The South Indian film industry has several major updates. Director Karthik Subbaraj has officially announced his 10th feature film, Dorothy, which is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film stars National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh, features music by Ilaiyaraaja, and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 25.
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has dismissed a plea seeking to block the AI-enhanced re-release of Rajinikanth's Kochadaiiyaan, allowing the film to return to theatres despite an ongoing financial dispute linked to its original production.

Karthik Subbaraj's Dorothy Selected for Toronto International Film Festival Premiere

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a criminal case against DMK leader Senthil Balaji in connection with an alleged multi-crore TASMAC liquor scam. The investigation relates to alleged irregularities in the awarding of bar licences, transport tenders, procurement, and bottling operations between 2021 and 2025.

Apart from Senthil Balaji, the case also names his personal assistant, a former TASMAC managing director, senior regional managers, and others. The DVAC alleges a criminal conspiracy that caused financial losses to the state exchequer.

Senthil Balaji Faces Fresh Corruption Case as DVAC Cracks Down on TASMAC Scam

The Madras High Court on Monday (July 27) struck down Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide public employment to the families of those who died in the Karur stampede last year. While passing the order the court said that the decision of the Tamil Nadu government violates Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 16 (Equality of Opportunity in Government Employment) of the Constitution.&nbsp;“Compassionate appointments for this incident will only open floodgates for various others to seek such employment," the court noted.&nbsp;“Public employment is not to be thrown away by state. It has to be earned. Its value has to be realised. Its importance is to be cherished. There are many who wait seeking employment," the court further observed.&nbsp;The Karur stampede happened in September 2025 during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) election rally, addressed by its president C Joseph Vijay, who is now the Chief Minister of the state.&nbsp;Forty-one people, including children, were killed in the stampede which according to the police happened due to Vijay's delayed arrival at the event. Crowds swelled beyond the permitted capacity and there were inadequate provisions of drinking water, food and toilet facilities.&nbsp;The TVK rejected the allegations and blamed the incident on police failure, alleging a conspiracy by former DMK minister Senthil Balaji, a charge he has denied.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited Karur and participated in various government and party programmes, including the distribution of compassionate government job appointment orders to the families of stampede victims.&nbsp;The investigation into the stampede is going on by the CBI that is trying to examine various aspects of the rally like crowd-management arrangements, the timeline of Vijay's arrival and the coordination between party organisers and local authorities. &nbsp;

The Karur stampede happened in September 2025 during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) election rally, addressed by its president C Joseph Vijay.

The Madras High Court on Monday (July 27) struck down Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide public employment to the families of those who died in the Karur stampede last year. While passing the order the court said that the decision of the Tamil Nadu government violates Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 16 (Equality of Opportunity in Government Employment) of the Constitution. “Compassionate appointments for this incident will only open floodgates for various others to seek such employment," the court noted. “Public employment is not to be thrown away by state. It has to be earned. Its value has to be realised. Its importance is to be cherished. There are many who wait seeking employment," the court further observed. The Karur stampede happened in September 2025 during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) election rally, addressed by its president C Joseph Vijay, who is now the Chief Minister of the state. Forty-one people, including children, were killed in the stampede which according to the police happened due to Vijay's delayed arrival at the event. Crowds swelled beyond the permitted capacity and there were inadequate provisions of drinking water, food and toilet facilities. The TVK rejected the allegations and blamed the incident on police failure, alleging a conspiracy by former DMK minister Senthil Balaji, a charge he has denied. Earlier this month, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited Karur and participated in various government and party programmes, including the distribution of compassionate government job appointment orders to the families of stampede victims. The investigation into the stampede is going on by the CBI that is trying to examine various aspects of the rally like crowd-management arrangements, the timeline of Vijay's arrival and the coordination between party organisers and local authorities.

The Karur stampede happened in September 2025 during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) election rally, addressed by its president C Joseph Vijay.

Setback for Vijay: Madras High court scraps jobs offer promised to Karur stampede victims

In a landmark and highly debated legal observation, the Madras High Court has suggested that individuals making separatist or anti-national remarks should be viewed through the lens of a mental health issue rather than purely criminal intent.

Madras high court says separatist remarks now viewed as mental health issue 

The Madras High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate into alleged irregularities leading to Rs 397 crore loss to the Tamil Nadu Government in a transformer procurement tender moved when Senthil Balaji was having the electricity portfolio. The high court also ordered the state's Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to relinquish all the significant records to the CBI within two weeks. The court's decision followed after the case originated from a complaint registered by anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam, alleging a large-scale conspiracy in the tender process between 2021 and 2023, which resulted in an estimated loss of Rs 397 crore to the state exchequer. Based on the complaint, the alleged pattern suggests cartel-like behaviour among bidders. As many as 34 firms that took part in the tender reportedly quoted identical rates, which were 40–60 per cent higher than the prevailing market prices for distribution transformers. The NGO argued that such uniform pricing points to pre-planned bids designed to suppress competition and drive up procurement costs. It further claimed that this coordinated approach led to contracts being awarded at inflated rates, resulting in substantial losses to the government. Arappor Iyakkam founder Jayaram Venkatesan described the High Court order as a crucial development in the case. "This is the first step towards victory. We had to struggle for almost three years just to get the FIR registered. We hope the corrupt are punished, and the loss of Rs 397 crores is recovered back to the treasury," NDTV quoted Arappor as saying. The organisation added that it had been following up on the matter for nearly three years, alleging delays before finally obtaining judicial intervention.<h3>Resignation of Senthil Balaji from the minister post</h3>The transformer tender investigation further compounds the legal troubles of Senthil Balaji. He had previously resigned from his ministerial post after the Enforcement Directorate accused him in a money laundering case tied to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister under former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;He was also alleged to have a separate Rs 1,000 crore irregularity in liquor procurement for sale through state-run outlets. However, Balaji denied all allegations, clarifying that he will face the cases legally.&nbsp;Reacting to the allegations, Balaji refuted claims of any wrongdoing during the transformer tender process and asserted that the same procurement system had been followed since 2016. He stated that three separate committees had examined the bids, and contracts were awarded when participating companies quoted identical prices, arguing that such uniformity should not be viewed as irregular. Senthil Balaji also maintained that the government did not suffer any financial loss.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has directed a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into an alleged Rs 397 crore loss in a transformer tender in Tamil Nadu. The case, brought forward by Arappor Iyakkam, alleges cartel-like bidding by 34 firms quoting inflated rates.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crackdown-intensifies-j-k-administration-demolishes-drug-linked-properties-in-major-anti-narcotics-drive-1777448210198">Crackdown intensifies: J&amp;K administration demolishes drug-linked properties in major anti-narcotics drive</a>

The Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into an alleged Rs 397 crore loss in a Tamil Nadu transformer tender. The case, flagged by Arappor Iyakkam, points to cartel-like bidding by 34 firms quoting inflated prices.

The Madras High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate into alleged irregularities leading to Rs 397 crore loss to the Tamil Nadu Government in a transformer procurement tender moved when Senthil Balaji was having the electricity portfolio. The high court also ordered the state's Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to relinquish all the significant records to the CBI within two weeks. The court's decision followed after the case originated from a complaint registered by anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam, alleging a large-scale conspiracy in the tender process between 2021 and 2023, which resulted in an estimated loss of Rs 397 crore to the state exchequer. Based on the complaint, the alleged pattern suggests cartel-like behaviour among bidders. As many as 34 firms that took part in the tender reportedly quoted identical rates, which were 40–60 per cent higher than the prevailing market prices for distribution transformers. The NGO argued that such uniform pricing points to pre-planned bids designed to suppress competition and drive up procurement costs. It further claimed that this coordinated approach led to contracts being awarded at inflated rates, resulting in substantial losses to the government. Arappor Iyakkam founder Jayaram Venkatesan described the High Court order as a crucial development in the case. "This is the first step towards victory. We had to struggle for almost three years just to get the FIR registered. We hope the corrupt are punished, and the loss of Rs 397 crores is recovered back to the treasury," NDTV quoted Arappor as saying. The organisation added that it had been following up on the matter for nearly three years, alleging delays before finally obtaining judicial intervention. Resignation of Senthil Balaji from the minister post The transformer tender investigation further compounds the legal troubles of Senthil Balaji. He had previously resigned from his ministerial post after the Enforcement Directorate accused him in a money laundering case tied to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister under former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. He was also alleged to have a separate Rs 1,000 crore irregularity in liquor procurement for sale through state-run outlets. However, Balaji denied all allegations, clarifying that he will face the cases legally. Reacting to the allegations, Balaji refuted claims of any wrongdoing during the transformer tender process and asserted that the same procurement system had been followed since 2016. He stated that three separate committees had examined the bids, and contracts were awarded when participating companies quoted identical prices, arguing that such uniformity should not be viewed as irregular. Senthil Balaji also maintained that the government did not suffer any financial loss. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has directed a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into an alleged Rs 397 crore loss in a transformer tender in Tamil Nadu. The case, brought forward by Arappor Iyakkam, alleges cartel-like bidding by 34 firms quoting inflated rates. Also read: Crackdown intensifies: J&K administration demolishes drug-linked properties in major anti-narcotics drive

The Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into an alleged Rs 397 crore loss in a Tamil Nadu transformer tender. The case, flagged by Arappor Iyakkam, points to cartel-like bidding by 34 firms quoting inflated prices.

