeking appropriate directions to the police to open the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch contending that the road closure is causing huge inconvenience to people. The amended citizenship law grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India before 2015.

Protest erupt in Delhi against Shaheen Bagh sit-in

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cpi-office-in-bengaluru-attacked-by-unidentified-men-270258">Karnataka </a>Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday said that the cabinet expansion would take place on February 6, with 13 MLAs taking oath of office.

"The cabinet expansion will take place on February 6 with the oath-taking ceremony at the Raj Bhavan at 10.30 AM," he told reporters.

Thirteen MLAs, including 10 who had joined <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bypolls-bharatiya-janata-party-wins-12-out-of-15-seats-267214">BJP </a>from parties, including Congress and the JD(S), will take an oath, he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-bs-yediyurappa-seeks-funds-from-pm-for-development-of-state-271683">Karnataka: CM BS Yediyurappa seeks funds from PM for development of state</a>

The cabinet expansion is on the cards for nearly two months ever since the BJP won the maximum number of seats in the December 5, 2019, by-polls and got a majority in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-assembly-elections-2019-voter-turnout-1850-till-12-pm-266327">Karnataka assembly</a>.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday said that the cabinet expansion would take place on February 6, with 13 MLAs taking oath of office. "The cabinet expansion will take place on February 6 with the oath-taking ceremony at the Raj Bhavan at 10.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday said that the cabinet expansion would take place on February 6, with 13 MLAs taking oath of office. "The cabinet expansion will take place on February 6 with the oath-taking ceremony at the Raj Bhavan at 10.30 AM," he told reporters. Thirteen MLAs, including 10 who had joined BJP from parties, including Congress and the JD(S), will take an oath, he said. Also Read: Karnataka: CM BS Yediyurappa seeks funds from PM for development of state The cabinet expansion is on the cards for nearly two months ever since the BJP won the maximum number of seats in the December 5, 2019, by-polls and got a majority in the Karnataka assembly.

13 MLAs taking oath of office in Karnataka Cabinet expansion on February 6

In a massive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-polls-bjp-promises-wheat-flour-at-rs-2-per-kg-scooties-for-girl-students-277887">outreach program</a> for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-2020-remove-anurag-thakur-parvesh-verma-as-bjp-star-campaigners-orders-election-commission-277283">Delhi assembly elections</a>, almost one lakh BJP workers will go door-to-door on Sunday and appeal voters to vote for the party.&nbsp;

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that party chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bjp-president-jp-nadda-must-show-ingenuity-to-make-his-mark-276653">JP Nadda</a> and Home Minister Amit Shah will also participate in the campaign."Now only five days are left.&nbsp;

Sunday being the holiday, most people stay at their homes. Almost one lakh BJP workers will reach door-to-door and tell people what Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done for the nation's capital&nbsp;Delhi.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-polls-would-be-fought-on-basis-of-work-not-caste-or-religion-kejriwal-276438">Delhi polls would be fought on basis of work, not caste or religion: Kejriwal</a>

We will tell them why a change is necessary," said Javadekar. "Nadda and Shah will also participate in the campaign," he added.

Voting in all 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi is scheduled to take place on February 8.&nbsp;Counting of votes will take place on February 11.

In a massive outreach program for Delhi assembly elections, almost one lakh BJP workers will go door-to-door on Sunday and appeal voters to vote for the party. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that party chief JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah will also participate in the campaign.

In a massive outreach program for Delhi assembly elections, almost one lakh BJP workers will go door-to-door on Sunday and appeal voters to vote for the party. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that party chief JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah will also participate in the campaign."Now only five days are left. Sunday being the holiday, most people stay at their homes. Almost one lakh BJP workers will reach door-to-door and tell people what Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done for the nation's capital Delhi. Also Read: Delhi polls would be fought on basis of work, not caste or religion: Kejriwal We will tell them why a change is necessary," said Javadekar. "Nadda and Shah will also participate in the campaign," he added. Voting in all 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi is scheduled to take place on February 8. Counting of votes will take place on February 11.

Door-to-door campaigning in Delhi by one lakh BJP workers: Javadekar

Farrukhabad police shot and killed a man who held more than 20 children&nbsp;hostage,&nbsp;after staging a fake birthday party for his one-year-old daughter. Subhash Batham, the deceased criminal was accused of murder but had been out on bail.

The community later beat his wife to death, despite intervention from the police officers on site. Standoff between Batham and the police went for 10 hours before the cops forced their way into the building and killed him in a shootout. All the children were brought to safety.

Locals attacked Batham's wife with bricks and stones as she tried to flee. She was taken to the nearby hospital with head injuries and blood loss and later died of her injuries. Her involvement in the hostage situation is still unclear.

Also Read:&nbsp;

According to reports, the police attempted to convince him to surrender to several hours. Special forces were called in after the failed attempt of local law enforcement. Local residents stated that it was Batham's belief that the community was responsible for his arrest in the murder case and that this was an attempt to exact revenge.

