Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday convicted UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed in the terror-financing case. The court sentenced Saeed for five-years and three-months in two terror financing cases. Fine of 150,000 was also imposed on Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief. Saeed is the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and was arrested 16 times in the past and released every time.

Pak court convicts 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday reserved its verdicts against Mumbai attack mastermind and proscribed Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed in two terror financing cases, Pakistani media reported. ATC judge Arshad Hussain Bhatta will announce the verdicts in both cases on today (February 8).

Anti-Terrorism Court of Pakistan to pronounce verdict on Hafiz Saeed today

Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Pakistan has delayed the verdict against Mumbai attack mastermind and proscribed Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed in two terror financing cases. The verdict was supposed to be given today (February 8) and is now delayed to February 11.

Pakistan: Hafiz Saeed verdict delayed to February 11

Hafiz Saeed present at Anti-Terrorism Court of Pakistan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-moves-islamabad-high-court-against-verdict-announcement-in-treason-case-against-musharraf-264539">Islamabad High Court (IHC)</a> on Wednesday stopped the special court from announcing verdict in the high treason case against former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pervez-musharraf-approaches-hc-as-verdict-on-high-treason-case-nears-264139">President General Pervez Musharraf</a>. 
The IHC's order comes a day before the special court was scheduled to announce the verdict on the basis of the available record, Dawn reported

The IHC was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan government seeking an adjournment of the verdict's announcement. A similar petition was also filed by Musharraf in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-accepts-hafiz-saaeds-application-challenging-his-arrest-in-terror-financing-case-254314">Lahore High Court</a>.

"For reasons to be recorded later, we allow writ petition&nbsp;filed by the Ministry of Interior," the court said in its short order.

The IHC has also directed the government to notify a new prosecutor or a team of prosecution in the treason case by December 5. It has also asked the special court to fix a date "for affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing" to the notified prosecutor or prosecution team as well as the counsel appointed for Musharraf.

The special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. It also ruled out that the verdict would be announced on November 28 (Thursday) on the basis of the available record, dawn had reported.

The high treason trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case.

He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment."

The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and the court directive issued to the FIA to arrest him.

Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday stopped the special court from announcing verdict in the high treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf.

Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday stopped the special court from announcing verdict in the high treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf. The IHC's order comes a day before the special court was scheduled to announce the verdict on the basis of the available record, Dawn reported The IHC was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan government seeking an adjournment of the verdict's announcement. A similar petition was also filed by Musharraf in the Lahore High Court. "For reasons to be recorded later, we allow writ petition filed by the Ministry of Interior," the court said in its short order. The IHC has also directed the government to notify a new prosecutor or a team of prosecution in the treason case by December 5. It has also asked the special court to fix a date "for affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing" to the notified prosecutor or prosecution team as well as the counsel appointed for Musharraf. The special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. It also ruled out that the verdict would be announced on November 28 (Thursday) on the basis of the available record, dawn had reported. The high treason trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case. He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment." The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and the court directive issued to the FIA to arrest him.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court stops announcement of verdict in Musharraf's high treason case

A Pakistani court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the murder case of social media personality Qandeel Baloch.

The verdict will be announced tomorrow, reported Dawn.<iframe data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Qandeel, whose real name was Fouzia Azeem, was allegedly murdered by her brother in a shocking case of 'honour-killing' in July 2016.

Suspects, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/brother-arrested-for-qandeel-balochs-murder-2659/amp">Qandeel's brother</a>,&nbsp;the main accused, Muhammad Wasim, her other brothers Aslam Shaheen, Mufti Abdul Qavi, Haq Nawaz and Abdul Basit were present in the model court in Multan during the proceedings.

Around 35 witnesses recorded their statement in the case.

Qandeel's brother had earlier confessed to the crime saying that his sister had brought shame to the family with her bold choice of lifestyle and racy posts.

Wasim confessed that he killed his sister because she "brought dishonour to the Baloch name" with her risque videos and statements posted on social media.

In August, Qandeel's parents had submitted an affidavit in the court stating that they have forgiven their sons and the case against them should be dropped.

However, the trial court rejected their demand.

A Pakistani court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the murder case of social media personality Qandeel Baloch. The verdict will be announced tomorrow, reported Dawn.

A Pakistani court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the murder case of social media personality Qandeel Baloch. The verdict will be announced tomorrow, reported Dawn. Qandeel, whose real name was Fouzia Azeem, was allegedly murdered by her brother in a shocking case of 'honour-killing' in July 2016. Suspects, including Qandeel's brother, the main accused, Muhammad Wasim, her other brothers Aslam Shaheen, Mufti Abdul Qavi, Haq Nawaz and Abdul Basit were present in the model court in Multan during the proceedings. Around 35 witnesses recorded their statement in the case. Qandeel's brother had earlier confessed to the crime saying that his sister had brought shame to the family with her bold choice of lifestyle and racy posts. Wasim confessed that he killed his sister because she "brought dishonour to the Baloch name" with her risque videos and statements posted on social media. In August, Qandeel's parents had submitted an affidavit in the court stating that they have forgiven their sons and the case against them should be dropped. However, the trial court rejected their demand.

Pakistan court reserves verdict in Qandeel Baloch case, verdict tomorrow

The trial of two men charged with deadly negligence over a 2016 fire that killed 36 people in the US state of California ended with an acquittal for one and a mistrial for the other.

Derick Almena, the leaseholder of the building known locally as the "Ghost Ship," a warehouse he had turned into a public space dedicated to music and art, and Max Harris, who helped him manage it, was tried for manslaughter and had faced nearly 40 years in prison.

The prosecution and the families of the victims, most people between the ages of 20 and 30, accused the two men of a series of criminal failures and negligence that they said resulted in the deaths during an electronic music concert in December 2016.

After several years of proceedings and two lawsuits, the jury acquitted Harris of all charges and was deadlocked over those against Almena.

The prosecution is to appear in court next month to say if they want to initiate a new trial against him.

Almena had rented the warehouse in Oakland, California three years before the fire and turned it into a collective for artists.

He also received rent from at least 25 tenants, according to the prosecution, without having equipped the structure with smoke detectors, alarms or fire-fighting systems.

The "Ghost Ship" was also packed floor to ceiling with sculptures, musical instruments, and furniture, all dotted with multiple electrical connections a flammable labyrinth that turned into a death trap for occupants when the fire broke out, prosecutors said.

The damage from the blaze was so severe that investigators could never determine the cause of the fire, which could have been triggered by a power failure, cigarette or candles.

Last year, Almena and Harris pleaded no contest to charges of involuntary manslaughter over the fire, which was expected to see the former serve nine years in prison and the latter six.

But a judge rejected the agreement, which was deemed unacceptable by many relatives of victims, and the case went to trial.

The trial of two men charged with deadly negligence over a 2016 fire that killed 36 people in the US state of California ended with an acquittal for one and a mistrial for the other.

