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Delhi High Court to Rule on Bibhav Kumar's Plea Against  Arrest in Swati Maliwal 'Assault' Case                 The Delhi High Court is set to deliver a crucial verdict on July 1, 2024, regarding the maintainability of a plea filed by Bibhav Kumar, a close aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kumar is seeking a declaration that his arrest by Delhi Police in connection with the Swati Maliwal assault case was illegal. Background of the Case Bibhav Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18, 2024, following an FIR registered by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who alleged assault. Kumar’s plea contends that his arrest was in violation of legal procedures, particularly the guidelines outlined in Section 41A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Court Proceedings Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma reserved the order on the maintainability of Kumar's plea after hearing arguments on May 31, 2024. Senior Advocate N Hariharan, representing Kumar...

Delhi Court Sends Arvind Kejriwal to Judicial Custody  Till July 12 In a significant development, the Delhi Court has sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody until July 12 in connection with the excise policy case. The decision came after Kejriwal’s three-day Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody ended, and the court decided not to extend it further. Court's Decision and Immediate Reactions The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi ordered the judicial remand of Arvind Kejriwal, following arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense. Advocate DP Singh, representing the CBI, argued that Kejriwal had been uncooperative during his police custody, providing evasive replies contrary to the evidence on record. The court found these arguments sufficient to warrant judicial custody. AAP’s Response The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called the court’s decision a conspiracy orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP leader Sanjay Singh criticized the CBI...

CJI Chandrachud Suggests Continuation of Judicial Work Despite Bar Member's Demise Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has proposed reconsidering the practice of ceasing judicial work for the rest of the day when a member of the Bar passes away. His suggestion came during the bicentennial celebrations of the Bar Library at Calcutta High Court. Re-thinking Judicial Work Stoppage CJI Chandrachud emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial work despite the unfortunate demise of Bar members. He highlighted that while respecting the deceased is essential, the broader societal impact of halting judicial proceedings should also be considered. "Should we be ceasing work because a member of the Bar has passed away? Of course, we respect our friends, our colleagues, and our seniors; sometimes, unfortunately, they are our peers who have passed away untimely. Do we need to affect the wider society at large?" he questioned. Personal Experience Sharing his personal experi...

Plea in SC Against Newly Amended Criminal Law Bills A public interest litigation (PIL) has been moved in the Supreme Court against the newly amended criminal law bills: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023. The petitioners, Anjali Patel and Chhaya, represented by advocates Sanjeev Malhotra and Kunwar Siddhartha, seek to challenge the viability and implementation of these laws. Petitioners' Concerns and Demands The petitioners have urged the Supreme Court to issue a notice to immediately constitute an expert committee to assess and identify the viability of the three new amended criminal laws. The plea seeks to overhaul the criminal laws of the country and replace the Indian Penal Code 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The petition has also sought to stay the operation and implementation of these new laws. Alleged Defects in the New Bills According to the plea, the propo...

Land for Job PMLA Case: Delhi HC Grants Interim Bail to  Amit Katyal on Medical Grounds In a significant development, the Delhi High Court granted six weeks of interim bail to businessman Amit Katyal on medical grounds on Wednesday. Katyal is a co-accused in the high-profile Land for Job money laundering case, which also involves prominent figures like Rabri Devi and other accused individuals. Overview of the Case The Land for Job case is a major money laundering investigation in which several high-profile individuals, including Rabri Devi, have been charge-sheeted. The case revolves around allegations of providing jobs in exchange for land, a scheme purportedly involving significant sums of money. Amit Katyal's Bail Plea Amit Katyal had previously been on interim bail for 84 days on medical grounds. His recent plea for interim bail was similarly based on his medical condition. The vacation bench of Justice Dharmesh Sharma granted the interim bail for a period of six weeks, taking ...

Pune Car Accident Case: High Court Orders Release of  Minor from Observation Home In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the immediate release of a 17-year-old boy, who was allegedly involved in the Pune car accident, from the observation home. The minor had been held at the Juvenile Justice Board's observation home for 36 days following the incident.  Overview of the Incident The tragic accident in Pune resulted in the loss of two innocent lives, sparking a public outcry and leading to the juvenile's detention. However, the court ruled that the orders remanding him to the observation home were illegal. The court emphasized the importance of adhering to juvenile justice laws, which prioritize the rehabilitation and social integration of juvenile offenders over punitive measures. High Court's Ruling The division bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande emphasized that justice must prevail regardless of public pressure or the severit...

Tamil Nadu: Death Toll Rises to 59 in Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy The death toll in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu has risen to 59 as of Tuesday, according to the district administration. This tragedy has highlighted the grave dangers of illicit liquor consumption and raised questions about the efficacy of state and central measures to prevent such incidents. Incident Overview The hooch tragedy, which began in Kallakurichi district, has seen victims from multiple locations: - Kallakurichi Government Medical College and Hospital: 32 deaths - Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital in Salem: 20 deaths - Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital: 4 deaths - Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry: 3 deaths A total of 223 patients were admitted across four hospitals after consuming the illicit liquor, with many still undergoing treatment. Political Repercussions The tragedy has sparked signifi...

BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab Takes Oath as Pro-Tem Speaker Seven-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab was sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on Monday. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha's first session, which will begin with the oath-taking of the new MPs. Understanding the Role of a Pro-Tem Speaker A pro-tem Speaker, or temporary Speaker, is appointed for the initial meetings of the newly elected Lok Sabha, particularly to preside over the first sitting of the House, administer the oath to new members, and oversee the election of the new Speaker. This position is critical in ensuring that the newly elected House starts functioning smoothly. Constitutional Provision The role of the pro-tem Speaker is not explicitly defined in the Indian Constitution but is derived from parliamentary conventions and practices. Article 94 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker...

India and Bangladesh Reiterate Commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Secure Indo-Pacific In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation, India and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. This pledge was solidified during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, during her two-day state visit to India. Co-Leading Disaster Risk Reduction and Management A key outcome of the meeting was the decision for India and Bangladesh to co-lead the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The joint statement emphasized the importance of mitigating disaster risks, building disaster-resilient infrastructure, and ensuring the sustainability of the shared maritime region in the face of climate change. Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation The two nations underscored the necessity of enhancing their b...

Amit Shah to Inaugurate 'Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme' at IGI Airport Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate the 'Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme' (FTI-TTP) at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi. This initiative, aimed at revolutionizing the travel experience, promises to make travel faster, easier, and more secure for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders. Details of the Programme The FTI-TTP is a visionary initiative by the Central government, designed to streamline the immigration process for eligible travelers. Here’s a detailed look at how it works and its benefits: Eligibility and Application Process: 1. Eligible Individuals: The programme is open to Indian nationals and OCI cardholders. 2. Application: Eligible individuals must apply online, submitting their biometrics (fingerprint and facial image) along with other required information. 3. Verification: Regist...

Delhi Excise Policy PMLA Case: Rs 100 Crore Bribe  Allegation and Bail Plea The controversy surrounding the Delhi Excise Policy continues to deepen as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposes the bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The ED has alleged a demand for a Rs 100 crore bribe, asserting the involvement of Kejriwal in money laundering activities. Bribe Demand and Money Laundering:    The ED has established that a significant amount of money, totaling Rs 100 crore, was demanded as a bribe. This money, according to the ED, was funneled through hawala transactions, with Chanpreet Singh identified as the individual who facilitated these transactions. The ED claims that a substantial amount of this money was given to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in cash and was used to fund a luxurious 7-star hotel stay for Kejriwal. Prosecution's Standpoint: Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the ED, argued that the Central Bureau of Investigation (C...

NEET Row: Education Ministry Seeks Detailed Report  from Bihar Police The Ministry of Education has sought a detailed report from the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET (UG) examination 2024 in Patna. This move comes in response to mounting concerns regarding the integrity of the examination process, particularly in light of recent allegations of malpractice. What is NEET? The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a competitive examination in India for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical and dental courses in government and private institutions. NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which ensures standardized and transparent testing procedures. Recent Controversy: A Timeline of Events May 5, 2024: NEET (UG) 2024 was conducted across the country. However, soon after the exam, allegations of paper leakage and other malpractices surfaced, particularly in Patna. Early June 2024: ...

Supreme Court of India to Organize Special Lok Adalat In its 75th year, the Supreme Court of India is set to organize a special Lok Adalat from July 29 to August 3 to facilitate the amicable settlement of pending cases. This initiative underscores the judiciary's commitment to accessible and efficient justice delivery for all sections of society. Understanding Lok Adalat Lok Adalat, or "People's Court," is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism integral to India's judicial system. It aims to expedite and foster amicable settlements, bypassing lengthy and expensive court procedures. Lok Adalats handle various cases, including matrimonial and property disputes, motor accident claims, land acquisition, compensation, service, and labor disputes. Legal Foundation of Lok Adalat The power and functioning of Lok Adalats are derived from the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. According to this Act, Lok Adalats have the authority to settle disputes amicably through ...

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to Visit Kanchenjunga Express Train Accident Site Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is en route to Darjeeling, West Bengal, following a tragic train collision that resulted in the deaths of at least five passengers and injured over 20 others. The Kanchenjunga Express was struck from behind by a goods train, causing two of its bogies to derail near Ruidhasa, close to the Rangapani station in the Katihar Railway Division. Incident Details The accident occurred around 8:45 am on Monday, as the Kanchenjunga Express, traveling from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah in Kolkata, was hit from behind by a goods train. The collision took place ahead of New Jalpaiguri Junction, within the Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district. The impact caused significant damage, with visuals showing one of the bogies suspended in mid-air. Immediate Response Minister Vaishnaw is expected to arrive at Bagdogra airport, approximately 40 kilometers from the accident site, to ove...

