The Congress on Saturday released the second list of 23 candidates for the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024. In the second list, the party nominated Dr Rajesh Tukaram Manvatkar from Bhusawal, Swati Sandeep Wakekar from Jalgaon and Mahesh Gangane from Akot. Check the full list here: महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा निवडणूक - २०२४भारतीय राष्ट्रीय काँग्रेस पक्षाचे अध्यक्ष मा. श्री. मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे यांच्या अध्यक्षतेखालील संसदीय समितीने दिलेल्या मंजुरीनुसार महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा निवडणूक-२०२४ साठी पक्षाच्या अधिकृत उमेदवारांची विधानसभानिहाय दुसरी यादी जाहीर करण्यात आली आहे.… pic.twitter.com/aTcHiWtDc1 — Maharashtra Congress (@INCMaharashtra) October 26, 2024 The list came after the party's Central Election Committee met and discussed the names of the candidates for the polls. The Congress declared 48 candidates in its first list. With this list, the Congress has now announced 71 candidates. The opposition party had retained 25 incumbent MLAs in its first list of nominees. The Congress has also asserted that there were no differences in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition and the final seat-sharing arrangement among its constituents will be out by Saturday evening. Speaking to reporters after the CEC meeting on Friday, party leader Ramesh Chennithala said the Congress CEC held a discussion on the remaining seats of Maharashtra. "The MVA is contesting unitedly and we have no differences," Chennithala, who is the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Maharashtra, said. "We will fight together to realise the dreams of the people of Maharashtra. We are confident that MVA will form the government. People are ready to throw out this corrupt government," Chennithala said. PCC chief Nana Patole said the MVA will perform better in the Assembly polls than in the Lok Sabha polls, and the MVA will form a full majority government. "We, the MVA, are all set to sweep the upcoming assembly elections," Venugopal said in a post on X after the deliberations. He also shared pictures of the CEC meeting on the microblogging platform. The Congress announced its first list of 48 candidates for the Maharashtra polls on Thursday, fielding Patole from Sakoli, former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan from Karad South and Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar from Brahmapuri. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole confirmed on Thursday that the MVA has reached an agreement on seat sharing for the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition MVA -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations for the upcoming elections to 288 Assembly seats in the State. The Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42.
26 October,2024 12:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The most anticipated days for gold or sliver purchases during Diwali 2024 are the Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi. This auspicious occasion, falling on November 1, 2024, traditionally sees families flocking to jewellery stores to invest in gold, silver, and other precious metals. However, with inflationary pressures still lingering in the Indian economy, many are left wondering: Will inflation affect gold buying during Dhantrayodashi in Mumbai? Gold prices and silver prices: With Diwali 2024 and Dhanteras fast approaching, gold and silver prices have soared to new highs. The rising demand for precious metals in anticipation of these important Indian festivals has further fuelled market fluctuations. Gold was priced at Rs 77,910 per 10 grams in Mumbai on October 24. Silver was trading at Rs 97,100 per kilogram. Mumbai’s age-old gold buying tradition In Mumbai and the rest of India, during Dhanteras, buying gold is considered a sacred ritual. It symbolises wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Over the years, this custom has remained resilient, with families continuing to invest in gold regardless of economic circumstances. As Nitin Karekar, a local jeweller in Mumbai’s Girgaon, explains, “Dhantrayodashi is not just about buying gold; it’s about investing in auspiciousness. While prices have increased, people still find ways to buy, even if it means smaller quantities.” This view is shared by many Mumbaikars, who regard gold as a long-term investment rather than merely a festival purchase. Impact of inflation on gold prices Despite the cultural significance of Dhantrayodashi, inflation has been a concern for consumers in 2024. With the cost of living rising and salaries often not keeping pace, disposable income has been affected. As a result, the price of gold, which tends to increase during inflationary periods, may deter some from making large purchases this year. Gold prices have fluctuated globally, influenced by geopolitical events, central bank policies, and domestic inflation. A financial analyst stated, “Gold is widely recognised as a safe haven, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty, as it has reliably