The trial of two men charged with deadly negligence over a 2016 fire that killed 36 people in the US state of California ended with an acquittal for one and a mistrial for the other. Derick Almena, the leaseholder of the building known locally as the "Ghost Ship," a warehouse he had turned into a public space dedicated to music and art, and Max Harris, who helped him manage it, was tried for manslaughter and had faced nearly 40 years in prison. The prosecution and the families of the victims, most people between the ages of 20 and 30, accused the two men of a series of criminal failures and negligence that they said resulted in the deaths during an electronic music concert in December 2016. After several years of proceedings and two lawsuits, the jury acquitted Harris of all charges and was deadlocked over those against Almena. The prosecution is to appear in court next month to say if they want to initiate a new trial against him. Almena had rented the warehouse in Oakland, California three years before the fire and turned it into a collective for artists. He also received rent from at least 25 tenants, according to the prosecution, without having equipped the structure with smoke detectors, alarms or fire-fighting systems. The "Ghost Ship" was also packed floor to ceiling with sculptures, musical instruments, and furniture, all dotted with multiple electrical connections a flammable labyrinth that turned into a death trap for occupants when the fire broke out, prosecutors said. The damage from the blaze was so severe that investigators could never determine the cause of the fire, which could have been triggered by a power failure, cigarette or candles. Last year, Almena and Harris pleaded no contest to charges of involuntary manslaughter over the fire, which was expected to see the former serve nine years in prison and the latter six. But a judge rejected the agreement, which was deemed unacceptable by many relatives of victims, and the case went to trial.

No convictions in trial for deadly California 'Ghost Ship' fire

Jurors in the US trial of accused Mexican drug cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman ended their second day of deliberations on Tuesday without reaching a verdict.

The 12 jurors in federal court in Brooklyn began their deliberations shortly after 9 am and were sent home at 4:15 pm. They are expected to resume at 9:30 am on Wednesday.

Guzman, 61, is accused of leading Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, which became one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. He twice escaped from prison in Mexico and will face the possibility of life in a US prison if convicted.

On Tuesday afternoon, the jurors asked to hear a phone call in which a man, who prosecutors say is Guzman, discusses selling methamphetamine in the United States, as well as part of one witness's testimony about importing ephedrine into Mexico to manufacture methamphetamine. The call was played for them, and court stenographers read them a transcript of the testimony.

The jurors had asked on Monday whether ephedrine is considered methamphetamine, and was instructed by US District Judge Brian Cogan to refer to the evidence in the case.

Jurors also asked for the entire testimony of Colombian drug trafficking brothers Jorge and Alex Cifuentes, both of whom testified at length against Guzman. Because their testimony spanned several days, Cogan said he would give them written transcripts, which are expected to be ready on Wednesday.

The 11-week trial, which featured testimony from more than 50 witnesses, offered the public an unprecedented look into the inner workings of the cartel, named for the state in northwest Mexico where Guzman was born in a poor mountain village.

Prosecutors said he trafficked tons of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine into the United States over more than two decades, consolidating his power in Mexico through murders and wars with rival cartels.

The defence argued that Guzman was set up as a "fall guy" by Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a drug kingpin from Sinaloa who remains at large.

At least three jurors are immigrants, three are Spanish speakers and several have ties to law enforcement.

Almost all of them had heard of Guzman before the trial began but said they could be impartial. The only exception was a woman from Ethiopia who said she had "no clue" who he was.

Jurors in the US trial of accused Mexican drug cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman ended their second day of deliberations on Tuesday without reaching a verdict.

Jurors in the US trial of accused Mexican drug cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman ended their second day of deliberations on Tuesday without reaching a verdict. The 12 jurors in federal court in Brooklyn began their deliberations shortly after 9 am and were sent home at 4:15 pm. They are expected to resume at 9:30 am on Wednesday. Guzman, 61, is accused of leading Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, which became one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. He twice escaped from prison in Mexico and will face the possibility of life in a US prison if convicted. On Tuesday afternoon, the jurors asked to hear a phone call in which a man, who prosecutors say is Guzman, discusses selling methamphetamine in the United States, as well as part of one witness's testimony about importing ephedrine into Mexico to manufacture methamphetamine. The call was played for them, and court stenographers read them a transcript of the testimony. The jurors had asked on Monday whether ephedrine is considered methamphetamine, and was instructed by US District Judge Brian Cogan to refer to the evidence in the case. Jurors also asked for the entire testimony of Colombian drug trafficking brothers Jorge and Alex Cifuentes, both of whom testified at length against Guzman. Because their testimony spanned several days, Cogan said he would give them written transcripts, which are expected to be ready on Wednesday. The 11-week trial, which featured testimony from more than 50 witnesses, offered the public an unprecedented look into the inner workings of the cartel, named for the state in northwest Mexico where Guzman was born in a poor mountain village. Prosecutors said he trafficked tons of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine into the United States over more than two decades, consolidating his power in Mexico through murders and wars with rival cartels. The defence argued that Guzman was set up as a "fall guy" by Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a drug kingpin from Sinaloa who remains at large. At least three jurors are immigrants, three are Spanish speakers and several have ties to law enforcement. Almost all of them had heard of Guzman before the trial began but said they could be impartial. The only exception was a woman from Ethiopia who said she had "no clue" who he was.

'El Chapo' US drug trial jury ends second day without verdict

A Chinese court on Monday jailed prominent rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang for 4-1/2 years for subversion of state power, it said online, after he was tried in a December hearing that rights groups called a sham.

Wang, who had taken on cases deemed sensitive by Chinese authorities, such as accusations of police torture or defending members of the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement, went missing in August 2015, amid a sweeping crackdown on rights activists and lawyers.

In a short statement on its website, the Tianjin Number 2 Intermediate People's Court in the northern port city of Tianjin released a verdict, saying that Yang had been found guilty.

It is not possible to contact Wang for comment.

After Wang's December 26 hearing, the United Nations called for Chinese authorities to "ensure his due process rights are respected" and said that there were "serious human rights concerns" about the way his case had been handled.

During his court appearance, Want fired his state-appointed lawyer, according to Li Wenzu, his wife, who was unable to attend due to being barred from leaving her Beijing home by Chinese police and state security agents.

It is unclear whether Wang defended himself during the trial or whether he will appeal the sentence.

Li has vocally championed her husband's case in the three years since he went missing, staging a 100 km (62 miles) march from Beijing to Tianjin, shaving her head to protest his treatment and filing almost weekly petitions to the Supreme People's Court.

Wang's case has been shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty, as authorities have released little information about his well-being and have denied access to Li and the seven lawyers she has appointed to defend him.

One of the lawyers, Yu Wensheng, had been Wang's defence attorney, before he was stripped of his license and then arrested in January. He is now being investigated for "inciting subversion".

Police turned Western diplomats and foreign journalists away from the courthouse on the day of Wang's hearing and detained activists Yang Chunlin, who had travelled to Tianjin to support Wang.

An indictment document from 2017 said that Wang had "for a long time been influenced by infiltrating anti-China forces" and had been trained by overseas groups and accepted their funding.

