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“No vacation bench during winter break”: CJI Chandrachud after law minister questioned long vacations

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ANI
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DY Chandrachud, Chandrachud, CJI, Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court, Court
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Amid an apparent fallout between the Centre and the apex court over the Collegium System and delay in the appointment of judges as per recommendation, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has made it clear that no Supreme Court benches will be available during the two-week winter break, which starts from December 19. “There will be no benches available from tomorrow (Saturday) till January 1,” CJI Chandrachud informed the lawyers present in the courtroom on Friday before the start of the court proceedings.

The top judge’s remarks came after Union Minister of Law Kiren Rijiju questioned the “long vacations” in the Supreme Court and the inconvenience it caused to litigants. On Thursday, Rijiju made a statement in Rajya Sabha in which he said there was a feeling among the people that long court vacations were not very convenient for justice seekers.

Friday was the last working day of the apex court before it goes on a two-week winter break. The apex court will reopen on January 2, 2023. During the Christmas and New Year winter break there wouldn’t be any vacation benches, however, in case of any urgent matter, the vacation officer can be approached and if required, a bench will be constituted, it was said.

As per practice, vacation benches are constituted during long summer vacations only. Vacation is also a time for judges to write judgments, do administrative work, prepare for cases for hearings, and travel.

Former CJI NV Ramana had earlier said there is a misconception that judges stay in ultimate comfort and enjoy their holidays. There exists a misconception in the minds of the people that judges stay in ultimate comfort, work only from 10 am to 4 pm and enjoy their holidays, he had said.

Ramana, when he was CJI had said, “Such a narrative is untrue… when false narratives are created about the supposed easy life led by judges, it is difficult to swallow.” We continue to work even during weekends and court holidays to do research and author pending judgments, he had said, adding, “In this process, we miss out on many joys of our lives.”

For some time Central government and Supreme Court are at loggerheads because of the Collegium system of selecting judges for constitutional courts. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul of the top court has also been very critical of the delay by the Centre in clearing the names recommended by the Collegium for appointment as judges.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan not to take part in MVA’s protest march

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PTI
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Image: Facebook/Ashok Chavan

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan said he will not be able to take part in Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) protest march against the Eknath Shinde-BJP government in the state on Saturday due to a prior commitment.

In a tweet, Chavan said he extends his support to the morcha, but he will not be able to participate in it due to a scheduled wedding event in Nanded. He added that his wife Amita Chavan will take part in the protest march.

Ashok Chavan, who was the chief minister of the state between 2008 and 2010, was among the few congress MLAs who were absent during the trust vote of the Eknath Shinde government in June this year.

The MVA allies – Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress – are taking out the protest march in Mumbai against the ”insults” of the state’s icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, ”atrocities’ against Marathi-speakers in border areas of Karnataka as well as industrial projects being taken out of the state, among other things, the leaders of these parties have said. The march will be held between J J Hospital and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai.

BJP to hold nationwide protests today over Pak minister’s remarks against PM Modi

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ANI
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BJP Nationwide Protest against Derogatory remarks on PM Modi
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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold nationwide protests on Saturday against the “derogatory” remarks made by Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari against Prime Minister Narendra Modi that sparked outrage across the country.

“The protests will be held in all the state capitals across the country. BJP karyakartas will burn the effigy of Pakistan and Pakistani Foreign Minister and will strongly condemn the shameful statement of Pakistani Foreign Minister,” BJP said in a statement on Friday.

This outrage comes in response to the Pakistani foreign minister’s defamatory remarks made during a press conference at the United Nations in New York. Describing Bilawal Bhutto’s remark as “highly derogatory and full of cowardice”, BJP said the remarks were given to divert global attention from Pakistan’s collapsing economy, lawlessness and anarchy in Pakistan.

“The statement is also aimed at misleading the world and divert global attention from Pakistan’s collapsing economy, lawlessness and anarchy in Pakistan, simmering differences in the Pakistani army, its deteriorating global relations and the fact that Pakistan has become the major sanctuary for terrorists,” it said.

On Friday, BJP workers staged a protest outside Pakistan High Commission in Delhi against Bilawal’s statement. The BJP said that India’s foreign policy is being appreciated globally, while Pakistan is facing backlash from even smaller nations.