offered security in such times. But one should know that buying gold during inflation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, people want to invest in gold to protect their wealth, but on the other hand, rising prices may limit how much they can afford to buy.” In Mumbai, where real estate and living costs are already high, inflation may further squeeze household budgets, forcing families to reconsider how much gold they purchase this Diwali. Jewellers offering solutions To mitigate the impact of rising gold prices, many jewellers in Mumbai are offering innovative solutions. EMI schemes, discounts, and even lightweight jewellery collections have been introduced to attract customers. By doing so, they hope to ensure that the tradition of buying gold remains intact. A owner of a jewellery store in Zaveri Bazaar, said, “We understand that inflation is making it difficult for people to spend as much on gold. That’s why we’ve introduced installment plans and smaller, more affordable designs. We don’t want anyone to feel they can’t celebrate the festival properly.” This adaptive approach shows the resilience of Mumbai’s jewellery market, which is finding ways to cater to consumers despite economic challenges. Consumer behaviour and sentiment Though rising inflation has been a spoil sport during festivities, the emotional and cultural significance of purchasing gold remains deeply rooted in Mumbai. Many families see it as a necessary expense, even if it means cutting back in other areas. For some, gold is not just a financial investment but a way to honour tradition and family values. A local resident, Darpana M, said, "Every year, we make it a point to buy gold, no matter the price. It’s part of our Diwali celebration. We may buy a smaller piece this year, but we won’t skip the tradition.” This sentiment is widespread, and although there may be a decrease in the quantity of gold purchased, the overall market is anticipated to stay strong. A balancing act Inflation may affect the extent of gold buying during Dhantrayodashi in Mumbai, but it is unlikely to dampen the spirit of the festival entirely. While some consumers may opt for smaller or more affordable purchases, the cultural importance of gold on this day ensures that many will still invest, even if in smaller quantities. As financial expert Ramesh Iyer aptly summarises, “Inflation can impact purchasing power, but traditions like buying gold on Dhantrayodashi are deeply ingrained in our culture. The market may see a shift in consumer behaviour, but the demand for gold will persist.” With festive joy, family gatherings, and the hope for prosperity guiding the spirit of Diwali, Mumbai’s love for gold remains unwavering, even in the face of rising prices.
26 October,2024 11:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarWith the Assembly elections approaching, the Human-Elephant conflict is likely to become a prominent issue in eastern Maharashtra. A tusker named CME3, born in Chhattisgarh is believed to have been involved in the deaths of five individuals across Maharashtra, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh over the past two years. Recently, the elephant re-entered Maharashtra, leading to a tragic incident in which 25-year-old Shashikant Satre from Gadchiroli lost his life. Sagnik Sengupta, co-founder of the NGO Stripes and Green Earth Foundation, confirmed that the tusker entered Maharashtra four to five days ago. "The tusker is currently in Allapalli and may head south into Telangana. The need of the hour is that the forest department should monitor the tusker's movements closely to avoid further incidents," Sagnik Sengupta said. The elephant was first spotted in Maharashtra at the end of May 2022, and according to reports the elephant migrated from Gariyaband in Chhattisgarh. This solitary tusker remained in the state for only three days before returning home. Now approximately 35 years old, CME3 has become infamous for its violent encounters with humans. On November 11, 2023, the elephant was involved in the tragic death of a farmer in Gariyaband in Chhattisgarh. "The situation escalated further in early April 2024 when CME3 ventured into the Komaram Bheem Asifabad district of Telangana, resulting in the deaths of two farmers on April 3 and 4. After briefly returning to Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, the tusker killed another farmer on April 25, and the following day, it severely injured three women in Bhamragad, with two later succumbing to their injuries. CME3 crossed back into Chhattisgarh, where a woman was killed on May 2, in the Dhamtari region," Sengupta told mid-day. Experts are calling for immediate action from the forest department to address the ongoing human-wildlife conflict. Sagnik Sengupta whose team was earlier monitoring the herd of elephants in Maharashtra has proposed measures like implementing a long-term mitigation plan featuring monitoring, bio-fencing, and an early warning system. While the existing herd poses little threat, the solitary nature of CME3 has raised concerns about future encounters.
