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Amitabh Bachchan provoked the anti-Sikh riots in 1984?

September 10, 2019

Kamal Nath, Lalit Maken, Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar, HKL Bhagat all these Congress leaders were involved and many proofs have been made against them, which went wrong as CBI always gave them clean chit under pressure of government. Even Amitabh Bachchan as per some Sikhs who was a close associate of Rajeev Gandhi made a provocative statement “Khoon Ka Badla Khoon Se Lenge” meaning “Blood for Blood” which was shown on DD Channel. Those days Sikhs were being dragged out of their homes to be butchered. Killings were carried out in various ways, each more spine chilling than the other. Some victims were beaten with iron rods until all that was left of them were a few last breaths. Many were burnt alive after being garlanded with kerosene-soaked tyre lit with much ceremony.

Two Sikh bodyguards assassinated Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984. Hours after her death, Delhi and other cities with Sikh population witnessed large-scale rioting. Over the next few days, horrific mass killings of Sikhs took place. The carnage of 1984 is perhaps the worst human tragedy, India has faced. And what intensified the pain of the riot victims was that even over three decades later; none of the main accused in the case was prosecuted.

After a 34-year-long wait, the Delhi High Court convicted a senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in one of the multiple anti-Sikh riots cases. The verdict came on a day when the Congress formed governments in three states – MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in 2018 – and the new MP Chief Minister was also charged with inciting mob violence during the riots. Kamal Nath (presently the CM of Madhya Pradesh) was there at the plot where many Sikhs were killed. While defending himself Kamal Nath once confessed that he was there to save people not to kill them. As far as judiciary is concerned there are no charges against him till now. After 1984 he has been elected at various ministerial posts. In recent election when Congress won in MP while BJP lost after 15 years of ruling, Akali Dal one of the allies of BJP raising voice against Kamal Nath to destabilize Congress.

The root cause of anti-Sikh riots in 1984 was the words of Amitabh Bachchan. Indira Gandhi was already dead by that time so none of the blame can be attached to her. There was an article, in Times of India “1984 riots: ‘Why nobody noticed Amitabh Bachchan spewing venom in India’.

A prime witness in 1984 anti-Sikh riots said that everyone who had been watching Doordarshan saw how superstar Amitabh Bachchan provoked the rioters. Following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, India erupted in riots against Sikhs in 1984. Recently, a US-based Sikh human rights group lodged a criminal complaint against Bachchan in Australia for instigating and abetting 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Australia’s ‘Criminal Code Act 1995’ states that Australian courts can have jurisdiction over cases involving crimes against humanity irrespective of whether the offence was committed in Australia or not.

Apart from Sajjan Kumar, there were many political leaders, who volunteered the riots, but most of them are having good life even today. Law could not do much against them. H.K.L. Bhagat, then the Minister of state (Information and Broadcasting). Babu Ram Sharma, Member, Municipal Corporation (Ward No. 58) reported to be the right-hand man of H. K. L. Bhagat, was responsible for loot, arson and murder in trance-Yamuna areas-Babarpur, Chajupur Colony Gonda, led people on motorcycle with megaphone. Sajjan Kumar, Cong. (I) then the M.P. from Mangolpuri has paid Rs. 100 and a bottle of liquor to each person involved in the killing. Lalit Maken, Cong. (I) the then Trade Union Leader and Metropolitan Councilor, paid mob with Rs. 100 each plus a bottle of liquor. A white ambassador car reportedly belonging to him came four times to the G.T. Road area near Azadpur. Instructions to mobs indulging in arson were given from inside the car. Dharam Das Shastri, Cong. (I) MP from Karol Bagh reported to be carrying voters list with him at Prakash Nagar for identification of Sikhs. On November 5, according to newspaper reports, he along with other Congress-I leaders tried to pressurise the SHO of Karol Bagh Police Station to release the persons who arrested during the police raids to recover looted property.