China routinely rejects foreign criticism of its human rights record, saying all Chinese are treated equally in accordance with the law and that foreign countries have no right to interfere.

A Chinese court on Monday jailed prominent rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang for 4-1/2 years for subversion of state power, it said online, after he was tried in a December hearing that rights groups called a sham.

A Chinese court on Monday jailed prominent rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang for 4-1/2 years for subversion of state power, it said online, after he was tried in a December hearing that rights groups called a sham. Wang, who had taken on cases deemed sensitive by Chinese authorities, such as accusations of police torture or defending members of the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement, went missing in August 2015, amid a sweeping crackdown on rights activists and lawyers. In a short statement on its website, the Tianjin Number 2 Intermediate People's Court in the northern port city of Tianjin released a verdict, saying that Yang had been found guilty. It is not possible to contact Wang for comment. After Wang's December 26 hearing, the United Nations called for Chinese authorities to "ensure his due process rights are respected" and said that there were "serious human rights concerns" about the way his case had been handled. During his court appearance, Want fired his state-appointed lawyer, according to Li Wenzu, his wife, who was unable to attend due to being barred from leaving her Beijing home by Chinese police and state security agents. It is unclear whether Wang defended himself during the trial or whether he will appeal the sentence. Li has vocally championed her husband's case in the three years since he went missing, staging a 100 km (62 miles) march from Beijing to Tianjin, shaving her head to protest his treatment and filing almost weekly petitions to the Supreme People's Court. Wang's case has been shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty, as authorities have released little information about his well-being and have denied access to Li and the seven lawyers she has appointed to defend him. One of the lawyers, Yu Wensheng, had been Wang's defence attorney, before he was stripped of his license and then arrested in January. He is now being investigated for "inciting subversion". Police turned Western diplomats and foreign journalists away from the courthouse on the day of Wang's hearing and detained activists Yang Chunlin, who had travelled to Tianjin to support Wang. An indictment document from 2017 said that Wang had "for a long time been influenced by infiltrating anti-China forces" and had been trained by overseas groups and accepted their funding. China routinely rejects foreign criticism of its human rights record, saying all Chinese are treated equally in accordance with the law and that foreign countries have no right to interfere.

China jails prominent rights lawyer for 4-1/2 years for subversion

The Supreme Court on Tuesday will give its verdict on petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Central government's decision to send him on leave and divesting him of all responsibilities.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will deliver the verdict on January 8 on the petitions.

The bench had reserved the verdict on December 6 last year after hearing arguments of Verma, Union Government, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), NGO Common Cause, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and others who were the party in the case.

During the hearing, while confronting questions over the Centre's sudden decision to send CBI Director Verma on leave, the CVC had told the apex court that "extraordinary situations sometimes need extraordinary remedies."

The CJI Ranjan Gogoi had raised questions over the timing of the order and asked why the government took immediate steps to divest Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee.

Attorney General KK Venugopal appearing for the DoPT had told the bench that the government was well within its jurisdiction to send both officers (Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana) on leave by divesting them of their powers.

Venugopal had defended the Centre's decision over sending Verma on leave and said that the dispute between Verma and Asthana was tarnishing the reputation of the institution. He had added that both the top officials of the investigating agency were "fighting like Kilkenny cats."

Senior advocate Fali Nariman, appearing for Verma, had contended that in all circumstances the CVC and the Centre should have consulted the Selection Committee.

Verma had registered an FIR against Asthana and this was the reason for the Central government (DoPT) to divest him of his powers and functions, Nariman had contended.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Mallikarjun Kharge, who had filed a plea against the Centre's and CVC decision of sending Verma on leave, had argued that the government does not have the power to remove or transfer the CBI Director.

The top court was hearing a petition filed by Verma against the Central government's order to send him on leave in view of the corruption allegations levelled against him. The Central government had sent Verma and his deputy Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes against each other.

However, the CBI on October 25 informed that Verma and Asthana would continue to retain their posts as CBI Director and Special Director, respectively.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday will give its verdict on petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Central government's decision to send him on leave and divesting him of all responsibilities.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday will give its verdict on petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma and NGO Common Cause challenging the Central government's decision to send him on leave and divesting him of all responsibilities. A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will deliver the verdict on January 8 on the petitions. The bench had reserved the verdict on December 6 last year after hearing arguments of Verma, Union Government, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), NGO Common Cause, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and others who were the party in the case. During the hearing, while confronting questions over the Centre's sudden decision to send CBI Director Verma on leave, the CVC had told the apex court that "extraordinary situations sometimes need extraordinary remedies." The CJI Ranjan Gogoi had raised questions over the timing of the order and asked why the government took immediate steps to divest Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee. Attorney General KK Venugopal appearing for the DoPT had told the bench that the government was well within its jurisdiction to send both officers (Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana) on leave by divesting them of their powers. Venugopal had defended the Centre's decision over sending Verma on leave and said that the dispute between Verma and Asthana was tarnishing the reputation of the institution. He had added that both the top officials of the investigating agency were "fighting like Kilkenny cats." Senior advocate Fali Nariman, appearing for Verma, had contended that in all circumstances the CVC and the Centre should have consulted the Selection Committee. Verma had registered an FIR against Asthana and this was the reason for the Central government (DoPT) to divest him of his powers and functions, Nariman had contended. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Mallikarjun Kharge, who had filed a plea against the Centre's and CVC decision of sending Verma on leave, had argued that the government does not have the power to remove or transfer the CBI Director. The top court was hearing a petition filed by Verma against the Central government's order to send him on leave in view of the corruption allegations levelled against him. The Central government had sent Verma and his deputy Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes against each other. However, the CBI on October 25 informed that Verma and Asthana would continue to retain their posts as CBI Director and Special Director, respectively.

CBI director sent on leave: SC expected to pronounce verdict on plea Tuesday

National Ayyappa Devotee association on Monday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its verdict to allow entry of women into the Ayyappa temple in Kerala, news agency ANI reported.

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking review of the Constitution bench's judgement which lifted the ban on entry of women into the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.

The plea, filed by Shylaja Vijayan, president of National Ayyappa Devotees Association, said the September 28 judgment which had allowed entry of women of all ages in the hill-top shrine is "absolutely untenable and irrational, if not perverse".

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stated that "the RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict."

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Supreme Court verdict over women's entry in Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>: National Ayyappa Devotee association files a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the earlier verdict of the Court.
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Women of menstruating age, ageing 10 and 50, were barred from entering the Sabarimala Temple by its officials, who argued that the temple deity, Lord Ayyappa, had taken a vow of celibacy.

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RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict <a href="https://t.co/XCGvvj1szX">pic.twitter.com/XCGvvj1szX</a>
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On September 28, a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ruled that banning women's entry into the temple is gender discrimination and violates the rights of Hindu women.

The ruling came after a petition argued that the practice violated gender equality. Activist Trupti Desai hailed the top court's decision as a step in the direction.

National Ayyappa Devotee association on Monday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its verdict to allow entry of women into the Ayyappa temple in Kerala, news agency ANI reported.