26 October,2024 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn a tragic incident, a 28-year-old woman died after falling off from an overcrowded Karjat local train near Mumbai on Tuesday night. The victim, Rutuja Ganesh Jangam, was allegedly unable to maintain her balance owing to the heavy rush of passengers and was pushed out of the train between Ambernath and Badlapur stations. According to the police, the Karjat-bound local train, which departed from Ambernath at 8 pm, was running 25 minutes late. This resulted in severe overcrowding of passengers on board. Eyewitnesses stated that as soon as the train arrived at Ambernath station, a large number of commuters rushed to board the train. Jangam, who was attempting to board the train amid the chaos, lost her grip and got stuck in the doorway. Moments after the train left Ambernath station, she was pushed out of the train owing to the overcrowding, and fell onto the tracks. Fellow passengers immediately alerted authorities, following which Jangam was rushed to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for emergency treatment. However, the doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
26 October,2024 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheParts of Mumbai woke up to a layer of haze on Saturday as temperatures rose, and the city's air quality dropped to the 'moderate' category. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 34.5 degrees Celcius. Santacruz observatory, the Met department data showed, recorded a temperature of 35.6 degrees. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 35 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will likely be around 23 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 89 percent. The sun rose at 06:37 AM and will set at 06:08 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather updates have forecasted a "mainly Clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI drops to 'moderate' category On October 26, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality dropped to the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 111 at 9:05 AM. Unlike its streak so far, many areas across Mumbai—per the SAMEER app dashboard—showed 'moderate' AQI. However, Bandra Kurla Complex's AQI slipped further into the 'moderate' category, at 168. Meanwhile, Byculla and Ghatkopar recorded 'moderate' air quality, with an AQI of 180 and 116, respectively. Worli recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 94. Powai recorded an AQI of 79. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 138, while Thane also registered a 'moderate' AQI of 117. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
26 October,2024 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith stations across divisions in Maharashtra creating awareness amongst staff as well as the passengers at large, cleanliness across neglected points has become an inherent part of day-to-day activities. This has highlighted a visible progress. The flow of cleanliness events under special campaign activities has shown significant progress with 'Rail Chaupal' sessions which have brought the general public involvement and inclusiveness. Every section of the Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer's (PCME) office has been regularly investing a small interval for cleaning of their respective section. Across divisions, tracks and surrounding areas were cleared of garbage and thick vegetation left by the retreating monsoon. Railway tracks across Neral and Igatpuri stations in Maharashtra were cleared of garbage and littering. The dead end of diesel loco shed at Kalyan was cleaned by clearing the thick vegetation to clear visibility and also ensure safety in working for pointsman. Tracks were also cleaned at Burhanpur railway station Rail Chaupal at Ajni Railway Colony in Nagpur division. The staff were explained about the importance of wearing protective gears for safety and hygiene. Chandrapur Railway Colony was cleaned by removing garbage and weeding off thick bushes. The Tadiwala Railway Colony in Pune was intensively cleaned after removing the leaves and branches that were scattered around. At Solapur, dormitory premises were also properly cleared of the thick vegetation and made to look neat. After counselling the residents on cleanliness, a tree plantation activity was conducted at Modi Railway Colony in Solapur.