Dr. Ashok Kumar, Member of Municipal Corporation, Kalyanpuri reportedly held a meeting in Kalyanpuri, following which violence broke out immediately. According to many eyewitnesses, he led mobs that indulged in loot, murder, arson and rape. Sukhan Lal Sood, Metropolitan Councilor, according to eyewitnesses, was seen leading mobs, which indulged in loot, murder, burning and rape. He had come with petrol and serial lists and addresses of Sikhs in the locality. The women refugees recognised him and drove him out. Jagdish Chander Tokas, Member of Municipal Corporation Munirka (Ward No. 14) reportedly led a mob to R.K. Puram Sector IV and V. Ishwar Singh, Member, Municipal Corporation, Mangolpuri (Ward No. 37) allegedly led the mobs that indulged in looting, burning, rape and murder in Mangolpuri area. Balwant Khokhar, then the Youth Congress-I Leader, Delhi, identified as one of the persons responsible for instigating looting and arson in Palam Colony area.

Faiz Mohammad, Youth Congress-I Leader, Delhi, named by refugees in Shakurpur camp and in Mangolpuri for being a part of the mob indulging in looting, arson and murder. Satbir Singh, Youth Congress-I allegedly brought busloads of people from Ber Sarai to Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School (Munirka). They burnt school buses and parts of the school building. He was reportedly involved in looting and beating of Sikhs that carried on throughout the night on November 1. List is too long and justice is too short.

Irony is that, entire establishment and government bodies, volunteered in violence, there are many questions yet to be answered. For example, who ordered around 46 Indian Railway trains to stop and allow the death squads to hunt down Sikhs? Who ordered the Fire Brigade not to save Sikh property? Who gave the order for the police to travel through areas spreading rumours that Sikhs had poisoned Delhi’s water supply and trains arriving from the Punjab were filled with Hindu bodies? Who ordered Medical staff in hospitals not to treat Sikhs? Who authorized the use of Delhi Transportation Company buses to transport the mobs? Who supplied the mobs with money and weapons? Who was involved in the pre-planning, possibly months before the assassination? Was the government aware leaders of Congress (I) & the Police met on night of October 31? Who authorised the use of government-issued voter and ration lists, which were used to identify Sikh homes? Why were Doordarshan TV and All India Radio allowed to repeatedly broadcast crowds chanting anti-Sikh slogans?

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Modi, Nepal PM Oli jointly inaugurate Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum product pipeline

Web Team

September 10, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepal counterpart KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum product pipeline via a video link.

The over 60 km-long pipeline is the first-ever cross-border petroleum product pipeline in the South Asia region, according to a video presentation made before the inauguration.

As of now, tankers carry petroleum products from India to Nepal as part of an arrangement which is in place since 1973. “This India-Nepal energy cooperation project is a symbol of our close bilateral relations.

Boosting ties with Nepal! Inaugurating first ever cross-border petroleum products pipeline in South Asia https://t.co/9CGe36g3m1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2019

As per reports, the landmark pipeline will ensure smooth, cost-effective and environment-friendly supply of petroleum products to Nepal. The 60 kms long pipeline from Motihari in Bihar to Amlekhganj in Nepal has been constructed by India in just 15 months, half of its 30 months deadline. It has been constructed at the cost of around three hundred fifty crore rupees which are entirely borne by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

IOC has also trained officials of Nepal Oil Corporation and refurbished two storage tanks of NOC at Amelkhganj depot. Besides ensuring smooth and environment-friendly supply of petroleum products the pipeline is also expected to help Nepal in saving billions of rupees every year on transportation and leakage.

Letters to the Editor: 10 September, 2019

Web Team

September 10, 2019

Onam: The State festival of Kerala

Onam is a harvest festival celebrated by the Malayali people of Kerala. It is a state festival which falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (either in August or September) according to Malayalam calendar. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The Malayalis celebrate this festival with unity without the difference of caste and religion.
Onam is a celebration of ten days. The festival is marked by various sports and festivities in Kerala, including worshiping, music, dances, games and boat races. People put flower mats in front of their houses on this day, to welcome the King Mahabali. Onam is celebrated with lots of cultural elements. This festival is the most important harvest festival of Kerala. Keralites all over the world celebrate this festival with great pomp and gaiety.
As we look back through our ancient history, Onam was started as a celebration venerating one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu – Vamana. Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a Brahmin and visited the Yaagam conducted by the great King of Kerala at that time, Mahabali. Mahabali promised to give anything requested during the Yaagam. Vamana, the great Brahmin claimed three paces of land from Mahabali. The Brahmin grew so huge and claimed the earth and the heaven with just two footsteps. With one more footstep waiting to be given, Mahabali gave himself to the Brahmin as a mark of his word. Once in a year, Mahabali promised to visit his people’s home and so came into custom the great festival, Onam.