“On one hand we have our Prime Minister Narendra Modi under whose leadership India has left its indelible mark on various global fora, and on the other hand, we have Pakistan which has faced ridicule and insult on various international platforms. On one hand, India’s foreign policy is being appreciated globally, while on the other hand, Pakistan is facing backlash from even smaller nations,” the BJP said.

The party said that everyone saw how even the Pakistani students were rescued during the rescue mission carried out during the Russia-Ukraine conflict which was carried out under the guidance of PM Modi. BJP said the kind of language Bilawal Bhutto has used is extremely reprehensible which does not reflect the true spirit of statesmanship and also crosses the limit of decency in public life.

“Does Bilawal Bhutto even have the stature to comment about our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji who is a true statesman and a highly respected global leader! This demeaning statement of Bilawal Bhutto had further lowered the image of Pakistan on the global platform,” it added.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also slammed Pakistan’s Foreign Minister for his “uncivilized outburst” at Prime Minister Modi and said that “these comments are a new low, even for Pakistan.”

“Pakistan foreign minister’s frustration would be better directed towards the masterminds of terrorist enterprises in his own country, who have made terrorism a part of their state policy. Pakistan needs to change its own mindset or remain a pariah,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in response to media queries.

CCPA issues notice to Flipkart, Meesho over sale of acid, seeks response in 7 days

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ANI
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CCPA Centre Consumer Protection Authority Flipkart Meesho Delhi
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The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a notice to e-commerce entities Flipkart and Meesho for violations relating to the sale of acid reported on their platforms and sought an explanation within seven days.

The move came after a 17-year-old girl in the Dwarka area of Delhi was attacked with acid while she was going to her school on December 14, 2022.

The girl has been referred to Safdarjung Hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. The police have arrested all the accused in the case.

“The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has taken strong action on violations of consumer rights. In a run-up to the increasing crimes in society, CCPA took stringent action to safeguard consumer interests,” Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said in a release on Friday.

“CCPA has sent notices to two e-commerce entities, namely Flipkart Internet Private Limited and Fashnear Technologies Private Limited (meesho.com) for gross violations relating to the sale of acid reported on their platforms. It has directed these entities to furnish detailed responses within 7 days,” it said.

The release said that CCPA, being the watchdog of consumer interest in India, has come across the sale of highly corrosive acids on these e-commerce platforms. The availability of hazardous acids in such an accessible manner can be dangerous and unsafe for consumers and to the public at large, it said.

“In light of a recent unfortunate incident of acid attack on a 17-year-old in Delhi whereby media reports have highlighted that the alleged offenders had purchased the said acid from Flipkart, it has been directed by CCPA to submit a detailed response, along with necessary supporting documents within 7 days addressing the concern of such availability of acids on its e-platform,” the release said.

The release said that CCPA, on a suo moto examination of online sale of corrosive acids, came across Meesho and found it to be selling such acids in violation of directions of the Supreme Court as well as the Advisory issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Any non-compliance by these e-commerce entities with the directions of CCPA’s notices will be strictly dealt with as per the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019,” the ministry said.

The ‘consumer rights’ as defined under Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 includes the right to be protected against the marketing of goods, products or services which are hazardous to life and property.

The sale of highly corrosive acids in an easy, accessible and unregulated manner without any due diligence whatsoever by the e-marketplace entity can lead to disastrous consequences to the consumers, especially the vulnerable sections of society, namely women and children, the release said. As per Section 4 (3) of Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, no e-commerce entity shall adopt any unfair trade practice, whether in the course of business on its platform or otherwise.

“Considering the urgent need and attention, CCPA has taken suo moto note of the present matter, as under Section 18 (1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 which empowers it to protect, promote and enforce the rights of consumers as a class, and prevent violation of consumer rights, as well as prevent unfair trade practices and ensure that no person engages himself in such practices”.

Several states and UTs have already issued guidelines to regulate the sale of acids. “Since these e-commerce platforms operate and deliver their products across the length and breadth of the nation, they have been asked to provide the checks and compliances undertaken by them in this regard,” the release said.

