Gravitas: UN rights body moves Supreme Court on CAA The UNHRC has filed an intervention application in the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Amendment Act. In response, India has said that the CAA is India's internal issue. This report has the details.

Gravitas: UN rights body moves Supreme Court on CAA

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the curative petition filed by one of the four death row convicts, Pawan Kumar Gupta, seeking commutation of his death penalty to life imprisonment in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. &nbsp;

The death warrant has been issued for the four death row convicts — Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh — in the case for their hanging at 6 am on March 3.

Earlier in the Morning, Delhi gang-rape victim Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi expressed hope that the curative petition of Pawan Kumar Gupta, one of the four death row convicts in the case, will be rejected by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

The 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case pertains to the brutal gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the curative petition filed by one of the four death row convicts, Pawan Kumar Gupta, seeking commutation of his death penalty to life imprisonment in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case.

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the curative petition filed by one of the four death row convicts, Pawan Kumar Gupta, seeking commutation of his death penalty to life imprisonment in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. The death warrant has been issued for the four death row convicts — Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh — in the case for their hanging at 6 am on March 3. Earlier in the Morning, Delhi gang-rape victim Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi expressed hope that the curative petition of Pawan Kumar Gupta, one of the four death row convicts in the case, will be rejected by the Supreme Court. The 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case pertains to the brutal gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. (With inputs from ANI)

Nirbhaya case: Day before scheduled hanging, Supreme Court dismisses curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi.

The petition was filed by a group of Delhi violence survivors.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday after senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the survivors told the apex court that Delhi High Court had last week adjourned the issue for six weeks whereas people are dying every day.

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Gonsalves said that it is an urgent issue and added that the top court should hear the matter today or tomorrow. The Chief Justice said that he "wished for peace" but added that the court cannot give preventive relief.

"We are not saying people should die. That kind of pressure we are not equipped to handle. We cannot stop things from happening. We cannot give preventive relief. We feel a kind of pressure on us... We can only deal with the situation after it occurs, the kind of pressure on us, we can`t handle that... it's like the court is responsible," Chief Justice Bobde observed.

"We read newspapers, we know the kind of comments that are made. Courts come on to the scene after the thing is done and courts have not been able to prevent such a thing. We wish peace...," he added.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-declines-to-refer-the-petitions-challenging-government-move-on-article-370-to-a-larger-bench-283634">Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench</a>

The plea filed by a group of 10 Delhi violence survivors sought an immediate FIR against Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma and Abhay Verma who allegedly "indulged in hate speech, rioting, murder, and arson".

It sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with officers from outside Delhi to probe violence and call in the army to maintain law and order in the national capital. The plea further sought an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge to probe police persons involved in the violence and exemplary compensation to all victims.

The petitioners also sought postmortem reports to be released immediately to the families of victims. IT also sought a direction to the government and police to make public the full list of persons detained by police and paramilitary and to preserve all CCTV footage of violence-affected areas.

At least 46 people lost their lives and more than 200 others sustained serious injuries in the violence that rocked North-East Delhi last week.

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi.

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi. The petition was filed by a group of Delhi violence survivors. A bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday after senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the survivors told the apex court that Delhi High Court had last week adjourned the issue for six weeks whereas people are dying every day. Also read: Airtel deposits another Rs 8,000 crore towards AGR dues in compliance with SC order Gonsalves said that it is an urgent issue and added that the top court should hear the matter today or tomorrow. The Chief Justice said that he "wished for peace" but added that the court cannot give preventive relief. "We are not saying people should die. That kind of pressure we are not equipped to handle. We cannot stop things from happening. We cannot give preventive relief. We feel a kind of pressure on us... We can only deal with the situation after it occurs, the kind of pressure on us, we can`t handle that... it's like the court is responsible," Chief Justice Bobde observed. "We read newspapers, we know the kind of comments that are made. Courts come on to the scene after the thing is done and courts have not been able to prevent such a thing. We wish peace...," he added. Also see: Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench The plea filed by a group of 10 Delhi violence survivors sought an immediate FIR against Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma and Abhay Verma who allegedly "indulged in hate speech, rioting, murder, and arson". It sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with officers from outside Delhi to probe violence and call in the army to maintain law and order in the national capital. The plea further sought an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge to probe police persons involved in the violence and exemplary compensation to all victims. The petitioners also sought postmortem reports to be released immediately to the families of victims. IT also sought a direction to the government and police to make public the full list of persons detained by police and paramilitary and to preserve all CCTV footage of violence-affected areas. At least 46 people lost their lives and more than 200 others sustained serious injuries in the violence that rocked North-East Delhi last week.

Supreme Court to hear plea seeking FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court today dismissed the curative petition filed by Pawan Kumar Gupta, a death row convict in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case.

"The application for an oral hearing is rejected. The application for stay of execution of the death sentence is also rejected.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-day-before-scheduled-hanging-supreme-court-dismisses-curative-petition-filed-by-pawan-gupta-283648">Nirbhaya case: Day before scheduled hanging, Supreme Court dismisses curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta</a>

The Curative Petition is dismissed in terms of the signed order," Justice NV Ramana, said in an order. The five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice NV Ramana also consists of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice RF Nariman, Justice R Banumathi and Justice Ashok Bhushan.

Gupta had on Friday filed a curative petition before the apex court seeking the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment. He is the fourth convict in the case to file a curative petition.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-convict-pawan-gupta-files-curative-petition-in-supreme-court-283414">Nirbhaya case: Convict Pawan Gupta files curative petition in Supreme Court</a>

The Supreme Court has already rejected the curative petitions of the remaining three. This comes as a lower court issued a fresh death warrant for the four convicts -- Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh, which orders their hanging at 6 am on March 3 at Delhi's Tihar Jail.

Meanwhile, the apex court has also slated for March 5 hearing on a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately.

Watch: Nirbhaya Case: All 4 convicts to be hanged on March 3rd

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The case pertains to the brutal gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi.

The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court today dismissed the curative petition filed by Pawan Kumar Gupta, a death row convict in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case.

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court today dismissed the curative petition filed by Pawan Kumar Gupta, a death row convict in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. "The application for an oral hearing is rejected. The application for stay of execution of the death sentence is also rejected. Also read: Nirbhaya case: Day before scheduled hanging, Supreme Court dismisses curative petition filed by Pawan Gupta The Curative Petition is dismissed in terms of the signed order," Justice NV Ramana, said in an order. The five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice NV Ramana also consists of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice RF Nariman, Justice R Banumathi and Justice Ashok Bhushan. Gupta had on Friday filed a curative petition before the apex court seeking the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment. He is the fourth convict in the case to file a curative petition. Also see: Nirbhaya case: Convict Pawan Gupta files curative petition in Supreme Court The Supreme Court has already rejected the curative petitions of the remaining three. This comes as a lower court issued a fresh death warrant for the four convicts -- Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh, which orders their hanging at 6 am on March 3 at Delhi's Tihar Jail. Meanwhile, the apex court has also slated for March 5 hearing on a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately. Watch: Nirbhaya Case: All 4 convicts to be hanged on March 3rd The case pertains to the brutal gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

Nirbhaya gangrape case convict Pawan Kumar Gupta's curative petition dismissed by Supreme Court

These cases were filed in the Supreme Court following the Narendra Modi government's move to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and scrap the special status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year.

Will Article 370 be heard by larger bench?

Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Saturday said that it has deposited an additional Rs 8,004 crore towards adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), aggregating to a total payment of Rs 18,004 crore, and therefore complying with the Supreme Court judgment in the matter.

"The company has paid an additional amount of Rs 3,004 crore towards the full and final amounts due over and above the ad-hoc amount of Rs 10,000 crore paid on Feb 17, 2020, on behalf of the Bharti Group of Companies," said an official statement on Saturday.

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"In addition to the aforesaid amounts paid on the basis our self-assessment, we have also deposited an additional amount of Rs 5,000 crore as an ad-hoc payment (subject to subsequent refund/adjustment) to cover differences, if any, arising from the reconciliation exercise with the DoT," it added.

The telco said that in line with the AGR judgment and various directions issued by the DoT with respect to Spectrum Usage Charges, the company carried out self-assessment from FY 2006-07 onwards up to December 31, 2019, and interest thereon up to February 29, 2020.Airtel said that the company has now complied with the Supreme Court judgement dated October 24, 2019, which directed telecommunication companies to deposit the AGR dues summing up to Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the government within a period of three months.

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Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Saturday said that it has deposited an additional Rs 8,004 crore towards adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), aggregating to a total payment of Rs 18,004 crore, and therefore complying with the Supreme Court judgment in the matter.

Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Saturday said that it has deposited an additional Rs 8,004 crore towards adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), aggregating to a total payment of Rs 18,004 crore, and therefore complying with the Supreme Court judgment in the matter. "The company has paid an additional amount of Rs 3,004 crore towards the full and final amounts due over and above the ad-hoc amount of Rs 10,000 crore paid on Feb 17, 2020, on behalf of the Bharti Group of Companies," said an official statement on Saturday. Also read: Bharti Airtel can pay $5 billion AGR, won't affect credit quality, says Moody's "In addition to the aforesaid amounts paid on the basis our self-assessment, we have also deposited an additional amount of Rs 5,000 crore as an ad-hoc payment (subject to subsequent refund/adjustment) to cover differences, if any, arising from the reconciliation exercise with the DoT," it added. The telco said that in line with the AGR judgment and various directions issued by the DoT with respect to Spectrum Usage Charges, the company carried out self-assessment from FY 2006-07 onwards up to December 31, 2019, and interest thereon up to February 29, 2020.Airtel said that the company has now complied with the Supreme Court judgement dated October 24, 2019, which directed telecommunication companies to deposit the AGR dues summing up to Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the government within a period of three months. Also see: Airtel pays statutory dues worth ₹10,000 crore after Supreme Court's stern orders

Airtel deposits another Rs 8,000 crore towards AGR dues in compliance with SC order

Pawan Gupta, one of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, on Friday filed a curative petition before the Supreme Court seeking to have his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment.

Gupta is the fourth convict in the case to file a curative petition.

This comes as a fresh death warrant has been issued for the four death row convicts -- Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh -- in the case for their hanging at 6 am on March 3.

The family of the victim has on several occasions accused the defence of using delay tactics by separately filing the curative, special leave and mercy petitions.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that according to existing laws, the convicts cannot be executed separately.

Which means that as long as even one of them has a legal remedy at his disposal, the hanging of the four cannot take place.

Meanwhile, the apex court has slated for March 5 hearing on a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately.

The case pertains to the brutal gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi.

The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.&nbsp;

Pawan Gupta, one of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, on Friday filed a curative petition before the Supreme Court seeking to have his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment.

Pawan Gupta, one of the four death row convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, on Friday filed a curative petition before the Supreme Court seeking to have his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment. Gupta is the fourth convict in the case to file a curative petition. This comes as a fresh death warrant has been issued for the four death row convicts -- Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh -- in the case for their hanging at 6 am on March 3. The family of the victim has on several occasions accused the defence of using delay tactics by separately filing the curative, special leave and mercy petitions. The Delhi High Court has ruled that according to existing laws, the convicts cannot be executed separately. Which means that as long as even one of them has a legal remedy at his disposal, the hanging of the four cannot take place. Meanwhile, the apex court has slated for March 5 hearing on a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately. The case pertains to the brutal gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

Nirbhaya case: Convict Pawan Gupta files curative petition in Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir administration seeking its response on a plea filed by Iltija, daughter of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, challenging her mother's detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-public-safety-act-psa-under-which-former-jk-chief-ministers-omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-are-booked-279895">What is Public Safety Act (PSA) under which former J&amp;K chief ministers Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti are booked</a>

A bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice MR Shah also asked Iltija to file an affidavit that no similar case is pending before any other court and posted the matter for hearing to March 18.

During the hearing, senior advocate Nitya Ramakrishna appearing for Iltija assured the court that no petition is pending before any court.

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The court also asked the counsel&nbsp;about the situation in the Kashmir. "What's the position now? Schools have started? It came in the newspaper," the court said. At the outset, the bench even suggested the counsel approach Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

"Why don't you move the High Court?" the top court said.

Senior counsel responded that High Court had taken a view that it can't go into the administrative issues, to which the bench replied that it's not an administrative issue. 
"Cheap politics among masses," counsel argued while reading out reasons for Mufti's detention. The counsel also said that they (administration) have not referred to a single instance against former Chief Minister of inciting people.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration had, on February 5, invoked PSA against the former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah.

Both the former Chief Ministers were detained after the government abrogated Article 370 last year.

Earlier, the bench had also sought response from Jammu and Kashmir administration on a plea of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's sister challenging his detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir administration seeking its response on a plea filed by Iltija, daughter of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, challenging her mother's detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir administration seeking its response on a plea filed by Iltija, daughter of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, challenging her mother's detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978. Also read: What is Public Safety Act (PSA) under which former J&K chief ministers Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti are booked A bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice MR Shah also asked Iltija to file an affidavit that no similar case is pending before any other court and posted the matter for hearing to March 18. During the hearing, senior advocate Nitya Ramakrishna appearing for Iltija assured the court that no petition is pending before any court. × The court also asked the counsel about the situation in the Kashmir. "What's the position now? Schools have started? It came in the newspaper," the court said. At the outset, the bench even suggested the counsel approach Jammu and Kashmir High Court. "Why don't you move the High Court?" the top court said. Senior counsel responded that High Court had taken a view that it can't go into the administrative issues, to which the bench replied that it's not an administrative issue. "Cheap politics among masses," counsel argued while reading out reasons for Mufti's detention. The counsel also said that they (administration) have not referred to a single instance against former Chief Minister of inciting people. The Jammu and Kashmir administration had, on February 5, invoked PSA against the former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah. Both the former Chief Ministers were detained after the government abrogated Article 370 last year. Earlier, the bench had also sought response from Jammu and Kashmir administration on a plea of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's sister challenging his detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act.

Supreme Court issues notice to J&K administration on plea over Mufti's detention

Apple Inc's plea to avoid paying $440 million in damages to VirnetX Inc for using the patent licensing firm's security technology without permission in features such as FaceTime video calling was denied by the US Supreme Court.

Apple Inc's plea to avoid paying $440 million in damages to VirnetX Inc for using the patent licensing firm's security technology without permission in features such as FaceTime video calling was denied by the US Supreme Court. Apple's appeal was rejected by the judges in this case which spans a decade, wherein a Texas jury had discovered in 2016 that the iPhone manufacturer had infringed VirnetX's patents, following which the patent licensing firm was awarded $302 million. The amount was increased to $439.7 million including interest and other costs. Also Read: US jury asks Apple to pay $145 million in damages to Canada's WiLan In 2010, the Nevada-based VirnetX filed a lawsuit against California-based Apple of infringing four patents for secure networks, known as virtual private networks, and secure communications links. VirnetX was adamant that Apple infringed with its FaceTime and VPN on Demand features in products such as the iPhone and iPad. The judgement against apple was upheld last year by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington. During the hearings, Apple and other tech titans requested a review of the validity of VirnetX patents by a tribunal of the US Patent and Trademark Office. Also Read: Samsung to pay $539 million to Apple for copying patented smartphone designs, features Key parts of the patents at issue, in this case, were cancelled by the Tribunal but in separate decisions issued last year, the Federal Circuit set aside certain of the tribunal's rulings which brought VirnetX closer to collecting damages from Apple. The world-renowned mobile phone manufacturer appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the damages should be recalculated because the specific patents VirnetX accused it of infringing with FaceTime were nearly wiped out. Also Read: Top US court rejects Samsung's appeal on patent loss to Apple In a court filing, Apple called the Federal Circuit's opposition to indulge its demands "legally wrong and grossly unfair." The company also stated that lower courts unlawfully granted requests from VirnetX and granted them compensation for damages far beyond the value of the patented invention. VirnetX issued a statement saying that "The entire damages award ... remains supported by claims that a jury - and the Federal Circuit - found valid years ago and that have not been cancelled since."

Apple appeals rejected by US Supreme Court in legal battle with VirnetX

Supreme Court will hear on March 5, a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately.

Supreme Court will hear on March 5, a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately. A three-judge bench, headed by Justice R Banumathi and also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and Navin Sinha, said, we will hear the petition on March 5 at 3 pm. This comes as a fresh death warrant has been issued for the four death row convicts - Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh - in the case for their hanging at 6 am on March 3. Also Read: Delay in the hanging of Nirbhaya convicts and interminable wait for justice Additional Solicitor General KM Natraj, appearing for the Union of India today, submitted to the apex court that the Delhi High Court had given a week to execute the death warrants. The Centre had moved the top court after the Delhi High Court had rejected its petition. The Delhi High Court had, on February 5, stated that the death warrant of all convicts in the Nirbhaya case should be executed together. The Delhi High Court had observed that Delhi prison rules do not state whether when the mercy petition of one convict is pending, the execution of the other convicts can take place and from the trial court to Supreme Court all convicts have been held by a common order and a common judgment. Watch: Nirbhaya Case: All 4 convicts to be hanged on March 3rd Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Saturday dismissed an application filed by Vinay Sharma, one of the four death row convicts in Nirbhaya case, seeking specialised medical treatment for his claimed "grievous head injury, fracture in his right arm, insanity, mental illness and schizophrenia". The case pertains to the brutal gangrape and killing of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

Centre seeks to execute Nirbhaya convicts separately; SC to adjudicate

In a move to save critically endangered birds such as the Great Indian Bustard and its smaller cousin Lesser florican, the Supreme Court of India has said that overhead power transmission lines in the desert national park in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district and the surrounding area must go underground.