Tragic Fire in Kuwait Claims Lives of 45 Indians;  Bodies Arrive in Kochi Incident Overview A devastating fire broke out in a labor accommodation in Kuwait's Mangaf on June 12, resulting in the tragic death of 45 Indian nationals. The victims included 23 from Kerala, seven from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and one each from Bihar, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Punjab, and West Bengal. This incident is considered one of the most significant disasters affecting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait. Response and Relief Efforts The bodies of the deceased were transported back to India via a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which landed at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The Kerala government, in collaboration with the central government, ensured a respectful and organized repatriation process. Kerala Minister P Rajeev stated that special ambulances and police pilots were arranged to facilitate the transportation of the bodies to ...

Supreme Court Questions Delhi Government Over Tanker Mafias and Water Wastage; Seeks Affidavit The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the issues of tanker mafias and water wastage in Delhi, demanding an affidavit from the AAP government detailing the measures taken to prevent water loss in the capital. This development came to light on Tuesday when the apex court questioned the Delhi government during a hearing. Strong Objections to Tanker Mafias A vacation bench consisting of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Prasanna B Varale took a firm stand against the existence of tanker mafias in Delhi. The bench asked the Delhi government to explain the actions taken against these mafias and warned that if the state government fails to take effective action, the Delhi police will be directed to intervene. Affidavit Demanded The Supreme Court has instructed the Delhi government to submit an affidavit detailing the measures implemented to prevent water loss. This affi...

Kannada Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa Detained in Murder Case In a dramatic turn of events, renowned Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has been taken into custody by Bengaluru police in connection with a murder case. The arrest has created a significant stir in the film industry and among his fans. Details of the Incident The victim, identified as 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga, was found dead in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, on June 9. The case has been officially registered at the Kamakshipalya police station, and the investigation is currently in progress. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), S Girish, has confirmed the detention of Darshan Thoogudeepa for questioning in connection with this case. Police Statement Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S Girish stated in a press conference, "In connection with a murder case registered in Kamakshipalya Police Station limits of Bengaluru West division on 9th June, one of the actors of the Kannada film industry has been secur...

India's Major Ports Witness Significant Cargo Volume  Growth in FY24 India's Ports and Shipping sector has been experiencing a significant surge in growth, showcasing impressive performance indicators and infrastructural advancements. In FY24, the 12 major ports under the Union government's ownership handled a total of 819.227 million tonnes (mt) of cargo, reflecting a 4.45% increase from the previous year's 784.305 mt. This growth is pivotal, as approximately 95% of India's international trade volume is managed through these ports, signaling enhanced efficiency and capacity in the sector. FY24 Performance Overview According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the major ports collectively handled 12.310 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), marking an 8.06% increase from FY23's 11.392 million TEUs. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority led the way, managing 6.43 million TEUs, accounting for over half of the total volume.  Key cargo segments a...

Delhi HC Constitutes Medical Board to Evaluate Health of Businessman Amit Katyal in Land for Job Scam The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step in the case of Amit Katyal, a businessman implicated in the land for job scam, by constituting a medical board to assess his health. Katyal, considered a close aide of former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, had recently sought interim bail on medical grounds in connection with a money laundering case related to the scam. High Court's Decision On June 7, the bench of Justice Vikas Mahajan directed the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to form a Medical Board. This board, comprising doctors from at least three different specialties relevant to Katyal's health conditions, will evaluate his medical status. The court ordered the Jail Superintendent to provide all necessary medical records to the board by June 11. Justice Mahajan highlighted the necessity of expert medical opinion before making any de...

Delhi HC Refuses to Suspend Sentence of Former BJP MLA Senger in Unnao Rape Victim's Father's Custodial Death Case The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed the plea of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, seeking suspension of his sentence during the appeal against his conviction. Sengar is currently serving a 10-year sentence in connection with the custodial death of the father of a rape victim from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. He has been in custody since April 13, 2018. Background of the Case Kuldeep Singh Sengar, along with other accused, was convicted by the Tis Hazari Court in 2018. Sengar is also serving a life sentence for the rape of a minor, stemming from FIRs filed in 2018 at Police Station Makhi, Unnao. These cases were adjudicated by the District and Sessions Judge (West) at Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi. High Court's Ruling Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed Sengar’s plea for suspension of sentence during the pendency of the appeal. The High Court acknowledged that Se...

"Time to Build Strong Culture of Commercial Arbitration" - CJI Chandrachud Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the need for India to develop a robust culture of commercial arbitration. Delivering his address at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom on Thursday evening, CJI Chandrachud highlighted the evolution of arbitration from a supplementary dispute resolution mechanism to a primary choice for commercial entities worldwide. He stressed that setting up effective arbitration institutions can significantly boost its practice in the Global South. Evolution and Importance of Commercial Arbitration Chief Justice Chandrachud noted that arbitration has evolved significantly, becoming the primary dispute resolution mechanism for commercial entities globally. "I firmly believe that now is the time for countries such as India to step up to the occasion to create and promote a culture of commercial arbitration. The robust institutionalization of arbitration will f...