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Showing posts from August, 2024

Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

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Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...

Indian Embassy in Laos Rescues 47 Nationals from Cyber-Scam Centres in Golden Triangle SEZ

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Indian Embassy in Laos Rescues 47 Nationals from  Cyber-Scam Centres in Golden Triangle SEZ In a significant and timely rescue operation, the Indian Embassy in Laos has successfully secured the release of 47 Indian nationals who were trapped in cyber-scam centres within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province, Laos. This operation, which highlights the Embassy's unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad, was carried out in close coordination with local Lao authorities. Discovery of the Situation The plight of the trapped Indian nationals came to light during a crackdown by Lao authorities on illegal activities in the Golden Triangle SEZ. This area, located near the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, has gained notoriety as a hub for various illicit activities, including cyber scams targeting unsuspecting individuals worldwide. During this operation, Lao authorities identified and handed over 29 Indians to the Indian ...

Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics 2024

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Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics 2024 The Indian contingent at the Paris Paralympics 2024 has been making waves with remarkable performances across various disciplines. From archery to rowing, and badminton to athletics, Indian para-athletes have demonstrated their skill, determination, and resilience on the global stage, making the nation proud. Stellar Performances in Archery In the men’s individual archery event, Rakesh Kumar showcased his exceptional talent in the 1/16 Elimination Round. He secured a victory against Senegal’s Aliou Drame with a score of 136-131, advancing to the 1/8 Elimination Round. His next challenge will be against Indonesia’s Ken Swagumilang on September 1, a match that is highly anticipated by fans and supporters. Shyam Sundar also displayed incredible resilience in the archery event, finishing 15th and securing his spot in the 1/16 elimination round. Meanwhile, Sarita, competing in the women’s individual compound open, delivered a sensational ...

DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Akasa Airlines for Regulatory Breaches

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DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Akasa Airlines  for Regulatory Breaches The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's apex body for aviation safety and regulatory oversight, has taken serious action against Akasa Airlines. Following a rigorous spot audit, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to the airline, citing significant regulatory violations. This move underscores the DGCA's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and compliance in India. Findings from the DGCA Audit The DGCA’s recent spot audit of Akasa Airlines revealed that the airline had conducted practical training sessions without obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. This lapse is particularly concerning as it raises questions about the adequacy of the airline's training programs and overall operational readiness. Training sessions, especially those involving practical simulations, are crucial for ensuring that crew members are fully prepared for all scenarios the...

SC Reiterates Bail as the Rule, Jail as the Exception

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SC Reiterates Bail as the Rule, Jail as the Exception The Supreme Court of India has once again underscored the principle that bail should be the rule, and jail the exception. This reiteration came in a recent ruling where the apex court granted bail to an accused, Prem Prakash, in a money laundering case. The court emphasized the importance of not using statements given by an accused under custody as admissible evidence, especially when such statements are made under duress or coercion.  Inadmissibility of Statements Under PMLA Custody The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan ruled that any statement made by an accused under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) while in custody is inadmissible. The court stressed that an accused in custody cannot be considered to be acting with a free mind, and any statement made under such circumstances could be unsafe and unjust to be used against them. This ruling came in the context of ...

India's Bold Leap: 12 Industrial Smart Cities Approved by Cabinet

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India's Bold Leap: 12 Industrial Smart Cities  Approved by Cabinet 🚀 A New Era for Indian Industry 🚀 In a landmark move, the Indian Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of 12 new industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). This ambitious initiative, with an investment of ₹28,602 crore, is set to reshape India’s industrial landscape and significantly boost the nation’s economic growth.                                             🌍 Strategic Locations Across 10 States 🌍 These industrial smart cities will be established across 10 states, strategically positioned along six major corridors. The cities will be located in: - Khurpia (Uttarakhand) - Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab) - Dighi (Maharashtra) - Palakkad (Kerala) - Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) - Gaya (Bihar) - Zaheerabad (Telan...