The top court said around 15 per cent of the two species have been dying every year due to collision with overhead power transmission lines in their flight path.&nbsp;

The judges were hearing a petition filed by wildlife activists saying that even though both the birds are protected under the wildlife protection act, they face the threat of imminent extinction.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-under-pressure-over-past-hunting-of-endangered-whales-243496">Japan under pressure over past hunting of endangered whales</a>

The plea blamed mortality caused by collision with power transmission lines and wind turbines, depletion of grasslands, hunting, development of mines and human habitation in and around their habitats.

The Great Indian Bustard is a tall bird with a wingspan of over two metres. It is the state bird of Rajasthan, their number has sharply declined from an estimated twelve hundred sixty in 1969 to just 150 in 2018.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-removes-key-provisions-in-endangered-species-act-242553">Trump administration removes key provisions in Endangered Species Act</a>

The Lesser florican is the smallest bird in the Bustard family and weighs around 500 to 750 grams. It is found only in India. &nbsp;Their numbers have declined in a similar pattern from over thirty five hundred in 1999 to less than 700 in 2018.

In a move to save critically endangered birds such as the Great Indian Bustard and its smaller cousin Lesser florican, the Supreme Court of India has said that overhead power transmission lines in the desert national park in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district and the surrounding area must go underground.

In a move to save critically endangered birds such as the Great Indian Bustard and its smaller cousin Lesser florican, the Supreme Court of India has said that overhead power transmission lines in the desert national park in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district and the surrounding area must go underground. The top court said around 15 per cent of the two species have been dying every year due to collision with overhead power transmission lines in their flight path. The judges were hearing a petition filed by wildlife activists saying that even though both the birds are protected under the wildlife protection act, they face the threat of imminent extinction. Also read: Japan under pressure over past hunting of endangered whales The plea blamed mortality caused by collision with power transmission lines and wind turbines, depletion of grasslands, hunting, development of mines and human habitation in and around their habitats. The Great Indian Bustard is a tall bird with a wingspan of over two metres. It is the state bird of Rajasthan, their number has sharply declined from an estimated twelve hundred sixty in 1969 to just 150 in 2018. Also read: Trump administration removes key provisions in Endangered Species Act The Lesser florican is the smallest bird in the Bustard family and weighs around 500 to 750 grams. It is found only in India. Their numbers have declined in a similar pattern from over thirty five hundred in 1999 to less than 700 in 2018.

Supreme Court steps into to save two endangered bird species

India's Supreme Court has ordered that women should be given command postings in the Army. But a Woman Chief of Army Staff is still a distant dream in India.

Gravitas: Supreme Court to Army: End sex stereotypes

Irrespective of years of service, Supreme Court directed the Center to give permanent commissions to all women officers in the army who opt for it within three months. The SC said that all the conditions for the appointment of women officers will be the same as their male counterparts.

Indian Apex court orders to grant permanent commission to women officers in Army

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breaking-news-update-Upload-criminal-records-of-candidates-on-your-website-Supreme-Court-directs-political-parties">Supreme Court </a>said today that women officers in Army be given a permanent commission as a change of mindset is required on government's part to end gender bias in armed forces.

"Absolute bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational and against Right to Equality," India's top court said.

The apex court directed the Centre to grant permanent commission within three months to all women officers in the Army who opt for it.&nbsp;

The court said that women officers will also be eligible for command posting in the Army.&nbsp;

<img alt="Women Armed Forces" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6668d681-c79c-4b79-bf90-e1684139eb63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EQUALITY_OPPORTUNITY..jpg" />

A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said: "There is no reason and justification for the union of India not to act as per the Delhi High Court verdict, adding,&nbsp;"On September 2, 2011, the Supreme Court has clarified this aspect and said there is no stay on the high court verdict. Despite that scant regard has been paid to the verdict of Delhi High Court and the order of Supreme Court as well."

The verdict comes after women officers sought the rejection of Centre's view in the case. The government in its reply to the top court had pointed towards "physical prowess" and "physiological limitations" as limiting factors to induct women in higher posts.

The court, however, said that physiological features of women had no effect in granting permanent commission and they have to be given equal opportunity at par with men&nbsp;in the armed forces.

The top court said even after 70 years of post-colonial era, there is a need for change in mindset with regard to giving equal opportunity to women officers in the Indian Army.

Supreme Court said today that women officers in Army be given a permanent commission as a change of mindset is required on government's part to end gender bias in armed forces.

Supreme Court said today that women officers in Army be given a permanent commission as a change of mindset is required on government's part to end gender bias in armed forces. "Absolute bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational and against Right to Equality," India's top court said. The apex court directed the Centre to grant permanent commission within three months to all women officers in the Army who opt for it. The court said that women officers will also be eligible for command posting in the Army. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said: "There is no reason and justification for the union of India not to act as per the Delhi High Court verdict, adding, "On September 2, 2011, the Supreme Court has clarified this aspect and said there is no stay on the high court verdict. Despite that scant regard has been paid to the verdict of Delhi High Court and the order of Supreme Court as well." The verdict comes after women officers sought the rejection of Centre's view in the case. The government in its reply to the top court had pointed towards "physical prowess" and "physiological limitations" as limiting factors to induct women in higher posts. The court, however, said that physiological features of women had no effect in granting permanent commission and they have to be given equal opportunity at par with men in the armed forces. The top court said even after 70 years of post-colonial era, there is a need for change in mindset with regard to giving equal opportunity to women officers in the Indian Army.

Bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational: Supreme Court to government

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army.

Singh took to Twitter and welcomed the decision " wholeheartedly".

"I wholeheartedly welcome Hon'ble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. PM Shri @narendramodi has supported the idea of permanent commission for women &amp; announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018," Singh tweeted out.&nbsp;

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I wholeheartedly welcome Honble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> has supported the idea of permanent commission for women &amp; announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1229394157522710528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The defence minister stated that a historic move to allow women in the field operations came when former defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman "announced that women will be inducted into the Military Police. The recruitment process has started in 2019," Singh added.&nbsp;

"In 2019, the defence ministry granted a permanent commission to women in all 10 branches of the Indian Amry, including Signal Corps, intelligence, aviation, engineering, service corps and ordinance corps," he said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bar-on-granting-command-post-to-women-officers-in-Army-is-irrational-Supreme-Court-to-government">Bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational: Supreme Court to government</a>

<img alt="Women Armed Forces" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6668d681-c79c-4b79-bf90-e1684139eb63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EQUALITY_OPPORTUNITY..jpg" />

Sigh also highlighted that before the year 2016, women made up just 2.5 per cent of India's armed forces and worked mainly in non-combat roles.

"As of Jan 2019, 3.89 per cent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 per cent of the navy and 13.28 per cent of the air force personnel were women as of June 2019," Singh posted on Twitter.&nbsp;

The top court today said that women officers in Army be given a permanent commission as a change of mindset is required on government's part to end gender bias in armed forces.

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Before 2016, women made up just 2.5 percent of India's armed forces, working in mainly non-combat roles. 
As of Jan 2019, 3.89 percent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 percent of the navy &amp; 13.28 percent of the air force personnel were women as of June 2019.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1229394722084409344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Absolute bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational and against Right to Equality," India's top court said.