National Ayyappa Devotee association on Monday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its verdict to allow entry of women into the Ayyappa temple in Kerala, news agency ANI reported. A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking review of the Constitution bench's judgement which lifted the ban on entry of women into the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The plea, filed by Shylaja Vijayan, president of National Ayyappa Devotees Association, said the September 28 judgment which had allowed entry of women of all ages in the hill-top shrine is "absolutely untenable and irrational, if not perverse". Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stated that "the RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict." Supreme Court verdict over women's entry in Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple: National Ayyappa Devotee association files a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the earlier verdict of the Court. — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × Women of menstruating age, ageing 10 and 50, were barred from entering the Sabarimala Temple by its officials, who argued that the temple deity, Lord Ayyappa, had taken a vow of celibacy. RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict pic.twitter.com/XCGvvj1szX — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × On September 28, a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ruled that banning women's entry into the temple is gender discrimination and violates the rights of Hindu women. The ruling came after a petition argued that the practice violated gender equality. Activist Trupti Desai hailed the top court's decision as a step in the direction.

Fresh plea filed against Supreme Court verdict allowing women to enter Sabarimala temple

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests.

In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass.

Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police.

The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban.

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here.

In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day.

A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict.

The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict.

Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi.

The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.&nbsp;

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala. The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests. In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass. Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police. The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here. In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day. A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict. The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict. Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi. The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees block roads in Kerala protesting SC verdict

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said.&nbsp;

Supreme Court reserved the verdict&nbsp;On August 1. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked the counsels of both sides to compile the submissions and submit before these within seven days.&nbsp;

The bench comprises Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. The Indian Young Lawyers Association, among the petitioners challenging the ban, had filed its plea in the top court in 2006, but the case lay in cold storage till it was finally taken up for hearing in January 2016.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-praises-lawyer-for-spirited-defence-in-sabarimala-case-154838"> apex court</a> had said that the constitutional scheme prohibiting exclusion has "some value" in a "vibrant democracy".&nbsp;

In July, the bench had said that it cannot remain "oblivious" of the fact that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-supreme-court-announces-entry-to-all-women-in-sabarimala-temple-152626">entry of women</a> in the age group of 10-50 was barred into the shrine on "physiological ground" of menstruation.

The management of the Sabarimala temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the top court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain "purity" on account of menstruation.

However, the Kerala government last year had informed the Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the temple.&nbsp;

In 2007, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had taken a progressive standby favouring women's entry into the temple, which was later overturned by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation.

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said.

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said. Supreme Court reserved the verdict On August 1. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked the counsels of both sides to compile the submissions and submit before these within seven days. The bench comprises Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. The Indian Young Lawyers Association, among the petitioners challenging the ban, had filed its plea in the top court in 2006, but the case lay in cold storage till it was finally taken up for hearing in January 2016. The apex court had said that the constitutional scheme prohibiting exclusion has "some value" in a "vibrant democracy". In July, the bench had said that it cannot remain "oblivious" of the fact that the entry of women in the age group of 10-50 was barred into the shrine on "physiological ground" of menstruation. The management of the Sabarimala temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the top court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain "purity" on account of menstruation. However, the Kerala government last year had informed the Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the temple. In 2007, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had taken a progressive standby favouring women's entry into the temple, which was later overturned by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation.

Supreme Court's verdict on entry of women in Sabarimala tomorrow

The Supreme Court's judgement which on Thursday scrapped the penal provision on adultery received kudos from leading women advocates who dubbed it as a "strong" and "progressive" decision on gender equality.

Senior advocate Rebecca John and lawyers Aishwarya Bhati and Menaka Guruswamy, termed as correct the apex court's observation that the adultery law dented the individuality of women and treated them as "chattel of husbands".

While John said Section 497 (adultery) of the Indian Penal Code should have been struck down 50 years ago, Bhati opined that the verdict will go a long way in ensuring that women's rights are "strongly and robustly embedded" in the system and cannot be taken away.

Guruswamy termed the verdict as a good decision on gender equality and said that "it makes perfect sense as clearly the Supreme Court is saying that men and women within marriage are equal".

John said: "It should never have been a part of modern India's penal code because it was an extremely archaic patriarchal law. Too late but a welcome move." 
Bhati said the law was "one of those colonial baggages that we had to let go of as it was from an era where women were treated as chattel of men and wife was the property of the husband".

The apex court's five-judge Constitution bench was unanimous in striking down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code dealing with the offence of adultery and holding it as manifestly arbitrary, archaic law which is violative of the rights to equality and equal opportunity to women.

The Supreme Court's judgement which on Thursday scrapped the penal provision on adultery received kudos from leading women advocates who dubbed it as a "strong" and "progressive" decision on gender equality.

The Supreme Court's judgement which on Thursday scrapped the penal provision on adultery received kudos from leading women advocates who dubbed it as a "strong" and "progressive" decision on gender equality. Senior advocate Rebecca John and lawyers Aishwarya Bhati and Menaka Guruswamy, termed as correct the apex court's observation that the adultery law dented the individuality of women and treated them as "chattel of husbands". While John said Section 497 (adultery) of the Indian Penal Code should have been struck down 50 years ago, Bhati opined that the verdict will go a long way in ensuring that women's rights are "strongly and robustly embedded" in the system and cannot be taken away. Guruswamy termed the verdict as a good decision on gender equality and said that "it makes perfect sense as clearly the Supreme Court is saying that men and women within marriage are equal". John said: "It should never have been a part of modern India's penal code because it was an extremely archaic patriarchal law. Too late but a welcome move." Bhati said the law was "one of those colonial baggages that we had to let go of as it was from an era where women were treated as chattel of men and wife was the property of the husband". The apex court's five-judge Constitution bench was unanimous in striking down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code dealing with the offence of adultery and holding it as manifestly arbitrary, archaic law which is violative of the rights to equality and equal opportunity to women.

SC's adultery verdict strong, progressive on gender equality, say women lawyers

The Jodhpur Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Court will pronounce its verdict tomorrow in a rape case against Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman.

The judgement in the case will be pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail.

Earlier today, Jodhpur Court dismissed the petition seeking entry of media persons in Central Jail of Jodhpur for the coverage of Asaram Bapu rape case judgment.

Security has also been beefed up outside Asaram rape case victim`s residence.

"We have provided full security and safety to the victim and her family members and are alert," KB Singh, CO, Shahjahanpur said.

Delhi Police CPRO Deepender Pathak said that the police is alert and is in constant touch with concerned states and that adequate forces will immediately be deployed if required.

A senior police official said the department is keeping a close watch on Delhi's boundaries and inside the city areas, where Asaram's supporters might gather after the judgement.

"Delhi police alert and in touch with concerned states. All field formations of police put on alert. Adequate forces will immediately be deployed if required. All officers will be present in their areas," Pathak said.

Jodhpur East (DCP) Amandeep Singh Kapoor said that all precautionary measures have been taken by the police to handle law and order ahead of the verdict tomorrow.