Delhi HC Convicts Advocate for Contempt: A Serious Breach of Court Decorum

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🚨 Delhi HC Convicts Advocate for Contempt: A Serious  Breach of Court Decorum ⚖️ In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court recently convicted advocate Sanjay Rathod of criminal contempt of court after he used abusive and filthy language against a magistrate at the Karkardooma Court while appearing in an inebriated state. This incident, which occurred on October 30, 2015, highlights the serious consequences of disrespecting the judiciary. 🛑 Courtroom Misconduct: A Breach of Justice A division bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma found Rathod guilty of criminal contempt, emphasizing that his actions scandalized the court and interfered with the administration of justice. The language used was not only foul but also directed towards a lady judicial officer, making it particularly reprehensible. The court stated that appearing in a drunken state is "unpardonable" and constitutes contempt on the face of the court. ⚖️ Consequences & Sentencing While the High...

Delhi High Court Ensures Safety for Animal Activist Amid Dairy Colony Relocation Case

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Delhi High Court Ensures Safety for Animal Activist  Amid Dairy Colony Relocation Case In a significant move, the Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi Police to provide protection to animal rights activist Sunayana Sibal, who played a crucial role in the court's decision to relocate dairies from Bhalswa to Ghogha. This decision was prompted by threats made against Sibal after she successfully petitioned the court, highlighting severe violations in the treatment of animals within these dairy colonies. Police Protection for Sunayana Sibal On August 23, 2024, the bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to conduct a thorough threat perception analysis for Sibal by August 27. This directive came after Sibal reported an attempted threat by two unidentified individuals from Madanpur Khadar, who visited her home in her absence. The court expressed grave concern over these threats, emphasizing that any intimidati...

Mumbai Man Arrested for Raping Woman Under Pretext of Marriage: A Rising Concern

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Mumbai Man Arrested for Raping Woman Under  Pretext of Marriage: A Rising Concern In a recent disturbing incident, Mumbai police arrested a 26-year-old man from Ludhiana, Punjab, identified as Raghav Rajesh Agarwal, for allegedly raping a woman on the false pretext of marriage. This heinous act was reportedly committed multiple times between January 2023 and August 2024. The victim and the accused initially met at an exhibition in Delhi, but the alleged deception and abuse continued until the victim sought justice. Growing Crimes Against Women: A National Crisis This case is not isolated. Just last month, the Nalasopara police arrested another man, Firoz Niyazi Sheikh, who allegedly defrauded more than 20 women under the pretext of marriage. Sheikh used fake online profiles to target widowed women, robbing them of their money and jewelry before vanishing. His arrest was the result of a meticulous police operation involving an undercover profile on an online platform. Such incidents...

Delhi HC Grants Bail in High-Profile Kidney Transplant Case

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Delhi HC Grants Bail in High-Profile Kidney Transplant Case The Delhi High Court has granted bail to a senior female surgeon accused in an illegal kidney transplant racket involving a patient from Bangladesh. The court highlighted that, at this stage, allegations against the surgeon, particularly regarding falsified records, appear speculative and warrant further investigation. Key Details: - Date of Order: August 23, 2024 - Presiding Judge: Justice Amit Mahajan - Applicant's Custody:  Since July 1, 2024 - Concern: Possibility of the surgeon threatening witnesses or donors, mitigated through appropriate conditions. Legal Context: The court observed that the documents in question were authenticated by the relevant Embassy under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (TOHO Act). A Committee, which included senior doctors and a government officer, validated the organ donation as legitimate, following a three-tier safeguard system: 1. Document Submission 2. Authenticati...

Strengthening School Safety: A Call to Action

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Strengthening School Safety: A Call to Action The Ministry of Education has taken a decisive step to enhance the protection of children in schools across India by urging all States and Union Territories (UTs) to implement the "Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021." This directive follows crucial instructions from the Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for a safer learning environment. What Are the Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021? These guidelines, introduced by the Ministry, are designed to establish a robust framework for ensuring the safety and security of students in educational institutions. They apply to all Government, Government-aided, and Private Schools, focusing on creating a secure and nurturing environment for students. Key Features: - Accountability: School management, including principals and teachers, are held accountable for the safety of children, both within the school premises and during transportation. - Preventive Education : Educ...