Madras HC orders CBI probe into Rs 397 Cr transformer tender scam during DMK's Senthil Balaji tenure

An Indian court has ruled that wives watching pornography or engaging in self-pleasure and masturbation are not grounds for divorce.
The Madras High Court on Wednesday (Mar 19) held that a woman&rsquo;s sexual autonomy and the fundamental right to privacy includes spousal privacy, rejecting a man&rsquo;s appeal seeking divorce from his wife.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-considers-cbi-probe-into-bank-builder-nexus-8867311">Supreme Court considers CBI probe into bank-builder nexus</a>
A Bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and R Poornima observed that watching porn in private is not an offence. Although the court noted that it may not be morally justifiable as porn portrays women in a degrading manner and it could negatively impact the viewer. However, merely watching porn in private would not amount to marital cruelty.
The court also ruled that the allegation that a wife masturbates is not grounds for divorce, adding that it would be a gross violation of a woman&rsquo;s sexual autonomy. The court said that when masturbation by a man is acknowledged to be universal, masturbation by woman cannot be stigmatised.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-court-orders-death-sentence-to-man-accused-in-2018-honour-killing-case-8842514">Telangana court orders death sentence to man convicted in 2018 honour killing case</a>
&ldquo;If after contracting marriage, a woman has sexual relationship outside marriage, it would furnish ground for divorce. However, indulging in self-pleasure cannot be a cause for dissolution of marriage. By no stretch of imagination, can it be said to inflict cruelty on the husband,&rdquo; the high court said.
The petitioner made several allegations against his wife including that she was a spendthrift, was addicted to watching porn, engaged in masturbation, refused to do household chores, did not treat her in-laws well and engaged in long phone conversations. He also claimed that his wife suffered from a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-rodrigo-duterte-why-is-he-being-arrested-on-international-criminal-courts-orders-8842040">Rodrigo Duterte arrested on International Criminal Court's orders. What did he do?</a>
The court found that the man did not prove any of the allegations sufficiently and did not have any medical test report for his claim that the woman had STD. The court added that &ldquo;The other party, even if afflicted with a venereal disease in a communicable form should be given an opportunity to show that he or she was not at fault,&rdquo; the Court held.
<h2>Right to spousal privacy even after marriage</h2>
The court further stressed that a woman retains her right to spousal privacy even after marriage, including sexual autonomy.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-mastermind-tahawwur-ranas-plea-opposing-extradition-to-india-rejected-by-us-court-8833123">26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana's plea opposing extradition to India rejected by US court</a>
&ldquo;When privacy is a fundamental right, it includes within its scope and reach spousal privacy too. The contours of spousal privacy would include various aspects of a woman's sexual autonomy. So long as something does not fall foul of law, the right to express oneself cannot be denied,&rdquo; the court said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Self-pleasure is not a forbidden fruit; its indulgence shall not lead to a precipitous fall from the Eden garden of marriage,&rdquo; it added. &ldquo;After marriage, a woman becomes a spouse but she continues to retain her individuality. Her fundamental identity as an individual, as a woman, is not subsumed by her spousal status.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | The Madras High Court on Wednesday (Mar 19) held that a woman’s sexual autonomy and the fundamental right to privacy includes spousal privacy, rejecting a man’s appeal seeking divorce from his wife.

An Indian court has ruled that wives watching pornography or engaging in self-pleasure and masturbation are not grounds for divorce. The Madras High Court on Wednesday (Mar 19) held that a woman’s sexual autonomy and the fundamental right to privacy includes spousal privacy, rejecting a man’s appeal seeking divorce from his wife. Also read | Supreme Court considers CBI probe into bank-builder nexus A Bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and R Poornima observed that watching porn in private is not an offence. Although the court noted that it may not be morally justifiable as porn portrays women in a degrading manner and it could negatively impact the viewer. However, merely watching porn in private would not amount to marital cruelty. The court also ruled that the allegation that a wife masturbates is not grounds for divorce, adding that it would be a gross violation of a woman’s sexual autonomy. The court said that when masturbation by a man is acknowledged to be universal, masturbation by woman cannot be stigmatised. Also read | Telangana court orders death sentence to man convicted in 2018 honour killing case “If after contracting marriage, a woman has sexual relationship outside marriage, it would furnish ground for divorce. However, indulging in self-pleasure cannot be a cause for dissolution of marriage. By no stretch of imagination, can it be said to inflict cruelty on the husband,” the high court said. The petitioner made several allegations against his wife including that she was a spendthrift, was addicted to watching porn, engaged in masturbation, refused to do household chores, did not treat her in-laws well and engaged in long phone conversations. He also claimed that his wife suffered from a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Also read |Rodrigo Duterte arrested on International Criminal Court's orders. What did he do? The court found that the man did not prove any of the allegations sufficiently and did not have any medical test report for his claim that the woman had STD. The court added that “The other party, even if afflicted with a venereal disease in a communicable form should be given an opportunity to show that he or she was not at fault,” the Court held. Right to spousal privacy even after marriage The court further stressed that a woman retains her right to spousal privacy even after marriage, including sexual autonomy. Also read | 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana's plea opposing extradition to India rejected by US court “When privacy is a fundamental right, it includes within its scope and reach spousal privacy too. The contours of spousal privacy would include various aspects of a woman's sexual autonomy. So long as something does not fall foul of law, the right to express oneself cannot be denied,” the court said. “Self-pleasure is not a forbidden fruit; its indulgence shall not lead to a precipitous fall from the Eden garden of marriage,” it added. “After marriage, a woman becomes a spouse but she continues to retain her individuality. Her fundamental identity as an individual, as a woman, is not subsumed by her spousal status.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘Self-pleasure not forbidden fruit’: Indian court rules wife masturbating, watching porn not grounds for divorce

The Madras High Court directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to lift the ban imposed on the website of Tamil weekly "Ananda Vikatan" for its cartoon on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;
Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy directed the government to lift the ban, asking the magazine to temporarily take down the page that had the cartoon.&nbsp;
The cartoon was available on the online edition of Vikatan, not its print magazine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-deports-fourth-batch-of-12-illegal-indian-immigrants-via-panama-aircraft-lands-in-delhi-8749755">US deports fourth batch of 12 illegal Indian immigrants via Panama, aircraft lands in Delhi</a>
<h2>See the cartoon here:&nbsp;</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Plz don't circulate this cartoon. U cd be in deep trouble with the Govt of India. The popular Tamil news agency <a href="https://twitter.com/vikatan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vikatan</a> hs been blocked by the GOI, fr publishing this. So, I repeat don't get into trouble &amp; publish this cartoon in any manner. Warning Issued in public interest. <a href="https://t.co/ueqdMBoC6k">pic.twitter.com/ueqdMBoC6k</a>
&mdash; Dr Jaison Philip. M.S., MCh (@Jasonphilip8) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jasonphilip8/status/1891041137684607104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The court said it would &ldquo;examine whether the caricature in question falls under artistic and journalistic freedom or whether it is covered under Section 69A of the IT Act," according to Bar and Bench.&nbsp;
Vikatan in a statement on X said, "the cartoon has been removed in compliance with the order of the Hon&rsquo;ble Madras High Court, subject to further adjudication."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-among-300-us-deportees-plead-for-help-from-panama-hotel-windows-not-safe-in-our-country-8738257">Indians among 300 US deportees held in Panama hotel, some migrants seen pleading for help from window</a>
<h2>What was there in the Modi-Trump cartoon?</h2>
The cartoon showed PM Modi in shackles, sitting next to Trump, referring to the context that Indians are being handcuffed while being deported from the US.&nbsp;
Right before the block, the state BJP said that they had filed a complaint against Vikatan, saying that the cartoon "cast a shadow on the diplomatic progress&rdquo; made by Modi in America.&nbsp;
Further, Vikatan is now consulting legal experts to determine the next steps.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-sikh-body-condemns-us-authorities-for-not-allowing-sikh-deportees-to-wear-turban-8728259">Top Sikh body condemns US authorities for 'not allowing' Sikh deportees to wear turban</a>
They said that it had not sent a notice about its website being blocked. They also provided the I&amp;B ministry with a "detailed explanation that the specific cartoon was an expression of freedom of speech&rdquo;.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy directed the government to lift the ban, asking the magazine to temporarily take down the page that had the cartoon.

The Madras High Court directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to lift the ban imposed on the website of Tamil weekly "Ananda Vikatan" for its cartoon on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy directed the government to lift the ban, asking the magazine to temporarily take down the page that had the cartoon. The cartoon was available on the online edition of Vikatan, not its print magazine. Also read: US deports fourth batch of 12 illegal Indian immigrants via Panama, aircraft lands in Delhi See the cartoon here: Plz don't circulate this cartoon. U cd be in deep trouble with the Govt of India. The popular Tamil news agency @vikatan hs been blocked by the GOI, fr publishing this. So, I repeat don't get into trouble & publish this cartoon in any manner. Warning Issued in public interest. pic.twitter.com/ueqdMBoC6k — Dr Jaison Philip. M.S., MCh (@Jasonphilip8) February 16, 2025 The court said it would “examine whether the caricature in question falls under artistic and journalistic freedom or whether it is covered under Section 69A of the IT Act," according to Bar and Bench. Vikatan in a statement on X said, "the cartoon has been removed in compliance with the order of the Hon’ble Madras High Court, subject to further adjudication." Also read: Indians among 300 US deportees held in Panama hotel, some migrants seen pleading for help from window What was there in the Modi-Trump cartoon? The cartoon showed PM Modi in shackles, sitting next to Trump, referring to the context that Indians are being handcuffed while being deported from the US. Right before the block, the state BJP said that they had filed a complaint against Vikatan, saying that the cartoon "cast a shadow on the diplomatic progress” made by Modi in America. Further, Vikatan is now consulting legal experts to determine the next steps. Also read: Top Sikh body condemns US authorities for 'not allowing' Sikh deportees to wear turban They said that it had not sent a notice about its website being blocked. They also provided the I&B ministry with a "detailed explanation that the specific cartoon was an expression of freedom of speech”. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi-Trump cartoon controversy:  Madras HC orders Centre to lift ban on website of Vikatan

The Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Sep 23) ruled that watching and storage of child pornography amounted to an offence under the&nbsp;Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). In the process, the court overturned a Madras High Court ruling which stated that downloading and watching pornography involving children on digital devices was not an offence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justice Pardiwala said the High Court committed an "egregious error" in quashing the criminal proceedings. The bench set aside the decision and restored the criminal prosecution.&nbsp;

"The HC committed an error in its order and thus we set aside the HC order and we remit the matter back to the sessions court," the court observed.&nbsp;

The bench also explained the degree of&nbsp;mens rea (intention) required for such an act to constitute an offence under Section 15 of the POCSO Act. Notably, sub-section (1) of Section 15 penalises the failure to delete, destroy or report any child pornographic material that has been found to be stored or in possession by any person with an intention to share or transmit the same.