The apex court directed the Centre to grant permanent commission within three months to all women officers in the Army who opt for it.&nbsp;

The court said that women officers will also be eligible for command posting in the Army.&nbsp;

The top court said even after 70 years of post-colonial era, there is a need for change in mindset with regard to giving equal opportunity to women officers in the Indian Army.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army. Singh took to Twitter and welcomed the decision " wholeheartedly".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army. Singh took to Twitter and welcomed the decision " wholeheartedly". "I wholeheartedly welcome Hon'ble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. PM Shri @narendramodi has supported the idea of permanent commission for women & announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018," Singh tweeted out. I wholeheartedly welcome Honble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. PM Shri @narendramodi has supported the idea of permanent commission for women & announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 17, 2020 × The defence minister stated that a historic move to allow women in the field operations came when former defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman "announced that women will be inducted into the Military Police. The recruitment process has started in 2019," Singh added. "In 2019, the defence ministry granted a permanent commission to women in all 10 branches of the Indian Amry, including Signal Corps, intelligence, aviation, engineering, service corps and ordinance corps," he said. Also read: Bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational: Supreme Court to government Sigh also highlighted that before the year 2016, women made up just 2.5 per cent of India's armed forces and worked mainly in non-combat roles. "As of Jan 2019, 3.89 per cent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 per cent of the navy and 13.28 per cent of the air force personnel were women as of June 2019," Singh posted on Twitter. The top court today said that women officers in Army be given a permanent commission as a change of mindset is required on government's part to end gender bias in armed forces. Before 2016, women made up just 2.5 percent of India's armed forces, working in mainly non-combat roles. As of Jan 2019, 3.89 percent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 percent of the navy & 13.28 percent of the air force personnel were women as of June 2019. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 17, 2020 × "Absolute bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational and against Right to Equality," India's top court said. The apex court directed the Centre to grant permanent commission within three months to all women officers in the Army who opt for it. The court said that women officers will also be eligible for command posting in the Army. The top court said even after 70 years of post-colonial era, there is a need for change in mindset with regard to giving equal opportunity to women officers in the Indian Army.

Wholeheartedly welcome SC’s decision to give women permanent commission in Armed Forces: Rajnath

The Indian telecom industry is under duress after the Supreme Court came down heavily on telecom companies for not paying dues on time to the government.

The judges accused the telcos of "contempt of court". Even the telecom department officials were rebuked.

Now, three telecom companies must pay a very heavy bill together worth Rupees one lakh crore.&nbsp;

Here's all you need to know about the consequences of the ruling:&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="946f8642-b077-4f3e-99dd-727b835c255c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WHO_OWES_WHAT01.jpg" />

The telecom industry is reeling under the slam of the Supreme Court's gavel. Two top telecom companies must pay up a total of 85,000 crore rupees in dues to the government. The order will have severe economic consequences.

Vodafone Idea could shut down, causing over 13,000 people to lose their jobs. The number could be higher if we include all those who run "recharge shops" across the country. Plus, the mobile bill of customers may shoot up.&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7595bcda-9899-49d8-a5e5-1df1a2b25f94" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WHO_OWES_WHAT02.jpg" />

Consumers may have to pay substantially more for their mobile data packs and voice calls because of the stress.

The top court had set a January 23 as the deadline. It has pulled up the government for not enforcing the deadline.

Another telecom giant, Bharti Airtel, owes Rupees 35,000 crore, while Vodafone Idea owes over 50,000 crores.&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a10139cf-b27e-4769-8b4b-4f5953725ea9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SC_DIRECTIVE01.jpg" />

The companies must pay the sum by March 17.&nbsp;

The telecom giants have paid some of the money and have sought more time for the rest.

But why do these companies have to pay such massive dues?&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24989933-83c8-4200-a37a-0c0eedb5c057" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SC_DIRECTIVE02.jpg" />

The legal conflict is around 14 years old. The dispute is over the definition of revenue. The worst-hit is Vodafone Idea which is saddled with mounting losses and debt and owes the biggest chunk to the government. The company says it will collapse if the government does not give any relief.

The collapse of Vodafone Idea would make it the third bankruptcy of a local mobile carrier in two years after that of Aircel and Rcom.

It all started with the arrival of Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio, which slashed the existing mobile data prices to an extent that India today offers the world's cheapest mobile data packs.

&nbsp;<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e0b486e-9b05-4f7b-8fb8-9454b0902ace" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SC_DIRECTIVE03.jpg" />

Once Jio did it, others had to follow thus dipping their hands to the bottom of their coffers to stay competitive.

Meanwhile, data-hungry Indian consumers became more demanding, pushing the companies into a data war.&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="982e6a09-df78-4902-8692-a40dfc0cc77d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SC_DIRECTIVE04_UPDATED.SLIDE_.jpg" />

The Supreme Court ruling will change all this.&nbsp;

In order to pay the dues, telecom operators could raise the tariffs by 25 to 30 per cent by the end of the year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
So, young India will now begin to feel the pinch, as they begin to shell out more for less data.

The Indian telecom industry is under duress after the Supreme Court came down heavily on telecom companies for not paying dues on time to the government. The judges accused the telcos of "contempt of court".

The Indian telecom industry is under duress after the Supreme Court came down heavily on telecom companies for not paying dues on time to the government. The judges accused the telcos of "contempt of court". Even the telecom department officials were rebuked. Now, three telecom companies must pay a very heavy bill together worth Rupees one lakh crore. Here's all you need to know about the consequences of the ruling: The telecom industry is reeling under the slam of the Supreme Court's gavel. Two top telecom companies must pay up a total of 85,000 crore rupees in dues to the government. The order will have severe economic consequences. Vodafone Idea could shut down, causing over 13,000 people to lose their jobs. The number could be higher if we include all those who run "recharge shops" across the country. Plus, the mobile bill of customers may shoot up. Consumers may have to pay substantially more for their mobile data packs and voice calls because of the stress. The top court had set a January 23 as the deadline. It has pulled up the government for not enforcing the deadline. Another telecom giant, Bharti Airtel, owes Rupees 35,000 crore, while Vodafone Idea owes over 50,000 crores. The companies must pay the sum by March 17. The telecom giants have paid some of the money and have sought more time for the rest. But why do these companies have to pay such massive dues? The legal conflict is around 14 years old. The dispute is over the definition of revenue. The worst-hit is Vodafone Idea which is saddled with mounting losses and debt and owes the biggest chunk to the government. The company says it will collapse if the government does not give any relief. The collapse of Vodafone Idea would make it the third bankruptcy of a local mobile carrier in two years after that of Aircel and Rcom. It all started with the arrival of Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio, which slashed the existing mobile data prices to an extent that India today offers the world's cheapest mobile data packs. Once Jio did it, others had to follow thus dipping their hands to the bottom of their coffers to stay competitive. Meanwhile, data-hungry Indian consumers became more demanding, pushing the companies into a data war. The Supreme Court ruling will change all this. In order to pay the dues, telecom operators could raise the tariffs by 25 to 30 per cent by the end of the year. So, young India will now begin to feel the pinch, as they begin to shell out more for less data.

The telecom tremors: Consequences of Supreme Court's ruling

The Supreme Court said even women who have served more than 14 years in the Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Army can have the option of permanent commission.

WION Fineprint: Landmark ruling over Women officers; Top court rejects centre's arguments

India: Women Army Officers Can Get Command Roles

The Supreme Court said on Monday that people have a fundamental right to protest against law but the blocking of public roads is a matter of concern and there has to be a balancing factor.

Hearing pleas over the roadblocks due to the ongoing protests at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said its concern is about what will happen if people start protesting on roads.

Democracy works on expressing views but there are lines and boundaries for it, the bench said.

It asked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Sadhana Ramachandran to talk to Shaheen Bagh protestors and persuade them to move to an alternative site where no public place is blocked.

The matter has been posted for next hearing on February 24.

People have a fundamental right to protest but the thing which is troubling us is the blocking of public roads, the bench said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said Shaheen Bagh protestors should not be given a message that every institution is on its knees trying to persuade them on this issue.

The apex court said that if nothing works, we will leave it to the authorities to deal with the situation.

Protestors have made their point and the protests have gone on for quite some time, it said.

Restrictions have been imposed on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch and the Okhla underpass, which were closed on December 15 last year due to the protests against CAA and Register of Citizens.

The top court had earlier said the anti-CAA protesters at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh cannot block public roads and create inconvenience for others.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by advocate Amit Sahni, who had approached the Delhi high court seeking directions to the Delhi Police to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch, which was blocked by anti-CAA protesters on December 15.

While dealing with Sahni's plea, the high court had asked local authorities to deal with the situation keeping in mind law and order.

Separately, former BJP MLA Nand Kishore Garg has filed a petition in the apex court seeking directions to the authorities to remove the protestors from Shaheen Bagh.

One of the pleas has sought to lay down of comprehensive and exhaustive guidelines relating to outright restrictions for holding protests or agitations leading to obstruction of the public place.

In his plea, Garg has said that law enforcement machinery was being "held hostage to the whims and fancies of the protesters" who have blocked vehicular and pedestrian movement from the road connecting Delhi to Noida.

The state has the duty to protect the fundamental rights of the citizen who were continuously being harassed by the blockage of the arterial road, it said.

"It is disappointing that the state machinery is muted and a silent spectator to hooliganism and vandalism of the protesters who are threatening the existential efficacy of the democracy and the rule of law and had already taken the law and order situation in their own hand," the plea had said.

In his appeal, Sahni had sought supervision of the situation in Shaheen Bagh, where several women are sitting on protest, by a retired Supreme Court judge or a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court.