It may be mentioned that in furtherance of the directions of the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued an Advisory on “Measures to be taken to prevent acid attacks on people and for treatment and rehabilitation of survivors” on August 30, 2013, wherein all the states and UTs were advised to take immediate steps to implement the measures mentioned for reduction of acid attacks and treatment and rehabilitation of acid attack survivors as well as any other measure as may be deemed fit.

Earlier on Wednesday, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly attacked with acid by two bike-borne men in Delhi’s Dwarka district area, police said on Wednesday. The girl has been referred to Safdarjung Hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.

Mumbai glowing falsely with G20 summit

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Web Team
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Mumbai G20 Summit BMC Beautification
Image: PTI

Slums are covered, temporary plantation done. Mumbai walls are painted and some timely decoration seen around city just to give feel good factor while delegates all over the world are here to attend and take a tour during G20 summits.

BMC got 20 crore budget to decorate the city. BMC staff’s leaves are called off. No government servants and police department granted leave during this week. All said and done Mumbai slums still pop up from different corners.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Traffic Police on 12 December took to Twitter and said that slow traffic movement is expected in some areas owing to the G20 India Summit on 13 December.

The Mumbai Traffic Police on 12 December took to Twitter and said that slow traffic movement is expected in some areas owing to the G20 India Summit on 13 December.

As per the advisory, traffic movement will be slow Bandra, Kherwadi, BKC from 8.30 am-10 am and from 5.30 pm -11 pm, traffic movement will be slow from BKC, Kherwadi, Bandra, Worli Sea Link, Haji Ali, Bandstand, Air India, Regal Circle.

In a tweet, it wrote, “Due to a planned program of G20 India Summit on 13 Dec 2022, from 08.30 hrs to 10.00 hrs between Bandra, Kherwadi, BKC and from 17.30 hrs to 23.00 hrs from BKC, Kherwadi, Bandra, Worli Sea Link, Haji Ali, Bandstand, Air India, Regal Circle, traffic movement will be slow.”

India has assumed the G20 presidency at a time of multiple challenges, which include scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic, sharpened geopolitical tensions, rising food and energy security concerns, growing debt distress, inflationary pressures and monetary tightening, among others, it said, stressing that a key role of the G20 is to provide guidance in dealing with such challenges.

The first G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies (FCBD) meeting, jointly hosted by the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is scheduled to be held during December 13-15 in Bengaluru.

The Indian G20 Presidency’s theme of ‘One Earth One Family, One Future’ will guide the G20 Finance Track discussions.

Approximately 40 meetings of the Finance Track will be held in several locations in India, which include meetings of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. The discussions in the G20 Finance Track will ultimately be reflected in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration.

China is preparing for war, Centre hiding and not accepting it: Rahul Gandhi

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ANI
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Rahul Gandhi Congress India China Border Dispute Central Government
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Flagging a “clear threat from China” amid the ongoing border row, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday claimed that the neighbouring country is “preparing for war” and alleged that the Centre is “hiding and not accepting it”.

In an apparent reference to the recent faceoff between the Indian and Chinese soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector on December 9, Gandhi said that China is making an “offensive preparation on the side of Ladakh and Arunachal” while the Indian government “is in slumber”.

“There is a clear threat from China. The government is trying to hide it and ignore it. But that threat cannot be ignored or hidden. China is making offensive preparation on the side of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian government is in slumber. It doesn’t want to hear it. China is preparing for war, not for an incursion,” he said while addressing a press conference here.

“If you see the pattern of their weapons, they are preparing for war. Our government is hiding it and is not accepting it,” he added. Gandhi also lashed out at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and said that he should “deepen his understanding”.

“This is happening because the Indian government is working event-based and is not working strategically. When there is a matter of international relations, no event works there. Power works there. I have said it multiple times that we should be careful. The EAM should deepen his understanding,” he said.

The Congress leader also questioned the media and said that it would not ask questions to him over the ongoing border row with China.

“The ones who captured 2,000 sq km of India and killed 20 Indian soldiers, and are thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh. I said to my friend that the Indian media would not ask me questions about it,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that Chinese troops had attempted to transgress the LAC at Yangtse in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh in a bid to “unilaterally change the status quo”, but were given a firm and resolute response forcing the Chinese side to retreat.