"We will not tolerate any kind of nonsense. We have taken all precautionary measures. We are confident that we will be able to handle law and order," Kapoor said.

A flag-march was also conducted by the security forces in Rajasthan`s Jodhpur ahead of the verdict.

Earlier in the day, the Union Home Ministry had reportedly asked Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana to tighten security and deploy additional forces.These three states have a large number of followers of the self-styled godman.

The Ministry also told the three states to ensure that no violence takes place after the verdict.

On April 21, Jodhpur police said that Rajasthan High Court has beefed up security arrangements to ward off any untoward incident during the pronouncement of judgment in Asaram Bapu rape case.

The police further said that Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be imposed in Jodhpur till April 30.On April 17, the court had decided to pronounce the verdict against self-styled godman in the rape case in Jodhpur Central Jail to avoid any law and order situation in the state.

The police had earlier filed a petition in the high court stating that Rajasthan may witness Panchkula-like violence, which broke out after the conviction of controversial godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.

The Jodhpur SC/ST Court on April 7 completed its hearing in the rape case against Asaram.Asaram, who is currently lodged in the Jodhpur Central jail, is facing trial in two sexual assault cases: one in Rajasthan and the other in Gujarat.

In the case registered in Rajasthan, a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh had accused Asaram of raping her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur on the night of 15 August 2013.

Asaram was arrested after the teenage girl had filed a complaint against him.While in Gujarat, the two Surat-based sisters had lodged separate complaints against the self-styled godman and his son Narayan Sai, accusing them of rape.The Jodhpur Police arrested Asaram on August 3, 2013, and since then, he is in prison.&nbsp 
 
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)

According to Rajasthan High Court's directions, the trial court will deliver its verdict inside Jodhpur Central Jail, where Asaram has been lodged for more than four years.

The Jodhpur Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Court will pronounce its verdict tomorrow in a rape case against Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman. The judgement in the case will be pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail. Earlier today, Jodhpur Court dismissed the petition seeking entry of media persons in Central Jail of Jodhpur for the coverage of Asaram Bapu rape case judgment. Security has also been beefed up outside Asaram rape case victim`s residence. "We have provided full security and safety to the victim and her family members and are alert," KB Singh, CO, Shahjahanpur said. Delhi Police CPRO Deepender Pathak said that the police is alert and is in constant touch with concerned states and that adequate forces will immediately be deployed if required. A senior police official said the department is keeping a close watch on Delhi's boundaries and inside the city areas, where Asaram's supporters might gather after the judgement. "Delhi police alert and in touch with concerned states. All field formations of police put on alert. Adequate forces will immediately be deployed if required. All officers will be present in their areas," Pathak said. Jodhpur East (DCP) Amandeep Singh Kapoor said that all precautionary measures have been taken by the police to handle law and order ahead of the verdict tomorrow. "We will not tolerate any kind of nonsense. We have taken all precautionary measures. We are confident that we will be able to handle law and order," Kapoor said. A flag-march was also conducted by the security forces in Rajasthan`s Jodhpur ahead of the verdict. Earlier in the day, the Union Home Ministry had reportedly asked Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana to tighten security and deploy additional forces.These three states have a large number of followers of the self-styled godman. The Ministry also told the three states to ensure that no violence takes place after the verdict. On April 21, Jodhpur police said that Rajasthan High Court has beefed up security arrangements to ward off any untoward incident during the pronouncement of judgment in Asaram Bapu rape case. The police further said that Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be imposed in Jodhpur till April 30.On April 17, the court had decided to pronounce the verdict against self-styled godman in the rape case in Jodhpur Central Jail to avoid any law and order situation in the state. The police had earlier filed a petition in the high court stating that Rajasthan may witness Panchkula-like violence, which broke out after the conviction of controversial godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case. The Jodhpur SC/ST Court on April 7 completed its hearing in the rape case against Asaram.Asaram, who is currently lodged in the Jodhpur Central jail, is facing trial in two sexual assault cases: one in Rajasthan and the other in Gujarat. In the case registered in Rajasthan, a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh had accused Asaram of raping her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur on the night of 15 August 2013. Asaram was arrested after the teenage girl had filed a complaint against him.While in Gujarat, the two Surat-based sisters had lodged separate complaints against the self-styled godman and his son Narayan Sai, accusing them of rape.The Jodhpur Police arrested Asaram on August 3, 2013, and since then, he is in prison. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

Asaram rape case verdict on April 25: Security beefed up in 3 states, media entry banned

The Supreme Court has said that it is not against the SC/ST Act and doesn't want the innocent to be punished.

The court made these observations while hearing Attorney General K K Venugopal's submission during the hearing of Centre's petition of SC/ST Act.

"Those agitating on streets may not have even read our judgment. Vested interests are also involved sometimes. We are only concerned about innocent people being put behind bars. We are not against the Act at all. But innocents can't be punished on a unilateral version. Why does government want people to be arrested without verification," the apex court observes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scst-verdict-supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-review-petition-in-open-court-128014">Supreme Court</a> asked the lawyers in the case, including the Attorney General, to file a written submission and it will hear the case after 10 days.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court said that the question of a preliminary inquiry before an FIR or a prior permission for the arrest of a public servant comes up only when the charges are framed solely under the SC/ST (PoA) Act. The court said its order neither dilutes the provisions of the said act or affects any other offences charged under other sections of IPC or CrPC.&nbsp;

Earlier, Amid <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-over-centres-decision-to-file-scst-review-petition-in-supreme-court-1-dead-in-madhya-pradesh-127773">noisy protests</a> in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/done-nothing-to-dilute-scst-act-rajnath-singh-on-dalit-protests-128034">Rajnath Singh</a> addressed the violence that singed large parts of the country on Monday.

"The government has not diluted the provisions of the SC/ST Atrocities Act. In fact, we have strengthened the act. We have introduced provisions for the protection of victims, who are already suffered enough. Moreover, if officials are found lacking in their response to a complaint filed by anybody, we want action initiated against them as well," Rajnath Singh said.

Meanwhile, at least nine people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on Monday, while thousands were detained by the police and hundreds, were left injured as the state and central governments struggled to control the massive Bharat Bandh protests that erupted across the north, west and east India over the Supreme Court’s alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act.

'We are not against the Act at all. But innocents can't be punished on a unilateral version. Why does govt want people to be arrested without verification,' the apex court observes.