Haryana Judiciary Paper Leak: Delhi Court Convicts 3, Acquits 6

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Haryana Judiciary Paper Leak: Delhi Court Convicts 3, Acquits 6 In a significant development, the Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi has convicted three individuals, including the former Registrar (Recruitment) of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in the 2017 Haryana Civil Service (Judicial Branch) examination paper leak case.  Conviction Details The convicted individuals are Dr. Balwinder Kumar Sharma, the former Registrar, and two aspirants, Sunita and Sushila. Dr. Sharma and Sunita received a sentence of five years in prison. Additionally, Sharma was fined ₹1,50,000, while Sunita faced a fine of ₹60,000. Sushila was released based on the period already served but was fined ₹10,000. Charges and Offenses The court found Dr. Sharma and Sunita guilty under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant), 411 (dishonestly receiving stolen property) of the IPC, and Section 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act). Sushila was convicted un...

Bombay HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Badlapur Sexual Assault Incident; Hearing Scheduled for Today

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Bombay HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Badlapur Sexual Assault Incident; Hearing Scheduled for Today The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged sexual assault of two fourth-grade girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The incident has triggered widespread protests in the region. A division bench consisting of Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Prithviraj Chavan is set to hear the case today, Thursday. Details of the Incident The alleged assault, which led to the arrest of a school attendant on August 17, has sparked outrage and protests across Badlapur. The community's anger intensified following claims of police delay in registering the crime, which has prompted calls for immediate justice and stronger protective measures for children. MSCPCR's Recommendations In response to the public outcry and the perceived police inaction, the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has proposed the establishment of dedicated ...

Supreme Court Overturns Controversial Calcutta HC Judgement on Adolescent Sexual Urges

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Supreme Court Overturns Controversial Calcutta HC  Judgement on Adolescent Sexual Urges In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has set aside a controversial judgement by the Calcutta High Court, which advised adolescent girls to "control their sexual urges." The SC has restored the conviction under rape charges against a man accused of sexually assaulting a minor, with whom he later entered into a marriage.  SC Restores Rape Conviction A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan reversed the Calcutta High Court's acquittal of the accused, emphasizing that the High Court's observations on adolescent behavior were "problematic" and "highly objectionable." Guidelines for Judges on Writing Judgments In a critical move, the Supreme Court also issued guidelines for judges on how to draft judgments in cases involving adolescents, ensuring that personal biases and unwarranted opinions do not influence the judicial process.  Calcutta HC’s ...

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Challenges Governor’s Prosecution Nod in MUDA Land Scam Case

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Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Challenges Governor’s Prosecution Nod in MUDA Land Scam Case Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken legal action against the prosecution sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. The controversy has sparked significant political debate and mobilized protests. Legal Challenge: CM Siddaramaiah Moves High Court On Monday, CM Siddaramaiah filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the Governor's decision to permit his prosecution. The petition seeks the cancellation of this permission, arguing that it was politically motivated. The case will be heard by Justice Hemant Chandangoudar at 2:30 pm today. Accusations of Political Vendetta Congress leader Ramesh Babu has voiced strong opposition to the Governor's actions, labeling them as unconstitutional and driven by political vendetta. In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Babu requested her immediate int...

RG Kar Medical College Tragedy: A Mother's Anguish and Nationwide Outcry

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 RG Kar Medical College Tragedy: A Mother's Anguish  and Nationwide Outcry In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the mother of the deceased doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has publicly criticized the West Bengal government and police for their handling of the tragic rape-murder case of her daughter. The incident has sparked widespread protests and led to a suo motu intervention by the Supreme Court of India. Mother’s Testimony: “It’s Not Suicide, It’s Murder” The grieving mother recounted the horrifying details of how she was first informed that her daughter had committed suicide. Upon arriving at the hospital, she discovered her daughter's body with visible injuries, including a broken hand and blood coming from her eyes and mouth. The mother firmly believes her daughter was murdered and has accused the hospital authorities and police of trying to cover up the case. Criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee...

