Two days after violence broke out after a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, life in Sambhal was gradually returning to normal on Tuesday with schools reopening and several shops selling daily essentials resuming operations. Internet services, however, remain suspended. Police and administration officials are continuing to closely monitor the situation, with personnel deployed at key intersections and Rapid Action Force teams stationed in sensitive areas. The authorities have imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders and public representatives into Sambhal until November 30. Tension had been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the mosque was first surveyed on the court's orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple had stood at the site. On Sunday, a large group of people clashed with security personnel, torched vehicles and pelted stones. According to official figures, four people have died in the violence, which has left around two dozen others, including security personnel and administration officials, injured. The police have so far arrested 25 people and registered seven FIRs. 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
27 November,2024 07:38 AM IST | Sambhal | AgenciesThe Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking to revert to paper ballot voting in elections in the country, saying allegations of tampering with electronic voting machines (EVM) raked up only when people lose polls. "What happens is, when you win the election, EVMs are not tampered with. When you lose the election, EVMs are tampered (with)," remarked a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P B Varale. Apart from ballot paper voting, the plea, filed petitioner-in-person K A Paul sought several directions including a directive to the Election Commission to disqualify candidates for a minimum of five years if found guilty of distributing money, liquor or other material inducement to the voters during polls. When Paul said he had been to over 150 countries, the bench asked him whether each of the nations had ballot paper voting or used electronic voting. The petitioner said foreign countries had adopted ballot paper voting and India should follow suit. Terming the suspicion of manipulation of the EVMs "unfounded", the apex court then rejected the demand for reverting to the old system, saying the polling devices were "secured" and eliminated booth capturing and bogus voting. In April, the top court dismissed a batch of petitions seeking a return to the paper ballot system. 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
27 November,2024 07:33 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe 5,500 kg of banned Methamphetamine drug seized from a fishing trawler with six Myanmarese crew near Barren island is the biggest-ever seizure made by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), an official of the Andaman and Nicobar tri-services command said on Tuesday. A senior ICG defence official said, "This is the biggest ever seizure which we suspect is linked to big international drug cartels. The total consignment is approximately around 5,500 kg. A total of six Myanmarese crew were arrested with banned crystalline Methamphetamine. They were handed over to the local police for further interrogation." "The Andaman and Nicobar Command remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of Andaman waters. Enhanced patrolling and intelligence continue to play a vital role in combating such crime," he added. The police suspect that the seized Methamphetamine was supposed to be delivered to Thailand, officials said on Tuesday. The police are trying to get the call record of the satellite phone seized from the trawler which was coming from Myanmar, an official 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
27 November,2024 07:28 AM IST | Port Blair | AgenciesThe Allahabad High Court in Uttar Pradesh has directed the Centre to place before it the decision taken on a representation moved against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his citizenship, reported the PTI. The court will hear the matter on December 19. A petition claiming Rahul Gandhi concealed his British citizenship in contesting the parliamentary election from Raebareli seat in Uttar Pradesh was filed in the Allahabad High Court this year, as per the PTI. According to the news agency, a bench of justices AR Masoodi and Subhash Vidyarthi passed the order on a public interest litigation filed by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker from Karnataka. The petition also demanded that the CBI be ordered to register a case and investigate into the matter, saying Gandhi's dual citizenship is a crime under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Passport Act. While hearing the PIL on the previous occasion, the court had sought information from the Centre whether it had received the petitioner's representation. In compliance with the order, Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey informed the court that the representation has been received by the ministry concerned and is currently under process. In the PIL, Shishir claimed that he has all the documents and some emails of the British government, which prove that Gandhi is a British citizen and due to this he is ineligible to contest elections in India and cannot hold the post of a Lok Sabha member, the PTI reported. The petitioner also claimed that he had sent complaints twice to the competent authority regarding Gandhi's dual citizenship but the present petition has been filed as no action was taken by them. At this, the court had summoned the details of the action taken on the petitioner's representation. Congress Working Committee to meet on Nov 29 The Congress Working Committee will hold a meeting on November 29 during which it is likely to deliberate on the party's performance in the Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly polls. The meeting, which will be chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among others, will review the party's poll debacle in Haryana and Maharashtra. (with PTI inputs)
26 November,2024 10:55 PM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress said on Tuesday that it will launch protests, both inside and outside Parliament, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, against the lack of Central assistance for the landslide survivors of Wayanad. Party leader and Kalpetta MLA T Siddique described the Centre's alleged reluctance to provide financial aid to the people in landslide-affected areas as an "inhuman" approach. He said that, besides Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, he, as the local MLA, had also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of the landslide survivors during his visit soon after the tragedy. Although the prime minister had promised full support, not even one per cent of justice had been delivered by Modi or the Union government led by him in relation to that assurance, he alleged. "It is an inhuman approach towards the people who have suffered such a massive tragedy," he said, adding that the Congress party would intensify its protests both inside and outside Parliament against this. "Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi will lead the agitation," Siddique told reporters in New Delhi.Both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition Congress-led UDF have been demanding the BJP-led union government to declare the landslide calamity as a national disaster and provide required assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of the survivors at the earliest. The state recently witnessed an intense political row following the Centre's recent letter to the state government stating that under the existing guidelines of SDRF and NDRF, there is no provision to declare any calamity a 'national disaster". The disaster, which struck on July 30, devastated large parts of three villages --Punchirimattam, Chooralmala, and Mundakkai--along with sections of Attamala in Wayanad. As per the government, the deadly disaster claimed 231 lives, while 47 people are still missing. 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 November,2024 10:52 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday recalled the 26/11 terrorist attacks and reiterated that every terror organisation challenging India's security will be dealt with strongly, the IANS. Addressing the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, PM Modi said “We cannot forget that it is the anniversary of the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai”. In his Constitution Day speech, PM Modi paid his respects to the people who lost lives in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. “I reiterate the resolve of the country that every terrorist organisation challenging India's security will be dealt with a befitting reply,” said the PM. PM Modi said that the 75th Constitution Day is a subject matter of “immense pride” for the nation and he bows down to the Constitution and all members of the Constituent Assembly. The PM was addressing the Constitution Day celebrations at the apex court, where he will also release the Annual Report of the Indian Judiciary (2023-24). Constitution Day of India, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated on November 26 every year to celebrate the adoption of the Indian Constitution. On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the Constitution, which later came into effect on January 26, 1950. The Constitution, which serves as the supreme law of the land, outlines the structure of governance, the distribution of power, and the fundamental rights of citizens. Constitution Day was officially recognised in 2015 by the Union government, with the aim to spread awareness about the Constitution's importance, promote constitutional values among citizens and encourage them to reflect on the values of democracy, justice, equality, and liberty that it upholds. Speaking on the occasion of the Constitution Day celebrations, in the Supreme Court, CJI Sanjiv Khanna said, "Every judgement we render is a zero-sum game. Inviting celebrations from some and criticism from others. This is the duality which invites scrutiny in the functioning of the courts. For some, Constitutional courts in India are among the most powerful in the world... As judges, perspective and critique matter. Because our foremost duty is towards the public and secondly being open and transparent is the biggest strength of the judiciary,' the ANI reported. (with IANS and ANI inputs)
