Patralekha Chatterjee | Let people celebrate, or Indias rise will be hurt
In this season of celebrations, can anyone be denied their right to celebrate? That is exactly what happened to Ashar Choudhury and Avani Bhargava, an inter-faith couple. Both are professionals based in the United States. Earlier this year, they registered their marriage under Indias Special Marriage Act 1954 with the Consulate-General of India in San Francisco. The couple had plans for a joyous wedding reception this month with family and friends in Aligarh, their hometown. Invitation cards were distributed. But then things took an astonishing turn. What was meant to be a happy occasion ended in a heart-breaking story. As widely reported by the media, a motley bunch of people belonging to assorted Hindu nationalist groups in Aligarh got to know about the reception and decided to take things into their own hands. They protested, submitted a memorandum to the local administration, and threatened dire consequences if the reception took place. The couple, they asserted, had no right to celebrate their marriage because one was a Muslim and the other a Hindu, and a reception would disrupt communal harmony. We are not against their marriage as they are adults, but we opposed the get-together scheduled for December 21. Such functions could lead to more interactions between young men and women of the two different communities, the coordinator of one of the Hindu nationalist outfits told journalists. Both families have now announced that the reception is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Clearly, there were concerns about the safety of the couple. One media report I read noted that the memorandum also brought up other issues such as the mistreatment of Hindus in Bangladesh. I am still rubbing my eyes, trying to find a link between the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh and a proposed wedding reception in Aligarh where the couple happen to be from different faiths. Arguably, in hyper-polarised India, frenzy about Hindu-Muslim marriages grabs the most attention but it is by no means the sole marker of undue community interference. Another recent report from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, pivots around a Dalit constables wedding procession which was allegedly attacked by upper caste men who objected to loud music played by DJs. Reports say the goons vandalised the vehicle, threw stones, and forced the groom to get off his horse. In the melee, several guests were injured. The accused not only prevented the playing of music and the procession but also resorted to threats, brandishing firearms and unleashing casteist slurs on baraatis . They threatened to kill us for filing a complaint, the brides brother told journalists. We are at the fag end of 2024. Tumultuous changes are sweeping across the world. A lot has changed in the country too. But some things obstinately persist. India continues to celebrate individual Muslims who are visibly successful, lauded internationally and, who add to the sheen of Brand India. But in many parts of the country, harsh behaviour towards ordinary people belonging to the minority communities is becoming the norm. Inter-faith marriages remain a political and socio-cultural hot potato, triggering threats, intimidation and sometimes violence. It is now socially acceptable to interfere in other peoples personal lives, label the celebration of an inter-faith marriage as instigation to communal harmony. Several Indian states have enacted laws requiring couples to inform the authorities of inter-faith marriages and conversions. These laws can potentially encourage community surveillance of weddings, where individuals or groups may selectively challenge marriages or create a situation that can delay or disrupt specific wedding celebrations. The groups argue they have social sentiment backing them. We are in dangerous terrain with such arguments. Such is the continued frenzy over inter-faith marriages in India that safe houses or shelters are becoming critical. The Special Marriage Act 1954 allows Indian citizens to marry, irrespective of their religion, caste, or ethnicity, through a civil procedure. Such legal provisions exist to protect the rights of inter-faith couples to marry, but on the ground, wedding processions in India can be disrupted due to a mix of familial opposition, societal and religious pressure, as well as administrative interference. What happened in Aligarh has happened before and could well happen again. Recently, the Bombay high court suggested that state guest houses in districts be used as safe houses for inter-caste and inter-faith couples facing threats. The court has directed the Maharashtra social justice and home departments to come up with a draft policy circular for the safety and protection of couples in the state who may be facing security issues due to inter-caste or inter-faith marriages. This should make us think. Safe houses for inter-faith couples would be unnecessary if the police and other government agencies were serious about cracking down on those trying to make the lives of these couples miserable. India needs to introspect. As the year winds down, community interference in wedding processions in India remains a significant concern, particularly for inter-faith and inter-caste couples. There has been progress toward greater acceptance of diverse relationships but the cancelled wedding reception in Aligarh shows that disruptors feel emboldened. How much longer are we going to allow this frenzy over inter-faith marriages to distract us from the pressing everyday problems facing ordinary Indians? In a free country, adults should be free to love and marry whoever they wish to, and to celebrate the way they wish. Worryingly, the line between community spirit and community interference is blurring. If this continues, we will legitimise and empower people who believe in community interference in private lives. Where do we go from here? These are tough times. Huge political shifts are taking place across the world. Uncertainties loom ahead. India has a choice: it can either put all its energy into addressing the monumental challenges that remain and work towards fulfilling grand aspirations, or it can allow itself to be repeatedly distracted, let self-anointed custodians of the national interest decide what others should eat, who they should meet, with whom they should mate and what and how they should celebrate? The question that pops up as the year winds down -- can a hugely diverse country which talks about leading the world, joining the club of modern developed nations, continue to work itself into a frenzy over who marries whom? As we ponder the changes transforming the world, we must realise that erecting barriers between communities will eventually take the shine off the India story. No one should be allowed to deny others their right to celebrate joyous moments. Development is not about disrupting wedding processions and ceremonies on flimsy grounds.
UP: Abandoned temple reopens in Muslim-majority area
Right-wing organizations, including Bajrang Dal and All India Karni Sena, held a 'shuddhikaran' (purification) ceremony and chanted Hanuman chalisa at a long-abandoned Shiva temple in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The temple, located in a Muslim-majority locality, was eopened by members of these groups. The ceremony took place on Wednesday night amid tight security measures. Local residents, including a former Aligarh Mayor, have voiced concerns over the state of the temple and called for its restoration.
Abanadoned temple reopened in Aligarh, purification ceremony held
Aligarh: Right-wing organisations and some local BJP leaders held a shuddhikaran (purification) ceremony and chanted Hanuman chalisa at a long-abandoned Shiva temple in a Muslim-majority locality here after it was reopened by members of these groups. The purification ceremony, organised by groups like Bajrang Dal and All India Karni Sena, took place on Wednesday night, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
In Aligarh, a purification ceremony was held at a long-abandoned Shiva temple in a Muslim-majority area after its eopening by right-wing groups. Locals, including Muslims, helped restore the temple and pledged support for its revival. The temple, abandoned for five years, was rediscovered during a drive to identify neglected places of worship.
NEW DELHI: Asserting that justice delayed is justice denied, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh for failing to fulfil the promises made to the family of the Hathras gang-rape victim. Gandhi shared a video of his recent meeting with the victims family in Hathras. Justice delayed is justice denied! But something else is happening in Hathras where the accused are roaming free and the victim's family is held hostage, the former Congress chief said in his YouTube post alongside the video. On 14 September 2020, a 19-year-old Dalit woman was brutally gang-raped by four upper-caste men in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. Two weeks later, on 28 September 2020, she passed away in a hospital in New Delhi. At 2.30 am the same night, without the consent of the womans family, the Uttar Pradesh police forcefully cremated her body. After a long phase of destroying evidence and misleading the judiciary, today, four years later, the accused are roaming free in the same village and the victims family is held hostage, still waiting for justice, Gandhi alleged. He added that the promises made to the victims family by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh have not been fulfilled. Neither have they been given a government job nor has the promise of shifting them to another place been fulfilled, Gandhi said. In this labyrinth of casteism and power, it has become impossible for Dalits to even hope for justice, he added. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaches Hathras to meet family of 2020 rape-murder victim Gandhi reiterated that the INDIA bloc, which respects the Constitution, is committed to protecting the Bahujans from these oppressors who follow the path of Manusmriti. We will get all the promises fulfilled, we will get them justice, he said. Taking to X, Gandhi wrote, Listen carefully and feel every word filled with despair of the family of Hathras rape victim. They are still in fear. Their situation confirms that it has become extremely difficult for Dalits to get justice. We are with this family - we will relocate their house and provide all necessary assistance, he said. He also shared the video on Facebook, stating: The family of Hathras victim was promised by UP's BJP government that a government job - which was not given. Fast track court - justice still pending. And safe relocation - house arrest. We will get justice for the victim's family - we, INDIA bloc, who believe in the Constitution, will make arrangements for their freedom and relocation. The video features Gandhi listening to the victims family, who claim they have been denied justice and are not allowed to leave their house. They alleged that they had neither received a job nor any relocation assistance. On 12 December, Gandhi met with the family of the Dalit woman in Hathras, who passed away following her alleged gang-rape in September 2020. Gandhi alleged that the family is being treated like criminals. The family reportedly reached out to Gandhi earlier this year, seeking his support in obtaining justice, according to the Congress, which shared a letter addressed to the Leader of Opposition by the womans father. - - pic.twitter.com/VV6dc90D0p Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 17, 2024 During his visit, Gandhi spent approximately 35 minutes with the family at their home and departed without speaking to a group of waiting reporters. Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra previously met the Hathras family on 3 October 2020, declaring their commitment to fighting for justice for the deceased. The victim was allegedly gang-raped on 14 September 2020. She was moved to Aligarh for treatment and later to New Delhi, where she died on 29 September 2020. She was cremated in the early hours of 30 September, with her family alleging that the local police forced them to conduct the last rites at night. Local police officers, however, had told PTI that the cremation was carried out as per the wishes of the family. Following an initial police probe, the CBI took over the investigation into the case and filed a charge sheet against all four accused.
'Rs 15K sq km of Mahanadi onshore basin being scouted for oil, natural gas
BHUBANESWAR : Oil India Limited is exploring around 15,000 sq km area on Mahanadi onshore basin to look for oil and natural gas. Speaking at an event here on Monday, Oil India chairman and managing director (CMD) Ranjit Rath said the exploration work is underway at the Mahanadi onshore basin and Odisha has the likelihood to immensely benefit out of it. Oil India also has other huge investments going on in the state, he added. This apart, Rath said they are also laying the longest crude oil pipeline in the country of which 200 km will pass through Odisha. We are laying the pipeline as part of the proposed expansion of the Numaligarh refinery from its existing capacity of 3 million tonne to 9 million tonne. Accordingly a pipeline is being laid from Paradip to Numaligarh. Once it is commissioned, it will be the longest crude oil pipeline and 200 km of it will pass through Odisha, Rath said adding, a tank farm is also being built in Paradip for the purpose. Stating that natural gas at present contributes to around seven per cent of Indias primary energy needs, the Oil India CMD said it will increase over time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a vision to raise the share of natural gas in energy mix in the country to 15 per cent by 2030. Apart from natural gas, biogas generated from municipal waste and agricultural residues will also play an important role in achieving the target, he said.
ALIGARH: A US-based inter-faith couple of Indian origin was forced to cancel their wedding reception in this Uttar Pradesh district following hreats of protests by rightwing organisations, officials said on Monday. The couple was married in March and registered it under the Special Marriage Act at an Indian consulate in the US. They had planned to host a reception for family members and friends at a hotel here on Saturday, their relatives said. However, after the invitation card of the reception became circulated on social media, they faced stiff opposition from the Bajrang Bal, a Bajrang Dal splinter group, the All India Karni Sena, and some BJP leaders. On December 12, the groups announced that they would hold protests against the event and also allegedly pressured the hotel management to cancel the booking. The groups also approached Additional District Magistrate (City) Amit Kumar, expressing strong opposition to the event. They submitted a joint memorandum, signed by former Aligarh mayor Shakuntala Bharti and All India Karni Sena president Thakur Gyanendra Singh Chauhan, warning that it could lead to unrest. Citing the alleged mistreatment of Hindus in Bangladesh and recent violence in Sambhal and Bharaich, the memorandum said the event could potentially breach peace in the city. Chauhan said the marriage was a clear case of love jihad and his organisation would firmly oppose the celebration. The hotel management said it would comply with the district authorities' directives in the matter. Meanwhile, top district officials held discussions on December 13 but both families had decided to call off the function by the afternoon, citing unforseen circumstances. The couple is highly educated and skilled professionals from well-known families. After initial resistance, both the families agreed to the marriage, family sources said. The families requested to remain anonymous due to privacy concerns and declined to comment to PTI .
US-based couple cancels wedding in Aligarh after right-wing outcry
An interfaith couple from the United States cancelled their wedding reception in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, after local right-wing groups protested, citing risks to communal harmony. Scheduled for December 21, the reception faced opposition from organisations like Bajrang Dal and Karni Sena, who warned authorities of potential unrest. The couple, married under the Special Marriage Act, cited safety concerns in their decision.
Inter-faith couple cancels wedding reception in Aligarh after protest threat by rightwing groups
Rightwing threat: Interfaith couple cancels reception
A United States-based interfaith couple of Indian origin was forced to cancel their wedding reception in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh following 'threats of protests' by rightwing organisations, officials said on Monday.
The Ghaziabad-Kanpur Expressway will be connecting 9 districts including Ghaziabad, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Kasganj, Farrukhabad, Kannauj and Unnao.
AMU receives Sheikh Zayed International Award in herbal medicine
Aligarh: Prof Mohammad Anis, former Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Chairman of the Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University has been honoured with the third Sheikh Zayed International Award in Herbal Medicine. The ceremony was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 12, a press release from the University said. Prof Anis Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Doctors stitch back detached scalp of 13-year-old girl
A 13-year-old girl from Aligarh had her scalp completely torn off in a horrific accident involving a generator fan. Doctors at Faridabad's Amrita Hospital performed a complex, eight-hour replantation surgery, even after a 10-hour delay. Using microvascular techniques, they reattached blood vessels, nerves, and tissues, saving the girl from permanent disfigurement.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaches Hathras to meet family of 2020 rape-murder victim
HATHRAS: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reached Hathras Thursday morning to meet the family of a Dalit woman who had died allegedly after gangrape in September 2020. The Congress MP reached Bool Garhi village around 11.15 am, even as police stepped up deployment in and around the hamlet in the Chandpa area the district in light of his visit. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai confirmed in Lucknow that Rahul Gandhi would be visiting the family on Thursday. Congress leader in Hathras Chandragupt Vikramaditya told PTI , Rahul ji and Priyanka ji are the leaders who are in touch with aggrieved people across the country. Rahul ji has been in touch with this family also. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said Rahul Gandhi is confused and ot aware of the status of the case. Asked about the reasons for Gandhi's visit, Pathak said, The CBI has already conducted an inquiry into this case and in BJP rule no culprit is allowed to get away scot free. Whether Sambhal or Hathras, he (Gandhi) keeps visiting them just to be in limelight and not for any other reason, the senior BJP leader added. However, UP Minister for Minorities Welfare Om Prakash Rajbhar slammed Rahul Gandhi for the visit saying, If he was not aware of facts of the case, he should know that a CBI probe had long been done. If he knows of any higher investigating authority, he should let us know. Such visits are mere gimmicks showing the Congress desperation, Rajbhar said. Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi had met the family on October 3, 2020 and declared that they will fight for ensuring justice to the deceased. The 19-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped on September 14, 2020. She was moved to Aligarh for treatment and later to Delhi, where she died on September 29, 2020. She was cremated in the early hours of October 30, with her family alleging the local police had forced them to conduct the last rites in the dead of the night. Local police officers, however, had told PTI that the cremation was carried out as per the wishes of the family. After an initial police probe in the matter, the CBI had taken over the investigation into the case and filed a charge sheet against all four accused.
Rakesh Tikait Detained on Yamuna Expressway
Rakesh Tikait, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader, was detained by Aligarh police en route to a Mahapanchayat in Greater Noida. His vehicle was intercepted on the Yamuna Expressway in the Tappal area. Following a brief pursuit, Tikait and his team were taken into custody.
Rakesh Tikait detained by Aligarh Police on way to Greater Noida for farmers' protest
BKU leader Rakesh Tikait was detained by Aligarh Police en route to a farmer leaders' meeting in Greater Noida. Police stopped Tikait and his associates on the Yamuna Expressway, transporting them to Tappal police station. Tikait criticized the police for preventing farmers from reaching Noida and warned of escalating protests.
Rakesh Tikait detained by Aligarh Police on way to Greater Noida for farmers protest
Aligarh, Dec 4: BKU leader Rakesh Tikait was detained by the Aligarh Police on Wednesday while on his way to Greater Noida to participate in a meeting of farmer leaders, a police official said. The Bharatiya Kisan Unions influential spokesperson and his associates were taken to the Tappal police station in a bus after they were stopped from proceeding on the Yamuna Expressway. When contacted, an official spokesman of the Aligarh Police confirmed that Tikait had been detained but not [] The post Rakesh Tikait detained by Aligarh Police on way to Greater Noida for farmers protest appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NOIDA: Police on Tuesday arrested more than 160 protesting farmers, including the president of Bharatiya Kisan Parishad Sukhbir Yadav 'Khalifa', who were holding a sit-in at the 'Dalit Prerna Sthal' in Noida after their march to Delhi on land compensation and other demands was stopped a day earlier. The protesters, who had gathered in Gautam Buddh Nagar from different parts of Uttar Pradesh on Monday on the call of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), had threatened to resume their march to the national capital if their demands were not met within a week. Condemning the police action, the SKM said it was a violation of the constitutional rights for peaceful protest and urged the judiciary to intervene. In a statement, the farmers' collective claimed the police had arrested hundreds of farmers including more than one hundred women and forcibly evicted them from the protest site. The SKM alleged that the police had violated the consensus reached with the farmers' leadership on December 2, asking for seven days to allow the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to discuss and resolve the demands. Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shiv Hari Meena said that they arrested more than 160 protesters at around 1.30 pm under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The provision allows the police to carry out arrests to prevent the commission of a cognisable offence. Among the arrested were women and several farmer leaders like Khalifa and Pawan Khatana the state president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Western Uttar Pradesh), according to the police. The protesters were taken to the Luksar jail in Noida, officials said. Khalifa told PTI on phone that they will continue to fight for their just demands. Slamming the arrests, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) convened an emergency panchayat over the matter at the Kisan Bhavan in Sisauli village of Muzaffarnagar where it decided to amplify the protest on Wednesday. It was decided in the Panchayat that BKU workers from the five divisions of Uttar Pradesh, which include Meerut, Saharanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Moradabad -- will reach the 'Zero Point' in Gautam Buddha Nagar while peaceful dharna would be observed across all other districts in their respective police stations, BKU's youth wing president of Uttar Pradesh Anuj Singh told PTI. Zero Point refers to a location at the convergence point of the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the Yamuna Expressway in Gautam Buddh Nagar district's Greater Noida city. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait warned that the ongoing protest led by the SKM would turn into a nationwide agitation of farmers. Tikait asserted that the moment the farm leaders of Gautam Buddh Nagar call for help, we will immediately respond to their call. The BKU leader, who was in Iglas here on Tuesday in connection with a private function, was speaking to media persons during his visit. This agitation would turn into a nationwide agitation of farmers who are protesting against the unjust manner in which farmlands are being acquired by the government without paying just and full payment to the farmers, he said. He said that the Gautam Buddh Nagar protest has been put off till December 9 to give the government some time to resolve this long-standing dispute between farmers in that district and the authorities which had been continuously delaying the process of payment of full compensation as envisaged by the Land Acquisition Act 2013. Tikait said that the farmers of Gautam Buddh Nagar are not alone in this protest and representatives of different farmers' organisations have been stationed there to assist them in their quest for justice. He said it has become a regular practice of the present government to acquire farmlands at low prices and to add to the farmers' woes, even the agreed amount of compensation is delayed inordinately. I will shortly be visiting Gautam Buddh Nagar to converse with the local leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha during their ongoing negotiations with officials of the state government, he said. The farmers had gathered near the Mahamaya flyover and left for Delhi on Monday demanding proper compensation for their land acquired by the government, but were stopped by the police near Dalit Prerna Sthal, after which they sat on dharna there. Massive traffic snarls had caused inconvenience to commuters crossing the Delhi-Noida border as police had set up multiple layers of barricades and deployed heavy security to stop the march, which coincided with Parliament's Winter Session.
Aligarh: Teenager dies of heart attack during sports practice, fifth such case this month
A 14-year-old boy from Aligarh died of a heart attack while practicing for a school sports competition. This follows other sudden heart attack incidents in the region, including the death of an 8-year-old girl. Experts emphasize regular check-ups to monitor heart health, especially in young individuals.