The Supreme Court has said that it is not against the SC/ST Act and doesn't want the innocent to be punished. The court made these observations while hearing Attorney General K K Venugopal's submission during the hearing of Centre's petition of SC/ST Act. "Those agitating on streets may not have even read our judgment. Vested interests are also involved sometimes. We are only concerned about innocent people being put behind bars. We are not against the Act at all. But innocents can't be punished on a unilateral version. Why does government want people to be arrested without verification," the apex court observes. Supreme Court asked the lawyers in the case, including the Attorney General, to file a written submission and it will hear the case after 10 days. The Supreme Court said that the question of a preliminary inquiry before an FIR or a prior permission for the arrest of a public servant comes up only when the charges are framed solely under the SC/ST (PoA) Act. The court said its order neither dilutes the provisions of the said act or affects any other offences charged under other sections of IPC or CrPC. Earlier, Amid noisy protests in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the violence that singed large parts of the country on Monday. "The government has not diluted the provisions of the SC/ST Atrocities Act. In fact, we have strengthened the act. We have introduced provisions for the protection of victims, who are already suffered enough. Moreover, if officials are found lacking in their response to a complaint filed by anybody, we want action initiated against them as well," Rajnath Singh said. Meanwhile, at least nine people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on Monday, while thousands were detained by the police and hundreds, were left injured as the state and central governments struggled to control the massive Bharat Bandh protests that erupted across the north, west and east India over the Supreme Court’s alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act.

SC/ST Act: We are not against it, says Supreme Court but refuses to cancel earlier order

A Jodhpur court will announce the verdict in the Salman Khan blackbuck case on April 5.

Apart from Salman, actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu, Sonali Bendre as well as Dushyant Singh are accused in the case.

Final arguments on both sides have been completed in the Chief Judicial Magistrate Rural Court in Jodhpur.

The Jodhpur Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Wednesday under Jodhpur District Presiding Officer Devkumar Khatri issued the date for the decision in the 20-year-old black deer hunting case.

Apart from Salman's lawyer Hastimal Saraswat, lawyers of all other parties were present in the court hearing today.

During the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's movie, 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in 1999, Salman allegedly went on a shooting expedition along with Saif, Neelam, Bendre and Tabu, killing two blackbucks in Kankani village in Rajasthan.

Following protests by the local Bishnoi community, a case was later filed against Salman and the other actors.

Apart from Salman, actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu, Sonali Bendre as well as Dushyant Singh are accused in the case

A Jodhpur court will announce the verdict in the Salman Khan blackbuck case on April 5. Apart from Salman, actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu, Sonali Bendre as well as Dushyant Singh are accused in the case. Final arguments on both sides have been completed in the Chief Judicial Magistrate Rural Court in Jodhpur. The Jodhpur Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Wednesday under Jodhpur District Presiding Officer Devkumar Khatri issued the date for the decision in the 20-year-old black deer hunting case. Apart from Salman's lawyer Hastimal Saraswat, lawyers of all other parties were present in the court hearing today. During the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's movie, 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in 1999, Salman allegedly went on a shooting expedition along with Saif, Neelam, Bendre and Tabu, killing two blackbucks in Kankani village in Rajasthan. Following protests by the local Bishnoi community, a case was later filed against Salman and the other actors.

Blackbuck case: Jodhpur court to announce verdict on April 5

The Supreme Court today will announce its verdict on passive euthanasia after hearing a plea that seeks to legalise the protocol. Passive euthanasia gives a terminally ill patient the right to choose not to sustain life through the artificial support system.&nbsp;

The option is made available only to the terminally ill who are at the last stage of their life without any hope of recovery or improvement.&nbsp;

A five-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, will decide whether passive euthanasia should be legalised. If passed, a terminally ill will now be able to decide if his/her life should not be prolonged with the help of life support or a ventilator.

&quot;The apex court, however, had observed that there should be adequate safeguards. Implementation of &#39;living will&#39;&nbsp;would be subject to medical board&#39;s certifying that the patient&#39;s comatose state is irreversible,&quot; PTI reported.&nbsp;

A person&#39;s &#39;living will&#39; is a written document that allows a patient to give a detailed account of the medical treatment to be administered to him/her when the person is terminally ill and with no chances of natural survival or recovery.

The plea to the Supreme Court has been filed by the NGO group &#39;Common Cause&#39;.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

A five-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, will decide whether passive euthanasia should be legalised

The Supreme Court today will announce its verdict on passive euthanasia after hearing a plea that seeks to legalise the protocol. Passive euthanasia gives a terminally ill patient the right to choose not to sustain life through the artificial support system. The option is made available only to the terminally ill who are at the last stage of their life without any hope of recovery or improvement. A five-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, will decide whether passive euthanasia should be legalised. If passed, a terminally ill will now be able to decide if his/her life should not be prolonged with the help of life support or a ventilator. "The apex court, however, had observed that there should be adequate safeguards. Implementation of 'living will' would be subject to medical board's certifying that the patient's comatose state is irreversible," PTI reported. A person's 'living will' is a written document that allows a patient to give a detailed account of the medical treatment to be administered to him/her when the person is terminally ill and with no chances of natural survival or recovery. The plea to the Supreme Court has been filed by the NGO group 'Common Cause'. (With inputs from PTI)

Supreme Court to pronounce verdict on passive euthanasia today

A Raja, former telecom minister who is acquitted in the 2G spectrum case&nbsp;has said that his faith in the nations&#39; justice was validated today.

&quot;My firm belief in the rightfulness of my actions as well as my faith in our nation&#39;s justice system has been validated today,&quot;.

He said he had felt vindicated all along the case and added that&nbsp;results of his actions had benefitted the people&nbsp;and brought a &quot;revolution&quot; in the telecom sector.

&nbsp;

&quot;I have felt somewhat vindicated all along even prior to this judgement because the beneficial results of my actions are evident to and being enjoyed by the nation&#39;s public (especially the poor),&quot; he said.

He also said that the matter was all cooked up.&nbsp;

&quot;Vested interests manipulated public perception by leveraging the media and sensationalising fabricated allegations,&quot; he said. &quot;It has been repeatedly proven that the presumptive loss to the exchequer which formed the basis for the conspiracy theorists to run amok, was cooked-up.&quot;

He said that he had the courage and confidence to give evidence and appear for cross-examinations by the CBI.

&quot;I also had the courage and confidence to step into the witness box and gave evidence and offered myself for cross-examination by the CBI, which is very unusual in criminal trials in India,&quot;&nbsp;

He claimed that the judge acquitted him because the prosecution case was false&nbsp;

Raja claimed that the trial court judge had repeatedly observed that his evidence was &quot;cogent, credible and consistent with the official records, in contrast with the evidence of the prosecution witnesses whose evidence has been rejected as untrustworthy&quot;.