Muslim Scholars and Clerics Demand Clarity from Secular Parties on Waqf (Amendment) Bill

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Muslim Scholars and Clerics Demand Clarity from  Secular Parties on Waqf (Amendment) Bill In a critical political move, Muslim scholars, clerics, and intellectuals have called upon "secular political parties" to clarify their stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has recently been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. This demand arises ahead of key Assembly elections in states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, marking the first major elections since the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Concerns Over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, once passed, will be known as the United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act (UMEED). The Muslim community has expressed significant concerns over this bill, particularly regarding the potential reduction of power for Waqf Boards. A meeting at Islam Gymkhana, hosted by Tareek-e-Awkaf and the All India Ulema Board, saw key figures such as Shabbir Ansari, Yusuf Abraha...

Suo Moto Cognizance: Urgent Call for Justice in Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

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Suo Moto Cognizance: Urgent Call for Justice in  Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Supreme Court Lawyers Urge Action In a deeply distressing incident, two Supreme Court lawyers, Advocates Ujjawal Gaur and Rohit Pandey, have written to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, urging the Supreme Court to take suo moto cognizance of the horrifying rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College. The lawyers emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling for the highest court to intervene immediately. A Cry for Justice The letter sent by the advocates to the Chief Justice highlights the brutal nature of the crime and the need for urgent judicial intervention. They underscored that the judiciary is viewed as the ultimate guardian of justice, and it must act swiftly to ensure that such heinous crimes do not go unpunished. The letter also called for a strong message to be sent out, emphasizing that the dignity of women and the sanctity of life must be protected with th...

Madhya Pradesh Officials Face Contempt Charges Over Wage Dispute

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Madhya Pradesh Officials Face Contempt Charges  Over Wage Dispute The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken stern action against five senior Madhya Pradesh government officials for failing to comply with court orders regarding wage parity for contractual employees. This decision comes after a contempt petition highlighted their disregard for a previous court directive. Contempt of Court: A Brief Overview Contempt of court occurs when an individual or entity disobeys or disrespects a court order. In India, contempt of court is governed by the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The Act defines two types of contempt: civil and criminal. Civil contempt involves the wilful disobedience of a court order, while criminal contempt includes acts that scandalize or lower the authority of the court.  Background of the Case The issue began when Parthan Pillai, a 48-year-old Computer Programmer, filed a Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. Pillai sought...

Delhi HC Seeks Response from Bansuri Swaraj on Somnath Bharti's Plea

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Delhi HC Seeks Response from Bansuri Swaraj on  Somnath Bharti's Plea The Delhi High Court has recently directed BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj to respond to a plea filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti, challenging her victory in the New Delhi constituency Lok Sabha elections. The plea alleges 'corrupt practices' in the election process. Court Orders Removal of BSP Candidate from Case The court has also ordered the removal of Raaj Kumar Anand, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate, from the list of respondents. Somnath Bharti had alleged that Anand was used by the BJP to siphon votes away from him. However, the court found that Anand, who received only 5,269 votes, had no substantial impact on the election outcome. His name was removed from the case due to lack of valid cause of action. Returning Officer's Role and EVMs/VVPATs Another point of contention was the involvement of the Returning Officer, who argued that they were not a necessary party in the case. The...

Delhi HC Judge Recuses from Hearing Sukesh Chandrashekhar's Plea

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Delhi HC Judge Recuses from Hearing  Sukesh Chandrashekhar's Plea Recusal by Justice Subramonium Prasad On Wednesday, Delhi High Court's Justice Subramonium Prasad recused himself from hearing a plea filed by Sukesh Chandrashekhar, the alleged conman, who sought permission for increased meetings with his legal counsel. The recusal is attributed to the complex nature of Chandrashekhar's multiple legal cases, which could potentially create a conflict of interest or necessitate a different judicial perspective. Plea for Increased Legal Consultations Chandrashekhar's plea requested an increase in the number of meetings with his lawyers from two to five times a week. His legal team argued that the current limit of virtual meetings was insufficient for managing his defense effectively, given the complexity of his legal issues, which include high-profile corruption and extortion cases. Chandrashekhar's request cited a precedent involving Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwa...