"Facilitation of such transmission, preparation, set up to enable transmit etc has to be there. Mens rea&nbsp;has to be found from the storage of such pornographic material. To establish offence under Section 15(3), apart from storage of child pornographic material, it has to be shown that such storage was done to make some gain or advantage."

The court also suggested that the Indian Parliament bring a law amending the POSCO Act to replace&nbsp;the term "child pornography" with "Child Sexual Exploitative and Abusive Material".

NGO, Just Right for Children Alliance, which worked for the welfare of children had filed the petition in the apex court demanding that the HC order be set aside and appropriate directors be issued in the matter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remove-child-sex-abuse-from-the-internet-india-warns-3-social-media-companies-643558">Watch |&nbsp;Remove child sex abuse from the internet: India warns 3 social media companies</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>What did Madras High Court rule?</h2>

In January this year, the Madras High Court quashed the case against S Harish (28), charged&nbsp;for downloading and watching on his mobile phone some pornographic content involving children.

The court ruled that in order to consider what Harish did as an offence under Section 67-B of the Information&nbsp;Technology Act, 2000, he must have published, transmitted, and created material depicting children in a sexually explicit act or conduct.

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A careful reading of this provision does not make watching child pornography, an offence under the said Section, it had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Sep 23) ruled that watching and storage of child pornography amounted to an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).

The Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Sep 23) ruled that watching and storage of child pornography amounted to an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). In the process, the court overturned a Madras High Court ruling which stated that downloading and watching pornography involving children on digital devices was not an offence. A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justice Pardiwala said the High Court committed an "egregious error" in quashing the criminal proceedings. The bench set aside the decision and restored the criminal prosecution. "The HC committed an error in its order and thus we set aside the HC order and we remit the matter back to the sessions court," the court observed. The bench also explained the degree of mens rea (intention) required for such an act to constitute an offence under Section 15 of the POCSO Act. Notably, sub-section (1) of Section 15 penalises the failure to delete, destroy or report any child pornographic material that has been found to be stored or in possession by any person with an intention to share or transmit the same. "Facilitation of such transmission, preparation, set up to enable transmit etc has to be there. Mens rea has to be found from the storage of such pornographic material. To establish offence under Section 15(3), apart from storage of child pornographic material, it has to be shown that such storage was done to make some gain or advantage." The court also suggested that the Indian Parliament bring a law amending the POSCO Act to replace the term "child pornography" with "Child Sexual Exploitative and Abusive Material". NGO, Just Right for Children Alliance, which worked for the welfare of children had filed the petition in the apex court demanding that the HC order be set aside and appropriate directors be issued in the matter. Watch | Remove child sex abuse from the internet: India warns 3 social media companies × What did Madras High Court rule? In January this year, the Madras High Court quashed the case against S Harish (28), charged for downloading and watching on his mobile phone some pornographic content involving children. The court ruled that in order to consider what Harish did as an offence under Section 67-B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, he must have published, transmitted, and created material depicting children in a sexually explicit act or conduct. Also read | AI researchers delete over 2,000 web links to suspected child sexual abuse imagery A careful reading of this provision does not make watching child pornography, an offence under the said Section, it had said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Watching, storage of child pornography crime': Indian SC rules, quashing Madras HC's judgment

A writ petition urging that K Armstrong, the state president of the Tamil Nadu BSP, be buried at the party's office&nbsp;was denied by the Madras High Court on Sunday (July 7).&nbsp;

The court has ruled that his cremation take&nbsp;place on private land in Pothur Village, Thiruvallur district.

BSP chief Mayawati left Chennai earlier on Sunday to head to Uttar Pradesh. She visited Chennai to pay her last respects to the late BSP K Armstrong and met his grieving family.

On July 5, a few bike-borne men hacked Armstrong to death&nbsp;outside his Perambur home.

On Sunday, the Madras High Court conducted a special session to hear the wife of killed Tamil Nadu BSP president K Armstrong's request to bury his remains at the party office. The High Court permitted the funeral to take place in the neighbouring Thiruvallur district.

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The government rejected the petition, claiming that the party's office was in a residential area.

His widow petitioned the High Court, pleading for his burial in the party office. Justice V Bhavani Subbaroyan heard the plea.

The government rejected the request, claiming that the area was residential and that three alternative locations for the burial had been selected.

Additional Advocate General J Ravindran later notified the judge that the government had granted permission for the burial to take place on property owned by Armstrong's cousin in Pothur, Thiruvallur district and that the requisite orders had been issued.

The petitioner also agreed to the plan, and the judge ordered that Armstrong's remains be buried at Pothur. The judge ordered the petitioner to arrange a peaceful funeral procession and summoned the police for security.

(With inputs from agencies)

A writ petition urging that K Armstrong, the state president of the Tamil Nadu BSP, be buried at the party's office was denied by the Madras High Court on Sunday (July 7).

A writ petition urging that K Armstrong, the state president of the Tamil Nadu BSP, be buried at the party's office was denied by the Madras High Court on Sunday (July 7). The court has ruled that his cremation take place on private land in Pothur Village, Thiruvallur district. BSP chief Mayawati left Chennai earlier on Sunday to head to Uttar Pradesh. She visited Chennai to pay her last respects to the late BSP K Armstrong and met his grieving family. On July 5, a few bike-borne men hacked Armstrong to death outside his Perambur home. On Sunday, the Madras High Court conducted a special session to hear the wife of killed Tamil Nadu BSP president K Armstrong's request to bury his remains at the party office. The High Court permitted the funeral to take place in the neighbouring Thiruvallur district. Also read: Two Indian soldiers martyred, 6 terrorists killed in twin encounters in J&K The government rejected the petition, claiming that the party's office was in a residential area. His widow petitioned the High Court, pleading for his burial in the party office. Justice V Bhavani Subbaroyan heard the plea. The government rejected the request, claiming that the area was residential and that three alternative locations for the burial had been selected. Additional Advocate General J Ravindran later notified the judge that the government had granted permission for the burial to take place on property owned by Armstrong's cousin in Pothur, Thiruvallur district and that the requisite orders had been issued. The petitioner also agreed to the plan, and the judge ordered that Armstrong's remains be buried at Pothur. The judge ordered the petitioner to arrange a peaceful funeral procession and summoned the police for security. (With inputs from agencies)

Madras HC rejects plea seeking burial of slain TN BSP chief Armstrong in party office premises

Within days of the implementation of new criminal laws in India, a major controversy has erupted over their Hindi and Sanskrit language nomenclature. A petition was filed in the Madras High Court seeking directives to declare the names unconstitutional. However, the court on Wednesday (Jul 3) refused to stay the implementation of the new laws that came into effect on July 1 replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act.

The court instead sought a response from the Union government's representative. The bench of acting Chief Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq subsequently issued a notice to the central government.

<h2>Union government's response</h2>

The Union government, on the other hand, told the court that there was nothing unconstitutional in the new criminal laws.

Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, who represented the government, said that the parliament had enacted the laws in its own wisdom and they can't be interfered with, unless these are proven to be inherently illegal or unconstitutional.

Watch:&nbsp;India: 3 new criminal laws to replace colonial-era codes

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“It's the wisdom of the parliament. All of us have elected the parliament and these lawmakers, on their wisdom have named it. Their will is shown in the names. If it's against the constitution, then okay. But no rights are affected,” Sundaresan was quoted as saying by Live Law, a legal media outlet.

<h2>Petitioner's argument</h2>

The petition, filed by lawyer B Ramkumar Adityan, said the Hindi and Sanskrit nomenclature violated Article 348(1)(a) of the Constitution.

Out of the “28 states and eight union territories in the country, only nine states and two union territories have Hindi as their official language,” the petition said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwixzdvZ84qHAxVra2wGHVP6Bq8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-ready-to-implement-new-criminal-laws-which-come-into-effect-on-july-1-736585" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-ready-to-implement-new-criminal-laws-which-come-into-effect-on-july-1-736585&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixzdvZ84qHAxVra2wGHVP6Bq8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Delhi Police ready to implement new criminal laws which come into effect on July 1</a>

"Hindi is not the mother tongue of 56.37 per cent of Indians and yet the Union government has assigned Hindi and Sanskrit nomenclature to the new laws," it added.

Responding to these allegations, Sundaresan clarified that the English alphabet has been used in the nomenclature of Hindi names.

"People will get used to these names eventually. It is a matter of time. But these names do not breach any constitutional rights or citizens' fundamental rights. These names are not in violation of Article 348," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Within days of the implementation of new criminal laws in India, a major controversy has erupted over their Hindi and Sanskrit language nomenclature. A petition was filed in the Madras High Court seeking directives to declare the names unconstitutional.

