UPPSC Row: Students Demand 'One Day, One Exam' As Protest Enters Third Day 2
“One day, one exam” read the placards as students protested for the third consecutive day on Wednesday against the decision to conduct the RO-ARO and PCS preliminary examinations over two days.
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has scheduled the Provincial Civil Service Preliminary Examination for December 7 and 8. The Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer Preliminary Examinations are set for December 22 and 23.
Demanding a rollback to the earlier practice of holding the tests on a single day, the students said they would not buckle down until their demand is met.
Although the number of protesters was smaller compared to the previous two days, the students were firm on their stance. “We will continue the agitation for one day, one exam,” said Pratyush Singh, one of the protesting students outside the UPPSC office.
One placard read, “We will not divide, we will not retreat, we will remain united until we get justice”, another said, “One day, One examination”.
Supreme Court Applies Brakes on Bulldozers, Lays Down Guidelines on Demolition of Properties 4
Equating ‘bulldozer justice’ with a lawless state of affairs where might is right, the Supreme Court on Wednesday laid down pan-India guidelines and said no property should be demolished without a prior show cause notice and the affected must be given 15 days to respond.
The executive cannot assume judicial powers to punish citizens by demolishing their properties without following due process, the apex court said while terming such excesses “high-handed and arbitrary” and ruling that they need to be dealt with the “heavy hand of the law”.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan described as “chilling” the sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building, rendering women, children and aged persons homeless overnight.
“If the executive acts as a judge and inflicts penalty of demolition on a citizen on the ground that he is an accused, it violates the principle of ‘separation of powers’,” the bench said in its 95-page judgment.
“The chilling sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building, when authorities have failed to follow the basic principles of natural justice and have acted without adhering to the principle of due process, reminds one of a lawless state of affairs, where ‘might was right’,” it said.
The bench said such high-handed and arbitrary actions have no place in the Constitution, which rests on the foundation of the rule of law.
Passing a slew of directions, the bench made clear that they will not be applicable if there is an unauthorised structure in a public place such as road, street, footpath, abutting railway line or any river or water bodies and also in cases where there is an order for demolition made by a court of law.
“No demolition should be carried out without a prior show cause notice returnable either in accordance with the time provided by the local municipal laws or within 15 days time from the date of service of such notice, whichever is later,” the bench directed.
The top court also observed that constitutional ethos and values would not permit any such abuse of power and such misadventures cannot be tolerated by the court of law.
“The executive cannot become a judge and decide that a person accused is guilty and, therefore, punish him by demolishing his residential/commercial property/properties. Such an act of the executive would be transgressing its limits,” the bench said.
In order to allay the fears in the minds of citizens with regard to arbitrary exercise of power by the officials of the State, the top court finds it necessary to issue certain directions in exercise of power under Article 142 of the Constitution, it said.
Article 142 empowers the apex court to pass any decree or order necessary for doing complete justice in any case or matter pending before it.
Even after orders of demolition are passed, the bench said, the affected party needs to be given some time so as to challenge the order before an appropriate forum.
And even in cases of persons who do not wish to contest the demolition order, sufficient time needs to be given to them to vacate and arrange their affairs, the apex court said.
“Heavens would not fall on the authorities if they hold their hands for some period,” the bench said.
It directed that notice shall be served upon the owner/occupier by a registered post. Additionally, the notice shall also be affixed conspicuously on the outer portion of the structure in question.
“The time of 15 days, stated herein above, shall start from the date of receipt of the said notice,” it said.
To prevent any allegation of backdating, the bench directed that as soon as the show cause notice is duly served, intimation shall be sent to the office of the concerned collector or district magistrate digitally by e-mail.
“The collector/DM shall designate a nodal officer and also assign an e-mail address and communicate the same to all the municipal and other authorities in charge of building regulations and demolition within one month from today,” it said.
The notice shall contain details regarding the nature of unauthorised construction, specific violation and the grounds of demolition, it directed.
The designated authority, the court added, shall give the person concerned an opportunity of personal hearing and pass a final order.
It said the final order should contain the contentions of the ‘noticee’, and if the designated authority disagrees with the same, the reasons for it.
The bench said the final order shall also contain why the extreme step of demolition is the only option available and other options like compounding and demolishing only part of the property are not available.
It also said the proceedings of demolition shall be videographed.
“Needless to state that the authorities hereinafter shall strictly comply with the aforesaid directions issued by us. It will also be informed that violation of any of the directions would lead to initiation of contempt proceedings in addition to the prosecution,” the bench said.
Justice Gavai, who penned the verdict, started his judgement with a few lines of famous Hindi poet Pradeep to highlight the importance of having a home.
The top court delivered its verdict on pleas seeking framing of guidelines on demolition of properties.
103 Senior Citizens and 11 Differently-Abled Voters Cast Votes from Home in Mumbadevi Constituency 6
As part of the Assembly General Election 2024, the Election Commission of India facilitated home voting for senior citizens above 85 years and differently-abled voters in Mumbai city district who could not visit polling stations. This initiative, enabled through the submission of Form 12D, allowed eligible voters to exercise their democratic right via a postal polling team.
In Mumbadevi Assembly Constituency, 103 senior citizens and 11 differently-abled voters availed of this facility today. Out of 118 eligible senior citizens and 13 differently-abled voters in the constituency, 114 had submitted Form 12D, making the home voting process a success.
Across the ten constituencies of Mumbai city district, a total of 2,137 senior citizens and 219 differently-abled voters qualified for postal voting. The home voting process for all eligible voters is scheduled to conclude by November 16, 2024.
The Election Commission has expressed appreciation for the smooth execution of this initiative and commended the efforts of the postal polling teams in ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.
1984 Riots: Delhi HC Says Murder Trial to Continue Against Jagdish Tytler 10
The Delhi High Court on Monday made it clear that the murder trial in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler would continue.
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri was hearing a plea filed by Tytler seeking a stay on the trial proceedings taking place against him in a Delhi court. The court would continue with the hearing on November 29.
“It is made clear the trial will continue. Same will be subject to the outcome of the present proceedings,” the judge ordered.
Tytler’s counsel submitted the case was listed for the recording of evidence of a prosecution witness before the trial court on November 12 and the trial court be asked to not proceed till the high court decided his plea against the framing of charges order.
Tytler’s plea challenging the framing of murder and other charges against him is listed on November 29 but he moved court with the plea to stay the trial.
His plea said the evidence of the prosecution witness was recorded by the trial court and her cross-examination by the defence counsel was scheduled for November 12.
“The criminal revision petition (of Tytler) raised substantial questions upon the motivation of the prosecution and the investigation conducted by the CBI. Therefore, an order/direction from this court for the trial court to not proceed with the captioned matter till the pendency of the revision petition is expedient in the interest of justice,” his plea read.
Senior advocate H S Phoolka, representing the victims, opposed the plea arguing the witness was old and suffered from various ailments and being subjected to multiple court appearances. She would be appearing in court for the fourth time, he said.
Tytler has claimed being a victim of a “witch-hunt” and contended the trial court’s order framing charges against him was “perverse, illegal and lacked application of mind”.
“Trial court has erroneously framed charges against the petitioner overlooking the settled principles of law on the point of charge,” his petition stated.
While Tytler’s counsel raised the plea of alibi, claiming his absence at the time of the incident, the counsel for the CBI and victims argued the plea of alibi had already been decided and rejected by the high court.
Tytler said there was no credible evidence to corroborate the allegations against him and the trial court’s order was “misconceived” passed “mechanically” and liable to be set aside.
He alleged it was a case of harassment wherein he was made to face the trial for alleged crimes committed more than four decades ago, and referred to being 80-years old and suffering from several ailments, including heart disease and diabetes.
The trial court on September 13 framed charges against him after he pleaded not guilty.
Besides murder, the trial court ordered the framing of charges pertaining to unlawful assembly, provocation, rioting, murder, promoting enmity between different groups, house trespass, and theft, among others.
The CBI on May 20, 2023, filed a chargesheet against Tytler in the case saying he “incited, instigated and provoked the mob assembled at Pul Bangash Gurdwara Azad Market” on November 1, 1984. The mob, the agency claimed, provoked by Tytler, set a gurdwara ablaze and killed three men—Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh.
Anti-sikh riots erupted in several parts of the country in the aftermath of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.
A session court had in August, 2023, granted anticipatory bail to Tytler in the case.
What Is BJP Doing to Prevent Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra, Jairam Ramesh Questions to PM 12
The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday by posing questions to him on Maharashtra, asking what is the BJP doing to prevent farmer suicides in the states.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posed questions to the PM ahead of his rallies in Chimur and Solapur and asked why has the BJP “diluted” Adivasis’ forest rights in Maharashtra.
In 2006, the Congress had passed the revolutionary Forest Rights Act (FRA) which granted Adivasis and forest-dwelling communities legal rights to manage their own forests, and economically benefit from forest produce they collect, he pointed out.
“The BJP government, however, has obstructed the implementation of the FRA, depriving millions of Adivasis of its benefits. Only 52% (2,06,620 claims) of the 4,01,046 individual claims filed have been granted, and land titles distributed cover only 23.5% (11,769 sq. km) of the 50,045 sq. km eligible for community rights,” Ramesh said in his post on X.
The non-biological PM is in Chimur and Solapur today. Three questions he must answer –
1. Why has the BJP diluted Adivasis’ forest rights in Maharashtra?
In 2006, the Congress had passed the revolutionary Forest Rights Act (FRA) which granted Adivasi and forest-dwelling…
Why has the BJP government in Maharashtra failed to provide Adivasi communities their rights, he asked.
Ramesh further asked as to what has the PM done to alleviate water scarcity in Satara and Solapur.
“The scarcity of drinking water in Satara, Sangli, and Solapur has only gotten worse in recent years. Between March and April 2024, the requirement of tankers increased 13% in Sangli, 31% in Satara and 84% in Solapur. Dams, ponds and lakes in the area dried up entirely, with the situation being the worst in Solapur,” he said.
Water supply in the city’s main source of water, the Ujani Dam, dipped below zero, and the city had to survive the “dead storage” in the dam, Ramesh pointed out.
The situation got so bad that the Solapur Municipal Corporation had to supply drinking water on a rotational basis, with different areas in the city getting water at five to eight day intervals, the Congress leader said.
“Why have the non-biological PM and the BJP ignored the plight of thousands who deal with water scarcity every day? Do they have any concrete plans to improve the situation?” Ramesh said.
He further asked what is the BJP doing to prevent farmer suicides.
On an average day in Maharashtra, seven farmers take their own lives, he pointed out.
“This heartbreaking statistic comes from the state’s Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation, who reported that 2,366 farmers died by suicide between January and October last year. The reasons are evident: 60% of districts faced drought conditions last year but no help arrived from the government.
When crops were damaged by unseasonal rains in more than half of the state, farmers were extended loan waivers, but 6.56 lakh farmers were deprived of this relief due to software glitches,” Ramesh said.
“In the face of this state-sponsored callousness, the Congress has consistently guaranteed farmers MSP as per the Swaminathan Committee’s recommendation, a farm loan waiver with a Permanent Commission set up to implement it smoothly, and settlement of all crop insurance claims within 30 days,” he said.
What is the BJP’s vision to support Maharashtra’s and India’s farmers, he asked.
His remarks come amid campaigning for the November 20 polls in Maharashtra.
Counting of polls would take place on November 23.
Thane Municipal Corporation Cracks Down on Illegal Hoardings, Fines Exceed Rs 10 Crore 14
In a significant move against illegal hoardings, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has imposed fines totaling Rs 10.96 crore on 52 advertisers who violated municipal rules and caused financial losses to the civic body. The offenders were fined five times the penalty amount, signaling TMC’s intent to enforce compliance rigorously.
Action Prompted by MNS Leader’s Efforts
The crackdown follows persistent efforts by Sandeep Pachange, President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) Ovala-Majiwada Legislative Assembly Division. Pachange highlighted the issue of oversized hoardings installed in violation of municipal approvals. Despite initial inaction, Pachange filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which prompted the municipal corporation to act.
Among the violators, Vihang Advertising Company was fined Rs 44 lakh. The penalties have stirred significant attention in political circles.
Safety and City Aesthetics at Stake
This action aims to curb illegal hoardings, protect the city’s visual appeal, and safeguard citizens’ safety. Concerns about the structural stability of unauthorized hoardings gained prominence after the Ghatkopar hoarding tragedy, adding urgency to enforcement.
Pachange emphasized the need for a robust policy to regulate hoardings and strict adherence to prevent future violations. While TMC has acted against 52 advertisement boards, questions remain about the status of other violations and incomplete actions.
Political Repercussions
The fines and the role of MNS in pushing for action have sparked discussions within political circles, underscoring the increasing pressure on local administrations to ensure safety and transparency in public spaces.
Riteish Deshmukh Rallies for Dhiraj Deshmukh, Calls for Focus on Real Issues Over 'Dharma Politics' 16
Actor Riteish Deshmukh took center stage in Latur Rural, campaigning for his brother and Congress candidate, Dhiraj Vilasrao Deshmukh, ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections. Speaking to a large gathering, Riteish criticized the BJP for sidelining pressing issues like unemployment and focusing on “Dharma politics.”
Highlighting the contradiction in Latur’s reputation for educational excellence under the ‘Latur Pattern’ and the lack of job opportunities for its youth, Riteish declared, “The government has failed to deliver on its responsibilities. The youth of Latur deserve better.” He encouraged voters to prioritize real issues when they cast their ballots on November 20.
Riteish Urges Voters to Reject Divisive Tactics
Riteish accused the BJP of using religion as a shield to distract from their performance. Drawing on the teachings of Lord Krishna, he stated, “Work is Dharma. Doing one’s duties diligently is Karma, and that is true Dharma. Those who work honestly embody this, while those who fail use religion to mask their shortcomings.”
He further urged voters to hold politicians accountable, asking critical questions about agricultural policies, public safety, and economic development instead of succumbing to divisive narratives. “Ask those who preach religion how they will ensure better crop prices or guarantee the safety of our mothers and sisters,” he advised.
Confidence in the Deshmukh Leadership
Expressing faith in his brothers, Dhiraj and Amit Deshmukh, Riteish assured the crowd of their capability to address the region’s needs effectively. He also expressed confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s prospects, asserting that the alliance would fulfill its promises and form the next government.
A Fierce Contest in Latur Rural
The Latur Rural Assembly Constituency is set for a high-stakes contest. Congress’s Dhiraj Deshmukh faces BJP’s Ramesh Karad and MNS’s Santosh Ganpatrao Nagargoje in the electoral fray. Voting for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly will take place on November 20, with counting scheduled for November 23.
Congress 'Shahi Parivar' Hell-Bent on Breaking OBC-ST-SC Unity to Snatch Reservations: PM Modi 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress during an election rally in Gumla, Jharkhand, on Sunday. He accused the Congress, particularly its “shahi parivar” (royal family), of attempting to divide the unity among Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to “snatch reservations” through what he termed an “evil design.”
PM Modi argued that the Congress aims to weaken tribal communities by fostering division among groups, including Munda, Oraon, Lohra, Kharia, Kharwar, and Korwa. He also alleged that Congress has historically opposed the elevation of tribals to high positions, pointing to resistance against President Droupadi Murmu’s appointment.
Modi also criticized the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government, accusing it of exploiting Jharkhand’s resources—minerals, forest, land, and coal—while compromising the state’s “Roti-Beti-Mati” (bread, land, and daughter).
He assured that under the BJP’s “Dharti Aba Janjatiya Utkarsh Abhiyan,” over 60,000 tribal villages across India will be developed with an investment of Rs 80,000 crore. Additionally, he promised that the BJP’s “Gogo Didi” scheme, offering Rs 2,100 monthly to women, will be implemented in Jharkhand, and “Lakhpati Didis” will benefit through promoted millet (Ragi) cultivation.
Modi pledged that leaders involved in resource exploitation and youth neglect will face justice, urging voters that their support will ensure a prosperous future for Jharkhand in the next 25 years.
3,734 Code of Conduct Violation Complaints Resolved; Rs 398.40 Crore Worth of Assets Seized 20
As part of the 2024 Assembly General Elections, a total of 3,764 complaints were registered across the state through the C-Vigil app between October 15 and November 9, 2024. Out of these, 3,734 complaints have been resolved by the Election Commission, according to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
C-Vigil App for Reporting Code of Conduct Violations
The C-Vigil app, which can be downloaded from any app store, enables citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Upon receiving a complaint, the concerned teams investigate and take appropriate action promptly. This initiative allows citizens to actively contribute to ensuring compliance with election norms.
Seizure of Rs 398.40 Crore Worth of Assets
In a major crackdown, state and central enforcement agencies have seized Rs 398.40 crore worth of assets, including illegal cash, liquor, narcotics, and valuable metals. These measures highlight the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct across the state.
The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent election process by effectively addressing complaints and taking swift action against violations.