In his statement in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Singh said the face-off led to a physical scuffle that led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides but “there were no fatalities or serious casualties” to Indian soldiers.

Giving statements in both House, the Defence Minister also assured that “our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it”.

Mumbai Police gives nod for MVA’s rally on Dec 17

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ANI
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Maha Vikas Aghadi Protest Mumbai
Image: Ani

Mumbai Police on Friday gave permission to Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for its protest march in Mumbai on December 17 against the Eknath Shinde government and the Governor of the state- Bhagat Singh Koshiyari over his controversial remark over Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The march is scheduled to culminate in a rally outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Maharaj (CSMT) station, where all the senior opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, will address the crowd. NCP chief Sharad Pawar may participate in the rally.

On Thursday, MVA leaders announced that they would go ahead with the protest march regardless of whether permission was given.

Addressing the Press conference Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday had said, “On this 17th Dec, we will hold a ‘Morcha’ from Jijamata Udyan to Azad Maidan in Mumbai against the current state government and demands to remove Maharashtra’s Governor, I appeal to all those who love Maharashtra to come together against those who have insulted the state.”

Uddhav also slammed the state government over the Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue.

Stepping up its attack on the government, Thackeray said, “Karnataka has been asking for our areas, villages and even Jath, Solapur will they ask our Pandarpur Vithoba too? This raises one question-is there any govt in Maharashtra? Like before the Gujarat elections, some businesses were shifted there, so before the Karnataka elections will our villages be given to Karnataka?..”

“See how Karnataka CM statement and there is BJP govt in the state, and CM Shinde become CM here because of BJP, they are not saying anything on the issues and there is an attempt to insult our leaders and icons of Maharashtra so we are doing this aandolan,” Leader of the opposition party Ajit Pawar said.

Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said, “They have insulted Shivaji Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule and keep insulting and even Maharashtra Karnataka border issue and the statement given by Karnataka CM and here no one is replying in strong language from this government. All these issues must be addressed by this govt so we have decided to hold big Morcha.” The controversy erupted in the state after Maharashtra’s Governor said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was an “old icon”.

Addressing a function at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in Aurangabad on November 19, Governor Koshyari said, “If someone asks who your idol is, you don’t have to go out looking for one. You will find them right here in Maharashtra. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has become an old idol now, you can find new ones from Babasaheb Ambedkar to (Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways) Nitin Gadkari.”

This statement sparked a massive furore and drew censure from Maratha organisations and opposition leaders alike.

Mumbai: India made destroyer ‘Mormugao’ to be commissioned on Dec 18

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ANI
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Mormugao P15B stealth guided missile destroyer
Image: PIB

With an aim to further augment the Indian Navy’s mobility, reach and flexibility towards the accomplishment of its role and tasks in the Indian Ocean and beyond, ‘Mormugao’ a P15B stealth guided missile destroyer, is scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, informed the Ministry of Defense on Friday.

The ship would be inducted at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 18.

The event marks the formal induction into the Navy of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation, Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. Named after the historic port city of Goa on the West coast, Mormugao coincidentally undertook her first sea sortie on 19 Dec 21, when Goa celebrated 60 years of liberation from Portuguese rule.

The majestic ship measures 163m in length, and 17 m in breadth with a displacement of 7400 tonnes and can rightfully be regarded as one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India.

The ship is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration, capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots. The ship has enhanced stealth features resulting in a reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS).

“Mormugao is packed with sophisticated ‘state-of-the-art weapons and sensors such as Surface to Surface Missile and Surface to Air Missiles. The ship is fitted with a modern Surveillance Radar which provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems of the ship. The ship’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities are provided by the indigenously developed Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers and ASW helicopters. The ship is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions,” read an official statement by the Ministry of Defence.

A unique feature of this ship is the high level of indigenisation of approximately 75 per cent incorporated in the production, accentuating our national objective of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’, said officials.

“Some of the major indigenised equipment / system onboard Mormugao include Surface to Surface and Surface to Air Missiles, Torpedo Tubes and Launchers, Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers, Super Rapid Gun Mount besides, Combat Management System, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, Foldable Hangar Doors, Helo Traversing system, Close-in Weapon System and Bow mounted SONAR. Major OEMs as well as small MSMEs such as BEL, L&T, Godrej, Marine Electrical Brahmos, Technico, Kineco, Jeet and Jeet, Sushma Marine, Techno Process, etc. have all contributed in making of the mighty Mormugao,” added the statement.