26 October,2024 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbaikars are responding positively to a mid-day campaign ‘ILLUMINATE THESE BACK-BREAKERS’ which highlights how local roads have been turned into accident hotspots. Residents from various parts of the city are praising the initiative and expressing optimism that authorities will take action to mark these speed breakers. Suheil Merchant a PR and corporate communications professional, tweeted, “There will be a deluge of photos from readers. But very happy that mid-day is doing it and highlighting it. Get ready to get some pictures from me. #WeAreInItTogether #RoadSafety” LOCA, president, Dhaval Shah, said, “The mid-day initiative will prove to be crucial for motorists and two-wheeler riders. There are many illegal speed breakers installed at various locations and we hope that these are also removed. We hope that the BMC would repaint speed breakers that lack proper markings so that people don’t meet with accidents.” On Friday, mid-day carried a report which highlighted how Mumbai’s bustling roads face a silent menace—speed breakers that are either poorly marked or entirely unmarked—turning crucial safety measures into accident-prone spots. While designed to slow down vehicles, these improperly maintained speed breakers are creating more problems than they solve, particularly for two-wheeler riders. A recent mid-day survey revealed a concerning number of unmarked speed breakers, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially at night. A V Shenoy, a senior transport expert with Mumbai Mobility Forum & Mumbai Vikas Samiti, tweeted, “When I was on the BMC apex committee as representative of CGSI (Consumer Guidance Society of India), I remember a PIL where the HC asked the BMC to remove all unauthorised speed breakers and make authorised ones as per IRC specs. However, the order has been forgotten and unauthorised speed breakers have proliferated due to local leaders.” mid-day is running a campaign to have unmarked and dangerous speed breakers fixed to proper specifications, with reflective stripes. If you know a spot that we must highlight, let us know at mailbag@mid-day.com with a photograph and the exact location.
26 October,2024 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentSeeking to reshape academic assessment, the revised Maharashtra State Curriculum Framework (SCF) has recommended a negative marking system in state board schools, signalling a decisive shift toward rigorous, real-world evaluation standards. Meanwhile, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) chairman informed mid-day that the recommended assessment methods will grant teachers the flexibility to choose how they assess students. However, the specifics of implementation will be outlined in the official Government Resolution (GR), which will be issued once the final modalities are determined. Alongside this, the SCF suggests open-book exams, practical assessments and self-assessment models, marking a transformative step in aligning Maharashtra’s educational standards with dynamic learning approaches. The SCF’s proposed overhaul introduces a spectrum of modern assessment methods, but it’s the inclusion of negative marking that has sparked wide debate, as it pushes students to go beyond rote learning, aiming for precision and accuracy in their responses. Students sit for the SSC exam in the Saraswati Mandir High School in Mahim on March 15, 2022. FILE PIC In addition to traditional written and oral exams, objective, descriptive and puzzle-based questions, reading aloud, listening and responding, recitation, debates, and discussions, practical exams will also be prioritised, with schools encouraged to conduct regular experiments, art projects, practical presentations, activities and portfolios. The SCF’s bold recommendation is to introduce open-book exams, allowing students to reference notes, books and study materials during tests. Other evaluation methods include self-assessment, intelligence tests, a negative marking system, multiple-choice questions, and even competitive exam-style tests. To add further flexibility, schools are advised to change the sequence of multiple-choice questions for different students, enhancing fairness and reducing chances of rote learning. Official Speak SCERT Chairman Rahul Rekhawar explained, “Through the SCF, our goal is to raise the standard of education in the state board. These recommendations, approved in principle by the state government, particularly the negative marking system and competitive exam-style assessments, aim to better prepare students for competitive exams early on. We’ve introduced a broad spectrum of evaluation methods for schools and teachers, allowing them the flexibility to select from a variety of approaches. We are currently finalising some modalities and a GR will be issued detailing the implementation once everything is worked out.” Arundhati Chavan, president, PTA United Forum “There are many recommendations in the SCF that go beyond the National Curriculum Framework. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t or can’t introduce new elements that will improve the system,” Rekhawar added. “Methods like negative marking system and open-book exams are part of this revamped approach, designed to foster a deeper understanding of subjects, critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills among students,” he said. ‘What about the basics?’ Aruna Bhatt, a teacher at a state board school, responded to the state curriculum’s recommendation on overhauling the evaluation system by stressing the need for foundational improvements in schools first. “The government needs to address basic issues like the lack of playgrounds and the poor infrastructure, with many schools even operating from slum areas. What is the state government doing about that?” she asked. Bhatt pointed out the surplus of experienced teachers across the state due to low student enrolment. “While I appreciate the SCF and the government’s intentions to improve state board schools, there are more pressing issues that need immediate attention,” she added. “Are teachers and school management under the state board truly equipped to implement all these changes?” Bhatt questioned, urging the government to prioritise essential resources and support for schools and teachers over immediate changes in the assessment system and curriculum. ‘Implementation is key’ Arundhati Chavan, president of the PTA United Forum, said, “The SCF draft is a comprehensive document, and I haven’t yet reviewed all the recommended changes and improvements. However, many of these recommendations seem positive to me, provided they are implemented effectively. These methods could prepare students for the challenges of competitive exams. I also believe that implementing these changes will require time, along with proper training for teaching and administrative staff. Since the SCF hasn’t provided detailed guidelines, I’d like to wait for the final GR to understand how this will be executed.” Current system>> Each exam in Maharashtra State Board is held in offline mode for three hours.>> The total marks for the exams for each subject are 100.>> Theory paper is conducted for a total of 80 marks and 20 marks are for the internal assessment—practicals or oral exams.>> Students must score at least 35 marks in each subject as well as in aggregate to pass the SSC exam Recommended Evaluation System>> Written exams: Objective, descriptive, puzzles>> Oral exams: Reading aloud, listening and responding, recitation, debates, and discussions>> Practical exams: Experiments, art projects, practical presentations, activities and portfolios>> Open book exams: Using notes, books, and reference materials>> Self-assessment>> Intelligence tests>> Use of a negative marking system>> Inclusion of multiple-choice questions>> Competitive exam-like tests>> Changing the sequence of multiple-choice questions for different students
26 October,2024 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghNot every nude painting can be described as obscene, the Bombay High Court said on Friday while ordering the Customs department to release works by renowned artists F N Souza and Akbar Padamsee seized last year on the ground of being “obscene material”. A division bench of Justices M S Sonak and Jitendra Jain quashed a July 2024 order passed by the Assistant Commissioner of Mumbai Customs, confiscating the artwork, noting that it “suffers from perversity and unreasonableness.” “The Assistant Commissioner Customs has failed to appreciate that sex and obscenity are not always synonymous. Obscene material is that which deals with sex in a manner appealing to prurient interest. Such an order, in our opinion, is unsustainable and must go,” HC said. The bench allowed a petition filed by a firm, B K Polimex India Pvt Ltd, owned by city-based businessman and art connoisseur Mustafa Karachiwala against the Customs order. The court said the seized artwork shall be released immediately and not later than two weeks to the petitioner. The bench noted that the assistant commissioner had only focused on the fact that the artworks were nudes and in some cases portrayed sexual intercourse and, hence, were obscene. “Every nude painting or every painting depicting some sexual intercourse poses cannot be styled as obscene,” the court said. While not everyone is obliged to approve of, like or enjoy such artworks, the option of banning, censoring, prohibiting the import or even destroying such artworks feted by world expertise based entirely on personal opinions, likes and dislikes of a public official is simply unacceptable, HC added. The bench added that public officials are demanded by rule of law to exercise their powers within the four corners of the law and not in some arbitrary, whimsical or purely discretionary manner based on their preferences or ideology. The court referred to a judgment passed by the Supreme Court 60 years ago wherein it was declared that in India, the angels and saints of Michelangelo do not need to be made to wear breeches before they can be viewed. “Still, in 2024, the Assistant Commissioner of Customs prohibited the import and ordered confiscation (and possibly destruction) of seven drawings by world-renowned artists, viz. Mr. F N Souza and Mr. Akbar Padamsee on grounds that such artworks, in his opinion, were obscene,” HC said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 October,2024 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesSome Western Railway (WR) commuters on Friday complained about a Borivli-Churchgate local train skipping regular halts between Mumbai Central and Churchgate stations. Railway officials, however, said announcements were made as per protocol. “I was travelling by the 1.54 pm Borivli-Churchgate train and was supposed to get down at Marine Lines. It was my regular train, which halts at all stations between Mumbai Central and Churchgate. But on Friday, after Mumbai Central, the train directly halted at Churchgate, skipping Grant Road, Charni Road and Marine Lines stations,” said passenger Rajiv Singal. “There were no announcements inside the train. I went to the motormen lobby and confronted the train manager, Babban Kumar, of this AC local at Churchgate, but he told me he had made announcements at Mumbai Central. I can vouch that no announcement was heard inside the train. I later called up the senior operations manager and complained about it, who said he was not aware of the issue,” Singal added. WR divisional officials said that the AC train has been facing snags, but proper announcements were made in three languages by the train manager and partial updates about the halt pattern of the train were also provided on the official app Yatri.