Within days of the implementation of new criminal laws in India, a major controversy has erupted over their Hindi and Sanskrit language nomenclature. A petition was filed in the Madras High Court seeking directives to declare the names unconstitutional. However, the court on Wednesday (Jul 3) refused to stay the implementation of the new laws that came into effect on July 1 replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act. The court instead sought a response from the Union government's representative. The bench of acting Chief Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq subsequently issued a notice to the central government. Union government's response The Union government, on the other hand, told the court that there was nothing unconstitutional in the new criminal laws. Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, who represented the government, said that the parliament had enacted the laws in its own wisdom and they can't be interfered with, unless these are proven to be inherently illegal or unconstitutional. Watch: India: 3 new criminal laws to replace colonial-era codes × “It's the wisdom of the parliament. All of us have elected the parliament and these lawmakers, on their wisdom have named it. Their will is shown in the names. If it's against the constitution, then okay. But no rights are affected,” Sundaresan was quoted as saying by Live Law, a legal media outlet. Petitioner's argument The petition, filed by lawyer B Ramkumar Adityan, said the Hindi and Sanskrit nomenclature violated Article 348(1)(a) of the Constitution. Out of the “28 states and eight union territories in the country, only nine states and two union territories have Hindi as their official language,” the petition said. Also read: Delhi Police ready to implement new criminal laws which come into effect on July 1 "Hindi is not the mother tongue of 56.37 per cent of Indians and yet the Union government has assigned Hindi and Sanskrit nomenclature to the new laws," it added. Responding to these allegations, Sundaresan clarified that the English alphabet has been used in the nomenclature of Hindi names. "People will get used to these names eventually. It is a matter of time. But these names do not breach any constitutional rights or citizens' fundamental rights. These names are not in violation of Article 348," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Are Hindi, Sanskrit names of criminal laws unconstitutional? Madras HC issues notice to Modi govt

The Madras High Court made a strong statement on Wednesday and stated that veteran music composer Illaiyaraaja cannot claim sole ownership of the work that he has done in his career as numerous players come together to create a song. The veteran composer is in a legal tussle with recording company Echo Recording Pvt Ltd over the ownership of 4,500 songs.&nbsp;

According to a report on Live Law, the court stated that all commercial transactions that Ilaiyaraaja has entered with music streaming platforms will be dependent on the outcome of his appeal over ownership of the songs he has composed.&nbsp; 
 
The court has argued that while Illaiyaraja may own the musical notes, the entirety of the song belongs to the producer as the composer receives payment for his work from the recording label. But Ilaiyaraaja's counsel countered that he continues to have rights to his songs irrespective of agreements with producers. 
 
The website also reported that the court questioned whether Ilaiyaraaja could lay claim over the song, as the lyrics were penned by someone else. The judge pointed out that apart from the lyricist and composer, a singer also contributes to making a song. The court questioned what would happen if the lyricists also asked for ownership, stating that he could not be the sole owner of the songs. The matter was adjourned till June.

Ilaiyaraaja biopic 
 
Earlier in March, it was announced that Arun Matheswaran will direct a biopic&nbsp;on Ilaiyaraaja, starring Dhanush in the titular role. The actor also launched the film poster in Chennai in the presence of Kamal Haasan and the composer.&nbsp;

The movie will chronicle&nbsp;Ilaiyaraaja's life and career. The composer has had a career spanning over five decades and has&nbsp;composed over 7,000 songs for over 1,000 films and performed over 20,000 concerts across the globe.

The movie, which will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, is backed by Connekkt Media, PK Prime Production and Mercuri Movies. Sriram Bakthisaran, C K Padma Kumar, Varun Mathur, Ilamparithy Gajendran and Saurabh Mishra are credited as producers.

The Madras High Court made a strong statement on Wednesday and stated that veteran music composer Illaiyaraaja cannot claim sole ownership of the work that he has done in his career as numerous players come together to create a song.

The Madras High Court made a strong statement on Wednesday and stated that veteran music composer Illaiyaraaja cannot claim sole ownership of the work that he has done in his career as numerous players come together to create a song. The veteran composer is in a legal tussle with recording company Echo Recording Pvt Ltd over the ownership of 4,500 songs. According to a report on Live Law, the court stated that all commercial transactions that Ilaiyaraaja has entered with music streaming platforms will be dependent on the outcome of his appeal over ownership of the songs he has composed. The court has argued that while Illaiyaraja may own the musical notes, the entirety of the song belongs to the producer as the composer receives payment for his work from the recording label. But Ilaiyaraaja's counsel countered that he continues to have rights to his songs irrespective of agreements with producers. The website also reported that the court questioned whether Ilaiyaraaja could lay claim over the song, as the lyrics were penned by someone else. The judge pointed out that apart from the lyricist and composer, a singer also contributes to making a song. The court questioned what would happen if the lyricists also asked for ownership, stating that he could not be the sole owner of the songs. The matter was adjourned till June. Ilaiyaraaja biopic Earlier in March, it was announced that Arun Matheswaran will direct a biopic on Ilaiyaraaja, starring Dhanush in the titular role. The actor also launched the film poster in Chennai in the presence of Kamal Haasan and the composer. The movie will chronicle Ilaiyaraaja's life and career. The composer has had a career spanning over five decades and has composed over 7,000 songs for over 1,000 films and performed over 20,000 concerts across the globe. The movie, which will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, is backed by Connekkt Media, PK Prime Production and Mercuri Movies. Sriram Bakthisaran, C K Padma Kumar, Varun Mathur, Ilamparithy Gajendran and Saurabh Mishra are credited as producers.

Illaiyaraaja cannot have sole ownership over his composed songs, says Madras High Court

The Indian Supreme Court set aside the conviction of two Tamil Nadu teachers in a sexual harassment case, according to media reports on Monday (Mar 11). A report by ETV Bharat said that one of the two teachers was the main accused in the case and was convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

The Indian Supreme Court set aside the conviction of two Tamil Nadu teachers in a sexual harassment case, according to media reports on Monday (Mar 11). A report by ETV Bharat said that one of the two teachers was the main accused in the case and was convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The second teacher was charged with criminal intimidation. A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising justices Dipankar Datta, K V Viswanathan, and Sandeep Mehta said that it agreed with the submissions of the senior counsel of Tamil Nadu that an act of sexual harassment of a girl student who is also a minor by "any teacher would figure quite high on the list of offences of grave nature since it has far-reaching consequences, which impact more than just the parties to the proceeding." The bench said that the two teachers were behind bars and should be immediately released from custody. What is the case about? In 2018, on the occasion of Valentine's Day (February 14), the main accused teacher entered a classroom, approached a minor female student and forcefully presented her with flowers and chocolates in the presence of other students. The report said that despite the student's refusal to accept the offerings, the teacher resorted to twisting her arm, forcing her to accept the items. Later on the same day, the victim was called by another teacher in the school. This teacher asked her why she was refusing to talk to the teacher who presented her with flowers and chocolates. He said that if the victim continued to not talk to the first teacher, he (the teacher who gave gifts) would die and she would be held responsible. The convictions Both the teachers were convicted in 2021. They moved the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court judgment passed in November 2022, which dismissed their plea seeking relief in the case. The ETV report said that in November 2021, a special court convicted the main accused teacher under section 12 of the POCSO Act and sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment. The second teacher, meanwhile, was convicted under section 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment. The Supreme Court bench said on Monday that the right to live a life of dignity and personal liberty was not supposed to be jeopardised based on half-baked evidence. Justice Datta said that it was axiomatic that a teacher earns a reputation upon rendering service over the years and an accusation like this becomes an indelible mark marring his entire future life. The bench said it was inclined to deem that this case was unsuitable for securing a conviction under section 11 read with section 12 of the POCSO Act, as there were enough missing links to extend the benefit of the doubt to the main accused. As for the second teacher, the bench said, "As regards A-2, we do not consider that the prosecution was successful in proving that the conduct of A-2 was a case of criminal intimidation punishable under section 506 of IPC; his conviction, too, is also liable to be set aside." (With inputs from agencies)

How a bunch of flowers and chocolates landed a teacher in sexual harassment case in India's Tamil Nadu

An unusual case made its way to the Madras High Court in India, in which a constable was dismissed from service for reacting with a “thumbs up” emoji on a WhatsApp message regarding a brutal murder. At the heart of the case is Narendra Chauhan, who joined the Railway Police Force service as a constable in 2015, and was fired over the emoji.

The Madras High Court upheld the order of a single judge reinstating Chauhan into the service over the bizarre dispute. Chauhan had filed the writ petition challenging his removal from service.&nbsp;

Here is how this unusual matter unfolded:

<h2>What is the case?</h2>

In 2018, when an assistant commandant was brutally murdered by another constable, the news of this incident made waves among police personnel.

The same news was shared in the official WhatsApp group, in which constable Chauhan was also a member.&nbsp;

Chauhan, not expecting&nbsp;that this could be turned against him, reacted with a “thumbs-up” emoji to the message on the group.

The Railway Protection Special Force saw this as a moral support to the accused, and soon issued a charge memo against him.

The disciplinary authority held an enquiry into Chauhan’s conduct and ordered that he be removed from service.

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It was argued that as a member of a uniformed service, it was expected of Chauhan to maintain a certain standard of discipline and the “thumbs-up” reaction was seen as a mark of celebration to the brutal death of a superior officer.&nbsp;

It was argued that such misconduct would not only send a wrong message to other personnel but also affect the morale of the officers.

Chauhan, on the other hand, was of the view that he had no such intention and had only erroneously shared the emoji. The case was then taken to the Madras High Court upon Chauhan’s petition.

<h2>What did Madras High Court say?</h2>

The Madurai bench of Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice R Vijayakumar observed that the thumbs-up signal can also be seen as an alternative for the word “OK” and sharing the same could not be considered as celebrating the brutal murder.&nbsp;

The court also noted that Chauhan, who was not so active on WhatsApp had only meant to acknowledge that he had seen the message.