Sahni has said in his plea that protests in Shaheen Bagh have inspired similar demonstrations in other cities and to allow it to continue would set a wrong precedent.

The Supreme Court said on Monday that people have a fundamental right to protest against law but the blocking of public roads is a matter of concern and there has to be a balancing factor.

The Supreme Court said on Monday that people have a fundamental right to protest against law but the blocking of public roads is a matter of concern and there has to be a balancing factor. Hearing pleas over the roadblocks due to the ongoing protests at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said its concern is about what will happen if people start protesting on roads. Democracy works on expressing views but there are lines and boundaries for it, the bench said. It asked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Sadhana Ramachandran to talk to Shaheen Bagh protestors and persuade them to move to an alternative site where no public place is blocked. The matter has been posted for next hearing on February 24. People have a fundamental right to protest but the thing which is troubling us is the blocking of public roads, the bench said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said Shaheen Bagh protestors should not be given a message that every institution is on its knees trying to persuade them on this issue. The apex court said that if nothing works, we will leave it to the authorities to deal with the situation. Protestors have made their point and the protests have gone on for quite some time, it said. Restrictions have been imposed on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch and the Okhla underpass, which were closed on December 15 last year due to the protests against CAA and Register of Citizens. The top court had earlier said the anti-CAA protesters at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh cannot block public roads and create inconvenience for others. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by advocate Amit Sahni, who had approached the Delhi high court seeking directions to the Delhi Police to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch, which was blocked by anti-CAA protesters on December 15. While dealing with Sahni's plea, the high court had asked local authorities to deal with the situation keeping in mind law and order. Separately, former BJP MLA Nand Kishore Garg has filed a petition in the apex court seeking directions to the authorities to remove the protestors from Shaheen Bagh. One of the pleas has sought to lay down of comprehensive and exhaustive guidelines relating to outright restrictions for holding protests or agitations leading to obstruction of the public place. In his plea, Garg has said that law enforcement machinery was being "held hostage to the whims and fancies of the protesters" who have blocked vehicular and pedestrian movement from the road connecting Delhi to Noida. The state has the duty to protect the fundamental rights of the citizen who were continuously being harassed by the blockage of the arterial road, it said. "It is disappointing that the state machinery is muted and a silent spectator to hooliganism and vandalism of the protesters who are threatening the existential efficacy of the democracy and the rule of law and had already taken the law and order situation in their own hand," the plea had said. In his appeal, Sahni had sought supervision of the situation in Shaheen Bagh, where several women are sitting on protest, by a retired Supreme Court judge or a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court. Sahni has said in his plea that protests in Shaheen Bagh have inspired similar demonstrations in other cities and to allow it to continue would set a wrong precedent.

Shaheen Bagh: SC says people have right to protest but there must be balancing factor

As the government's clampdown on telecom companies intensifies, Bharti Airtel today claimed to have paid ₹10,000 crore to the telecom department as part of statutory dues.

The company is expected to make more payments over time, after the Supreme Court's stern orders.

"The...Amount of ₹10,000 crore has been paid on behalf of Bharti Airtel, Bharti Hexacom, and Telenor," the company said in a statement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-rejects-plea-of-telecom-giants-to-review-over-order-for-paying-rs-92k-cr-to-govt-274777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

News agency PTI reported that Bharti Airtel (alongside the newly merged Telenor India) has paid ₹9,500 crore and Bharti Hexacom has paid another ₹ 500 crore.

The government recently released its figure, according to which, Airtel owes nearly ₹35, 586 crore in statutory dues, which includes licencing fee and the charges for using spectrum.

The Supreme Court's recent strong-worded directions to telecom companies to pay, the telecom department issued orders to Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to pay the past dues as soon as possible.

Following suit, the telecom department issued notices threatening action in terms of the licence terms unless the dues were paid.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/vodafone-idea-bharti-airtel-reliance-jio-hike-prepaid-prices-by-40-265657" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/vodafone-idea-bharti-airtel-reliance-jio-hike-prepaid-prices-by-40-265657&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIh6nhjtjnAhXzxzgGHQYxCJ8QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0sPVUfCC2tQTbbjM3eknKU" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/vodafone-idea-bharti-airtel-reliance-jio-hike-prepaid-prices-by-40-265657" target="_blank">Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio hike prepaid prices</a>

In Uttar Pradesh (East), the office remained open even on a Saturday to ensure the payments were made.

On Friday, Airtel vowed to pay ₹10,000 crores to the Department of Telecommunications by February 20, with the leftover amount set to be paid before March 17.

But on Monday, the company said, "we are in the process of completing the self assessment exercise expeditiously and will duly make the balance payment upon completion of the same, before the next date of hearing in (the) SC".

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/currently-assessing-the-amount-will-make-payment-in-next-few-days-vodafone-280851" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/currently-assessing-the-amount-will-make-payment-in-next-few-days-vodafone-280851&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjEg4f3jtjnAhWNxzgGHf4BDPwQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw33iN3VsudiucgMhUBT4zpQ" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/currently-assessing-the-amount-will-make-payment-in-next-few-days-vodafone-280851" target="_blank">Currently assessing the amount; will make payment in next few days</a>: Vodafone

As per PTI, 15 entities owe ₹1.47 lakh crore, ₹92,642 crore in unpaid licence fee and ₹55,054 crore in spectrum usage charges.

Vodafine Idea Ltd owes dues worth ₹53,000 crore: ₹24,729 crore in spectrum dues and ₹28,309 in licence fee.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)

As the government's clampdown on telecom companies intensifies, Bharti Airtel today claimed to have paid ₹10,000 crore to the telecom department as part of statutory dues.

As the government's clampdown on telecom companies intensifies, Bharti Airtel today claimed to have paid ₹10,000 crore to the telecom department as part of statutory dues. The company is expected to make more payments over time, after the Supreme Court's stern orders. "The...Amount of ₹10,000 crore has been paid on behalf of Bharti Airtel, Bharti Hexacom, and Telenor," the company said in a statement. News agency PTI reported that Bharti Airtel (alongside the newly merged Telenor India) has paid ₹9,500 crore and Bharti Hexacom has paid another ₹ 500 crore. The government recently released its figure, according to which, Airtel owes nearly ₹35, 586 crore in statutory dues, which includes licencing fee and the charges for using spectrum. The Supreme Court's recent strong-worded directions to telecom companies to pay, the telecom department issued orders to Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to pay the past dues as soon as possible. Following suit, the telecom department issued notices threatening action in terms of the licence terms unless the dues were paid. Also read: Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio hike prepaid prices In Uttar Pradesh (East), the office remained open even on a Saturday to ensure the payments were made. On Friday, Airtel vowed to pay ₹10,000 crores to the Department of Telecommunications by February 20, with the leftover amount set to be paid before March 17. But on Monday, the company said, "we are in the process of completing the self assessment exercise expeditiously and will duly make the balance payment upon completion of the same, before the next date of hearing in (the) SC". Also read: Currently assessing the amount; will make payment in next few days: Vodafone As per PTI, 15 entities owe ₹1.47 lakh crore, ₹92,642 crore in unpaid licence fee and ₹55,054 crore in spectrum usage charges. Vodafine Idea Ltd owes dues worth ₹53,000 crore: ₹24,729 crore in spectrum dues and ₹28,309 in licence fee. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

Airtel pays statutory dues worth ₹10,000 crore after Supreme Court's stern orders

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-rape-case-supreme-court-rejects-convict-vinay-sharmas-petition-against-rejecting-mercy-plea-280455">Supreme Court</a>, in its order, did not find any grounds for considering the petition filed by one of the death row convicts, Vinay Sharma, seeking a review of the rejection of his mercy petition`s dismissal by the President of India.

"We do not find any ground for exercise of judicial review of the order of the President of India rejecting the petitioner's mercy petition and this writ petition is liable to be dismissed. The writ petition is dismissed accordingly," the three-judge bench of the Apex Court, headed by Justice R Banumathi said, in its order on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-rape-case-supreme-court-rejects-convict-vinay-sharmas-petition-against-rejecting-mercy-plea-280455">Nirbhaya rape case: Supreme Court reserves verdict on convict Vinay's petition against mercy plea rejection</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-rape-case-supreme-court-rejects-convict-vinay-sharmas-petition-against-rejecting-mercy-plea-280455">Apex Court</a> did not consider any ground and contention as raised by the petitioner, one of the death row convicts, Vinay Sharma, in the brutal December 16, 2012, gangrape-cum-murder case.

The apex court did not consider the contentions of Vinay Sharma that his mercy petition was rejected as relevant materials were not placed before the President of India and were kept out of consideration.