26 October,2024 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA Division bench of the Bombay High Court has recently directed Mumbai University and the Bar Council of India to submit an affidavit regarding the enforcement of the mandatory 75 per cent attendance for law courses, as required by UGC guidelines. Currently, this attendance requirement is reportedly not being followed. The High Court is addressing this issue through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an associate professor of law from a suburban law college. The case will be heard again after the Diwali vacation, with the next hearing set for November 28. mid-day first highlighted this concern in its June 3, 2023, article titled “Law colleges ignore attendance, professor sounds the alarm.” Later, the UGC responded to the PIL, affirming the 75% attendance requirement in a September 5, 2024, article titled “75 percent attendance must in law colleges, UGC reaffirms.” Additional submission filed Dr Sharmila Ghuge, an Associate Professor of Law at a suburban law college and the petitioner, presented further arguments to the court, expressing her concerns about the mandatory 75 per cent attendance requirement for both three-year and five-year law courses. She highlighted the troubling lack of action by law colleges, their principals, and the Respondents (Mumbai University and the Bar Council of India) to enforce this attendance policy, which she argued has allowed students to disregard attendance requirements. This failure to uphold the policy not only weakens the quality of legal education but also puts the professional futures of these students at risk, as they are missing essential academic benefits. Court observation and order Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar stated in their three-page order, “The affidavit filed by the UGC is taken on record. According to the said affidavit the University Grants Commission Regulations, 2003 mandate not only a minimum number of lectures/tutorials/seminars/practicals which the students are required to attend for eligibility to appear in the examination which shall be prescribed by the University which should not be less than 75 per cent of the total number of lectures/tutorials/seminars/practical’s etc. but it also prescribes that every University enrolling the students shall ensure that the number of actual teaching days on which classes are held or conducted, is not less than 180 days in an academic year, excluding holidays and vacations. The said provisions are contained in Regulations 4.1 and 5.8, respectively, of the Regulations, 2003. To ascertain whether the University of Mumbai has prescribed the minimum number of lectures/ tutorials/ seminars/practicals, that a student is required to attend for his/her eligibility to appear in the examination, we call upon the learned Counsel representing the University, to file an affidavit by November 14 disclosing the said information. Learned Counsel for the petitioner tendered additional submissions which were also taken on record. The said submissions contain a Circular dated September 24 issued by the Bar Council of India, which is addressed to all the Vice Chancellors/Registrars of Universities/Centres of Legal Education, prescribing certain norms to be followed by the students which, inter alia; provides that a proof of compliance of the attendance norms as per Rule 12 of the Rules of Legal Education must also be provided. “We direct the Bar Council of India to file the affidavit-in-reply by November 14. Rejoinder affidavits to the affidavits filed by the respondents may be filed by the petitioner by the next date of listing,” the order read. Petitioner speaks Speaking to mid-day, petitioner, Dr Sharmila Ghuge, said, “I am happy to note that the Hon'ble Bombay High Court took a serious note of the UGC reply filed in my PIL reiterating the significance of 75 per cent attendance criteria for students. I am looking forward to receiving the reply from the University of Mumbai and the BCI (Bar Council of India) who have delayed filling their response for several months despite the notices being issued to do so in April. Sadly, the Statutory bodies like the BCI and a parent body like the Mumbai University need to be compelled through the court to implement their own rules.”
26 October,2024 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonADVERTISEMENT
