Delhi HC Rejects Bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and 7 Others in 2020 Riots Conspiracy Case

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September 2, 2025

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The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed bail pleas filed by activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and seven others accused in a UAPA case linked to the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots.

A division bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur delivered the verdict, stating, “All the appeals are dismissed.” The detailed judgment is awaited.

Those whose bail pleas were rejected include Khalid, Imam, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima, and Shadab Ahmed. The accused have been in jail since 2020 after a trial court earlier dismissed their bail applications.

The prosecution argued the riots were not spontaneous but the outcome of a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at defaming India globally. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that mere prolonged incarceration could not be grounds for bail, adding, “If you do anything against your nation, you better be in jail till you are acquitted.”

Defense counsel countered that Imam was “completely disconnected” from the location, time, and other accused, and that neither his speeches nor WhatsApp chats incited violence.

Khalid, Imam, and others were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly orchestrating the riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The bail pleas of Imam, Saifi, Fatima, and others had been pending in the High Court since 2022. Delhi Police opposed their applications, calling the communal violence a “clinical and pathological conspiracy.” The police alleged that speeches delivered by Khalid, Imam, and co-accused invoked issues like CAA-NRC, Babri Masjid, triple talaq, and Kashmir, thereby creating fear and unrest.

The police further argued that in cases of such grave offences, the principle of “bail is the rule, jail is the exception” cannot be applied, while rejecting any claim that the prosecution was deliberately delaying the trial.

Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange Declares Victory as Govt Accepts Key Demands

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September 2, 2025

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Activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday declared victory in the Maratha quota agitation after the Maharashtra government’s cabinet sub-committee accepted most of his demands, including the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas. The announcement, made on the fifth day of his indefinite fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, sparked jubilation among his supporters.

“We have won,” Jarange told the protesters after his meeting with the sub-committee led by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, accompanied by Shivendrasinh Bhosale, Uday Samant, and Manikrao Kokate. The panel discussed with Jarange the draft finalised by the government.

Jarange said his protest would be called off and he would leave Mumbai if the state issued government resolutions (GRs) on the agreed demands by Tuesday night. The committee assured that the Hyderabad Gazette will be implemented immediately, and caste certificates will be given to Marathas with Kunbi records after due inquiry. Implementation of the Satara Gazette, he added, will follow within a month.

The committee also promised withdrawal of cases filed against Maratha protesters by the end of September. Families of those who lost their lives during the agitation will receive government jobs and financial aid within a week, based on educational qualifications. According to Vikhe Patil, Rs 15 crore has already been disbursed to such families, with the remaining compensation to be cleared soon.

On the contentious issue of the ‘sage soyare’ (blood relatives) notification, Vikhe Patil revealed that nearly eight lakh objections have been received and are under scrutiny. He further said the government is exploring legal avenues to issue a GR equating Kunbis and Marathas as one community, a process that could take two months.

Jarange, who began his hunger strike on August 29 demanding 10 per cent reservation for Marathas in government jobs and education under the OBC category, called the acceptance of these key demands a “people’s victory.” His declaration of success set off loud celebrations among protesters gathered at Azad Maidan.

HC Warns Manoj Jarange: Vacate Azad Maidan by 3 PM or Face Action

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September 2, 2025

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The Bombay High Court on Tuesday ordered activist Manoj Jarange and his supporters, staging a protest at Azad Maidan demanding Maratha reservation, to vacate the premises by 3 pm or face strict action.

A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe Jarange warned of contempt proceedings and heavy penalties if the agitators failed to comply. “We want complete normalcy restored by 3 pm, or else we will step in,” the court said, stressing that occupying Azad Maidan without permission was unlawful.

The court also expressed displeasure with the state government, noting lapses in maintaining order. “This is a very serious situation. We are not satisfied with the state government either,” the bench remarked.

Senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, appearing for Jarange, apologised for the misconduct of some supporters and maintained that the activist has always urged peaceful protest. However, the bench reminded that protesters had obstructed the high court on Monday, forcing judges to walk to court.

The matter was posted for further hearing at 3 pm, coinciding with the court’s deadline. Police have already served a notice to Jarange and his supporters, asking them to vacate Azad Maidan immediately.

Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the site since August 29, vowing not to leave Mumbai until his demand for Maratha reservation is fulfilled. On Monday, the court had already criticised the protest, saying it had paralysed Mumbai and violated all conditions imposed by authorities. It had directed Jarange’s group to vacate and clear the occupied streets by Tuesday noon, while also instructing the government and police to act lawfully against the violations.

SC Dismisses Plea Against Nationwide Rollout of 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol

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September 1, 2025

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The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the nationwide rollout of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), despite concerns that millions of motorists are being compelled to use fuel their vehicles may not support.

A bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran rejected the arguments presented by advocate Akshay Malhotra, who had sought directions to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure the continued availability of ethanol-free petrol at all fuel stations.

The Centre opposed the plea, arguing that E20 fuel benefits sugarcane farmers and is a step towards cleaner, sustainable energy. It maintained that the ethanol content at petrol pumps is already being labelled and asserted that the rollout aligns with national energy goals.

The petitioner contended that millions of motorists, particularly those with vehicles manufactured before 2023—and even some newer BS-VI models—face risks of mechanical degradation and efficiency loss due to incompatibility with high ethanol blends. The plea also sought a nationwide impact study on the effects of E20 fuel on non-compliant vehicles, but the Court declined to intervene.

With the Supreme Court’s rejection of the petition, the government’s plan to expand the use of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol across India remains on track.

Punjab Floods Claim 29 Lives, Displace Over 2.5 Lakh in a Month

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September 1, 2025

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Punjab has been devastated by floods that have claimed 29 lives and impacted more than 2.56 lakh people in the past month, officials confirmed on Monday. Pathankot reported the maximum fatalities, while 12 of the state’s 23 districts have been ravaged since August 1 in what authorities describe as one of the worst flood disasters in decades.

The calamity stems from the swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal rivulets, after heavy rains lashed Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Punjab’s own torrential downpours have worsened the crisis, submerging farmlands and villages.

Of the 29 deaths, six were reported in Pathankot. Amritsar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mansa, and Rupnagar recorded three deaths each, while Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Mohali, and Sangrur reported one each. Three people remain missing in Pathankot.

Rescue efforts have been massive, with 15,688 people evacuated to safer zones. Gurdaspur saw the highest rescues (5,549), followed by Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), and Amritsar (1,700). Villages have been badly hit, with 1,044 affected statewide—321 in Gurdaspur, 88 in Amritsar, 94 in Hoshiarpur, and 82 in Pathankot among the worst-hit.

In total, 2,56,107 residents have been impacted. Amritsar tops the list with 35,000 affected, followed by Ferozepur (24,015), Fazilka (21,562), and Pathankot (15,053). Meanwhile, 96,061 hectares of farmland lie submerged, threatening massive agricultural losses.

Authorities report significant livestock casualties, though final figures will emerge only after waters recede. Infrastructure damage is also expected to be substantial.

The state machinery, assisted by the NDRF, SDRF, Army, and Punjab Police, continues round-the-clock rescue and relief operations. Twenty NDRF teams are currently active in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Bathinda.

Bombay HC Orders Eviction of Maratha Quota Protesters from All Areas Except Azad Maidan

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September 1, 2025

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The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Maharashtra government to evict Maratha quota protesters from all locations in Mumbai except Azad Maidan. The Court observed that the agitation had brought the city to a standstill, noting that permission had been granted for only 5,000 participants, but the number of demonstrators had far exceeded that. It further highlighted that no approval was given for an indefinite strike.

The Court will hear the case again on Tuesday and has asked the state government to provide details of the steps taken to control the situation.

Meanwhile, activist Manoj Jarange, spearheading the protest at Azad Maidan, warned that more than five crore Marathas would march to Mumbai if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis fails to accept the community’s quota demand. Accusing the CM of deliberately stalling the decision, Jarange asserted that the government could easily resolve the matter by implementing gazette records from Hyderabad, Satara, and other regions, and recognizing Marathas in Marathwada as Kunbis. According to him, certificates could be distributed by district collectors and tehsildars without delay.

Jarange urged protesters to ensure that ordinary Mumbaikars are not inconvenienced by the demonstrations. However, hundreds of protesters have already gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and surrounding areas, leading to traffic chaos and commuter disruptions. Police diverted traffic near CSMT, while BEST suspended, curtailed, or diverted several bus routes in south Mumbai.

Jarange also claimed that three of his supporters have died since his agitation began on August 29.

PM Modi Urges Putin to End Ukraine War, Stresses Humanity’s Call for Peace

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September 1, 2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine at the earliest, describing it as “humanity’s call” to restore peace. The two leaders held discussions on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the Chinese port city.

In his televised opening remarks, Modi welcomed recent global efforts to bring peace to Ukraine and expressed hope that all stakeholders would move forward constructively. He said the priority must be to achieve lasting peace in the region without further delay.

Modi also noted that India is preparing to host the Russian leader in December for summit talks, highlighting that New Delhi and Moscow have always stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” in difficult times. He stressed that the close ties between the two nations are crucial for global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Bombay HC to Hold Urgent Hearing on Plea Against Maratha Quota Stir in Mumbai

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September 1, 2025

The Bombay High Court on Monday agreed to hold a special hearing on a petition challenging the ongoing agitation in Mumbai led by activist Manoj Jarange, who is demanding reservation for the Maratha community.

Although the court has been on holiday since August 27 for the Ganesh festival and was scheduled to resume on Tuesday, a special bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad decided to hear the matter this afternoon on a plea filed by the Amy Foundation against the protest.

Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan since August 29, demanding a 10 percent quota for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. His protest has drawn thousands of supporters, causing heavy crowding across major junctions in south Mumbai’s business district.

The petitioner had earlier moved the high court last week, arguing that prolonged occupation of public places for protests causes inconvenience to citizens. On August 26, the court had observed that demonstrations cannot continue indefinitely in public spaces and should only be allowed with proper permissions. The bench had also suggested that the government consider granting permission for the protest in Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar area instead.

Authorities initially granted Jarange a one-day permission to hold his protest at Azad Maidan, which was later extended by another day. However, the activist has remained firm, declaring on Sunday that he will not leave Mumbai until his demands are met.

On Monday, the petitioner sought an urgent hearing, raising concerns over the disruptions caused to daily life by the continuing protests.

Seven of Family Buried Alive as Landslide Destroys Home in J-K’s Reasi

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August 30, 2025

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Seven members of a family were buried alive after a landslide flattened their home in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir early on Saturday. Officials confirmed the tragedy occurred in Badder village of Mahore following heavy overnight rains.

The victims have been identified as Nazir Ahmad (38), his wife Wazira Begum (35), and their five sons — Bilal Ahmed (13), Mohd Mustafa (11), Mohd Adil (8), Mohd Mubarak (6), and Mohd Wasim (5). Officials said the family was asleep when the house, located on a hill slope, came under the debris brought down by the landslide.

Locals rushed to the spot and began frantic rescue efforts before being joined by police. However, only the bodies could be recovered from the rubble. The region witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall overnight, triggering the devastating landslide.

Maratha Quota Stir: Protesters at Azad Maidan Slam Poor Facilities Amid Rains

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August 30, 2025

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The Maratha quota agitation at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan entered its second day on Saturday, with protesters braving heavy rains and flooded grounds while voicing concerns over the lack of basic amenities.

Lakhs of supporters have gathered in solidarity with activist Manoj Jarange, who began an indefinite fast on Friday demanding a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

Continuous rainfall since Friday morning worsened conditions for those arriving by trains and other public transport, as puddles formed across the protest site. The situation forced many agitators to spill over near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, causing severe traffic disruptions.

Protesters alleged a shortage of food and claimed that shops around the venue were shut by the authorities. They also raised concerns about inadequate facilities to ensure safety, sanitation, and hygiene on the ground.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), however, stated it had arranged for water drainage, sanitation, and mobility at the protest site. In a release, the civic body said all nearby ‘pay-and-use’ toilets were made free of charge for protesters.

The BMC also claimed to have installed 29 toilets inside Azad Maidan, deployed three mobile toilet units with 10 seats each along Mahatma Gandhi Road, and set up 12 portable toilets near the Metro site. Gravel was also spread on muddy paths to improve accessibility, the statement added.