Thus, noting that he had no malicious intentions, the court held his explanation to be believable.

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“The said thumbs-up signal could also be construed to be an alternative for the word “ OK”. Therefore, sharing of the said symbol could never be considered to be celebrating the brutal murder, but is it only an acknowledgement of the fact that the petitioner had seen the said message. Therefore, the explanation offered by the writ petitioner is believable, especially in the light of the fact that no other allegations have been made against him," the court said.

(With inputs from agencies)

An unusual case made its way to the Madras High Court in India, in which a constable was dismissed from service for reacting with a “thumbs up” emoji on a WhatsApp message regarding a brutal murder.

An unusual case made its way to the Madras High Court in India, in which a constable was dismissed from service for reacting with a “thumbs up” emoji on a WhatsApp message regarding a brutal murder. At the heart of the case is Narendra Chauhan, who joined the Railway Police Force service as a constable in 2015, and was fired over the emoji. The Madras High Court upheld the order of a single judge reinstating Chauhan into the service over the bizarre dispute. Chauhan had filed the writ petition challenging his removal from service. Here is how this unusual matter unfolded: What is the case? In 2018, when an assistant commandant was brutally murdered by another constable, the news of this incident made waves among police personnel. The same news was shared in the official WhatsApp group, in which constable Chauhan was also a member. Chauhan, not expecting that this could be turned against him, reacted with a “thumbs-up” emoji to the message on the group. The Railway Protection Special Force saw this as a moral support to the accused, and soon issued a charge memo against him. The disciplinary authority held an enquiry into Chauhan’s conduct and ordered that he be removed from service. Also Read | India: NIA arrests one suspect connected with Rameshwaram Cafe blast It was argued that as a member of a uniformed service, it was expected of Chauhan to maintain a certain standard of discipline and the “thumbs-up” reaction was seen as a mark of celebration to the brutal death of a superior officer. It was argued that such misconduct would not only send a wrong message to other personnel but also affect the morale of the officers. Chauhan, on the other hand, was of the view that he had no such intention and had only erroneously shared the emoji. The case was then taken to the Madras High Court upon Chauhan’s petition. What did Madras High Court say? The Madurai bench of Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice R Vijayakumar observed that the thumbs-up signal can also be seen as an alternative for the word “OK” and sharing the same could not be considered as celebrating the brutal murder. The court also noted that Chauhan, who was not so active on WhatsApp had only meant to acknowledge that he had seen the message. Thus, noting that he had no malicious intentions, the court held his explanation to be believable. Also Read | Who is 'Missile Rani'? Meet Sheena Rani, DRDO scientist who led India's Agni-V missile project “The said thumbs-up signal could also be construed to be an alternative for the word “ OK”. Therefore, sharing of the said symbol could never be considered to be celebrating the brutal murder, but is it only an acknowledgement of the fact that the petitioner had seen the said message. Therefore, the explanation offered by the writ petitioner is believable, especially in the light of the fact that no other allegations have been made against him," the court said. (With inputs from agencies)

Reacting with 'thumbs up' to WhatsApp message on murder does not mean celebrating it: Madras HC

The Madras High Court on Friday quashed a case registered by police against a Chennai youngster for downloading and watching two child porn&nbsp;videos on his phone.

The Ambattur police had also seized the phone on which the youth had downloaded the porn video.

Justice Anand Venkatesh, while quashing the case, said that the new generation of youngsters and teenagers are getting addicted to porn just like the earlier generations were addicted to liquor and cigarettes, and instead of punishing these youngsters, society must be mature enough to counsel them out of this addiction.

Watch | India: Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to lead opposition bloc India

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He also held that watching porn videos in private, per se, would not attract either Section 14 (1) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 or Section 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 which had been pressed against the youngster, following an anonymous complaint.

The court also stated that the two videos of a couple of teens having sex with an adult woman, which was downloaded from the Internet, had remained only within the private domain of the youngster.

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It also said that the youth was summoned by the court and admitted that he was addicted to watching porn films on the Internet and had also admitted that he was trying to get out of the habit and was willing to undergo counselling.

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The judge also listed out statistics from a recent study, noting that nine out of 10 students were addicted to porn videos and added that this was affecting their psychological and mental well-being.

The Madras High Court on Friday quashed a case registered by police against a Chennai youngster for downloading and watching two child porn videos on his phone. The Ambattur police had also seized the phone on which the youth had downloaded the porn video.

The Madras High Court on Friday quashed a case registered by police against a Chennai youngster for downloading and watching two child porn videos on his phone. The Ambattur police had also seized the phone on which the youth had downloaded the porn video. Justice Anand Venkatesh, while quashing the case, said that the new generation of youngsters and teenagers are getting addicted to porn just like the earlier generations were addicted to liquor and cigarettes, and instead of punishing these youngsters, society must be mature enough to counsel them out of this addiction. Watch | India: Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to lead opposition bloc India × He also held that watching porn videos in private, per se, would not attract either Section 14 (1) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 or Section 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 which had been pressed against the youngster, following an anonymous complaint. The court also stated that the two videos of a couple of teens having sex with an adult woman, which was downloaded from the Internet, had remained only within the private domain of the youngster. Exclusive | Ram temple ceremony is a global event, a second Diwali: Mauritius FM Maneesh Gobin It also said that the youth was summoned by the court and admitted that he was addicted to watching porn films on the Internet and had also admitted that he was trying to get out of the habit and was willing to undergo counselling. Also Read | India: Two men arrested for attack on ED officials during raid on TMC leader’s house in West Bengal The judge also listed out statistics from a recent study, noting that nine out of 10 students were addicted to porn videos and added that this was affecting their psychological and mental well-being.

Madras HC quashes case against youth for watching child pornography video on phone

The Madras High Court issued consequential remarks over the Sanatana Dharma controversy. The court underscored that Sanatana Dharma is a set of 'eternal duties' which can be gathered from multiple sources relating to Hinduism or the ones practising the Hindu way of life and includes “the duty to the nation, duty to the King, King's duty to his people, duty to one's parents and Gurus, care for the poor, and whole lot of other duties”.

In his order on Friday (September 15), Justice N. Seshasayee said that the court is aware of “the very vociferous, and at times noisy debates on pro- and anti-Sanatana Dharma” and the court could not help considering the genuine concern for what is going around.

It further asserted that when free speech is exerted in matters pertaining to religion, it is extremely important for one to make sure that no one is hurt and “free speech cannot be hate speech”.

“Somewhere, an idea appears to have gained ground that Sanatana Dharma is all about, and only about, promoting casteism and untouchability. Untouchability in a country of equal citizens, cannot be tolerated, and even if it is seen as permitted somewhere within the principles of 'Sanatana Dharma', it still cannot have a space to stay, since Article 17 of the Constitution has declared that untouchability has been abolished. It is part of the fundamental right,” the court said.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-alliances-agenda-is-to-end-countrys-sanatan-culture-says-pm-modi-635957"> 'INDIA alliance's agenda is to end country's ‘Sanatan’ culture', says PM Modi</a>

“And, under Art. 51A(a), it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to, ‘abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions..’. &nbsp;Therefore, untouchability, either within or outside Sanatana Dharma can no longer be Constitutional, though sadly it still exists,” it added.

The remarks by the court were made in the wake of recent comments made by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin that triggered a massive backlash.

The son of the Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin had sparked a row earlier this month by saying that Sanatan Dharma is against social justice and that it must be "eradicated".

He then compared it with diseases like dengue and malaria, inviting sharp criticism.

"Few things cannot be opposed; they should only be abolished. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or coronavirus, we have to eradicate them. In the same way, we have to eradicate Sanatana (Sanatan Dharma). Rather than merely opposing Sanatana, it should be eradicated," Stalin had said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Madras High Court issued consequential remarks over the Sanatana Dharma controversy. The court underscored that Sanatana Dharma is a set of 'eternal duties' which can be gathered from multiple sources relating to Hinduism or the ones practising the Hindu way of life and includes “the duty to the nation, duty to the King, King's duty to his people, duty to one's parents and Gurus, care for the poor, and whole lot of other duties”.

The Madras High Court issued consequential remarks over the Sanatana Dharma controversy. The court underscored that Sanatana Dharma is a set of 'eternal duties' which can be gathered from multiple sources relating to Hinduism or the ones practising the Hindu way of life and includes “the duty to the nation, duty to the King, King's duty to his people, duty to one's parents and Gurus, care for the poor, and whole lot of other duties”. In his order on Friday (September 15), Justice N. Seshasayee said that the court is aware of “the very vociferous, and at times noisy debates on pro- and anti-Sanatana Dharma” and the court could not help considering the genuine concern for what is going around. It further asserted that when free speech is exerted in matters pertaining to religion, it is extremely important for one to make sure that no one is hurt and “free speech cannot be hate speech”. “Somewhere, an idea appears to have gained ground that Sanatana Dharma is all about, and only about, promoting casteism and untouchability. Untouchability in a country of equal citizens, cannot be tolerated, and even if it is seen as permitted somewhere within the principles of 'Sanatana Dharma', it still cannot have a space to stay, since Article 17 of the Constitution has declared that untouchability has been abolished. It is part of the fundamental right,” the court said. Also read: 'INDIA alliance's agenda is to end country's ‘Sanatan’ culture', says PM Modi “And, under Art. 51A(a), it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to, ‘abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions..’. Therefore, untouchability, either within or outside Sanatana Dharma can no longer be Constitutional, though sadly it still exists,” it added. The remarks by the court were made in the wake of recent comments made by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin that triggered a massive backlash. The son of the Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin had sparked a row earlier this month by saying that Sanatan Dharma is against social justice and that it must be "eradicated". He then compared it with diseases like dengue and malaria, inviting sharp criticism. "Few things cannot be opposed; they should only be abolished. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or coronavirus, we have to eradicate them. In the same way, we have to eradicate Sanatana (Sanatan Dharma). Rather than merely opposing Sanatana, it should be eradicated," Stalin had said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Free speech cannot be hate speech', Madras High Court issues remarks over Sanatana Dharma row

Madras High Court recently appointed Lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as an additional judge. But, Judge Victoria Gowri's appointment sparked controversy. Lawyers claimed the newly appointed additional judge of Madras High Court has given hate speeches against religious minorities in the past. However, the Supreme Court of India rejected their plea to withdraw Victoria Gowri's appointment. Advocate Lekshmana Gowri is a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Tamil Nadu. Her unverified Twitter account says she is the leader of the BJP Mahila Morcha. The 49-year-old Victoria Gowri is amongst the 17 lawyers listed by the three-judge collegium headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

Advocate L.Victoria Gowri has&nbsp;over 21 years of experience. She is also the first Woman Lawyer to establish an independent office in Kanyakumari District. Victoria Gowri&nbsp;is married and has two daughters.

