Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Karnataka HC Judge's Controversial Comments 2
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of allegedly controversial comments made by Karnataka High Court judge, Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, directed at a woman lawyer during court proceedings.
A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, convened in the morning to address the matter. The bench also requested a report from the Karnataka High Court regarding the comments.
“Attention has been drawn to media reports concerning remarks made by Justice Srishananda during court proceedings,” said Chief Justice Chandrachud. “We request the Karnataka High Court to submit a report after seeking instructions from its Chief Justice.”
The bench, which also included Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, Surya Kant, and Hrishikesh Roy, indicated that guidelines may be established following the submission of the report.
Chief Justice Chandrachud added that the report should be completed within two days and submitted to the secretary general of the Supreme Court. The matter is now scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday.
The controversy stems from a viral video of the court proceedings in which Justice Srishananda was seen reprimanding a woman lawyer, reportedly making objectionable comments. Senior advocate Indira Jaising took to social media platform ‘X’ to urge the Chief Justice of India to take suo motu judicial notice of the remarks.
Afternoon Voice Presents Maharashtra Ratna Puraskar 2024: A Celebration of Extraordinary Contributions 4
The Maharashtra Ratna Puraskar 2024 is set to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Rangswar, Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium in Nariman Point, Mumbai, starting from 5:00 PM. Organised by Afternoon Voice in collaboration with RedAnt Brand Promotions and Excel Media, this prestigious awards ceremony aims to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the cultural, social, and economic landscape of Maharashtra.
In its second edition, the Maharashtra Ratna Puraskar celebrates the dedication and achievements of various luminaries from diverse fields. The event will feature a distinguished lineup of guests, including Sadguru Shri Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar, Co-Chairman of the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir Samiti; Shri Rahul Narwekar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly; Smt. Neelam Gorhe, Hon’ble Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council; and Shri Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, among others.
This year’s awardees include a range of inspiring figures such as Sadguru Shri Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar, Padma Shri Adv Ujjwal Nikam, and popular personalities like Bharat Dabholkar and Shreya Bugde, all of whom have significantly impacted their respective domains.
Vaidehi Taman, Editor-in-Chief of Afternoon Voice, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Maharashtra Ratna Puraskar is a tribute to those exceptional individuals whose unwavering commitment has shaped Maharashtra’s proud legacy. We aim to celebrate their journeys and inspire future generations.”
As the evening unfolds, attendees can look forward to an inspiring program that recognises the hard work and dedication of these remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of Maharashtra.
Pawan Kalyan Calls for National 'Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board' Amid Tirupati Prasadam Controversy 6
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has called for the establishment of a “Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board” to address pressing issues concerning temples across the country. His appeal follows reports of animal fat being found in the Tirupati Prasadam, a matter that Kalyan says underscores broader concerns of temple desecration and the erosion of dharmic practices.
In a social media post on X, Kalyan expressed deep concern over the alleged discovery of animal fat in the Tirupati Balaji Prasadam. He assured the public that the government would take strict action and emphasized that this controversy points to larger issues such as temple mismanagement and the desecration of religious sanctity.
We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil,pork fat and beef fat )mixed in Tirupathi Balaji Prasad. Many questions to be answered by the TTD board constituted by YCP Govt then. Our Govt is committed to take stringent action possible. But,this throws… https://t.co/SA4DCPZDHy
Kalyan also called for a national-level debate, urging the involvement of policymakers, religious leaders, the judiciary, and citizens to collectively combat the desecration of Sanatana Dharma. Echoing his sentiments, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh and other political figures expressed their shock and demanded accountability from the previous YSR Congress-led administration.
SC to Hear Maneka Gandhi's Plea Challenging Election of SP MP from Sultanpur Today 8
The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea filed by former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi today, challenging the election of Samajwadi Party’s Rambhual Nishad as the MP from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
According to the causelist published on the apex court’s website, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan will take up the matter for hearing on September 20.
Earlier, the Allahabad High Court had dismissed Maneka Gandhi’s election petition, citing that it was time-barred under Section 81, read with Section 86, of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1951.
Under Section 81 of the RP Act, an election petition must be filed within 45 days from the date of the election of the returned candidate. Justice Rajan Roy of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court noted that the returned candidate, Rambhual Nishad, was elected on June 4, but Maneka Gandhi filed her petition on July 27, beyond the 45-day limit.
In its judgment delivered on August 14, Justice Roy’s single-judge bench stated, “The election petition has apparently been filed beyond the period of 45 days prescribed in Section 81 of the Act. Section 86 of the Act mandates that the High Court shall dismiss any election petition that does not comply with Section 81, 82, or 117 of the Act.”
The high court also noted that there is no provision under the RP Act to condone delays or extend the limitation period. It further observed, “Under the repealed Section 85, there was a provision for condonation of delay in filing election petitions, but no such provision exists in the current RP Act.”
In her petition, Maneka Gandhi argued that the Samajwadi Party leader had failed to disclose four pending criminal cases against him and submitted a false affidavit.
Maneka Gandhi lost to Rambhual Nishad by a margin of 43,174 votes in Sultanpur, where Nishad secured 4,44,330 votes compared to Gandhi’s 4,01,156 votes.
Tension Prevails in Karnataka's Davanagere After Stone-Pelting During Ganpati Visarjan Procession 10
Tension prevails in Karnataka’s Davanagere city after stones were pelted during the Ganesh Visarjan procession on Thursday night, prompting heightened security measures.
Two policemen, Circle Inspector Gurubasavaraj and Constable Raghu, were injured in the incident, which occurred on Beturu Road. Superintendent of Police (SP) Uma Prashanth is overseeing the situation, and additional forces have been deployed in sensitive areas of the city. The Congress leaders and members of the Muslim community have also stepped forward to assist the police in restoring peace.
Authorities have launched an investigation, using CCTV footage and police recordings to track down the suspects. As a precaution, businesses in the affected localities have been asked to close temporarily.
SP Uma Prashanth said, “A stone-pelting incident was reported during the Ganesh Visarjan procession, and a police inspector and constable were injured. The situation is under control, and efforts are underway to locate the miscreants. We are discussing the possibility of imposing prohibitory orders with the Deputy Commissioner.”
The tension reportedly arose following provocative statements by a leader from one community, which were opposed by another. Both sides have filed complaints, and authorities are investigating.
Sources indicate that the stone-pelting began when the Ganesh idol procession entered Azad Nagar and was reported at three different locations. The incident comes two days after Hindu leaders staged a protest against a similar stone-pelting event in Nagamangala town during a Ganesh procession, as well as the waving of Palestinian flags during Eid Milad celebrations.
Tensions escalated when a Muslim leader challenged Hindus to take the procession through Beturu Road, leading to the stone-pelting when the procession passed through the area. However, Muslim leaders intervened to calm the situation and prevent further violence.
Cyberattack on Hezbollah: Hacked Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Leaving 8 Dead and Thousands Injured 12
A series of devastating explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday claimed the lives of at least eight people and injured 2,750 others, according to the country’s health minister, Firass Abiad. The blasts were caused by handheld pagers used by Hezbollah members and other individuals across the country, marking what the group describes as its “biggest security breach” in nearly a year of ongoing hostilities with Israel.
The explosions, which occurred almost simultaneously in southern Lebanon, eastern regions, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, have sent shockwaves through the nation. Hospitals are overwhelmed with victims, 200 of whom are in critical condition, as the country struggles to cope with the unprecedented attack.
Hezbollah, which had previously switched from smartphones to pagers in an effort to avoid Israeli interception, is now facing the consequences of a new vulnerability in their communications system. Reports suggest that the pagers were hacked and detonated remotely in a sophisticated cyberattack, leading to the tragic explosions. The cyberattack represents a major development in the ongoing conflict, demonstrating the evolving tactics being used in this war.
According to Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, the attack appeared to be coordinated, with the pagers being hacked and set off in a near-simultaneous manner. This breach of Hezbollah’s communication system has not only resulted in significant loss of life but has also raised serious concerns about the security of the group’s technology and the potential for future cyberattacks.
Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was also injured in the blasts, adding an international dimension to the crisis. While Hezbollah is conducting an investigation into the cause of the explosions, there has been no immediate comment from the Israeli military.
This incident comes amidst ongoing cross-border fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The conflict has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
As Lebanon grapples with the aftermath of this attack, the situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation in the volatile region.
The Supreme Court's Bail Conditions Did Not Allow Kejriwal to Act as Chief Minister 14
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal surprised many by resigning shortly after his release from jail. Despite persistent calls from the BJP for him to step down, Kejriwal had remained firm, making his resignation unexpected. With upcoming elections in mind, this move appears to be a calculated gamble aimed at rallying public sentiment in his favour. However, the Supreme Court’s stringent bail conditions would not have allowed Kejriwal to function as the Chief Minister.