The Apex Court also refused to consider the medical status report and the mental health of the petitioner, as the ground for rejection of the mercy petition by the President of India.Solitary confinement ground, as claimed by the petitioner for the commutation of his death sentence, was also rejected by the apex court.

The Supreme Court also did not consider that a biased order was passed on irrelevant considerations against Vinay Sharma and thereby the court held that the rejection of mercy petition by the President of India was done rightly.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Nirbhaya Case: Justice delayed is justice denied

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nirbhaya-case-justice-delayed-is-justice-denied-280653/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The apex court also dismissed the claim by the petitioner, that the President of India, had rejected his mercy petition as there was non-application of mind by him.Vinay Sharma, one of the four death row convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-rape-case-supreme-court-rejects-convict-vinay-sharmas-petition-against-rejecting-mercy-plea-280455">Nirbhaya gang-rape case</a>, had filed a writ petition before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nirbhaya-case-justice-delayed-is-justice-denied-280653">Supreme Court</a> challenging the rejection of his mercy petition by the President of India.

On February 1, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/polling-booths-pop-up-all-over-delhi-politicians-and-bureaucrats-rush-in-to-cast-their-ballots-279389">Ram Nath Kovind</a> had rejected the mercy petition of Vinay Sharma in the case.

The mercy petitions of convicts Akshay Thakur and Mukesh Singh have also been rejected.The Delhi High Court on February 5 granted a week's time to the four convicts to avail of all legal remedies available to them and said that the convicts cannot be hanged separately since they were convicted for the same crime.

A Delhi Court had issued a death warrant against the four convicts Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh on January 7 and they were scheduled to be executed on January 22 at Tihar Jail.

Later, the execution was suspended indefinitely by a Delhi court.One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court, in its order, did not find any grounds for considering the petition filed by one of the death row convicts, Vinay Sharma, seeking a review of the rejection of his mercy petition`s dismissal by the President of India.

The Supreme Court, in its order, did not find any grounds for considering the petition filed by one of the death row convicts, Vinay Sharma, seeking a review of the rejection of his mercy petition`s dismissal by the President of India. "We do not find any ground for exercise of judicial review of the order of the President of India rejecting the petitioner's mercy petition and this writ petition is liable to be dismissed. The writ petition is dismissed accordingly," the three-judge bench of the Apex Court, headed by Justice R Banumathi said, in its order on Friday. Also read: Nirbhaya rape case: Supreme Court reserves verdict on convict Vinay's petition against mercy plea rejection The Apex Court did not consider any ground and contention as raised by the petitioner, one of the death row convicts, Vinay Sharma, in the brutal December 16, 2012, gangrape-cum-murder case. The apex court did not consider the contentions of Vinay Sharma that his mercy petition was rejected as relevant materials were not placed before the President of India and were kept out of consideration. The Apex Court also refused to consider the medical status report and the mental health of the petitioner, as the ground for rejection of the mercy petition by the President of India.Solitary confinement ground, as claimed by the petitioner for the commutation of his death sentence, was also rejected by the apex court. The Supreme Court also did not consider that a biased order was passed on irrelevant considerations against Vinay Sharma and thereby the court held that the rejection of mercy petition by the President of India was done rightly. Watch: Gravitas: Nirbhaya Case: Justice delayed is justice denied The apex court also dismissed the claim by the petitioner, that the President of India, had rejected his mercy petition as there was non-application of mind by him.Vinay Sharma, one of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape case, had filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court challenging the rejection of his mercy petition by the President of India. On February 1, President Ram Nath Kovind had rejected the mercy petition of Vinay Sharma in the case. The mercy petitions of convicts Akshay Thakur and Mukesh Singh have also been rejected.The Delhi High Court on February 5 granted a week's time to the four convicts to avail of all legal remedies available to them and said that the convicts cannot be hanged separately since they were convicted for the same crime. A Delhi Court had issued a death warrant against the four convicts Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh on January 7 and they were scheduled to be executed on January 22 at Tihar Jail. Later, the execution was suspended indefinitely by a Delhi court.One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Supreme Court finds no ground to consider petition filed by Nirbhaya convict over rejection of mercy plea

The Supreme Court said today that Every Political Parties must publish the Criminal History of the Candidates on their Website.The Supreme Court said it would be mandatory for parties to upload the details of their candidates' criminal history on their websites, on social media and in newspapers within 48 hours of selection

SC's Strict Order: Parties must publish Criminal history of the candidates

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-upholds-constitutional-validity-of-scst-amendment-act-2018-279730">Supreme Court </a>on Thursday directed all political parties in the country to uploads details of pending cases against candidates with criminal backgrounds on their website.

India's top court also ordered the political parties to publish the details on social media platforms namely Twitter and Facebook and in at least one local vernacular and one national newspaper.

The court said political parties would have to specify reasons for selecting candidates having pending criminal cases against them on their website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-seeks-reply-from-centre-and-states-on-plea-to-stop-deaths-in-borewells-278317">Supreme Court </a>said political parties shall submit a report of compliance to the Election Commission of India within 72 hrs of selecting the candidate with pending criminal cases, if the parties fail to do it then the election body would bring it to the notice of the apex court.&nbsp;

The bench added that it appears that there has been an alarming increase in criminalisation of politics in the last four general elections.

Supreme Court on Thursday directed all political parties in the country to uploads details of pending cases against candidates with criminal backgrounds on their website.

Supreme Court on Thursday directed all political parties in the country to uploads details of pending cases against candidates with criminal backgrounds on their website. India's top court also ordered the political parties to publish the details on social media platforms namely Twitter and Facebook and in at least one local vernacular and one national newspaper. The court said political parties would have to specify reasons for selecting candidates having pending criminal cases against them on their website. Supreme Court said political parties shall submit a report of compliance to the Election Commission of India within 72 hrs of selecting the candidate with pending criminal cases, if the parties fail to do it then the election body would bring it to the notice of the apex court. The bench added that it appears that there has been an alarming increase in criminalisation of politics in the last four general elections.

Upload criminal records of candidates on your website: Supreme Court directs political parties

One of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case claimed in the Supreme Court on Thursday that while rejecting his mercy plea the President did not consider his mental illness following torture in jail, an allegation denied by the Centre saying "he is fit and has a sound mind".

Vinay Sharma through his counsel made a last-ditch effort to escape from the gallows claiming that all the relevant records were not brought before the President including that he had been subjected to torture and ill-treatment in jail due to which he had developed mental illness.

The Centre, however, opposed his claim and produced a medical report dated February 12 which said he was fit and had a sound mind.

A bench of Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna, which reserved its order on Sharma's plea challenging the rejection of his mercy petition by President said it will pronounce the verdict on Friday at 2 PM.

The top court also rejected Sharma's counsel A P Singh's request to peruse the original file of recommendation made by the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi home minister Satyendra Jain for rejection of his mercy petition.

"Though the Court has informed counsel that Home Minister of Government of NCT of Delhi and Lieutenant Governor have signed the proposal on the mercy petition, counsel insisted upon on looking into the original files. Request for perusal of the original files by learned counsel appearing for the petitioner-Vinay Sharma is declined," the bench said in its order.

Singh contended that signatures of Delhi home minister and LG were not obtained on the original files recommending rejection of mercy petition of Sharma.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and NCT of Delhi, opposed the arguments of Singh and said that signatures were obtained on the original files and submitted the documents for the perusal of the court.

"The contention of Dr AP Singh, counsel appearing for the petitioner-Vinay Sharma, is that Home Minister of Government of NCT of Delhi and LG have not signed the recommendation rejecting the mercy petition of the petitioner and, therefore, counsel wanted to look into the original file and make submission on that aspect," said the bench.

It said, "The concerned files have been produced before us which we have perused and on perusal, it is seen that Home Minister of Government of NCT of Delhi and Lieutenant Governor have signed the same".

The bench after rejecting the request of Singh asked him to continue with his arguments while making him clear that judicial review of rejection of mercy petition by President has a very limited scope and the court has only to see whether there was the proper application of mind.

Singh said that all relevant materials were not before the President, who rejected the mercy petition within 48 hours of filing of the plea.

"The President did not consider that Sharma has been subjected to torture and ill-treatment in prison, as a result of which he experienced grave mental trauma and even developed mental illness for which he has received psychiatric treatment in prison," Singh said, adding that mental illness is one of the ground to commute his death sentence.

He said that Sharma was also kept in solitary confinement by the jail authorities and subjected in-human treatment, which was against the guidelines of apex court.

Singh argued that there was history of physical assaults on Sharma and his medical records establishes the fact that he was taken for psychiatric treatment several times.

Mehta opposed the arguments saying all due process of law was followed and read out the file noting made by Union home minister Amit Shah, on the recommendation sent to the President which said that his case fall in rarest of rare category and does not deserve clemency.