<h3>Let's take a deeper look into the controversy around Victoria Gowri's appointment as the Madras High Court Judge.&nbsp;</h3>

<h2>What's the controversy?</h2>

The Supreme Court denied entertaining a plea to restrain Victoria Gowri from taking the oath. "We are not entertaining the writ petition. Reasons will follow," a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai said.

On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Victoria Gowri took oath as the additional judge of the Madras High Court. Earlier, the oath-taking was on February 10, but the top court preponed it.&nbsp;

In their petition, lawyers Anna Mathew, Sudha Ramalingam and D Nagasaila mentioned the hate speech made by Judge Victoria Gowri against Muslims and Christians. The lawyers referred to Gowri's appointment as a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Victoria Gowri has pledged to work towards the liberation of marginalised communities. She has also sworn to promote unity in India. Gowri thanked her husband, two daughters, and her spiritual leader. Furthermore, she sought the blessings of the senior judges and lawyers.

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Madras High Court recently appointed Lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as an additional judge. But, Judge Victoria Gowri's appointment sparked controversy.

Madras High Court recently appointed Lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as an additional judge. But, Judge Victoria Gowri's appointment sparked controversy. Lawyers claimed the newly appointed additional judge of Madras High Court has given hate speeches against religious minorities in the past. However, the Supreme Court of India rejected their plea to withdraw Victoria Gowri's appointment. Advocate Lekshmana Gowri is a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Tamil Nadu. Her unverified Twitter account says she is the leader of the BJP Mahila Morcha. The 49-year-old Victoria Gowri is amongst the 17 lawyers listed by the three-judge collegium headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Advocate L.Victoria Gowri has over 21 years of experience. She is also the first Woman Lawyer to establish an independent office in Kanyakumari District. Victoria Gowri is married and has two daughters. Let's take a deeper look into the controversy around Victoria Gowri's appointment as the Madras High Court Judge. What's the controversy? The Supreme Court denied entertaining a plea to restrain Victoria Gowri from taking the oath. "We are not entertaining the writ petition. Reasons will follow," a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai said. On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Victoria Gowri took oath as the additional judge of the Madras High Court. Earlier, the oath-taking was on February 10, but the top court preponed it. In their petition, lawyers Anna Mathew, Sudha Ramalingam and D Nagasaila mentioned the hate speech made by Judge Victoria Gowri against Muslims and Christians. The lawyers referred to Gowri's appointment as a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary. On the other hand, Victoria Gowri has pledged to work towards the liberation of marginalised communities. She has also sworn to promote unity in India. Gowri thanked her husband, two daughters, and her spiritual leader. Furthermore, she sought the blessings of the senior judges and lawyers. ALSO READ | Indian-origin Natasha Perianayagam named ‘world’s brightest’ student by Johns Hopkins for 2nd time in a row

Who is Victoria Gowri? What's the controversy around the newly appointed Madras High Court Judge?

In a bizarre judgement, an Indian High Court has ruled that the removal of 'Mangalsutra' or 'thali' is "mental cruelty of highest order". Mangalsutra is a sacred thread worn around the neck by some Hindu women worn&nbsp;as a reflection of their marital status. The judgement in question came during the case of a man seeking a divorce. When granting the divorce to the aggrieved petitioner, a division bench of Justices V M Velumani and S Sounthar made the observation about Mangalsutra and the importance it holds in a Hindu marriage.&nbsp;In June 2016, C Sivakumar, a professor at a medical college in Erode, filed for divorce, however, a local court denied his request. Sivakumar had sought to have the decision overturned. Granting his request, the Madras High Court observed that removing the jewellery holds significance of its own.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Tackling teen mental health issues in schools

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The petitioners now ex-wife was examined during the proceedings and she admitted that while she and Sivakumar were separated she removed her thali and kept it in her bank locker.

Citing Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act, her attorney argued that thali is not required for marriage&nbsp;and that, even if their client removed it,&nbsp;the wife's removal of the thali would not have any effect on the marital bond.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-fda-approves-new-eye-drops-that-can-replace-spectacles-and-fix-near-vision-497573" hreflang="en">US FDA approves new eye drops that can replace spectacles and fix near-vision</a>

However, as per a PTI report, the bench said that it is common knowledge that the tying of the thali is an important ceremony in marriage rituals, which take place "in this part of the world".

It cited orders of a division bench of the High Court, which stated that "It was a known fact that no Hindu married woman would remove the thali at any point of time during the lifetime of her husband."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-much-alcohol-to-drink-at-what-age-the-lancet-study-reveals-497554" hreflang="en">How much alcohol to drink at what age? The Lancet study reveals</a>

"Thali around the neck of a woman was a sacred thing which symbolises the continuance of married life and it is removed only after the death of the husband. Therefore, its removal by the petitioner/wife can be said to be an act which reflected mental cruelty of the highest order as it could have caused agony and hurt the sentiments of the respondent," PTI quoted the bench as saying.

Since the judgement came to light, it has taken the Internet by storm and people have been quick to point out that being married and wearing a piece of jewellery have no real intrinsic connection. Some even compared it to tying a rope around a cow's neck.

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“The ritual of tying a mangalsutra around the woman’s neck at the marriage ceremony is similar to buying a cow, tying a cord around its neck and dragging it home." - Periyar <a href="https://t.co/zdjuiMoSNo">https://t.co/zdjuiMoSNo</a>
— Pramod Kanni 💙 (@Pramod_Kanni) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pramod_Kanni/status/1547800178681212936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Court be like "marital r@pe?? Naah woh kya hota hai" 
 
Removing mangalsutra. Mental cruelty of highest order <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoLogicOnlyVibes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoLogicOnlyVibes</a> <a href="https://t.co/NOaWnEIXem">https://t.co/NOaWnEIXem</a>
— Intriguedजेnny (@IntriguedJeny) <a href="https://twitter.com/IntriguedJeny/status/1547840518276517890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The married men who believe that it is the mangalsutra in their wives' neck alone that's keeping them and their marriages alive should wear it and take control of their lives into their own hands. A simple solution to a very grave problem I think.
— Prapthi (@prapthi_m) <a href="https://twitter.com/prapthi_m/status/1547834422933630977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Someone Please wake me and confirm that I'm reading today's news? 
 
We have passed 2 decades of 21st Century but we want to force a lady to wear Mangalsutra? Where is her wish or choice? 
 
This should be by choice of the lady not by the choice of the man. That's Equality. <a href="https://t.co/N3Khl1GJMe">pic.twitter.com/N3Khl1GJMe</a>
— Abhishek Revolutionary RajaRam for Taxation Reform (@abhishekrajaram) <a href="https://twitter.com/abhishekrajaram/status/1547794042800353282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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In a bizarre judgement, an Indian High Court has ruled that the removal of 'Mangalsutra' or 'thali' is "mental cruelty of highest order". Mangalsutra is a sacred thread worn around the neck by some Hindu women worn as a reflection of their marital status.

In a bizarre judgement, an Indian High Court has ruled that the removal of 'Mangalsutra' or 'thali' is "mental cruelty of highest order". Mangalsutra is a sacred thread worn around the neck by some Hindu women worn as a reflection of their marital status. The judgement in question came during the case of a man seeking a divorce. When granting the divorce to the aggrieved petitioner, a division bench of Justices V M Velumani and S Sounthar made the observation about Mangalsutra and the importance it holds in a Hindu marriage. In June 2016, C Sivakumar, a professor at a medical college in Erode, filed for divorce, however, a local court denied his request. Sivakumar had sought to have the decision overturned. Granting his request, the Madras High Court observed that removing the jewellery holds significance of its own. Watch | WION Dispatch: Tackling teen mental health issues in schools The petitioners now ex-wife was examined during the proceedings and she admitted that while she and Sivakumar were separated she removed her thali and kept it in her bank locker. Citing Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act, her attorney argued that thali is not required for marriage and that, even if their client removed it, the wife's removal of the thali would not have any effect on the marital bond. Also read | US FDA approves new eye drops that can replace spectacles and fix near-vision However, as per a PTI report, the bench said that it is common knowledge that the tying of the thali is an important ceremony in marriage rituals, which take place "in this part of the world". It cited orders of a division bench of the High Court, which stated that "It was a known fact that no Hindu married woman would remove the thali at any point of time during the lifetime of her husband." Also read | How much alcohol to drink at what age? The Lancet study reveals "Thali around the neck of a woman was a sacred thing which symbolises the continuance of married life and it is removed only after the death of the husband. Therefore, its removal by the petitioner/wife can be said to be an act which reflected mental cruelty of the highest order as it could have caused agony and hurt the sentiments of the respondent," PTI quoted the bench as saying. Since the judgement came to light, it has taken the Internet by storm and people have been quick to point out that being married and wearing a piece of jewellery have no real intrinsic connection. Some even compared it to tying a rope around a cow's neck. “The ritual of tying a mangalsutra around the woman’s neck at the marriage ceremony is similar to buying a cow, tying a cord around its neck and dragging it home." - Periyar https://t.co/zdjuiMoSNo — Pramod Kanni 💙 (@Pramod_Kanni) July 15, 2022 × Court be like "marital r@pe?? Naah woh kya hota hai" Removing mangalsutra. Mental cruelty of highest order #NoLogicOnlyVibes https://t.co/NOaWnEIXem — Intriguedजेnny (@IntriguedJeny) July 15, 2022 × The married men who believe that it is the mangalsutra in their wives' neck alone that's keeping them and their marriages alive should wear it and take control of their lives into their own hands. A simple solution to a very grave problem I think. — Prapthi (@prapthi_m) July 15, 2022 × Someone Please wake me and confirm that I'm reading today's news? We have passed 2 decades of 21st Century but we want to force a lady to wear Mangalsutra? Where is her wish or choice? This should be by choice of the lady not by the choice of the man. That's Equality. pic.twitter.com/N3Khl1GJMe — Abhishek Revolutionary RajaRam for Taxation Reform (@abhishekrajaram) July 15, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian court compares a wife removing mangalsutra to 'mental cruelty'. Internet reacts!