In his resignation, Kejriwal said, “I will not sit on that chair until the people deliver their verdict… I got justice from the legal court, now I will seek justice from the people’s court. I will only return to the Chief Minister’s seat on the people’s orders.” His statement indicates a strategic attempt to gauge the public mood ahead of the elections.
Now, the focus shifts to who will succeed him as the next Chief Minister of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party leadership will likely seek a strong, widely accepted leader to present the party’s stance on key issues effectively. The political landscape, especially after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reflects growing discontent with the ruling BJP.
Kejriwal’s decision to step down and call for early elections seems to be a strategic move to address corruption allegations, overcome anti-incumbency, and capitalize on the opposition’s momentum against the BJP. While the current term of the Delhi Legislative Assembly is set to end in February 2025, Kejriwal’s push for elections in November 2024 aligns with other state elections, such as those in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, potentially amplifying the electoral impact.
There are a few prominent faces the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could consider for the Chief Ministerial post. One of the leading contenders is Delhi Minister Atishi Marlena. Currently holding key portfolios such as education and the Public Works Department (PWD), Atishi has played a crucial role in shaping the AAP’s widely praised reforms in Delhi’s education system. An Oxford University alumnus and Rhodes scholar, she has been instrumental in overhauling the city’s public schools, making her a significant figure within the party.
Atishi, who represents the Kalkaji constituency, became a minister after the arrest of Manish Sisodia in a corruption case related to Delhi’s now-scraped liquor policy. During the absence of both Kejriwal and Sisodia, Atishi emerged as the party’s voice, articulating AAP’s position on various issues. Her growing prominence was further highlighted on August 15, when Kejriwal chose her to hoist the national flag at the Delhi government’s Independence Day event. Although Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena intervened to prevent this, the gesture underscored the AAP leadership’s trust in Atishi. At 43, she is seen as a dynamic leader who could be the face of the party moving forward.
Saurabh Bharadwaj, a three-time MLA from Greater Kailash, is another key figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He currently handles critical portfolios such as vigilance and health in the Kejriwal government. Bharadwaj, who was appointed minister after Manish Sisodia’s arrest in the liquor policy case, previously worked as a software engineer and served as a minister during Kejriwal’s 49-day government. As AAP’s national spokesperson, Bharadwaj played a pivotal role in representing the party when its top leaders were imprisoned over corruption charges.
Raghav Chadha, a prominent young face of the AAP, is a Rajya Sabha MP and a member of the party’s national executive and political affairs committee. A chartered accountant by training, Chadha has been with AAP since its inception and served as an MLA from Rajinder Nagar. He was instrumental in AAP’s decisive victory in Punjab’s 2022 state elections. At 35, Chadha is known for effectively articulating the party’s stance on key issues in Parliament.
Kailash Gahlot, an advocate by profession, is one of AAP’s senior leaders, managing important portfolios like transport, finance, and home affairs. He has been the MLA from Najafgarh since 2015 and has a legal background, having practiced in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court. Gahlot’s extensive experience in law and governance makes him a valuable member of the AAP government.
Sanjay Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP since 2018, is one of the most recognizable faces of AAP, known for his fiery speeches in Parliament. A founding member of the party, Singh holds a diploma in Mining Engineering and serves on AAP’s national executive and political affairs committee. He is frequently seen representing the party in media interactions. Singh was also arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case but, like Kejriwal and Sisodia, has been released on bail.
Kejriwal’s push for Delhi polls in November appears to be a calculated move to harness the opposition’s momentum in other states. By aligning Delhi’s election with the polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, AAP may aim to benefit from the growing anti-BJP sentiment. Kejriwal’s resignation and call for early elections are likely timed to amplify the broader opposition narrative and leverage that energy for Delhi’s 70-seat Assembly election.
While the Delhi Assembly elections are officially scheduled for February 2025, Kejriwal has demanded they be held in November, alongside Maharashtra. This strategy also underscores that top AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, are not immediately in the race for Chief Minister. Both have emphasized that they will only return to power after winning the public’s mandate again.
A key factor behind Kejriwal’s resignation may be the looming threat of Central Rule. During his time in jail, several BJP leaders called for the imposition of President’s rule in Delhi, citing governance failures. With his resignation and a call for earlier elections, Kejriwal seems to be seeking to regain power before any potential intervention from the central government.
Manish Sisodia to Meet Arvind Kejriwal After Resignation: Speculations Rise Over Next Delhi CM 16
Senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Manish Sisodia, is set to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday. This meeting comes just a day after Kejriwal made a significant announcement, declaring his resignation and stepping down from his duties until the public affirms his integrity and honesty.