Mehta said that prison records suggest that he was not kept in solitary confinement.

The apex court had earlier dismissed a plea filed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, another death row convict in the case, challenging the rejection of his mercy petition by the President.

The trial court had on January 31 stayed "till further orders" execution of the four convicts in the case -- Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Kumar Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar (31), who are lodged in Tihar Jail.

Pawan has not yet filed a curative petition -- the last and final legal remedy available to a person which is decided in-chamber. Pawan also has the option of filing a mercy plea.

The mercy petition of Akshay was also rejected by the President.

The 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' (fearless), was gang-raped and savagely assaulted on the night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in South Delhi. She died of her injuries a fortnight later in a Singapore hospital.

Six people including the four convicts, Ram Singh and a juvenile -- were named as accused.

The trial of the five adult men began in a special fast-track court in March 2013.

Ram Singh, the prime accused, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in Tihar jail days after the trial began. The juvenile, who was said to be the most brutal of the attackers, was put in a correctional home for three years.

The juvenile was released in 2015 and sent to an undisclosed location amid concerns over a threat to his life. He, when released, was 20 years old.&nbsp;

One of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case claimed in the Supreme Court on Thursday that while rejecting his mercy plea the President did not consider his mental illness following torture in jail, an allegation denied by the Centre saying "he is fit and has a sound mind".

One of the four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case claimed in the Supreme Court on Thursday that while rejecting his mercy plea the President did not consider his mental illness following torture in jail, an allegation denied by the Centre saying "he is fit and has a sound mind". Vinay Sharma through his counsel made a last-ditch effort to escape from the gallows claiming that all the relevant records were not brought before the President including that he had been subjected to torture and ill-treatment in jail due to which he had developed mental illness. The Centre, however, opposed his claim and produced a medical report dated February 12 which said he was fit and had a sound mind. A bench of Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna, which reserved its order on Sharma's plea challenging the rejection of his mercy petition by President said it will pronounce the verdict on Friday at 2 PM. The top court also rejected Sharma's counsel A P Singh's request to peruse the original file of recommendation made by the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi home minister Satyendra Jain for rejection of his mercy petition. "Though the Court has informed counsel that Home Minister of Government of NCT of Delhi and Lieutenant Governor have signed the proposal on the mercy petition, counsel insisted upon on looking into the original files. Request for perusal of the original files by learned counsel appearing for the petitioner-Vinay Sharma is declined," the bench said in its order. Singh contended that signatures of Delhi home minister and LG were not obtained on the original files recommending rejection of mercy petition of Sharma. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and NCT of Delhi, opposed the arguments of Singh and said that signatures were obtained on the original files and submitted the documents for the perusal of the court. "The contention of Dr AP Singh, counsel appearing for the petitioner-Vinay Sharma, is that Home Minister of Government of NCT of Delhi and LG have not signed the recommendation rejecting the mercy petition of the petitioner and, therefore, counsel wanted to look into the original file and make submission on that aspect," said the bench. It said, "The concerned files have been produced before us which we have perused and on perusal, it is seen that Home Minister of Government of NCT of Delhi and Lieutenant Governor have signed the same". The bench after rejecting the request of Singh asked him to continue with his arguments while making him clear that judicial review of rejection of mercy petition by President has a very limited scope and the court has only to see whether there was the proper application of mind. Singh said that all relevant materials were not before the President, who rejected the mercy petition within 48 hours of filing of the plea. "The President did not consider that Sharma has been subjected to torture and ill-treatment in prison, as a result of which he experienced grave mental trauma and even developed mental illness for which he has received psychiatric treatment in prison," Singh said, adding that mental illness is one of the ground to commute his death sentence. He said that Sharma was also kept in solitary confinement by the jail authorities and subjected in-human treatment, which was against the guidelines of apex court. Singh argued that there was history of physical assaults on Sharma and his medical records establishes the fact that he was taken for psychiatric treatment several times. Mehta opposed the arguments saying all due process of law was followed and read out the file noting made by Union home minister Amit Shah, on the recommendation sent to the President which said that his case fall in rarest of rare category and does not deserve clemency. Mehta said that prison records suggest that he was not kept in solitary confinement. The apex court had earlier dismissed a plea filed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, another death row convict in the case, challenging the rejection of his mercy petition by the President. The trial court had on January 31 stayed "till further orders" execution of the four convicts in the case -- Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Kumar Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar (31), who are lodged in Tihar Jail. Pawan has not yet filed a curative petition -- the last and final legal remedy available to a person which is decided in-chamber. Pawan also has the option of filing a mercy plea. The mercy petition of Akshay was also rejected by the President. The 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' (fearless), was gang-raped and savagely assaulted on the night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in South Delhi. She died of her injuries a fortnight later in a Singapore hospital. Six people including the four convicts, Ram Singh and a juvenile -- were named as accused. The trial of the five adult men began in a special fast-track court in March 2013. Ram Singh, the prime accused, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in Tihar jail days after the trial began. The juvenile, who was said to be the most brutal of the attackers, was put in a correctional home for three years. The juvenile was released in 2015 and sent to an undisclosed location amid concerns over a threat to his life. He, when released, was 20 years old.

Nirbhaya case: Death row convict claims mental illness in Supreme Court, Centre says he has sound mind

The Supreme Court of India directed that it is now mandatory for political parties to upload details of pending cases against candidates with criminal backgrounds on their website.

Supreme Court directs political parties to upload criminal records of candidates

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-collegium-reiterates-names-of-justices-bose-bopanna-for-elevation-to-apex-court-217242">Supreme Court collegium</a> has approved the proposal for appointment of nine Additional Judges of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-recommends-karnataka-hc-chief-justice-delhi-court-judge-for-elevation-to-sc-189766">Madras High Court</a> as Permanent Judges.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/does-office-of-cji-come-under-rti-act-supreme-court-bench-headed-by-chief-justice-examines-207703">judges who have been made</a> permanent are justices PT Asha, M Nirmal Kumar, Subramonium Prasad, N Anand Venkatesh, GK IIanthiraiyan, Krishnan Ramasamy, C Saravanan, B Pugalendhi and Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy.

The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde, in a meeting on Wednesday also approved the proposal for appointment of Justice Rahul Chaturvedi, the Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court, as the Permanent Judge.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/transparency-vs-opaqueness-supreme-court-collegium-in-spotlight-190728">Supreme Court collegium in spotlight</a>

It has also approved a proposal for elevation of judicial officers IIesh Jashvantrai Vora, Gita Gopi, Dr Ashokkumar C Joshi and Rajendra M Sareen as judges of the Gujarat High Court.

Besides CJI Bobde, justices N V Ramana, Arun Mishra, R F Nariman and R Banumathi are part of the new 5-judge Collegium. 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court collegium has approved the proposal for appointment of nine Additional Judges of the Madras High Court as Permanent Judges. The judges who have been made permanent are justices PT Asha, M Nirmal Kumar, Subramonium Prasad, N Anand Venkatesh, GK IIanthiraiyan, Krishnan Ramasamy, C Saravanan, B Pugalendhi and Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy.

The Supreme Court collegium has approved the proposal for appointment of nine Additional Judges of the Madras High Court as Permanent Judges. The judges who have been made permanent are justices PT Asha, M Nirmal Kumar, Subramonium Prasad, N Anand Venkatesh, GK IIanthiraiyan, Krishnan Ramasamy, C Saravanan, B Pugalendhi and Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy. The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde, in a meeting on Wednesday also approved the proposal for appointment of Justice Rahul Chaturvedi, the Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court, as the Permanent Judge. Also Read: Supreme Court collegium in spotlight It has also approved a proposal for elevation of judicial officers IIesh Jashvantrai Vora, Gita Gopi, Dr Ashokkumar C Joshi and Rajendra M Sareen as judges of the Gujarat High Court. Besides CJI Bobde, justices N V Ramana, Arun Mishra, R F Nariman and R Banumathi are part of the new 5-judge Collegium.

SC Collegium approves names of nine judges of Madras HC as permanent

Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi broke down in a Delhi court Wednesday requesting a fresh date to execute the four death row convicts for the gang rape and murder of her daughter and later sat on a protest outside the court premises.

"I too have some rights," she said to the judge after the court offered a lawyer to one of the four convicts - Pawan Gupta - from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), after his father said he had no lawyer to represent him at the time.

Additional Session Judge Dharmender Rana consoled her saying, "Every lawyer here, this entire proceeding, is for giving you the justice."

Nirbhaya's father, who was also present in the courtroom, added that giving a lawyer to Pawan at this stage was an injustice to the parents.

"Law has given them (convicts) right and not letting them avail that too will be an injustice," the judge replied.