The Madras High Court has observed that removal of Mangalsutra by wife is mental cruelty of the highest order. Would you agree? Is Mangalsutra even mandatory? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Madras High Court: Removing Mangalsutra is mental cruelty

The hearing of the Thanjavur alleged 'Forced Conversion' case in the Madras High court witnessed fierce arguments being put forth by the petitioner's counsel (victim's parents' lawyer) and the counsel of the concerned school, where the victim had studied.&nbsp; 
Hearing both sides and the prosecution (government counsel), Justice GR Swaminathan reserved his order, without specifying a date.

This case was originally filed by the victim's parents, who sought a CB-CID probe in the matter and raised questions about the integrity of the police investigation, into their minor daughter's suicide.&nbsp;

Representing the government, the prosecutor informed the court that the cops were investigating all angles and that over 50 witnesses had been questioned.&nbsp;

It was also added that Muthuvel, the individual who shot the girl's 'dying declaration' video was not cooperating with the probe. 
The counsel for the girl's parents made a slew of points that needed to be investigated.&nbsp;

Some of them included how the victim managed to obtain poison in the children's hostel, the need for her 'dying declaration' video shot by a third party to be taken as direct evidence.&nbsp;

The manner in which the cops ruled out the religious conversion angle at an initial stage was pointed out.&nbsp;

In addition to this, the Education Minister terming the act of shooting the dying declaration video 'wrong' was also mentioned.

Referring to the cause of suicide as a continuous process and the alleged attempt to forcibly convert the girl to Christianity, around two years ago, the Counsel said that confidential details of the probe, including new videos, were being leaked out after the phone, where it was recorded, was handed over to the cops.&nbsp;

A similar case of Sukanya, a student in a missionary-run institution, who ended her life in 2006 under mysterious circumstances and how it turned out to be a case of gang rape, was also brought up.&nbsp;

Quoting the victim's parents, the prosecutor said that the dying declaration video was shot on January 17 and that the parents raised this issue only after the daughter's death, on January 19.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/examine-victims-video-that-mentions-forced-conversion-court-tells-tamil-nadu-govt-in-student-suicide-case-447226">Also read |&nbsp;Examine victim’s video that mentions ‘forced-conversion’, Court tells Tamil Nadu Govt in student suicide case&nbsp;</a>

Stating that the victim's parents' statements were recorded thrice, the prosecutor said that their further allegations could be filed as an affidavit.&nbsp;

The school's counsel informed the court of having shared a confidential affidavit with the judge. This was done to protect the privacy of the family.&nbsp;

The allegations of conversion were also denied, adding that they were in the field of education for many years and that there were no complaints so far.&nbsp;

Allegations were also made against the girl receiving stepmotherly treatment at her home and questions were raised over why the family kept quiet over the conversion allegations for two years.&nbsp;

The school's counsel alleged that the said 'dying declaration' video was tailored and doctored.

It was also stated that the girl was more attached to the school than her home and that she generally did not go home on short vacations. Allegations were also made about the victim not being on good terms with her stepmother.&nbsp;

The school's counsel also alleged that the victim was under depression and care was being provided by the school.&nbsp;

The case pertains to a 17-year old girl from a poor background, who studied in a Christian Missionary school in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district. According to the police, the victim had consumed poisonous material on January 9 and had succumbed ten days later.&nbsp;

In an unverified video, she is seen saying, “In front of me also they asked my parents about converting me to Christianity so that she would make me study. She would also keep scolding me and not let me stay there”. When asked who she was referring to, the victim is heard saying, “Sister Rachel Mary."

When asked if she was tortured because she refused to convert to Christianity, the victim is heard saying “it could be possible”.

As per the Legal Rights Protection Forum’s (LRPF) complaint to India’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the victim’s school had been illegally converting children into Christianity and was imposing corporal punishments on those who resisted.&nbsp;

It added that this was causing mental agony to students and driving them to extreme steps.

“The victim was forced to convert to Christianity and when she refused the same, she was refused permission to return home from the hostel. She was made to clean toilets and wash dishes,” read the complaint.&nbsp;

It also adds that the child tried to end her life due to the atrocities inflicted upon her.&nbsp;

Last week, the bereaved parents approached the Madras High Court, seeking a CB-CID probe in this matter.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the Madras High court had ordered that the phone in which these videos were recorded was to be submitted for forensic examination.&nbsp;

It was also added that the individual who shot these videos had to appear before the investigators.&nbsp;

While the court had asked for the authenticity of the video to be ascertained, it had also stated that the cops must not harass the person who shot it.

The hearing of the Thanjavur alleged 'Forced Conversion' case in the Madras High court witnessed fierce arguments being put forth by the petitioner's counsel (victim's parents' lawyer) and the counsel of the concerned school, where the victim had studied.

The hearing of the Thanjavur alleged 'Forced Conversion' case in the Madras High court witnessed fierce arguments being put forth by the petitioner's counsel (victim's parents' lawyer) and the counsel of the concerned school, where the victim had studied. Hearing both sides and the prosecution (government counsel), Justice GR Swaminathan reserved his order, without specifying a date. This case was originally filed by the victim's parents, who sought a CB-CID probe in the matter and raised questions about the integrity of the police investigation, into their minor daughter's suicide. Representing the government, the prosecutor informed the court that the cops were investigating all angles and that over 50 witnesses had been questioned. It was also added that Muthuvel, the individual who shot the girl's 'dying declaration' video was not cooperating with the probe. The counsel for the girl's parents made a slew of points that needed to be investigated. Some of them included how the victim managed to obtain poison in the children's hostel, the need for her 'dying declaration' video shot by a third party to be taken as direct evidence. The manner in which the cops ruled out the religious conversion angle at an initial stage was pointed out. In addition to this, the Education Minister terming the act of shooting the dying declaration video 'wrong' was also mentioned. Referring to the cause of suicide as a continuous process and the alleged attempt to forcibly convert the girl to Christianity, around two years ago, the Counsel said that confidential details of the probe, including new videos, were being leaked out after the phone, where it was recorded, was handed over to the cops. A similar case of Sukanya, a student in a missionary-run institution, who ended her life in 2006 under mysterious circumstances and how it turned out to be a case of gang rape, was also brought up. Quoting the victim's parents, the prosecutor said that the dying declaration video was shot on January 17 and that the parents raised this issue only after the daughter's death, on January 19. Also read | Examine victim’s video that mentions ‘forced-conversion’, Court tells Tamil Nadu Govt in student suicide case Stating that the victim's parents' statements were recorded thrice, the prosecutor said that their further allegations could be filed as an affidavit. The school's counsel informed the court of having shared a confidential affidavit with the judge. This was done to protect the privacy of the family. The allegations of conversion were also denied, adding that they were in the field of education for many years and that there were no complaints so far. Allegations were also made against the girl receiving stepmotherly treatment at her home and questions were raised over why the family kept quiet over the conversion allegations for two years. The school's counsel alleged that the said 'dying declaration' video was tailored and doctored. It was also stated that the girl was more attached to the school than her home and that she generally did not go home on short vacations. Allegations were also made about the victim not being on good terms with her stepmother. The school's counsel also alleged that the victim was under depression and care was being provided by the school. The case pertains to a 17-year old girl from a poor background, who studied in a Christian Missionary school in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district. According to the police, the victim had consumed poisonous material on January 9 and had succumbed ten days later. In an unverified video, she is seen saying, “In front of me also they asked my parents about converting me to Christianity so that she would make me study. She would also keep scolding me and not let me stay there”. When asked who she was referring to, the victim is heard saying, “Sister Rachel Mary." When asked if she was tortured because she refused to convert to Christianity, the victim is heard saying “it could be possible”. As per the Legal Rights Protection Forum’s (LRPF) complaint to India’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the victim’s school had been illegally converting children into Christianity and was imposing corporal punishments on those who resisted. It added that this was causing mental agony to students and driving them to extreme steps. “The victim was forced to convert to Christianity and when she refused the same, she was refused permission to return home from the hostel. She was made to clean toilets and wash dishes,” read the complaint. It also adds that the child tried to end her life due to the atrocities inflicted upon her. Last week, the bereaved parents approached the Madras High Court, seeking a CB-CID probe in this matter. Earlier this week, the Madras High court had ordered that the phone in which these videos were recorded was to be submitted for forensic examination. It was also added that the individual who shot these videos had to appear before the investigators. While the court had asked for the authenticity of the video to be ascertained, it had also stated that the cops must not harass the person who shot it.