26 November,2024 08:12 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday presented a painting made by a prisoner, lodged in Tihar jail, to PM Modi during the Constitution Day 2024 celebrations, in the Supreme Court. Speaking on the occasion of the Constitution Day celebrations, in the Supreme Court, CJI Sanjiv Khanna said, "Every judgement we render is a zero-sum game. Inviting celebrations from some and criticism from others. This is the duality which invites scrutiny in the functioning of the courts. For some, Constitutional courts in India are among the most powerful in the world... As judges, perspective and critique matter. Because our foremost duty is towards the public and secondly being open and transparent is the biggest strength of the judiciary,' the ANI reported. #WATCH | CJI Sanjiv Khanna presented a painting made by a prisoner, lodged in Tihar jail to PM Modi during the Constitution Day celebrations, in the Supreme Court (Source - DD News) pic.twitter.com/AIgYmjqV7D — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2024 Meanwhile, PM Modi released the Annual Report of Indian Judiciary 2023-24, on the occasion of the Constitution Day celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said, "During the constituent assembly's debate - Babasaheb Ambedkar had said - "Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document. Its spirit is always the spirit of age." He said, "Constitution has lived up to our every need and expectation, it is our guiding light." The Prime Minister said, "Constitution is now fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, Constitution Day celebrated there for the first time," according to the PTI. He added, "Sentiment of 'nation first' will keep Constitution alive for many centuries." PM Modi said, "Today it looks easy that people have access to tap water, but even after 75 years of independence, only 3 crore houses had this facility... in the original copy of the constitution, lord Ram, mother Sita...have their images in it. The images symbolising Indian culture are there so that they can keep us reminded about human values. These human values are the foundation of policies and decisions of today's India." #WATCH | While speaking on the occasion of the Constitution Day celebrations, in the Supreme Court, PM Modi says, "This is the 75th year of the Indian Constitution - it is a matter of immense pride for the country. I bow to the Constitution and all the members of the Constituent… pic.twitter.com/kzs4a55fYV — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2024 (with ANI and PTI inputs)
26 November,2024 07:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHemant Soren met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday and extended a formal invitation for the swearing-in ceremony of his government, which is scheduled to take place in Ranchi on November 28. Hemant Soren was accompanied by his wife Kalpana Soren, the newly elected MLA from the Gandey constituency. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Hemant and Kalpana Soren on their electoral success and shared pictures of the meeting on X. Earlier, Hemant Soren also met Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and party President Mallikarjun Kharge, inviting them to the ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony is set to take place at Morabadi Ground, Ranchi, on November 28 at 4 p.m. Along with the Chief Minister, several other ministers are expected to take the oath. Hemant Soren was unanimously elected as the leader of the INDIA bloc in the state on Sunday. A JMM spokesperson said that invitations have been sent to various prominent political figures, including RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Bihar's Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal, CPI-ML leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, and the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, and Jammu and Kashmir. The results of the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly elections, announced on November 23, gave the Hemant Soren-led JMM-Congress-RJD alliance a resounding victory with 56 seats. The JMM won 34, the Congress 16, the RJD 4, and the CPI-ML 2 seats. This marks the first time a government in Jharkhand has secured a two-thirds majority. Hemant Soren will make history as the first leader to be sworn in as Jharkhand's Chief Minister four times. He first took oath on July 13, 2013, leading a Congress-RJD-supported government until December 2014. He returned as CM on December 29, 2019, but had to resign after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 31, 2024. After his release on bail, he was sworn in for the third time on July 4, 2024. Earlier, his father Shibu Soren, and BJP’s Arjun Munda have each served three terms as Jharkhand Chief Minister. 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 November,2024 06:20 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said Union minister Nitin Gadkari has informed him that following the state government's concern over the slow pace of work on the Jorhat-Dibrugarh highway, 11 contractors have been onboarded to expedite the project. In a letter to Sarma, Gadkari said in the wake of the report received from his office regarding restoration and maintenance of the 127-km stretch, the matter was examined. The work on the Jorhat to Dibrugarh section, unfortunately, is running behind schedule due to several factors, including initial delays related to land acquisition, an acute shortage of raw materials, especially silt and sand, and the non-performance of certain contractors, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, pointed out. The stretch from Numaligarh to Jorhat has been completed. “In our recent meeting, it was decided to facilitate efficient execution, the section from Jorhat to Dibrugarh, has been divided into smaller fragments and work is ongoing with 11 contractors onboarded,” said Gadkari. The project includes the construction of nine vehicular underpasses, six pedestrian underpasses and one flyover, requiring substantial quantities of sand, earth and boulders. “I have strictly directed NHIDCL to proactively tackle all such challenges and issues on national highways in Assam, and undertake comprehensive maintenance and restoration of all national highways,” he said. He also assured Sarma that his ministry will effectively implement all requisite measures for timely completion of the projects. 