One girl was allowed out after seven hours had passed, and Batham handed her to a neighbour from a balcony. He began shooting from the house after the police arrived at the scene. Two officers and a bystander were also injured in the shootout that soon followed.

According to reports, Batham had complained to the local District Magistrate about the lack of toilet facilities in his house, stating that he had been denied government housing. He tried to make his case by saying that he was a labourer and had an ailing mother who was forced to defecate in the open due to his current situation. 
&nbsp;

Farrukhabad police shot and killed a man who held more than 20 children hostage, after staging a fake birthday party for his one-year-old daughter. Subhash Batham, the deceased criminal was accused of murder but had been out on bail.

Farrukhabad police shot and killed a man who held more than 20 children hostage, after staging a fake birthday party for his one-year-old daughter. Subhash Batham, the deceased criminal was accused of murder but had been out on bail. The community later beat his wife to death, despite intervention from the police officers on site. Standoff between Batham and the police went for 10 hours before the cops forced their way into the building and killed him in a shootout. All the children were brought to safety. Locals attacked Batham's wife with bricks and stones as she tried to flee. She was taken to the nearby hospital with head injuries and blood loss and later died of her injuries. Her involvement in the hostage situation is still unclear. Also Read: According to reports, the police attempted to convince him to surrender to several hours. Special forces were called in after the failed attempt of local law enforcement. Local residents stated that it was Batham's belief that the community was responsible for his arrest in the murder case and that this was an attempt to exact revenge. One girl was allowed out after seven hours had passed, and Batham handed her to a neighbour from a balcony. He began shooting from the house after the police arrived at the scene. Two officers and a bystander were also injured in the shootout that soon followed. According to reports, Batham had complained to the local District Magistrate about the lack of toilet facilities in his house, stating that he had been denied government housing. He tried to make his case by saying that he was a labourer and had an ailing mother who was forced to defecate in the open due to his current situation.

Farrukhabad police killed hostage-taker whose wife was later beaten to death

Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, Pawan Gupta, on Friday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-death-row-convict-challenges-rejection-of-mercy-petition-in-supreme-court-276531">filed a review petition</a> in the Supreme Court challenging its earlier order which dismissed his juvenile plea. The apex court had on January 20, rejected Gupta's petition challenging a Delhi High Court order, which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of the offence.&nbsp;

The top court had observed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-nirbhaya-convict-files-mercy-plea-with-president-277402">there were no grounds</a> to interfere with the High Court order. Earlier, Pawan had claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime and that the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact.

AP Singh, the convict's lawyer, had stated that Pawan's age was 17 years, 1 month and 20 days when the offence was committed, that's why his role should be considered as a juvenile in the case. The Delhi High Court had rejected the review petition of Pawan and he had challenged this before the apex court on January 17.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nibhaya-case-death-row-convict-claims-he-was-juvenile-supreme-court-to-hear-plea-275125">Nibhaya case: Death-row convict claims he was juvenile, Supreme Court to hear plea</a>

Meanwhile, a plea is also being heard in a Delhi court seeking a stay on the execution of the convicts contending that none of those convicted in a case can be hanged until all of them have exhausted all legal options available to them.

Four convicts - Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma - are facing execution on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the chilling night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, Pawan Gupta, on Friday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its earlier order which dismissed his juvenile plea.

Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, Pawan Gupta, on Friday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its earlier order which dismissed his juvenile plea. The apex court had on January 20, rejected Gupta's petition challenging a Delhi High Court order, which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of the offence. The top court had observed that there were no grounds to interfere with the High Court order. Earlier, Pawan had claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime and that the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact. AP Singh, the convict's lawyer, had stated that Pawan's age was 17 years, 1 month and 20 days when the offence was committed, that's why his role should be considered as a juvenile in the case. The Delhi High Court had rejected the review petition of Pawan and he had challenged this before the apex court on January 17. Also Read: Nibhaya case: Death-row convict claims he was juvenile, Supreme Court to hear plea Meanwhile, a plea is also being heard in a Delhi court seeking a stay on the execution of the convicts contending that none of those convicted in a case can be hanged until all of them have exhausted all legal options available to them. Four convicts - Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma - are facing execution on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the chilling night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Nirbhaya convict to challenge SC order dismissing juvenility plea

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-fears-grip-chinas-borders-families-of-uk-citizens-barred-from-departing-as-they-hold-chinese-passports-277484">coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan</a>, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.

Lohani said that the Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft will take off at 12 pm from Delhi today and will return by 2 am on Saturday. "We are sending a Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft. Around 400 Indians will be evacuated today from Wuhan in China by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-disinvestment-begins-modi-govt-invites-bids-for-100-stake-sale-276796">Air India</a> flight. It will take off at 12 pm today and will return by 2 am tomorrow," he added.