“With a clear focus on indigenisation and self-reliance, 42 out of the 44 ships and submarines under construction are being built in Indian Shipyards. In addition, AoN has been accorded for 55 ships and submarines which will all be constructed in Indian Shipyards,” the statement noted.

Pak LeT terrorist Kasab did not have ‘iota of remorse’ in jail after 26/11 attacks: Nurse Anjali Kulthe

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ANI
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Terror,Mumbai 26/11,attacks,Pakistan,LeT
Mumbai 26/11 Terror Attack | Image : ANI

Anjali Kulthe, the brave staff nurse who saved many lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has said that the Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab did not have an ”iota of remorse” when she saw him in jail after he was captured alive.

Addressing the ‘UNSC Briefing: Global Counterterrorism Approach: Challenges and Way Forward’ via video link on Thursday, Kulthe recalled the horror that the victims of the attacks went through on that fateful day when 10 Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists launched coordinated shooting and bombing attacks in Mumbai at five major locations, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 people.

Kulthe, who was a staff nurse at the Cama and Albless Hospital for Women and Children when the attack took place, told the Security Council members that Kasab did not show even an ”iota of remorse” when she saw him in jail after he was captured alive.

She reportedly saw two terrorists, including Kasab, storm into the gates of the hospital and kill the guards.

The LeT terrorists targeted five prominent places of the financial capital – Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, Nariman House business and residential complex, Cama Hospital, Leopold Cafe, the Oberoi-Trident Hotel, and Taj Hotel and Tower.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked Kulthe for vividly sharing her recollection of the human cost of terrorism and described her as a ”valiant victim of the 26/11 terror attacks”.

”Her testimony today is a stark reminder to the Council and the international community that justice is yet to be delivered to the victims of several terrorist incidents, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks,” he said in a statement to the Security Council in his national capacity.

Kulthe had also identified and testified against Kasab. She donned her uniform proudly at the court while she testified against him. Kasab was sentenced to death and executed on November 21, 2012 and buried at Yerwada Jail in Pune.

If you drink, you will die: Nitish Kumar repeats appeal after Chhapra hooch tragedy

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ANI
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Bihar Hooch Tragedy Spurious Liquor Nitish Kumar
Image: PTI

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday reiterated that those who will drink spurious liquor would die. “No compensation will be given to people who died after drinking…We have been appealing- if you drink, you will die…those who talk in favour of drinking will not bring any good to you…”, said Nitish Kumar in the state assembly on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, Nitish Kumar told media persons waiting for his reaction on the deaths in the Chhapra hooch tragedy that if “someone consumes spurious liquor, they will die” as he came under heavy pressure on his alleged failed excise policy.

Defending the liquor ban in Bihar, he had said that the state’s prohibition policy has benefitted several people and a large number of people have given up drinking alcohol due to his measures.

The death toll in Bihar’s Chhapra Hooch tragedy has soared to 50, with 11 more people succumbing after consuming spurious liquor in Saran district. Masrakh Station House Officer (SHO) Ritesh Mishra and Constable Vikesh Tiwari were suspended immediately after the Tuesday night tragedy on the recommendation of Marhaura Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Yogendra Kumar. Most deaths have occurred over Wednesday and Thursday creating an uproar both at the state and national level as sale and consumption of alcohol have been banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government since April 2016.

Nitish Kumar’s former ally, BJP, have come down heavily on him with MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party from the state raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, when questioned regarding the Chhapra Hooch tragedy, on Thursday told media that “if someone consumes liquor, they will die”, that has not gone down well with victim families among others.

“The liquor ban has benefitted several people. A large number of people have given up alcohol…This is good. Several people have happily accepted this. But there are some troublemakers. I have told officers to identify the actual troublemakers and nab them,” Kumar told the media in Patna.

The Chhapra Hooch tragedy was one of the issues raised in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, leading to the adjournment of the House thrice within a short span of 40 minutes as both the Treasury benches and the opposition raised their issues together with the commencement of the Zero Hour.

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