'Forced Conversion' case: Madras High Court reserves order after hearing arguments of victim, school's counsel

Can social media firms be treated as accused in criminal cases? It is the big question that is being posed by the Madras High Court to the state government of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Madras High Court to government: Can social media firms be treated as accused in criminal cases?

While hearing an alleged sexual harassment complaint against a Special DGP rank officer, the Madras High Court raised serious questions about the Tamil Nadu Police department.&nbsp;

As the victim, a woman IPS officer, was driving to file a complaint against her superior, a police officer, a Superintendent of Police(SP) had blocked her car and&nbsp;tried to dissuade her from filing the complaint.

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A co-accused in the case, the Superintendent of Police (SP), had approached the Court to drop his name from the case, claiming that he was only acting under instructions from his superior, the Special DGP.&nbsp;

However, the presiding judge, Justice Velmurugan was not swayed by this statement, and instead questioned if the suspended cop would murder someone if he was ordered to do so by a senior. Additionally, the Judge stated that only lawful instructions could be followed.&nbsp;

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The Judge went on to ask how the common public would have faith in the Police Department when senior officers face such allegations. He observed that only 10 per cent of the police officers were discharging their duties as per their conscience and that such incidents were a shame to the department.&nbsp;

As the Court did not entertain the plea to discharge him from the case, the suspended SP withdrew his case.&nbsp;

While hearing an alleged sexual harassment complaint against a Special DGP rank officer, the Madras High Court raised serious questions about the Tamil Nadu Police department.

While hearing an alleged sexual harassment complaint against a Special DGP rank officer, the Madras High Court raised serious questions about the Tamil Nadu Police department. As the victim, a woman IPS officer, was driving to file a complaint against her superior, a police officer, a Superintendent of Police(SP) had blocked her car and tried to dissuade her from filing the complaint. Also read | Mortal remains of missing Indian fisherman retrieved, 2 others in Sri Lankan custody A co-accused in the case, the Superintendent of Police (SP), had approached the Court to drop his name from the case, claiming that he was only acting under instructions from his superior, the Special DGP. However, the presiding judge, Justice Velmurugan was not swayed by this statement, and instead questioned if the suspended cop would murder someone if he was ordered to do so by a senior. Additionally, the Judge stated that only lawful instructions could be followed. Also read | India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari The Judge went on to ask how the common public would have faith in the Police Department when senior officers face such allegations. He observed that only 10 per cent of the police officers were discharging their duties as per their conscience and that such incidents were a shame to the department. As the Court did not entertain the plea to discharge him from the case, the suspended SP withdrew his case.

'Would you commit murder if superior officer instructs you?', Madras HC asks accused cop

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Central Government to consider and pass a law that would grant greater autonomy to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Justices N.Kirubakaran and Pugalendhi also mentioned that the CBI has to be on par with entities such as the Election Commission and Comptroller Auditor General (CAG).

It was emphasized that the CBI must not be under the administrative control of the Central Government. The court was hearing a plea by a group from Ramanathapuram that sought a CBI probe into an alleged Rs.300cr financial fraud.&nbsp;

In its order, the Court pointed out the public demand for CBI investigation into cases involving heinous and sensitive crimes, in the absence of proper investigation by local police. It was noted that while the people trusted the CBI and its credibility, the premier probing agency dragged its feet, citing resource and manpower shortages that prevented them from conducting investigations.&nbsp;

Referring to the many serious cases investigated by the CBI that led to an acquittal, the Court said that it reflected badly on the investigation of the agency. It was added that the CBI’s dependence on officers from the police, CISF and CRPF in investigating white-collar crimes highlighted that the officers coming on deputation did not have experience in probing such cases. A slew of measures and modernizations to augment the CBI were also shared.&nbsp;

The court order mentioned the need to have CBI officers with a wide spectrum of knowledge and expertise in various fields. Numerous high-profile cases, such as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, 2G Scam, Coal Scam, Hawala Scandal, Sushant Singh Rajput Suicide, etc. were stated to showcase the different domains of crime.&nbsp;

Among the directions issued to the government of India were to enact a separate Act giving statutory status with more powers and jurisdiction to the CBI, to make the agency more independent like the Election Commission and CAG, and to provide a separate budgetary allocation for the CBI. The Director of the CBI shall be given powers as that of Secretary to the Government and shall directly report to the Minister/Prime Minister, the order added.

It was added that CFSL (Central Forensic Science Laboratory) should have more modern facilities that are on par with the FBI in the US and Scotland Yard in the UK. The Court order also urged the CBI to file a policy for permanent recruitment of Cyber Forensic experts, financial audit experts and also send a detailed proposal seeking an increase in Divisions/Wings and strength of officers in the CBI. The Court has also stated deadlines, before which, the CBI and the government of India must respond and take action on these matters.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Central Government to consider and pass a law that would grant greater autonomy to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Central Government to consider and pass a law that would grant greater autonomy to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Justices N.Kirubakaran and Pugalendhi also mentioned that the CBI has to be on par with entities such as the Election Commission and Comptroller Auditor General (CAG). It was emphasized that the CBI must not be under the administrative control of the Central Government. The court was hearing a plea by a group from Ramanathapuram that sought a CBI probe into an alleged Rs.300cr financial fraud. In its order, the Court pointed out the public demand for CBI investigation into cases involving heinous and sensitive crimes, in the absence of proper investigation by local police. It was noted that while the people trusted the CBI and its credibility, the premier probing agency dragged its feet, citing resource and manpower shortages that prevented them from conducting investigations. Referring to the many serious cases investigated by the CBI that led to an acquittal, the Court said that it reflected badly on the investigation of the agency. It was added that the CBI’s dependence on officers from the police, CISF and CRPF in investigating white-collar crimes highlighted that the officers coming on deputation did not have experience in probing such cases. A slew of measures and modernizations to augment the CBI were also shared. The court order mentioned the need to have CBI officers with a wide spectrum of knowledge and expertise in various fields. Numerous high-profile cases, such as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, 2G Scam, Coal Scam, Hawala Scandal, Sushant Singh Rajput Suicide, etc. were stated to showcase the different domains of crime. Among the directions issued to the government of India were to enact a separate Act giving statutory status with more powers and jurisdiction to the CBI, to make the agency more independent like the Election Commission and CAG, and to provide a separate budgetary allocation for the CBI. The Director of the CBI shall be given powers as that of Secretary to the Government and shall directly report to the Minister/Prime Minister, the order added. It was added that CFSL (Central Forensic Science Laboratory) should have more modern facilities that are on par with the FBI in the US and Scotland Yard in the UK. The Court order also urged the CBI to file a policy for permanent recruitment of Cyber Forensic experts, financial audit experts and also send a detailed proposal seeking an increase in Divisions/Wings and strength of officers in the CBI. The Court has also stated deadlines, before which, the CBI and the government of India must respond and take action on these matters.

CBI should get autonomy at par with FBI, Scotland Yard : Madras High Court tells Indian Govt

The Supreme Court of India has refused to expunge critical remarks of the Madras High Court holding the poll panel responsible for surge in COVID-19 cases in country. SC also trashed the plea that media be restrained from reporting observations of judicial proceedings, saying it will be a retrograde act.

India: Supreme Court refuses to expunge critical remarks of Madras High Court against EC

The Madras High Court has lashed out at the Election Commission over the conduct of Assembly polls amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee reprimanded the Election Commission for failing to ensure COVID-19 safety norms during political rallies.

“You are the only institution that is responsible for the situation today. No action against political parties taking rallies despite every order of the Court. Your election commission should be put up on murder charges probably!” the Chief Justice said, as per Live Law.

"Public health is of paramount importance and it is distressing that constitutional authorities have to be reminded in such regard. It is only when a citizen survives that he'll be able to enjoy the rights that a democratic republic guarantees,” Chief Justice Banerjee said.

The chief justice also warned that the court would stop counting votes on May 2 if a blueprint to follow the COVID-19 protocol is not followed by the Election Commission. He said that ECI had not ensured the following of COVID-19 protocol during campaigning despite court orders.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy made the remarks while hearing a plea from State Transport Minister MR Vijayabhaskar who sought that COVID-19 protocol be followed during the counting of votes in his constituency, Karur.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Madras High Court has lashed out at the Election Commission over the conduct of Assembly polls amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee reprimanded the Election Commission for failing to ensure COVID-19 safety norms during political rallies.

The Madras High Court has lashed out at the Election Commission over the conduct of Assembly polls amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee reprimanded the Election Commission for failing to ensure COVID-19 safety norms during political rallies. “You are the only institution that is responsible for the situation today. No action against political parties taking rallies despite every order of the Court. Your election commission should be put up on murder charges probably!” the Chief Justice said, as per Live Law. "Public health is of paramount importance and it is distressing that constitutional authorities have to be reminded in such regard. It is only when a citizen survives that he'll be able to enjoy the rights that a democratic republic guarantees,” Chief Justice Banerjee said. The chief justice also warned that the court would stop counting votes on May 2 if a blueprint to follow the COVID-19 protocol is not followed by the Election Commission. He said that ECI had not ensured the following of COVID-19 protocol during campaigning despite court orders. The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy made the remarks while hearing a plea from State Transport Minister MR Vijayabhaskar who sought that COVID-19 protocol be followed during the counting of votes in his constituency, Karur. (With inputs from agencies)

Madras High Court raps election body for political rallies during Covid second wave

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