After the court's hearing, Devi joined a protest being held by women rights activist Yogita Bhayana outside the Patiala House Courts premises over the delay in hanging of the four convicts.

"There is no appeal pending in any court in the country... I appeal to the Supreme Court to issue the death warrant as this court (trial) is in no mood to issue one," Devi said while talking to media, adding that she was "losing hope".

While raising slogans for hanging of the four convicts -- Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Kumar Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar (31) -- Devi said: "We are waiting for justice. I assure rape victims that they will also get justice. But today I myself have lost hope."

Bhayana said, "The people of this country are losing hope with every passing day. When will convicts be hanged?"

The 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' (fearless), was gang-raped and savagely assaulted on the night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in South Delhi. She died of her injuries a fortnight later in a Singapore hospital.&nbsp;

Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi broke down in a Delhi court Wednesday requesting a fresh date to execute the four death row convicts for the gang rape and murder of her daughter and later sat on a protest outside the court premises.

Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi broke down in a Delhi court Wednesday requesting a fresh date to execute the four death row convicts for the gang rape and murder of her daughter and later sat on a protest outside the court premises. "I too have some rights," she said to the judge after the court offered a lawyer to one of the four convicts - Pawan Gupta - from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), after his father said he had no lawyer to represent him at the time. Additional Session Judge Dharmender Rana consoled her saying, "Every lawyer here, this entire proceeding, is for giving you the justice." Nirbhaya's father, who was also present in the courtroom, added that giving a lawyer to Pawan at this stage was an injustice to the parents. "Law has given them (convicts) right and not letting them avail that too will be an injustice," the judge replied. After the court's hearing, Devi joined a protest being held by women rights activist Yogita Bhayana outside the Patiala House Courts premises over the delay in hanging of the four convicts. "There is no appeal pending in any court in the country... I appeal to the Supreme Court to issue the death warrant as this court (trial) is in no mood to issue one," Devi said while talking to media, adding that she was "losing hope". While raising slogans for hanging of the four convicts -- Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Kumar Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar (31) -- Devi said: "We are waiting for justice. I assure rape victims that they will also get justice. But today I myself have lost hope." Bhayana said, "The people of this country are losing hope with every passing day. When will convicts be hanged?" The 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' (fearless), was gang-raped and savagely assaulted on the night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in South Delhi. She died of her injuries a fortnight later in a Singapore hospital.

'I too have some rights': Nirbhaya's mother breaks down in Delhi court

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will hold a meeting with internet giants, social media platforms and other stakeholders on the issue of circulation of videos and images relating to child pornography and sexual offence, the Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing after four weeks and in the meantime, the Centre will hold a meeting with intermediaries including Google, Microsoft and Facebook and other stakeholders to deal with the issue of circulation of videos of child pornography, rape and gang rape.

The court was hearing a matter following a letter sent in 2015 to the apex court by Hyderabad-based NGO Prajwala, along with two rape videos in a pen-drive.

Advocate Aparna Bhat, appearing for one of the parties in the case, informed the court that the government had come with a portal and but since September government has not conducted any meeting with the parties and intermediaries.

The government had set up a portal for centralised lodging of complaints by citizens against child pornography and rape videos circulated on social networks.

The amicus curiae in the case, advocate NS Nappinai, submitted a status report to the Court detailing the steps taken so far since the 2018 order. In October 2018, the Supreme Court had laid down proposals and guidelines to tackle this issue.

The amicus said that there is also another issue that when pornographic content is circulated and a complaint is made, the content is removed only from one point but remaining copies which may have been circulated at some other point is not removed.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will hold a meeting with internet giants, social media platforms and other stakeholders on the issue of circulation of videos and images relating to child pornography and sexual offence, the Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will hold a meeting with internet giants, social media platforms and other stakeholders on the issue of circulation of videos and images relating to child pornography and sexual offence, the Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday. A Bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing after four weeks and in the meantime, the Centre will hold a meeting with intermediaries including Google, Microsoft and Facebook and other stakeholders to deal with the issue of circulation of videos of child pornography, rape and gang rape. The court was hearing a matter following a letter sent in 2015 to the apex court by Hyderabad-based NGO Prajwala, along with two rape videos in a pen-drive. Advocate Aparna Bhat, appearing for one of the parties in the case, informed the court that the government had come with a portal and but since September government has not conducted any meeting with the parties and intermediaries. The government had set up a portal for centralised lodging of complaints by citizens against child pornography and rape videos circulated on social networks. The amicus curiae in the case, advocate NS Nappinai, submitted a status report to the Court detailing the steps taken so far since the 2018 order. In October 2018, the Supreme Court had laid down proposals and guidelines to tackle this issue. The amicus said that there is also another issue that when pornographic content is circulated and a complaint is made, the content is removed only from one point but remaining copies which may have been circulated at some other point is not removed.

Centre to hold meeting with Google, Microsoft, Facebook over circulation of child pornographic content

Supreme Court on Monday upheld the constitutional validity of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 that ruled out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs.

Supreme Court on Monday upheld the constitutional validity of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 that ruled out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs. According to the apex court, a court can grant anticipatory bail only in cases where a prima facie case is not made out. A Bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Ravindra Bhat pronounced the verdict on pleas challenging the Act. Justice Ravindra Bhat, the other member of the bench, said in a concurring verdict that every citizen needs to treat fellow citizens equally and foster the concept of fraternity. A court can quash the FIR if a prima facie case is not made out under the SC/ST Act and the liberal use of anticipatory bail will defeat the intention of Parliament, Justice Bhat added. The top court's verdict came on a batch of PILs challenging the validity of the SC/ST Amendment Act of 2018, which was brought to nullify the effect of the apex court's 2018 ruling, which had diluted the provisions of the stringent Act. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court upholds constitutional validity of SC/ST Amendment Act, 2018

Omar Abdullah's sister Sara Abdullah Pilot has challenged his detention under Public Safety Act (PSA) in the supreme court saying her brother's detention was a grave violation of his constitutional rights, including freedom of speech.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have been under preventive detention since August 5 last year following abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Under the law, his detention was to end six months later on February 5, 2020&nbsp;

Now, the PSA allows the J&amp;K administration to keep the two leaders under detention for another 3 months to a year without trial.

The reasons cited by the Jammu and Kashmir administration for invoking PSA&nbsp;against the two former chief ministers has surprised many.

The dossier has accused both the leaders of planning activities against the Union government under the guise of politics.

The dossier, prepared by the J&amp;K police, says 'Omar Abdullah can influence people for any cause, citing his "capacity to convince his electorate to come out and vote in huge numbers even during the peak of militancy and poll boycotts".

The dossier accused Abdullah of instigating people on Twitter against the unity and integrity of the nation.

Just before detention, Omar Abdullah had reached out to the people on Twitter, urging them not to take the law into their own hand and to stay calm.

Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti has been accused of "dangerous and insidious machinations" against the Union government.

The dossier lists Mufti's refusal to sign a bond, stating that she will not talk about the scrapping of article 370, as one of the reasons for invoking PSA against her.

Omar Abdullah's sister Sara Abdullah Pilot has challenged his detention under Public Safety Act (PSA) in the supreme court saying her brother's detention was a grave violation of his constitutional rights, including freedom of speech.

Omar Abdullah's sister Sara Abdullah Pilot has challenged his detention under Public Safety Act (PSA) in the supreme court saying her brother's detention was a grave violation of his constitutional rights, including freedom of speech. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have been under preventive detention since August 5 last year following abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Under the law, his detention was to end six months later on February 5, 2020 Now, the PSA allows the J&K administration to keep the two leaders under detention for another 3 months to a year without trial. The reasons cited by the Jammu and Kashmir administration for invoking PSA against the two former chief ministers has surprised many. The dossier has accused both the leaders of planning activities against the Union government under the guise of politics. The dossier, prepared by the J&K police, says 'Omar Abdullah can influence people for any cause, citing his "capacity to convince his electorate to come out and vote in huge numbers even during the peak of militancy and poll boycotts". The dossier accused Abdullah of instigating people on Twitter against the unity and integrity of the nation. Just before detention, Omar Abdullah had reached out to the people on Twitter, urging them not to take the law into their own hand and to stay calm. Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti has been accused of "dangerous and insidious machinations" against the Union government. The dossier lists Mufti's refusal to sign a bond, stating that she will not talk about the scrapping of article 370, as one of the reasons for invoking PSA against her.

Omar Abdullah's sister Sara Abdullah Pilot challenges his detention under PSA in Supreme Court 

India: The Supreme Court said the protesters can't block the public road and create inconvenience to others. People are entitled to protest but they have to do so in an area designated for agitation, the top court said.

India: 'Shaheen Bagh protesters can't block Public roads' says Supreme Court

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