<img alt="CMD Ashwani Lohani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40457b0e-386f-4ade-b624-2a28836753a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2824%29_4.jpg" /> 
[ Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Managing Director, Air India (Courtesy: ANI) ]

The flight will include all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-has-to-be-privatised-no-other-option-hardeep-puri-271260">necessary </a>resources like masks, medical equipment, packed food, prescribed medicines, along with a team of five doctors from the Health Ministry, and paramedical personnel from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/government-puts-100-of-air-india-on-sale-277092">Air India</a>. Twenty crew members, including 15 cabin crew and five cockpit crew will be on board. Lohani said that the team of doctors and crew will be led by Air India's Director of Operations Captain Amitabh Singh.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-indigo-air-india-suspend-most-china-bound-flights-no-case-in-india-yet-277405">Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet</a>

Lohani said that further arrangements for the passengers upon their return to India will be done by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Health Ministry. China has imposed a lockdown in Wuhan following the outbreak of the virus.

Coronavirus has claimed the lives of as many as 213 people in China alone, while cases have been reported in several countries across the world. Health authorities around the world are taking action to prevent a global pandemic as the virus continues to spread, with cases reported in Australia, France, the US, and several Asian countries besides China

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said. Lohani said that the Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft will take off at 12 pm from Delhi today and will return by 2 am on Saturday. "We are sending a Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft. Around 400 Indians will be evacuated today from Wuhan in China by Air India flight. It will take off at 12 pm today and will return by 2 am tomorrow," he added. [ Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Managing Director, Air India (Courtesy: ANI) ] The flight will include all necessary resources like masks, medical equipment, packed food, prescribed medicines, along with a team of five doctors from the Health Ministry, and paramedical personnel from Air India. Twenty crew members, including 15 cabin crew and five cockpit crew will be on board. Lohani said that the team of doctors and crew will be led by Air India's Director of Operations Captain Amitabh Singh. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet Lohani said that further arrangements for the passengers upon their return to India will be done by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Health Ministry. China has imposed a lockdown in Wuhan following the outbreak of the virus. Coronavirus has claimed the lives of as many as 213 people in China alone, while cases have been reported in several countries across the world. Health authorities around the world are taking action to prevent a global pandemic as the virus continues to spread, with cases reported in Australia, France, the US, and several Asian countries besides China

Air India CMD says around 400 Indians to be evacuated from Wuhan

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-assembly-passes-resolution-seeking-withdrawal-of-caa-271267">notice for resolution</a> by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. A recall is a procedure by which, one can remove an official before his/her tenure is ended. Chennithala had given the notice to move the resolution when the House convened on January 29 for the budget session. The ruling Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan opposed the resolution.

Chennithala on Wednesday accused Khan of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-assembly-witnesses-disruptions-over-sabarimala-issue-181126">weakening the federal system</a> of the state and working in tandem with the central government while trying to weaken all non-BJP state governments. "He is weakening the federal system and working as a tool of Home Minister Amit Shah and trying to weaken non-BJP state governments," Ramesh Chennithala had told reporters.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-drama-in-kerala-assembly-as-mlas-block-governors-way-display-anti-caa-placards-277196">High drama in Kerala Assembly as MLAs block Governor's way, display anti-CAA placards</a>

Chennithala also accused the Governor of working as the state president of BJP. "Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is ridiculing the Kerala assembly for passing a resolution requesting the central government to withdraw CAA. He is acting as the state president of BJP, as a tool in the hands of RSS and BJP," he said.

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Khan read out a portion against the CAA in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Earlier, a controversy erupted after Khan said that the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was "illegal" as it did not have his approval. After a resolution was passed in the State Assembly seeking withdrawal of the CAA, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has approached the apex court against the law.

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the notice for resolution by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the notice for resolution by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. A recall is a procedure by which, one can remove an official before his/her tenure is ended. Chennithala had given the notice to move the resolution when the House convened on January 29 for the budget session. The ruling Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan opposed the resolution. Chennithala on Wednesday accused Khan of weakening the federal system of the state and working in tandem with the central government while trying to weaken all non-BJP state governments. "He is weakening the federal system and working as a tool of Home Minister Amit Shah and trying to weaken non-BJP state governments," Ramesh Chennithala had told reporters. Also Read: High drama in Kerala Assembly as MLAs block Governor's way, display anti-CAA placards Chennithala also accused the Governor of working as the state president of BJP. "Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is ridiculing the Kerala assembly for passing a resolution requesting the central government to withdraw CAA. He is acting as the state president of BJP, as a tool in the hands of RSS and BJP," he said. Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Khan read out a portion against the CAA in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Earlier, a controversy erupted after Khan said that the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was "illegal" as it did not have his approval. After a resolution was passed in the State Assembly seeking withdrawal of the CAA, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has approached the apex court against the law.

Kerala Assembly dismisses resolution to recall Governor Arif Mohammed Khan