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 November,2024 06:10 PM IST | Guwahati (Assam) | PTIFormer media executive Indrani Mukerjea, accused of killing her daughter Sheena Bora, has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court ruling denying her to travel abroad. A special court on July 19 allowed Mukerjea's plea to travel to Spain and the UK for 10 days between intermittent periods over the next three months. The CBI approached the high court challenging the order passed by the special court but the high court quashed the special court order on September 27. Mukerjea has now moved the apex court challenging the high court's verdict. The high court noted Mukerjea sought permission to travel abroad on the ground that she was a British national and was required to execute documents regarding her bank account and perform other work in Spain and the UK. While setting aside the special court's order, the high court said if Mukerjea wished to perform these works from India, the statutory authorities back home would extend her the necessary support with the assistance of Embassy of Spain and the UK. Mukerjea was arrested in August 2015 after the murder of Bora came to light. In May 2022, she was granted bail by the Supreme Court. She has denied the allegations. Bora (24) was allegedly strangled to death in a car by Mukerjea, her then-driver Shyamvar Rai and former husband Sanjeev Khanna in April 2012 in Mumbai. Her body was then burnt in a forest in the neighbouring Raigad district, according to the prosecution. Bora was Mukerjea's daughter from her previous relationship. The killing came to light in 2015 when Rai reportedly revealed about it during interrogation by police after his arrest in a separate case registered under the Arms Act. Mukerjea's ex-husband Peter Mukerjea was also arrested for allegedly being a part of the conspiracy linked to the murder, probed by the CBI. All the accused are currently out on bail. 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 November,2024 06:06 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIOpposition leaders on Tuesday have urged for a debate on the Constitution in both Houses of Parliament stressing that recent developments have raised concerns over constitutional values and rights in the country, the PTI reported. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said on Tuesday that he and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, have formally requested a two-day discussion on the Constitution. Kharge emphasised the importance of this debate, “Time should be allotted for that so that the good things about the Constitution can be discussed, and the wrong things that are happening today can also be discussed. Rahul Gandhi ji and I have written letters, we are waiting for the government's response,” he told PTI. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh raised questions regarding the implementation of the Constitution’s Preamble, asking, “Are people getting justice, liberty? Is there freedom of expression? Where is fraternity? Only bowing to the Constitution will not lead to it being followed.” Singh also criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) slogan 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwaas, Sabka Prayaas' and said "It will happen when confidence is instilled in every citizen from every community. Mr Prime Minister, follow what you are saying. Practice before you preach." "Incidents like Sambhal are repeatedly occurring. I am surprised that even Supreme Court judges and our retired Justice Chandrachud overlook the laws of this country and state that surveys are permitted as it is a matter of faith... Every individual in this country has equal rights to practice their religion and faith. The growing disharmony is a threat to the nation," Singh told PTI. Violence broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on Sunday during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, which a petition had claimed was the site of an ancient Hindu temple, stated PTI. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi highlighted that previous debates in Parliament have been held on significant anniversaries, such as the 125th birthday of B.R. Ambedkar and the 75th anniversary of Bharat Chhodo Andolan (Quit India Movement). "We want both Houses to have a debate on the Constitution for two days so that all MPs get an opportunity to show their dedication to the Constitution and the country can see it," Gogoi told PTI. "So both Leader of Opposition in both Houses have written to the Chair on this... It will send a good message to the country. We have discussed with all opposition leaders," he said. Union Minister Chirag Paswan slams Congress for killing Constitution during 1975 Emergency, watch video: PTI stated that Congress Lok Sabha MPs K Suresh, Gaurav Gogoi and Manickam Tagore also met Speaker Om Birla over the demand for two-day discussions to celebrate 75 years of the Constitution. (With inputs from PTI)
26 November,2024 05:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