He added, &quot;The learned Judge has held that it is not just a case of the prosecution failing to prove its allegations, but a case where the prosecution case itself was false, which was my submission from the very first day.&quot;

All 17 accused including Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2g-scam-verdict-a-raja-kanimozhi-15-other-accused-acquitted-of-graft-charges-27341">acquitted</a> by a special court today.&nbsp;

Raja, surrounded by family, had wept in court after the verdict.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2g-scam-verdict-swamy-says-need-loyal-law-officers-not-sycophants-27383" target="_blank">&#39;Need loyal law officers, not sycophants,&#39; says Swamy</a>

Raja, who was speaking to the media in Delhi on Wednesday, was also asked if he feels let down by the Congress and the UPA.&nbsp;

&#39;That we will see later,&#39; he said. &nbsp;

All 17 accused in the case including the former telecom minister and DMK MP Kanimozhi were acquitted by a special court today

A Raja, former telecom minister who is acquitted in the 2G spectrum case has said that his faith in the nations' justice was validated today. "My firm belief in the rightfulness of my actions as well as my faith in our nation's justice system has been validated today,". He said he had felt vindicated all along the case and added that results of his actions had benefitted the people and brought a "revolution" in the telecom sector. "I have felt somewhat vindicated all along even prior to this judgement because the beneficial results of my actions are evident to and being enjoyed by the nation's public (especially the poor)," he said. He also said that the matter was all cooked up. "Vested interests manipulated public perception by leveraging the media and sensationalising fabricated allegations," he said. "It has been repeatedly proven that the presumptive loss to the exchequer which formed the basis for the conspiracy theorists to run amok, was cooked-up." He said that he had the courage and confidence to give evidence and appear for cross-examinations by the CBI. "I also had the courage and confidence to step into the witness box and gave evidence and offered myself for cross-examination by the CBI, which is very unusual in criminal trials in India," He claimed that the judge acquitted him because the prosecution case was false Raja claimed that the trial court judge had repeatedly observed that his evidence was "cogent, credible and consistent with the official records, in contrast with the evidence of the prosecution witnesses whose evidence has been rejected as untrustworthy". He added, "The learned Judge has held that it is not just a case of the prosecution failing to prove its allegations, but a case where the prosecution case itself was false, which was my submission from the very first day." All 17 accused including Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi were acquitted by a special court today. Raja, surrounded by family, had wept in court after the verdict. Also read: 'Need loyal law officers, not sycophants,' says Swamy Raja, who was speaking to the media in Delhi on Wednesday, was also asked if he feels let down by the Congress and the UPA. 'That we will see later,' he said.

2G scam: Entire case was cooked up, says A Raja

Godmen, even the fake ones, know what the sacred texts say - &lsquo;You reap what you sow&rsquo;. Dera Sacha Sauda chief, who goes by the name of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh&mdash; a farcical attempt to symbolise communal togetherness &mdash; has been convicted by a CBI court for rape and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. It&rsquo;s taken 15 years for justice to come, but as a popular line in Hindi films goes, &ldquo;Kanoon ke hath bahut lambey hain&rdquo; (the hands of the law are longer). Still, many would say that it&rsquo;s too little as a punishment for a repeated crime of such heinous nature; he ought to have been given a life term.

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<h5>The phenomenon of fake godmen did not begin with this baba nor will it will end with him.</h5>
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Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is one among the many discredited so-called godmen the Indian society has grappled with and will continue to do so. This is because the phenomenon of fake godmen did not begin with this baba nor will it will end with him. But, how is it that a society which has been enlightened spiritually and shown the path to true devotion from the likes of Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Ramanna Maharishi and Swami Vivekananda, from saints such as Tukaram and Namdev and Hazrat Nizamuddin, to Sri Aurobindo and J Krishnamurthy, and from devotees like Mirabai, should fall into the clutches of the likes of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and Asaram Bapu and Nityananda &mdash; and preachers of the Zakir Naik kind?&nbsp;

Make no mistake, the Dera Sacha Sauda movement is not going to disappear with its leader secured behind bars. Asaram Bapu&rsquo;s devotees are still out there in thousands across the country. Give these devotees all the evidence against their revered spiritual leader &mdash; even evidence of rape &mdash; but they will just refuse to buy it. They will see conspiracies behind the actions against their babas and swamis and will come out on the streets in violent protest. What makes the forgery tick and why?

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<h5>Today&rsquo;s devotee seeks instant nirvana and is attracted by glamorous displays of the path to salvation.</h5>
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One reason is the mindset of contemporary society. Today&rsquo;s devotee seeks instant nirvana and is attracted by glamorous displays of the path to salvation. It has no patience with the ascetic withdrawn from daily life, who lays down a long and difficult road to enlightenment. Such a follower sees nothing aberrant in a godman acting in films, dressing in a hilarious manner, and indulging in politics and immorality.&nbsp;

Of course, this is not enough for a godman to win over lakhs of supporters. He spins off various charitable activities, such as free schools and hospital to attract crowds and devotees. Some of them, such as the Dera chief, appeal to the conscience of marginalised sections of society who have been disappointed by the mainstream religious order and offer them an alternative. Once his charitable empire grows, so does his religious/spiritual domination. Soon, he begins to attract the attention of politicians who are ever on the prowl for vote-banks. That is how Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh grew in stature. And, this is the reason why Haryana Government dealt with the brewing crisis prior to his conviction with kid gloves.

It has been reported that the Dera chief had extended his support to the BJP during the last Assembly election in the State. He has also hobnobbed with senior Congress leaders. Similar was the case with Zakir Naik. His social activities and religious appeal led to many senior members of the Congress allowing him a free run while he spewed communal venom during the UPA rule. Thus, the religion-social work-political support nexus can make an imposter into a self-styled godman.

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<h5>The religion-social work-political support nexus can make an imposter into a self-styled godman.</h5>
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Today&rsquo;s godmen don&rsquo;t appear to trust God to protect them - they have their own private armies.

Three years ago, another one of this tribe, Sant Rampal of Haryana, had sought to cock a snook at the law of the land when the police had to move in to nab him. His private army, equipped to fight, kept vigil over his ashram in Hissar and robustly resisted the police.

Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh&rsquo;s supporters were armed with petrol bombs and other such implements. It may be recalled that a year ago, so-called spiritual leader Ramvriksh Yadav, who claimed to be a follower of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, had, along with supporters, occupied a public park and turned it into his sect&rsquo;s headquarters. It was doubtlessly done with the connivance of the some of the State&rsquo;s then ruling party leaders. When the administration was compelled to act against Yadav on court orders, mayhem resulted. The so-called spiritual leader&rsquo;s private army swung into action, leading to serious violence. There are those who believe that religion and spirituality shun violence, but sects run by the likes of Yadav and Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh certainly do not.