Not just Hindus, but Muslims and Christians too celebrate Onam, as it is a secular festival.

Jubel D’Cruz

Follow healthy lifestyle during monsoon

A good healthy diet and simple life style is all you need to tackle the fury of monsoons which otherwise bring a lot of joy in our lives. Rains can be fun but it does bring along with it some monsoon related health issues which one needs to be careful. Being cold during rains means we drink less water and we need to be hydrated all time by consuming lots of fluid whenever needed. Dietary habits are important due to leas physical activity as we normally skip our regular walks and jogging during heavy rainfall. Yoga, free hand exercises at home and meditation would work wonders to keep oneself fit both physically and mentally as well.

Medicines for common cold and monsoon related ailments like fever, rashes and allergies should be kept handy. Keep yourself dry at all times as most of the diseases including the common cold is due to wetness. A balanced diet of proteins and avoiding fried items are magic ‘mantras’ to keep you healthy during monsoons. Always keep extra pair of clothing and rain wear to withstand showers which are unpredictable!

S.N.Kabra

Take steps to revive auto sector

The recent crisis of slowdown in auto sector needs an immediate overhaul with a strong action plan by the Government. The recently elected NDA government is now poised with an immediate challenge post elections to look into the slow down issue affecting the auto sector. The same wasn’t anticipated prior to elections as the situation was normal earlier.

There is a need for increased efforts to bring in necessary industry reliefs by government and one should not merely look at assurances to settle down. There is a high demand to re-look GST provisions and Finance Ministry should involve actively to bring down GST rates in auto industry. Both the Finance Ministry and Ministry of Transport and Highways should engage actively and quickly expedite necessary process to bring down GST rates to enable auto sector come out unscathed from the crisis.

Varun Dambal

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

After Assam NRC in Mumbai? Plans of detention centre in Navi Mumbai

Rajesh Choudhary

September 9, 2019

Scores of Bangladeshis living in Mumbai illegally has been hot issue in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena and the MNS have been raising this issue on different occasions. Now just before state Assembly elections, matter of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants may gain momentum and this might be a poll issue as the Maharashtra Home Ministry has written a letter to the Navi Mumbai planning authority asking for land to build a detention centre for illegal immigrants.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik spoke to our correspondent Nikhil Sagare said, “The census of illegal migrants is done at a regular basis. If the government is following this process then it is justified. The deportation of illegal migrants is a continuous process.”

As per sources within the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), they have received a letter seeking a two-to-three-acre plot at Nerul in Navi Mumbai. This place is 20 kilometres away from Mumbai. The move came less than a fortnight after the final National Register of Citizens (NRC) list in Assam declared 19 lakh people as foreigners. Now Maharashtra is likely to implement NRC to oust illegal immigrants from Mumbai and entire state. The letter for seeking land in Navi Mumbai for detention centre has raised its possibility.

BJP worker Avdhut Wagh said, “Wherever there is a requirement of National Register of citizens it will be implemented in those states. Wherever there is a demand from citizens for implementation of NRC it will be implemented in those areas.”

However, the Maharashtra Home Ministry has denied of sending any such letter. According to guidelines issued by the Centre earlier this year, all major immigration points in the country need to build detention centre. Illegal immigrants can be kept in this centre when they will be caught by authorities. The Shiv Sena has been claiming that there are illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Mumbai. Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant said recently, “NRC was needed in Assam to solve the problems of the original inhabitants of the region. That is why we supported the NRC move… want a similar exercise to be held in Mumbai to drive out the Bangladeshis living here.”

Thus, the Shiv Sena demanded that National Register of Citizens (NRC) should be implemented in Mumbai on the lines of Assam to solve the issue of illegal Bangladeshis living in the city. It is an apparent attempt to cash in on the issue ahead of the Assembly polls.

According to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, there are nearly 1 crore Bangladeshis in greater Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas. But they are nowhere on record. Sanjay Raut said, “An NRC in Mumbai will help the citizens of the country, especially Indian Muslims who are defamed and blamed for the acts of these Muslims from outside India.”

It is worth mentioning that the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants also suits the BJP. Ministers of the BJP have raised the demand for an NRC-style exercise in Bihar. There are millions of Bangladeshi immigrants living in eastern parts of Bihar. If Devendra Fadnavis government takes steps to implement NRC, the BJP and Shiv Sena will be benefited as this move will polarise voters.

Bangladeshi migrants are burden on Indian economy

Vaidehi Taman

September 9, 2019

Around 40 lakh people those who are illegal migrants in Assam have been left out of a draft list of citizens; they are bound to face deportation if they cannot prove their citizenship. The state’s National Register of Citizens or NRC has been updated for the first time since 1951 to account for illegal migration from neighbouring Bangladesh. Releasing the updated list, officials highlighted that no one would be deported or arrested. The recount is seen by critics as a move to target Assam’s Muslim population on the pretext of weeding out Bangladeshi migrants. This was just a draft and not the final list.

India’s geostrategic location, its relatively sound economic position vis-à-vis its neighbours, and its liberal democratic credentials have long made it a magnet for people in other parts of the region who are fleeing persecution in their countries of origin or looking for a better life. Refugees from Tibet, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have found shelter in India. While refugees coming from other areas—including Tibet, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar—have been dealt with in a somewhat systematic, although ad hoc, manner, the influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh has largely been left unattended. Most of the illegal migrants from Bangladesh are Muslims and are of criminal mindset. They are burden on Indian economy.

Political parties has made Hindus & it’s Co-sects as second citizens out of their constant hunger to appease Muslims. Even after facing severe backlash from voters all over, they did not correct & see what price Political parties are continuing to pay. It’s always said “take care of your own first , before others”. BJP and its allies have done a yeomen service to native Assamese. British, known for their governance and cunningness, did RIGHT thing to create Hindu India and Pakistan for Muslims and cunningly crated on east & west of India. So, getting at least this 40 lakhs illegal immigrants, should ONLY be a beginning, as otherwise, by in next 40 yrs, native Indians will become “minorities” in Assam and another 4/5 generation later Hindustan, will become “Islamic Republic of India. The problem of detection, dispersal and even deportation of infiltrators would not be formidable one if the Centre and State governments tackled it with zeal and imagination in time. The issue of illegal immigrants in the state of Assam is a seemingly intractable problem which, unresolved, would imperil the local communities identity and culture.

The most disturbing development in the twentieth century Assam has been that of the spike in the population arising out of the influx of migrants. This influx was prevalent, right from the Colonial Era. Those days’ labourers from Odisha or Jharkhand were brought in as workers in tea plantations. Likewise arrived the Marwaris or merchants of Rajasthan who have a monopoly over trade, both wholesale and retail. These migrants came in and occupied tracks of land for settlement. However, these migrants, despite being considered ‘outsiders’ did not pose a threat to the Assamese sense of identity and economic independence. The numbers were small and they lived generally within the confines of their own community. But in the recent past the number of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants has seen a steady rise over the years. The over grown population became threat to different states especially Assam. It’s high time that government should act strictly and deport them to their motherland. The availability of cheap labour from Bangladesh has resulted in this rise of illegal migrants infiltrating into the every metro city of India including Mumbai. These immigrants take advantage of improper fencing at the border. The illegal migrants take shelter in slums. To prove their citizenship the immigrants often procure certificates declaring them as Indians, from sarpanches (village heads) of local villages.

These Bangladeshi immigrants often pass off as Indians by claiming that they belong to parts of West Bengal (WB). Efforts to prevent their ingress into the city or to deport them have not been very successful. Out of the 1448 held in Mumbai this year, about 250 were deported. The trials in these cases usually go on for a couple of years. Once they are bailed, they go back to their jobs in the city. There is no direction given to them to return or get deported. Poverty drives these immigrants to come to the city along with their families in search of livelihood. However, they also cooperate with police investigations. They stay in slum pockets and keep themselves involved in doing petty jobs.

In the early 1940s, a large number of migrant labourers of Muslim origin were brought in from the erstwhile East Pakistan towards implementation of the ‘Grow More Food Campaign’ of the government. The issue of rehabilitation remained unresolved. It was in the wake of the liberation of Bangladesh that several lakhs of refugees came to North-East India. These ‘outsiders’, had come in search of a living, from their impoverished land. But, they were seen as encroachers on scarce resources like land and potential competitors to employment opportunities and political power. This perception has now become a reality and, more often than not in an insidious way through the machinations of the politicians who are hell bent on securing electoral votes. The problem of immigration persisted and grew larger with time. This issue has even taken political and sometimes violent forms in many states of the North-East. This neglect has adversely impacted the interests of local populations in the areas seeing large-scale influxes of illegal immigrants as well as India’s national security interests. Further, the absence of national refugee laws has blurred the distinction between refugees and economic migrants, leading to the denial of any assistance to even genuine asylum seekers. It now poses an enormous problem for India and the millions of affected people. Further delay in addressing the problem will only make matters worse.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

India has lost a distinguished jurist

C K Subramaniam

September 9, 2019

In the passing away of Shri Ram Jethmalani, India has lost an exceptional lawyer and iconic public figure who made rich contributions both in the Court and Parliament. He was witty, courageous and never shied away from boldly expressing himself on any subject. Ram Jethmalani was the Union law minister and also the Urban development minister during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA government. He also served as the Supreme Court Bar Association president in 2010. We are all saddened by the passing of Ram Jethmalani, former Union Minister and a veteran lawyer. He was known to express his views on public issues with his characteristic eloquence. The nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a person of great erudition and intellect and a crusader in both law and politics he stood steadfastly for the causes he took up.

Feisty, ebullient, fearless, outspoken to a fault, uncaring of consequences or of societal norms, he had a large heart and a restive temperament. Always a crusader, his mind and body remained good almost to the end. In him we have not only lost a distinguished lawyer but also a great human who was full of life. Ram Jethmalani’s passing away is an irreparable loss to the entire legal community. He will always be remembered for his vast knowledge on legal affairs. His passing away is a great loss not only to the Bar in the country but also to Parliament and the country as a whole.

Ram Jethmalani, twice Law Minister, criminal lawyer, jurist, teacher, litigant and parliamentarian who relished the epithet ‘unchanged and unrepentant maverick’, passed away at 95. Jethmalani remains an enigma in modern times as he was a man who spoke and acted out of personal conviction. He felt that “I do not claim to be infallible but even my most trenchant critics would not deny that I speak and act out of personal conviction. I write also to stir debate and have the humility to retract my views when bested in such debates,” he wrote in Maverick Unchanged and Unrepentant.

When faced with barbs about his role as a defence lawyer for the powerful, Jethmalani stoically replied that he was serving the law as an officer of the court. The law allowed an accused to put forward his best defence. It was up to the courts to declare a person guilty. He defended the likes of Harshad Mehta, Ketan Parekh, underworld don Haji Mastan, the killers of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, BJP veteran L.K. Advani in the hawala scandal and headed Manu Sharma’s defence in the Jessica Lal murder case.

Jethmalani wrote that India’s progress did not require more mosques and temples. Controversies like a Ram temple in Ayodhya on the site of the Babri mosque must be totally outlawed. Instead, at the disputed site, a university of secular education and religious harmony should be established. It is a pity that we pride ourselves on being secular without giving such education to our youth.

Ram is fearless and forthright on occasions and too forthright. He is irrepressibly audacious with a sense of the dramatic. He has the gift of hitting the headlines but has a warm and golden heart. In politics he has gravitated through the whole spectrum and he believes in what Oliver Goldsmith wrote: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” He wears his heart on his sleeve. He will confront openly and attack directly. He will not stab anyone in the back. But these strengths and virtues are handicaps in Indian politics. As a result, he is a potent force in the Opposition, but uncomfortable on the treasury benches and many of his colleagues on the treasury benches become even more uncomfortable in his presence. His knowledge in criminal law was matched by none. It is a great loss to the country. R.I.P.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 09 September, 2019

Web Team

September 9, 2019

Ram Jethmalani was a household name

Sad to learn about the death of Ram Jethmalani who was the country’s best known criminal lawyer apart from being a distinguished parliamentarian. He was also the former law minister of the country and was an authority when it came to the legal system in India. He was an iconic personality who lived his life to the fullest and never afraid to speak against the system or views he didn’t believe in. Legal system is synonymous with his name and he would be remembered till the time law in our country is in existence.

Ram Jethmalani was a household name though controversial at times. He defended not just former PM Rajiv Gandhi‘s killers but also controversial personalities like Harshad Mehta, Ketan Parekh and Afzal Guru which can be excused as defending criminals was his professional duty. He even shocked all when he contested against Vajpayee for Lok sabha from Lucknow in 2004.

Long live the memory of the departed soul. R.I.P Ram Jethmalani. May his soul rest in peace!

S.N.Kabra

Lord Ganesha: Remover of all obstacles

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on a large scale in several parts of India, including Mumbai. The history of Sarvajanik Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra is centuries old.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles and all the problems in one’s life. Little children call him friend Ganesha as they believe he loves them and also takes care of them in their times of difficulties.

Jubel D’Cruz

Government should allow water-purifier only with provision of waste-less water

Presently RO (Reverse Osmosis) water-purifiers usually have a drainage-pipe that drains out an appreciable quantity of water as waste water before preserving the filtered water in the reservoir. Central government should direct concerned ministry or department whereby water-purifiers may be innovated where there may be no generation of waste water to be drained out before preserving purified water in the reservoir. Any provision of compulsory installation of a separate reservoir to store waste-water to be used otherwise will not work, because people in general will either remove any such reservoir or get it emptied by throwing away the waste water.

Since RO water-purifiers are now-a-days very common in households, hotels, restaurants, eateries and offices, installation of water-purifiers without generating waste water to be drained out will save huge quantity of supplied tap-water from being wasted.

Madhu Agrawal

Metro dream

The commercial capital is gearing up for infrastructure development and the Metro move is to shorten the time gap and make the metro dream come true. We can reach from one place to another in a reduced duration and that is a boon for the local commuters. It will take only 60 minutes to reach from one end of Mumbai to its satellite extremities, despite the route changes once in Metro is up for grab for commuters. The connectivity mobility and sustainability will help the city’s growth. With additional lines and the Metro Bhawan foundation stone for the state of the art 32 storey building it will be a dream project. It is a heartening news for the hard hit Mumbai commuters. The state government will pump in over Rs. 1.2 lakh crore over the next decade to build metro corridors stretching 7 kms over a period of time. Metro dream is coming true.

C.K. Ramanathan

Need for an Indian NHS

The lack of competent primary care bedevils our health system. Unless this is addressed, our pitiable health statistics cannot be rectified. Despite having an excellent template provided by the Bhore Committee report, we have not made much progress in this area. Having qualified at a time when all medical education was in the public sector and having also witnessed the decline in standards after private medical colleges came to prominence, I am convinced that health care and medical education should fully be in the public sector. The inferiority of the private health care system of the U.S. in comparison with the public health services of the European countries should show us the way. Perhaps, we do need our own Aneurin Bevan to get us a National Health Service.

Sudeep Kumar

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

SBI cuts Interest Rates on Home Loans, Fixed Deposits again

Web Team

September 9, 2019

State Bank of India on Monday announced yet another reduction on Home Loans and Fixed Deposits. The new rates will be effective from September 10. Thereafter, home loans will be cheaper but returns for savers will also be lower. It is third rate reduction in the current fiscal year.

One year MCLR (Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate), to which all the retail lending rates are linked to, has been reduced to 8.15 per cent from 8.25 per cent. Lending rates are cut by 10 basis points across tenors. It also slashed retail term deposit rates by 20-25 bps and bulk term deposit rates by 10-20 bps across tenors, effective from September 10. SBI attributed the falling interest rate scenario and surplus liquidity for realigning its interest rate on term deposits.

Prior to this, the country’s largest lender State Bank of India on August 23 had slashed interest rates on fixed deposits across various tenure by up to 0.5 percentage point, a move which would lower returns for savers. In view of the falling interest rate scenario and surplus liquidity, SBI realigned its interest rate on Term Deposits with effect from August 26, 2019, said SBI.

The move to reduce interest rate on fixed deposits by the country’s largest lender is expected to be followed by other lenders. The bank had slashed retail term deposit rates by 10-50 basis points across tenors as well as bulk term deposit rates by 30-70 basis points across tenors. The bank had slashed the interest rate for the fixed deposits with maturity of 7-45 days to 4.5 per cent from existing 5 per cent. The rate reduction 46-179 days, 180 days to less than one year maturities baskets is 25 basis points (0.25 percentage point) at 5.5 per cent and 6 per cent respectively while for maturity bucket of 1-2 years is only 10 basis points at 6.70 per cent. For top maturity period of 5-10 years, the decrease is again 25 basis points at 6.25 per cent.

The bank also said that it had retained interest rate on savings bank deposit at 3 per cent for customers with balances above Rs 1 lakh with a view to protecting the interest of savings bank depositors. Customers with SB balance up to Rs 1 lakh will continue to get the rate of interest at 3.50 per cent despite cut in the repo rate by the RBI earlier in August. The RBI in its third bi-monthly policy had reduced repo rate by 35 basis point (from 5.75 per cent to 5.40 per cent) with effect from August 7, 2019.

With effect from May 1, 2019, SBI had linked the interest rate on Savings Bank deposits (for balances above Rs 1 lakh) with the Repo rate (i.e. 275 basis points below Repo rate) without changing the rate of 3.5 per cent for SB balances up to Rs 1 lakh.

“Had this rate cut been transmitted to savings bank (SB) deposits, the applicable returns on SB deposits with balances above Rs 1 lakh would have dropped to 2.65 per cent (275 bps below Repo rate, i.e. 5.40%) with effect from September 1, 2019,” it said.

Congress is in fix

Suraj Chandran

September 8, 2019

The bickering in Madhya Pradesh Congress party is a fresh cause of worry for the Congress leadership. Following a meeting with Chief Minister Kamal Nath, interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi decided that a committee headed by former Union minister AK Antony would look into the issue. Several MLAs and ministers in Chief Minister Kamal Nath-led government have been demanding the appointment of Jyotiraditya Scindia as Madhya Pradesh Congress president. This is not the first time that a leadership battle has come to the fore in Madhya Pradesh. After the Congress emerged victorious in the 2018 Assembly elections, several MLAs and ministers in Chief Minister Kamal Nath-led government have been demanding the appointment of Scindia as Madhya Pradesh Congress president. After days of suppositions and deliberations, the then Congress president Rahul Gandhi had chosen Kamal Nath for the post of Chief Minister.

Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan said, “I can’t comment over Madhya Pradesh issue. A discussion is happening over this issue among senior Congress leaders. Congress will resolve this matter amicably.”

Madhya Pradesh in-charge Dipak Babaria submitted a detailed report over statements made by some state leaders. The report mentioned that some ministers had complaints against former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, who had reportedly been seeking response on the works recommended by him. Last week, a fresh issue had cropped up when supporters of Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia installed hoardings, demanding that the former Guna Member of Parliament be made the chief of the Madhya Pradesh unit of the Congress party.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP, Hussain Dalwai said, “I won’t comment on this issue and you can seek answer from the Centre.”

Scindia said that outsiders should not get involved in functioning of the party. Groupism is prevalent in Madhya Pradesh Congress and Scindia said that Congress should hear the grievances of both the groups. During the 2018 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls there were difference of opinion between Scindia and Digvijaya Singh pertaining to issuing tickets to candidates. Rahul Gandhi had formed a committee comprising Ashok Gehlot, Ahmed Patel and Veerappa Moily to resolve this issue. They had tried their best to address this issue but differences continue to crop up between Scindia and Digvijaya Singh. Scindia’s supporters want him to be appointed as Madhya Pradesh Congress president. On the other hand, Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath want Shobha Ojha to be appointed as Madhya Pradesh Congress president.

When Afternoon Voice correspondent spoke to Kamal Nath and asked about leadership crises, he told that, “I had long discussions with our party president Sonia ji on political situation in Madhya Pradesh. She is expecting some maturity and patience from party workers. Her greatest concern is of indiscipline in the state. The matter has been handed over to Congress discipline committee president AK Antony. Things would be sorted soon.”

Senior Party worker of MP told AV that all this is happening over one person, Congress party is divided in two groups, and one is of Jyotiraditya Scindia who is new generation politician and Digvijaya Singh who is veteran of Congress. Scindia believes that the old guards have damaged party and brought lot of embarrassment to Congress and they should now take inactive role and support the party.

The infighting in Madhya Pradesh has become a fresh cause of concern for the Congress leadership. Sonia Gandhi held a meeting with Chief Minister Kamal Nath and decided that a committee headed by former Union Ministry AK Anthony would look into the issue.

Extra marital Affair, Adultery and Bigamy

Vaidehi Taman

September 8, 2019

Adv. Pratibha Bangera (Divorce and Family court lawyer) explains how a court looks at relationship between husband wife and the other party with our Editor-in-Chief Dr Vaidehi Taman.

What is an extramarital affair ?

An extra marital affair can be either an emotional or sexual infidelity by a married man or woman.

What is Adultery and how is it different from Bigamy?

Sexual infidelity or having sex outside marriage is Adultery and re-marrying without taking divorce is Bigamy and such marriage is illegal.

Can the court punish a person committing adultery?

Until recently adultery was a criminal offence where only husband could complain against wife’s adulterous male accomplice or “other man”. But in case of a wife whose husband had strayed, she could not complain against the other woman. This was seen as gender bias. Giving more power to only the man to treat his wife as property while a wife in similar situation could not file an adultery case against the other woman. It defied the principle of equality.

The law has changed since 2018 and it is now no more an offence and there cannot be a criminal charge and there is no more imprisonment for people caught with adultery. But it still has civil legal repercussions and there could be damages or compensation to pay gor. And in some cases if adultery is proved, the court may even cancel the maintenance amount or child custody.

However, bigamy is still an offence. It is not only punishable with 7 years imprisonment but the court may order that the victim spouse should receive compensation for such acts.

Does the second husband or wife have any legal right to property ?

When the marriage itself is illegal, the question of legal right will not arise. Unless there was a deceitful marriage where the victim did not have knowledge and it could also amount to rape. However children born out of such marriages are legitimate and can bear their fathers name and also have a right or share in fathers property after his demise.

What about pension rights in case of death of spouse having married twice?

Only the first wife/ husband (spouse) can claim pension or share in property of such deceased spouse. In such conflicting cases, the legally wedded spouse may have to apply for succession certificate.

What if the second spouse has children out of the illegitimate marriage ?

Every child born to parents legitimate or otherwise has a right to share in property of both parents after their death. The deceased spouse’s property will be distributed as per line of succession and family tree of such person.

Has the number of adultery cases increased in recent years?

Yes indeed, not only has it increased but the trends have also changed. There is increasing number of divorce cases filed by husband as well.

What is the kind of evidence required to prove an adultery case?

Proof should be enough to hint at a sexual relationship such as hotel booking receipts, travel ticket or passport entries, telephone itemized bills with date and time, cosy photographs posted on social websites, testimony of witnesses or family members or neighbours, CCTV camera footages, photographs entering or exiting from some place (supported and obtained from RTI commissioner of local area. Sometimes even a self admission of adultery on paper or chats or before a witness can be useful evidence for the case. However all remedies only lead to RCR (restitution of conjugal rights) or divorce.

Can a person hire a detective for gathering such kind of evidence?

Proof from unreliable sources may be rejected if they are found to have been collected unethically by hacking or using illegal devices for tracking. It may even be treated as violation of privacy which is a crime and sometimes violate Telegraph Act or cyber crime. In most cases it is not even necessary but a lot of litigants get misled and waste their precious time, energy and money in gathering proofs and attempt to hold family meetings in fear of facing up to the challenging situation. This can only delay their matter and in the long run such proof may not even be useful.

The family court has alternate remedies such as counseling and mediation where such issues are brought forth for finding solutions even for divorce settlement to expedite the time frame so that there is less heart burning.

It is not fair that a person victimized due to a philandering spouse should be put to any further pain. The court grants divorce along with financial compensation as per the life style standards of the family.

Can a wife cheating on her husband claim maintenance from her husband?

If adultery is proven, it may be difficult for the woman to win maintenance for herself from the husband if she has not maintained chastity.

What about child’s maintenance and custody?

The court at all times is concerned about the child’s highest safety and well being which includes financial stability. In such cases the court has power to take any decision in favour of child’s highest betterment.

What are the remedies available for second wife or husband who married without knowledge of earlier existing marriage?

It is a punishable offence to cheat someone and get married without getting a divorce and the jail term for cheating an innocent person into marriage is upto 10 years along with compensation by way of fine or damages.

Marriage and property are separate issues. In such cases, the legally wedded spouse may have to file separate case for a restraining order of court on such property or even proceed to attach income from such property.

Has there been any case of punishment for adultery or bigamy in India so far?

Criminal sections in family matters can be withdrawn at any time with permission of court. Hence most of these matters are settled and no there are not many cases or precedents to quote.

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