Delhi HC Grants Bail in High-Profile Fraud Case Involving Rs 344 Crores

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Delhi HC Grants Bail in High-Profile Fraud Case  Involving Rs 344 Crores Issue of the Case The key issue in this case is whether V Hans Prakash, accused in a high-profile fraud involving the alleged transfer of Rs 344 crores worth of mutual funds and securities, is entitled to bail pending trial. The primary concerns include the sufficiency of the evidence, the necessity of custodial detention, and the flight risk of the accused. Facts of the Case Background: The Delhi High Court recently granted bail to V Hans Prakash, who was accused in a significant fraud case involving the fraudulent transfer of mutual funds and securities worth Rs 344 crores held by Dalmia Cements Bharat Ltd. This decision was rendered by Justice Amit Mahajan on August 7. Details of the Allegation: - Companies Involved: Dalmia Cements Bharat Ltd, and its subsidiaries OCL India Limited and Dalmia Cement East Ltd, which had mutual fund investments managed by Allied Financial Services Pvt. Ltd (AFSPL). - Fraudul...

India's Journey at the Paris Olympics 2024: Achievements and Challenges

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India's Journey at the Paris Olympics 2024: Achievements  and Challenges Overall Performance India made its mark at the Paris Olympics 2024, securing a total of six medals, which included one silver and five bronze. The Indian contingent consisted of 117 athletes competing across various sports. In the overall medals tally, India finished in the 71st position, while the United States topped the chart with 126 medals. Medal Winners 1. Neeraj Chopra: The star of Indian athletics, Neeraj Chopra, shone brightly once again. He won a silver medal in the men's javelin throw, solidifying his reputation as India's most successful individual Olympian. 2. Manu Bhaker: The young shooting sensation made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. She bagged a bronze in the women's shooting event and later clinched another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh. This achievement made her the first Indian to win two me...

PIL Filed in Delhi HC: Call for Reform in Coaching Institute Guidelines

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PIL Filed in Delhi HC: Call for Reform in Coaching  Institute Guidelines Overview of the PIL A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court requesting a major overhaul of guidelines for coaching institutes. The PIL aims to address significant issues like fraud, exploitation, and safety concerns associated with these institutions. It specifically seeks to impose criminal liability on entities failing to adhere to new regulations. Key Requests of the PIL 1. Stricter Regulations for Coaching Institutes: The petition calls for the Centre and Delhi Government to establish robust rules for operating coaching institutes and paying guest accommodations, ensuring safety and regulation to prevent exploitation. 2. Focus on Holistic Education: The plea advocates for a shift in the education system from merely preparing students for entrance exams to fostering their overall development and personal growth. 3. Improved Student Housing: It highlights the need for saf...

Hindenburg Alleges SEBI Chairperson and Husband Had Hidden Stakes in Offshore Funds Linked to Adani Scandal

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Hindenburg Alleges SEBI Chairperson and Husband Had Hidden Stakes in Offshore Funds Linked to Adani Scandal On August 10, 2024, Hindenburg Research, a US-based hedge fund, dropped a bombshell with its latest report, accusing SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, of having hidden stakes in offshore entities linked to the Adani money siphoning scandal. This revelation comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the Adani Group's financial practices and raises serious questions about regulatory oversight in India. Allegations by Hindenburg Research Hindenburg Research's report alleges that Madhabi Buch and Dhaval Buch had investments in obscure offshore funds based in Bermuda and Mauritius. These funds, according to the report, are intricately linked to Vinod Adani, who is allegedly involved in the Adani Group's financial irregularities. The report cites whistleblower documents and claims that the Buchs' investments were made through IPE Plus Fund 1, an entity w...