Kejriwal’s Bold Resignation Move
The AAP national convener, Arvind Kejriwal, took the political landscape by storm when he declared that both he and Manish Sisodia would only return to their respective roles as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister once the electorate certifies their integrity. This unexpected step has sparked widespread discussions about the future of Delhi’s leadership and the AAP’s strategy moving forward.
The First Meeting Post-Resignation Announcement
A senior party official confirmed that this will be the first formal meeting between Kejriwal and Sisodia since the resignation announcement. The meeting will take place at the Chief Minister’s official residence in the Civil Lines area of Delhi. Key topics of discussion are expected to include the appointment of the next Chief Minister of Delhi, as Kejriwal has made it clear that an AAP MLA will take over the position temporarily.
Possible Successors to Arvind Kejriwal
Following his release on bail from Tihar Jail in connection with the excise policy graft case, Kejriwal mentioned that the party has already begun considering potential replacements for the Chief Minister’s role. Speculation is rife regarding who might step into this pivotal position. Among the leading contenders are:
Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, who has been a strong supporter of the party from behind the scenes.
Atishi, a key AAP minister known for her focus on education reforms in Delhi.
Gopal Rai, another prominent minister within the party, recognized for his work in labor and employment issues.
The Impact of Kejriwal’s Decision on Delhi Politics
Kejriwal’s resignation has not only created a power vacuum in the Delhi government but has also led to significant public debate. The timing of this announcement, amidst ongoing investigations and legal battles surrounding the excise policy case, raises questions about the political stability in Delhi.
AAP supporters and opponents alike are keen to see how this situation unfolds, especially as the party prepares for future elections. Kejriwal’s decision to step aside temporarily, along with Manish Sisodia, indicates a high level of confidence in their public image and their belief that the people of Delhi will stand by them.
What Lies Ahead for AAP and Delhi?
As the Aam Aadmi Party navigates this turbulent period, the focus remains on the upcoming meeting between Sisodia and Kejriwal. The outcome of this discussion is likely to shape the future of AAP’s governance in Delhi, particularly as the party contemplates who will step into Kejriwal’s shoes as Chief Minister. With major contenders like Atishi and Gopal Rai in the fray, the decision will be crucial for the party’s political strategy.
Furthermore, the public’s reaction to Kejriwal’s resignation and his call for validation will play a critical role in the party’s future. This move could either strengthen AAP’s public mandate or create challenges in the upcoming election cycle.
Conclusion
In the coming days, the political landscape of Delhi could witness significant shifts depending on the decisions taken in this high-profile meeting. As Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal sit down to discuss the next steps, the question of who will succeed Kejriwal as Chief Minister remains at the forefront of Delhi’s political discourse. Whether it is Atishi, Gopal Rai, or an unexpected candidate, the future leadership of Delhi is poised for a major transformation.
All eyes will be on the AAP leadership and how they navigate this period of uncertainty while maintaining public trust and delivering on their promise of transparency and integrity.
West Bengal CM Steps In to Resolve RG Kar Medical College Standoff 18
The West Bengal government has invited 15 representatives of junior doctors for a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her residence on Saturday at 6 pm. The meeting aims to address and resolve the ongoing standoff at RG Kar Medical College.
The invitation was extended through a letter written by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, emphasizing the need to address the challenges faced by the junior doctors.
This decision to hold discussions comes shortly after CM Banerjee made a surprise visit to the demonstrators at Swasthya Bhavan, the state health department’s headquarters.
Maharashtra Shifts Eid-e-Milad Holiday in Mumbai to Prevent Overlap with Ganpati Immersion 20
The Maharashtra government has shifted the Eid-e-Milad holiday in Mumbai, moving it from September 16 to September 18. This decision, revealed through an official notice on Friday, came after requests from Muslim MLAs and organizations who wanted to prevent any overlap with Ganpati immersion ceremonies.
The notification said, “Among the 24 public holidays declared by the State Government, Eid-e-Milad was originally set for Monday, September 16, 2024. Eid-e-Milad is a significant Muslim festival, often celebrated with processions. As the Hindu festival of Anant Chaturdashi falls on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Muslim community has chosen to hold their procession on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. As a result, the public holiday for Eid-e-Milad is now scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, 2024, instead of Monday, September 16, 2024.”
In areas outside Mumbai, district collectors will decide whether to keep the holiday on September 16 or shift it to September 18, depending on local circumstances. The goal of this change is to “preserve peace and social harmony” during the coinciding festivals.