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<h5>A journalist who had written a critical report on the Dera&rsquo;s functioning and its leader&rsquo;s notorious reputation, lost his life.&nbsp;</h5>
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It can be argued that a majority of the followers of controversial godmen are naive, and they genuinely believe in the goodness of their leader. They have no opportunity to run away from this belief because that &lsquo;goodness&rsquo; is amplified many times over through sustained propaganda &mdash; when this does not work in certain cases, other, strong-arm methods are covertly applied. Critics of such leaders are known to have disappeared or died in suspicious circumstances. It happened in Sathya Sai Baba&rsquo;s case, and it happened in Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim&rsquo;s case either &mdash; a journalist, who had written a critical report on the Dera&rsquo;s functioning and its leader&rsquo;s notorious reputation, lost his life.&nbsp;

The rising stock of fake godmen in Indian society has also to do with the sense of dissatisfaction and mental unrest that has come with materialism and consumerism. It can be argued that both these reasons prevail in Western society too, and perhaps in a more acute form, and yet the dubious godmen phenomenon is more strongly rooted in India. This is true, but there are two differences. The first is that the Indian mind, evolved through generations of a particular cultural ethos which seeks to place spiritualism on a higher pedestal than materialism, gets easily rebellious and is more susceptible to be drawn towards a spiritual/religious calling &mdash; even if it is to be satiated by questionable quarters.&nbsp;

The second reason has to do with the flexibility of Hinduism &mdash; the country&rsquo;s majority religion. This flexibility has indeed been Hinduism&rsquo;s strength, preventing it from becoming rigid, unchanging and exclusive. It has allowed the prosperity of other religions too, some new and others that spun off from Hinduism itself and evolved as independent entities. There has been no central institutionalised authority to guide the affairs of an ordinary Hindu. But this commendable feature also allowed space to all sorts of dubious elements to project themselves as spiritual or religious leaders, or even incarnations of God, who had the mandate to do anything.&nbsp;

And yet, despite the bleak present, there is hope for future through the exposure of the likes of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Indian society ought to be rattled enough to abandon the lure of false godmen and delve into the life and works of the country&rsquo;s great spiritual leaders, such as the icons of the Bhakti movement, for a meaningful life.

Dera Sacha Sauda movement is not going to disappear with its leader secured behind bars.

Godmen, even the fake ones, know what the sacred texts say - ‘You reap what you sow’. Dera Sacha Sauda chief, who goes by the name of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh— a farcical attempt to symbolise communal togetherness — has been convicted by a CBI court for rape and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. It’s taken 15 years for justice to come, but as a popular line in Hindi films goes, “Kanoon ke hath bahut lambey hain” (the hands of the law are longer). Still, many would say that it’s too little as a punishment for a repeated crime of such heinous nature; he ought to have been given a life term. The phenomenon of fake godmen did not begin with this baba nor will it will end with him. × Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is one among the many discredited so-called godmen the Indian society has grappled with and will continue to do so. This is because the phenomenon of fake godmen did not begin with this baba nor will it will end with him. But, how is it that a society which has been enlightened spiritually and shown the path to true devotion from the likes of Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Ramanna Maharishi and Swami Vivekananda, from saints such as Tukaram and Namdev and Hazrat Nizamuddin, to Sri Aurobindo and J Krishnamurthy, and from devotees like Mirabai, should fall into the clutches of the likes of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and Asaram Bapu and Nityananda — and preachers of the Zakir Naik kind? Make no mistake, the Dera Sacha Sauda movement is not going to disappear with its leader secured behind bars. Asaram Bapu’s devotees are still out there in thousands across the country. Give these devotees all the evidence against their revered spiritual leader — even evidence of rape — but they will just refuse to buy it. They will see conspiracies behind the actions against their babas and swamis and will come out on the streets in violent protest. What makes the forgery tick and why? Today’s devotee seeks instant nirvana and is attracted by glamorous displays of the path to salvation. × One reason is the mindset of contemporary society. Today’s devotee seeks instant nirvana and is attracted by glamorous displays of the path to salvation. It has no patience with the ascetic withdrawn from daily life, who lays down a long and difficult road to enlightenment. Such a follower sees nothing aberrant in a godman acting in films, dressing in a hilarious manner, and indulging in politics and immorality. Of course, this is not enough for a godman to win over lakhs of supporters. He spins off various charitable activities, such as free schools and hospital to attract crowds and devotees. Some of them, such as the Dera chief, appeal to the conscience of marginalised sections of society who have been disappointed by the mainstream religious order and offer them an alternative. Once his charitable empire grows, so does his religious/spiritual domination. Soon, he begins to attract the attention of politicians who are ever on the prowl for vote-banks. That is how Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh grew in stature. And, this is the reason why Haryana Government dealt with the brewing crisis prior to his conviction with kid gloves. It has been reported that the Dera chief had extended his support to the BJP during the last Assembly election in the State. He has also hobnobbed with senior Congress leaders. Similar was the case with Zakir Naik. His social activities and religious appeal led to many senior members of the Congress allowing him a free run while he spewed communal venom during the UPA rule. Thus, the religion-social work-political support nexus can make an imposter into a self-styled godman. The religion-social work-political support nexus can make an imposter into a self-styled godman. × Today’s godmen don’t appear to trust God to protect them - they have their own private armies. Three years ago, another one of this tribe, Sant Rampal of Haryana, had sought to cock a snook at the law of the land when the police had to move in to nab him. His private army, equipped to fight, kept vigil over his ashram in Hissar and robustly resisted the police. Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s supporters were armed with petrol bombs and other such implements. It may be recalled that a year ago, so-called spiritual leader Ramvriksh Yadav, who claimed to be a follower of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, had, along with supporters, occupied a public park and turned it into his sect’s headquarters. It was doubtlessly done with the connivance of the some of the State’s then ruling party leaders. When the administration was compelled to act against Yadav on court orders, mayhem resulted. The so-called spiritual leader’s private army swung into action, leading to serious violence. There are those who believe that religion and spirituality shun violence, but sects run by the likes of Yadav and Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh certainly do not. A journalist who had written a critical report on the Dera’s functioning and its leader’s notorious reputation, lost his life. × It can be argued that a majority of the followers of controversial godmen are naive, and they genuinely believe in the goodness of their leader. They have no opportunity to run away from this belief because that ‘goodness’ is amplified many times over through sustained propaganda — when this does not work in certain cases, other, strong-arm methods are covertly applied. Critics of such leaders are known to have disappeared or died in suspicious circumstances. It happened in Sathya Sai Baba’s case, and it happened in Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s case either — a journalist, who had written a critical report on the Dera’s functioning and its leader’s notorious reputation, lost his life. The rising stock of fake godmen in Indian society has also to do with the sense of dissatisfaction and mental unrest that has come with materialism and consumerism. It can be argued that both these reasons prevail in Western society too, and perhaps in a more acute form, and yet the dubious godmen phenomenon is more strongly rooted in India. This is true, but there are two differences. The first is that the Indian mind, evolved through generations of a particular cultural ethos which seeks to place spiritualism on a higher pedestal than materialism, gets easily rebellious and is more susceptible to be drawn towards a spiritual/religious calling — even if it is to be satiated by questionable quarters. The second reason has to do with the flexibility of Hinduism — the country’s majority religion. This flexibility has indeed been Hinduism’s strength, preventing it from becoming rigid, unchanging and exclusive. It has allowed the prosperity of other religions too, some new and others that spun off from Hinduism itself and evolved as independent entities. There has been no central institutionalised authority to guide the affairs of an ordinary Hindu. But this commendable feature also allowed space to all sorts of dubious elements to project themselves as spiritual or religious leaders, or even incarnations of God, who had the mandate to do anything. And yet, despite the bleak present, there is hope for future through the exposure of the likes of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Indian society ought to be rattled enough to abandon the lure of false godmen and delve into the life and works of the country’s great spiritual leaders, such as the icons of the Bhakti movement, for a meaningful life.

Will Ram Rahim's imprisonment bring to an end the godman syndrome in India?

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