2 Children Among 5 Who Died Of Heart Attack Within 25 Days In Aligarh
Children aged 14 and 8 - a boy and a girl - are among the five people who died of heart attack within 25 days in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh.
Teen Dies Of Heart Attack While Practising Running For School Event
A 14-year-old boy died after suffering a heart attack while he was running in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district this week.
AMU students protest on campus demanding quota for Dalits, tribals
ALIGARH: The Aarakshan Sangharsh Morcha on Tuesday held a march demanding reservation for Dalits and backward and Other Backward Classes in admission at Aligarh Muslim University. The march was taken out by the newly-formed students' body amid tight security on the university campus. Barricades were raised at roads leading to the campus by the authorities. The protesters gathered at Raja Mahendra Pratap chowk in the Civil Lines locality and then marched to the University Circle at the entry point of the campus, raising anti-AMU and religious slogans. At the end of the march, some protesters tried to get past the barricades but met with force. Protesters handed a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Additional City Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Mishra, who received it on behalf of the District Magistrate. Mishra later told reporters that the procession was carried out peacefully. The students in their memorandum demanded reservation for Hindu Dalits, backwards, and tribal in AMU till the Supreme Court passes a judgement on the issue. A varsity official said protesters raised provocative slogans near the AMU Circle. The issue of reservation to any community now rests totally with the Supreme Court of India which is examining the entire matter in the light of the Constitution of the country and the legal status of the University, AMU spokesman and Member In-charge, Public Relations, Prof Mohammad Asim Siddiqui said. He said a false impression was being created and that there was no reservation for Muslims in any course at the varsity. The only reservation which exists is reservation for internal students which include members of all communities. So the question of providing religion- or caste-based reservation does not arise till the apex court decides on this matter, Siddiqui said.
AMU Students Protest, Demand Quota for Dalits and Tribals
Aligarh: The Aarakshan Sangharsh Morcha on Tuesday held a march demanding reservation for Dalits and backward and Other Backward Classes in admission at Aligarh Muslim University. The march was taken out by the newly-formed students' body amid tight security on the university campus. Barricades were raised at roads leading to the campus by the authorities. The protesters gathered at Raja Mahendra Pratap chowk in the Civil Lines locality and then marched to the University Circle at the entry point of the campus, raising anti-AMU and religious slogans. At the end of the march, some protesters tried to get past the barricades but met with force. Protesters handed a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Additional City Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Mishra, who received it on behalf of the District Magistrate. Mishra later told reporters that the procession was carried out peacefully. The students in their memorandum demanded reservation for Hindu Dalits, backwards, and tribal in AMU till the Supreme Court passes a judgement on the issue. A varsity official said protesters raised provocative slogans near the AMU Circle. The issue of reservation to any community now rests totally with the Supreme Court of India which is examining the entire matter in the light of the Constitution of the country and the legal status of the University, AMU spokesman and Member In-charge, Public Relations, Prof Mohammad Asim Siddiqui said. He said a false impression was being created and that there was no reservation for Muslims in any course at the varsity. The only reservation which exists is reservation for internal students which include members of all communities. So the question of providing religion- or caste-based reservation does not arise till the apex court decides on this matter, Siddiqui said.
Former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud defended the Supreme Court's handling of cases. He rejected Shiv Sena (UBT)'s claim that delayed decisions on MLA disqualifications caused their election loss. Chandrachud emphasized the court's independence and focus on significant constitutional matters. He cited examples like electoral bonds, Aligarh Muslim University, and disability rights.
AMU professors clash in meeting, varsity mulls action
Two senior faculty members of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) exchanged blows in an official meeting, leading to a possible departmental action. A video of the incident, which occurred on Sunday, has since surfaced on social media. The reason for the fight is still unknown, but AMU sources say it stemmed from a long-standing misunderstanding between the two professors.
BJP sweeps UP bypolls, wins seven of nine seats; SP suffers setback in Dalit, Muslim-majority seats
LUCKNOW: After facing a humiliating defeat in recent Lok Sabha polls, the ruling BJP managed to salvage its pride by sweeping the bypoll to nine assembly constituencies winning seven of them on Saturday. The main opposition Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, had to be satisfied with just two seats conceding two from its kitty to the ruling party. The voting for the nine seats had taken place on Wednesday. The BJP alliance not only retained the five seats it had won in the 2022 polls but also won two additional assembly seats - Kundarki in Moradabad and Katehri in Ambedkarnagar - which the SP had won in 2022 assembly polls. While Moradabads Kundarki, the stronghold of senior SP leader late Shafiqur Rehman Barq, is a Muslim-dominated seat, Katehri in Ambedkar Nagar has a substantial chunk of Dalit voters. Kundarki was vacated by sitting SP MLA Ziaur Rehman Barq, the great-grandson of Shafiqur Rehman Barq, as he got elected to Lok Sabha from Sambhal, Katehari was vacated by SP MLA Lalji Verma who won from Ambedkarnagar in Lok Sabah election. While winning Kundarki and Katehari add weight to BJPs Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas narrative and Yogi Adityanaths Batenge toh Katenge call, re-establishing his electoral prowess, the loss has come as a jolt to the Samajwadi Party and its PDA narrative which failed to impress the voters in its stronghold like Kundarki. Moreover, the BJPs victory in Kundarki, which has Muslim voters in the majority, has given a reflection of the changing political landscape in Uttar Pradesh where the Muslim voters have backed the ruling party in a respectable number this time. The BJP candidate Ramvir Singh has won the Kundarki seat by a huge margin of 1.45 lakh votes defeating Mohammad Rizwan, a two-time MLA, of the SP. BJP candidate Ramvir Singh with supporters flashes victory sign after he secured victory in UP's Kundarki Assembly constituency bypoll. Similarly, in Katehari, the lotus bloomed after three decades. BJPs Dharmraj Nishad won the seat by a margin of around 35,000 votes defeating Shobhawati Verma of SP. The other seats that the BJP bagged included Phulpur (Prayagraj), Khair (Aligarh), Ghaziabad Sadar (Ghaziabad), and Majhawan (Mirzapur). BJP ally Rastriya Lok Dal (RLD) of Jayant Chaudhury, retained its prowess in Meerapur thus consolidating its position in BJP-led NDA. In Meerapur, the RLD's Mithlesh Pal (the BP candidate contesting of RLD symbol) won by over 30,000 votes from the SP's Sumbul Rana. The seat was won by the RLD, by Chandan Chauhan, in the last election. However, Kundarki and Katehari losses have put a question mark on the notion, which gained weight after Lok Sabah polls, that the Samajwadi Party has emerged as the next best choice of Dalit voters who had drifted away first from the BSP gravitating towards the BJP in 2014. In 2024, they seemed to have deserted BJP also voting in favour of SP. At the same time, having put up an impressive show in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls by winning 37 of the 80 seats, the Samajwadi Party managed to retain its first family stronghold of Karhal in Mainpuri and Sisamau in Kanpur which has a substantial Muslim vote base. BJP workers celebrate the party's victory in the Maharashtra Assembly polls and six of UP bypolls, in Varanasi. In Karhal, SP chief Akhilesh Yadavs nephew Tej Pratap Yadav defeated his kin and BJP candidate Anujesh Yadav by a margin of approximately 15, 000 votes. The seat was vacated by Akhilesh after getting elected to Lok Sabha from Kannauj. The Ghaziabad seat has remained with the BJP as its candidate Sanjeev Sharma retained it for the party by defeating SP's Singh Raj Jatav by over 63,000 votes. The BJP also retained Khair where Surender Diler defeated his SP rival Charu Kain by nearly 40,000 votes. In Phulpur, BJPs Deepak Patel defeated SPs Mohd Siddique by around 12,000 votes. The BJP registered a win in Majhawan where Shuchismita Maurya drubbed Dr Jyoti Bind of the SP by a slender margin of 5,000 votes. This seat was won by the NISHAD Party, another BJP ally, in 2022. After the results, UP CM Yogi Adityanath posted a triumphant message on microblogging site X. Victory of BJP-NDA in UP Assembly bypolls is a testament to people's unwavering faith in the successful leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This victory is the result of the security, good governance, and public welfare policies of the double-engine government and hard work of dedicated workers. I express my gratitude to the respected voters of UP, he said in his post in Hindi. - @narendramodi - - - Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 23, 2024 Significantly, the Chief Minister finished his post with the contentious 'katenge to batenge' war cry that has been fiercely criticised by the opposition for being communal.
Uttar Pradesh records 25% rise in stubble burning cases
LUCKNOW: Amid the rising levels of air pollution as a potential threat to life, especially, in the national capital and the Nation Capital Region (NCR), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) data shows that UP has registered an alarming jump of 25 per cent stubble burning incidents in the current fiscal. According to data, updated till Nov 19,2024, UP has recorded 3,308 incidents of stubble burning this year as compared to 2,649 incidents reported in the corresponding span of time, last year. Maharajganj district in eastern UP stands out with maximum 284 incidents of stubble burning followed by Aligarh, where 173 incidents were reported. Significantly, Maharajganj had reported just 89 such incidents in 2023 and it has now recorded a jump of around three times surging the figure to 284. The other districts registering significant number of such incidents include Jhansi (167), Fatehpur (133), Shahjahanpur (127), Hardoi (122), Kanpur Dehat (119), and Etawah (118). As per the agriculture department sources, besides the rise in the incidents of stubble burning, the incidents of agricultural waste burning have also come to light. The agricultural department authorities claim to be vigilant about the situation on the ground and imposing penalties. Satellite data monitoring of stubble burning across six states including UP, Rajasthan, MP, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi - suggests a significant shift in stubble burning patterns. States such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, with low farm fire incidents previously, have witnessed an increase in the number of farm fires. Satellite data shows that since October 28, 2024, the incidents of stubble burning have gone up considerably in those six states. This resulted in thick smoke spreading over a large area of north and central India. On November 19, satellites spotted 1,394 residue burning events. This included 664 incidents in MP, followed by 368 in UP, 270 in Punjab, 35 in Haryana, and 57 in Rajasthan. However, the national capital recorded zero incidents. Satellite monitoring of stubble burning incidents in fields started on September 15. During the period between September 15 and November 19, a total of 28,713 incidents of stubble burning were reported in these six states. Despite the state governments adopting a hard stance against the menace, incidents of stubble burning increased in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The Centre, in early November, decided to double the penalty on stubble burning. The Centre is already extending financial support to the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the NCT of Delhi to address air pollution. During the current year, so far, funds amounting to Rs 275 crore have already been released to the states, out of a total allocation of Rs 600 crore.
5 dead and 15 injured after truck collides with double decker bus on Yamuna expressway
Five people died and 15 others were injured when a truck and a double-decker bus collided on the Yamuna Expressway in Aligarh, India, early Thursday morning. The bus was en route from Delhi to Azamgarh when the accident occurred. Police attributed the cause of the crash to dense fog and the truck driver's attempt to overtake the bus.
Five killed in bus-truck collision on Yamuna Expressway in Aligarh
ALIGARH (UP): Five people were killed and several injured when a bus collided with the truck on Yamuna Expressway here, police said Thursday. The incident took place in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday when the vehicles were passing through the Tappal area of the district, they said. An injured passenger told reporters that the privately operated bus was en route to Azamgarh in eastern Uttar Pradesh from Delhi's Kashmere Gate. The truck involved in the collision was carrying glass items, the man added. Police said it reached the spot immediately on receiving information about the accident and carried out relief and rescue operations. Police sent the injured to the hospital for treatment. The bodies of five deceased were sent for post-mortem, Aligarh Police said in a brief statement on X. Police said legal proceedings were initiated in the case and normal traffic was resumed on the Yamuna Expressway carriageway where the accident took place.
Rinku Singhs luxurious Aligarh house: Heres how much it cost
Mumbai: Rinku Singhs journey is a true inspiration. From a small-town boy in Aligarh to a star player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), his rise is a story of hard work, determination, and big dreams. Recently, Rinku bought a luxurious Rs 3.5 crore bungalow in Aligarh, marking another milestone in his incredible journey. Inside Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
During a rally in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath compared the Samajwadi Party to the Muslim League, accusing both of dividing society along religious lines. He also criticized Congress, contrasting their governance with the BJP's achievements, including the Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction. Adityanath emphasized unity for security, a message echoed by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut.
Universities are different from religious institutions
In the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) case, the test that the claim of minority character must rest on an exclusive or near exclusive communal character of the institution is not a good sign
Govt that does encounters doesn't trust Constitution: Akhilesh Yadav
During a rally in Aligarh, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP government of undermining the Constitution and prioritizing business interests over job creation. Yadav criticised the UP Chief Minister for allegedly fostering societal division and making empty promises of economic growth while neglecting youth employment.
Rinku Singhs Rs 3.5 Crore Bungalow Tour Goes Viral.
A newlywed woman traveling with her husband on a train in India was assaulted by four men. Despite her pleas for help, fellow passengers remained silent. The attackers continued their harassment even after the couple disembarked at Aligarh, physically assaulting the husband when he tried to intervene.
Spotlight on Rinku's form, batting position as team India chase series win
Johannesburg: Rinku Singh's batting slot and circumspect approach must be a cause of concern for the India team going into the deciding fourth T20I against South Africa as the side aims for another bilateral series victory here Friday.Centuries by Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma on either side of an inept batting performance has kept India's nose ahead in the series and team would want a more collective batting effort to clinch it 3-1. The Wanderers 'Bull Ring' has always been a happy hunting ground for India, where they won the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan. Even during the previous T20I series a year back, skipper Suryakumar Yadav's last international hundred till date came at this very stadium and that too in a winning cause. The Indian captain, who enjoys a staggering victory percentage of 81.25, having come up trumps in 13 out of the 16 matches, would like to do one better compared to the last series in the Rainbow Nation which had ended in a 1-1 draw with one game being washed out. Curious case of Rinku Singh Rinku, one of the finest exponents of T20 cricket has suddenly gone off the boil in the past few months, reasons of which aren't exactly clear and it wouldn't be lost on the skipper and interim head coach VVS Laxman. On the face of it, it seems that his batting position and use as a floater at number six and seven isn't helping the Aligarh man's cause. The next T20 World Cup in India is still some distance away in 2026 and Surya, as a skipper, has enough time to dissect and put things back on track for the man, who is too precious to be lost due to lack of clarity. In the current series, Rinku came in at number six in two games and number seven in another and has managed just 28 runs. The scores 11, 9 and 8 shouldn't be taken in isolation looking at where he is coming in to bat but when the number of balls (34) he has taken to the score runs is taken into consideration, it becomes worrisome. Even during the last IPL Rinku got to play a total of 113 balls in 15 games for KKR: roughly 7.5 deliveries per game. Being seen strictly as a specialist finisher Rinku, on an average, would get to face 10 balls in an innings. The strategy would have been devised to help the India team but of late it has eroded some of southpaw's confidence as he seems to be caught between attacking and playing second fiddle. Most of Rinku's better efforts have come when he has batted at number five but in a line-up where Sanju Samson is settling as an opener and Tilak Varma has staked claim as a No. 3, it might be difficult for Rinku to be promoted ahead of Hardik Pandya. It is an issue that team think-tank would do better to solve at earliest. Team Combination India have used 12 out of their 15 players in the first three games and it would be interesting to see if one among the two uncapped pacers Yash Dayal or Vysakh Vijaykumar gets a debut cap in case the pitch warrants an extra specialist speedster. For Samson, he would like to forget that he is turning into Marco Jansen's 'bunny' after back-to-back failures. In the final game, it wouldn't be a bad option for skipper Surya to check on Ramandeep Singh's steady medium pace as he can be an asset with multiple skills, including ability to field at all positions save keeping. Squads: India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya. Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh. Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal. South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen. Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger. Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton. Andile Simelane. Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs. Match Starts: 8:30 pm.
Four die in mud wall collapse in UP's Kasganj; five under treatment
KASGANJ/AGRA: Three women and a 10-year-old girl died after a mound of mud fell on them Tuesday morning in Mohanpura area in Kasganj district, police said. The incident occurred around 7 am when they were collecting mud from a ditch dug for the construction of a bridge between Rampur and Kataur village. Additional Superintendent of Police Rakesh Bharti confirmed the deaths. Nine people had gone to dig mud for some function in their house and got down a 10-foot-deep ditch whose wall crashed on them. The ditch was dug for the construction of a bridge in the area, he said. Five people are undergoing treatment, he added. The deceased were identified as Ram Beti, 29, Prema Devi, 36, Saraswati, 27, and Pinky, 10, all of them natives of Rampur village, Naresh, the police outpost in-charge of Mohanpura, said. Maheswari, 40, Krishna, 45, Hemlata, 40, Prem Singh, 32, and Arjun, 8, are undergoing treatment, he said. Kasganj Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajiv Agrawal told reporters, Nine people were brought to District Hospital in Kasganj, of whom, four died. Two women were referred to Aligarh, while the rest are being given treatment here. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the deaths and order proper treatment of the wounded. The Chief Minister has instructed the district administration officials to reach the spot and expedite the relief work and immediately take the injured to the hospital for proper treatment. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured, his office said in a post on X.
4 women die in mound collapse in UP's Kasganj
Kasganj/Agra (UP) : Four women died after getting buried in a mound of mud in an area under the Kotwali Police Station of Kasganj on Tuesday, an official said. Kasganj Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajiv Agarwal told reporters that the women had gone to collect soil for some function at their house. While collecting soil, a mud wall fell on them. Of the nine people who were rushed to a hospital, four died, he said. Two wounded have been referred to Aligarh for treatment.
How the Supreme Court cleared the decks for AMU to claim its minority status | Explained
The top Court overruled its 1967 decision, which held that statutory recognition annuls an institutions minority status, but refrained from definitively declaring Aligarh Muslim University a minority institution
Rashid Alvi faults SCs approach on AMU minority status
New Delhi: Congress leader Rashid Alvi criticised the Supreme Courts handling of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) minority status issue, saying its approach is not the way justice should work, as he expressed his disappointment that the decision was referred to a three-judge bench instead of being finally resolved by the larger seven-judge bench. Reflecting Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
UP CM Yogi Adityanath seeks quota for OBC, SC/ST students in Aligarh Muslim University
LUCKNOW: Amid the ongoing debate on the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University in the backdrop of the Supreme Courts order on Friday, UP CM Yogi Adityanath pitched for reservations for OBC and SC/ST students in the prestigious institution. There is a debate regarding minority status of Aligarh Muslim University. How can it be possible that a university which gets its budget from the Centre gives 50 per cent quota to minorities only? Besides OBCs, SC/ST aspirants should also get reservation in this institution, said the UP CM claiming that the Congress and Samajwadi Party did not want this for the sake of minority votes. Addressing an election rally on Saturday in support of BJP candidate Surendra Diler in Aligarh where the bypoll to the Khair assembly segment is due on November 20, he said, We gave a university in the name of Raja Mahendra Pratap, the king of Aligarh, whom the Congress had forgotten. Aligarh Muslim University entitled to minority status: SC bench by majority of 4:3 He added, How can development happen if you have a public representative from the other party? You must have seen in the Haryana elections that people wanted a double engine government. CM Yogi also said that a few days ago, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly passed a resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370. Dr BR Ambedkar did not want it to be included in the Constitution, but Pandit Nehru got it included. PM Modi decided to remove Article 370, he said. Yogi said that J&K was heading on the path of development, adding, But some powers are again at play trying to bring the menace of terrorism back in the land known as a paradise on earth. These powers are trying to make Kashmir communal. Launching a broadside on the Congress, the UP CM said it was trying every tactic to divide society. Thats why I say that jo batenga woh katega (those who will divide, will not be safe). Everything happens by sharing. If we will be divided like this, we will be finished. Those who divide us are your enemies who will speak sweet things with sinister designs. If you will stay united you will be safe, he reiterated.
Regular bench to decide AMUs minority status: SC
NEW DELHI, Nov 8: The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the question of Aligarh Muslim Universitys minority status to a new bench and overruled the 1967 judgement that said the university cannot be considered a minority institution since it was created by a Central law. In a majority verdict headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, the bench laid down tests for considering the issue of AMUs minority status. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The [] The post Regular bench to decide AMUs minority status: SC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre will put forth its stand on AMU before new bench: BJP
The BJP has stated that the central government will firmly present its stance on the Aligarh Muslim University's minority status case when a new Supreme Court bench resumes the hearing. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia emphasized the government's commitment to upholding the Constitution, while Amit Malviya, head of BJP's IT department, highlighted past parliamentary debates where prominent figures opposed granting AMU minority status.
1981 reference challenges CJI's authority: SC judge
A two-judge bench of the top court in 1981 questioned the correctness of the 1967 verdict holding Aligarh Muslim University not to be a minority institution since it was created by a central law and referred the issue to a larger bench for decision.
DC Edit | Justice wheels grind slowly as Chandrachud steps down
Supreme Court Justice D Y Chandrachud held that denial of social welfare measures was violation of fundamental rights of citizens. Supreme Court Justice D Y Chandrachud held that denial of social welfare measures was violation of fundamental rights of citizens. The wheels of justice keep on grinding even as Chief Justices come and go. It was to ringing anticipation that Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud had taken office more than two years ago in a term longer than those of many of his more recent predecessors. And he leaves on a note of some ambiguity regarding his legacy that he spoke about towards the end of his term. Take the case of the Aligarh Muslim University whose minority status had been struck down in 1967 by the Supreme Court on the grounds that it was created by a Central law and had the status of a Central university funded by the Government of India and was hence not eligible to be a minority institution. A clear definition of its right to minority status, considering the history of the institution established in the 19th century and founded as the AMU in 1920, is to be welcomed now though the ruling by the larger bench on the guiding principle that it is eligible for minority status has taken a long time to come. The seven-judge bench, which ruled in a 4:3 majority after reserving judgment in February, has laid down the principles. How long the university will have to wait for its status is unknown as the case would have to go before a regular bench to adjudicate on the appeals against a 2006 verdict of the Allahabad high court that had struck down the law by which AMU was accorded minority status. The fact that the issue had been in a legal maze for over seven decades and counting is a pointer to how mixed-up things can get when legal clarity is not shed on the matter on time. This is not necessarily to be taken as a pointer to how all things went in the tenure of the Chief Justice though it could be said that the highest expectations around such a legal luminary, son of a former CJI, were not wholly met. A guiding principle in the life of great institutions has also been that those who come to head it should not rock the boat as the sense of permanency is far greater around organisations. Regardless of the personalities who come to head it from time to time, it does not seem to matter if a positive change can help reform the way it is going or define its future path along a more ideal path to progress. The CJIs failure to reform the somewhat lugubrious picture in terms of pendency of cases as of August 30, 2024, nearly 83,000 were lying before the Supreme Court may not, again, be his fault as he is not to be blamed for the slow nature of the Indian justice delivery system itself. Heading the hallowed court in tumultuous times when divisiveness seemed to be the order of the day in the life of the nation, the CJI may have been seen at his boldest in striking down poll bonds as illegal. The verdict even led to exposing its basic premise of anonymity of donors to political parties. And yet nothing transpired from such a bold judgment, save the exposure of donors, as the parties, big and small, have held on to the funds so obtained. There may have been avenues through which the CJI could have tackled many contentious issues like striking a blow for the autonomy of democratic institutions, and curbing the power of the state to snoop on citizens or run bulldozers through the properties of accused persons and keep many persons inimical to the rule and rulers behind bars on flimsy grounds. The courts did rule on many contentious issues but generally showed little enthusiasm save in handing down ambiguous rulings that did not quite lead to justice being done or even be seen to be done.
Bad In Law: Top Court Judge On 1981 Reference In Aligarh Muslim University Case
Terming a reference by a two-judge bench to a larger one over the minority status issue of Aligarh Muslim University as ad in law, Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant said it undermined the authority of the chief justice of India.
AMU lost minority status in 1967: A timeline of events
The Aligarh Muslim University's minority status issue will have to wait to reach a logical end after the Supreme Court majority verdict on Friday asked a regular bench to decide the issue.
Supreme Court Justice Satish Chandra Sharma stated that assuming minorities need a safe haven for education is incorrect. He emphasized that minorities are integral to the mainstream and national institutions serve their interests. The court will now determine Aligarh Muslim University's minority status.
AMU minority status legal row: A timeline of events
New Delhi: The Aligarh Muslim Universitys minority status issue will have to wait to reach a logical end after the Supreme Court majority verdict on Friday asked a regular bench to decide the issue. The prolonged matter, however, has had its fair share of twists and turns, as encapsulated in the following timeline. In 1977, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Dissenting judge flags lack of time to pen AMU order
Aligarh Muslim University is not a minority educational institution, Supreme Court's Justice Dipankar Datta said on Friday and noted had it not been a ace against time he would have articulated better in his dissenting opinion. The judge also flagged a non-exchange of ideas and opinions in a rue democratic spirit to build a consensus.
The Supreme Court on Friday held that the minority status of an institution is not lost merely because it was created by a statute.
BJP to strongly defend Aligarh Muslim Universitys minority status in Supreme Court, overruling 1967 judgement
Centre will firmly put forth its stand before SC on question of AMU's minority status: BJP
The Indian government will strongly defend its position on the Aligarh Muslim University minority status case. A new Supreme Court bench will hear the matter. The BJP believes in the Constitution and trusts the court to interpret it. The party shared past parliamentary debates where prominent figures opposed granting minority status to the university.
In a 4:3 majority verdict, the Constitution bench of the Supreme Court overruled the 1967 verdict which took away Aligarh Muslim Universitys minority status. Pronouncing the majority verdict, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud ruled that an institution will not lose its minority status just because it was incorporated as per statute passed by Parliament. A seven-member Constitution bench led by Chief Justice Chandrachud delivered four separate verdicts in the case on Friday. While Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra gave majority verdicts, Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and S.C. Sharma pronounced separate dissenting judgments. Pronouncing the majority verdict, Chief Justice Chandrachud held an institution will not lose its minority status just because it was established under a statute passed by Parliament. Laying down guidelines to decide on an institutions minority status in the majority verdict, the chief justice said a three-member bench will decide on AMUs minority status based on the majority verdict. The majority verdict held that the Court must examine who established the University and who was the brain behind it, Live Law reported. If that enquiry is pointing towards minority community, then the institution can claim minority status as per Article 30. For this factual determination, the matter has been now relegated to the regular bench, the publication reported quoting the majority verdict. The apex court directed case papers to be placed before CJI for setting up a fresh bench to decide the validity of the 2006 Allahabad HC verdict.
AMU hails SC ruling on minority status
Aligarh Muslim University (Photo: PTI) Aligarh Muslim University (Photo: PTI) Aligarh (UP) : The Aligarh Muslim University fraternity on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling on the institute's minority status, saying it reaffirms the foundation principles on which the institution was established. Professor Faizan Mustafa, a constitutional law expert and former registrar of AMU, who had filed this case in the Supreme Court in his ex-officio position, told PTI, It is a comprehensive win for minority rights in general and AMU in particular. The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the question of Aligarh Muslim Unversity's (AMU) minority status to a new bench and overruled the 1967 judgement that said the university cannot be considered a minority institution since it was created by a central law. Dr Rahat Abrar, former director of AMU's Urdu Academy and historian, who played a prominent role in providing vital historical documents to legal experts in the case, said the judgement has validated the claims of the AMU community which had always maintained that the case should be decided based on historical evidence on the identity of those organizations and individuals who had envisaged the idea behind this institution and worked for its establishment. Secretary of the AMU Teachers Association (AMUTA) Mohammad Obaid Siddiqui said the judgement eaffirms the foundation principles on which this institution was established. The judgment reaffirms the idea behind the establishment of the institution for fulfilling educational aspirations, while also maintaining its commitment to an inclusive environment serving all sections of society, Siddiqui said. In a majority verdict headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, the bench laid down tests for considering the issue of AMU's minority status. The 4:3 majority judgment authored by CJI Chandrachud, also on behalf of Justices Sanjiv Khanna, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said, The view taken in Azeez Basha (1967 verdict) that an educational institution is not established by minority if it derives its legal character through a statute, is overruled. A five-judge Constitution bench in the S Azeez Basha v. Union of India in 1967 said AMU was a central university and couldn't be considered a minority institution. The question of whether AMU is a minority educational institution must be decided based on the principles laid down in this judgement, the CJI said. The outgoing CJI asked the case's judicial records to be placed before the regular bench, after receiving instructions from the CJI on the administrative side, for deciding the issue on the minority status besides adjudicating appeals against a 2006 verdict of the Allahabad High Court.
Comprehensive win for minority rights: AMU fraternity on SC ruling
Aligarh: The Aligarh Muslim University fraternity on Friday welcomed the Supreme Courts ruling on the institutes minority status, saying it reaffirms the foundation principles on which the institution was established. Professor Faizan Mustafa, a constitutional law expert and former registrar of AMU, who had filed this case in the Supreme Court in his ex-officio position, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Important day for Muslims of India, says Owaisi after Supreme Court overturns AMU judgement
New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI): Shortly after the Supreme Court of India of India overruled its 1967 verdict on the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University, AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Assaduddin Owaisi hailed the decision on Friday, saying that the right of minorities to educate themselves has been upheld. It is an important day for Muslims of India. The 1967 judgement had rejected minority status of #AMU when in fact it was. Article 30 states that minorities have the right to establish and administer their educational institutions in a manner that they deem fit, Owaisi said in
Supreme Court overrules 1967 verdict holding AMU cant be minority institution
New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the question of Aligarh Muslim Unversitys minority status to a fresh bench and overruled the 1967 judgement that said the university cannot be considered a minority institution since it was created by a central law. Pronouncing the majority verdict, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud laid down tests for considering the issue of minority status of AMU. The apex court by a 4:3 majority said the judicial records of the case should be placed before the CJI for setting up a fresh bench to decide the validity of a 2006
AMU Minority Statu Case: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court overturned a 1967 judgment that denied Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) minority status. The court stated an institution's establishment by statute doesn't negate its minority status. The case now goes to a lower bench to determine AMU's minority status based on the founders' intentions.
SC defers decision on AMU's minority status
The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the question of Aligarh Muslim University's minority status to a fresh bench and overruled the 1967 judgment that said the university cannot be considered a minority institution since it was created by a central law.
SC overturns 1967 judgment denying AMU minority status
New Delhi: In a 4:3 decision a seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on Friday overruled its 1967 judgment which had laid down that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), being a Central varsity, cannot claim to be a minority institution. The view taken in the 1967 Azeez Basha case that an educational institution is not Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
SC overrules 1967 verdict holding AMU can't be minority institution
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the question of Aligarh Muslim Unversity's minority status to a fresh bench and overruled the 1967 judgement that said the university cannot be considered a minority institution since it was created by a central law.Pronouncing the majority verdict, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud laid down tests for considering the issue of minority status of AMU. The apex court by a 4:3 majority said the judicial records of the case should be placed before the CJI for setting up a fresh bench to decide the validity of a 2006 Allahabad High Court verdict. In January 2006, the high court had struck down the provision of the 1981 law by which AMU was accorded minority status. At the outset, CJI Chandrachud said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts. The CJI said he has written the majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra. Justice Chandrachud said Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma have penned their separate dissenting verdicts. Justice Surya Kant is reading out his dissent and the pronouncement is underway. A five-judge Constitution bench had in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case in 1967 held that since AMU was a central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. However, the fabled institution got back its minority status when Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981
Aligarh Muslim University entitled to minority status under Article 30: SC
The CJI said he has written the majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra.
Supreme Court Delivers Four Separate Verdicts In AMU Minority Status Case
NEW DELHI, Nov 8: A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Friday delivered four separate judgements in the Aligarh Muslim University minority status case. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, who headed the bench, said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts. The CJI said he has written the majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra. Justice Chandrachud said Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma have penned their separate [] The post Supreme Court Delivers Four Separate Verdicts In AMU Minority Status Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Aligarh Muslim University entitled to minority status: SC bench by majority of 4:3
NEW DELHI: Supreme Courts seven-judge bench by a majority of 4:3 ruled that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is entitled to minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution of India. It overruled the 1967 verdict holding that since AMU was central university it cannot be considered minority institution. The bench on delivered four separate judgements in the Aligarh Muslim University minority status case. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, who headed the bench, said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts. The CJI said he has written the majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra. Justice Chandrachud said Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma have penned their separate dissenting verdicts. The pronouncement of verdict is underway.
SC delivers four separate verdicts in AMU minority status case
New Delhi: A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Friday delivered four separate judgements in the Aligarh Muslim University minority status case. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, who headed the bench, said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts. The CJI said he has written the majority verdict for himself and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Aligarh Muslim University A Minority Institution? Supreme Court's Key 4:3 Verdict
Aligarh Muslim University A Minority Institution? New Supreme Court Bench To Decide
CJI Chandrachud said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts
Supreme Court overrules 1967 verdict ; there are three dissenting verdicts; CJI writes majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra
The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is entitled to minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution, with a 4:3 majority, with Justices D Y Chandrachud, Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, and Surya Kant penned dissenting verdicts.
Supreme Court Overrules 1967 Judgment, Entrusts 3-Judge Bench To Decide On AMU'sMinorityStatus
The Supreme Court has overruled a 1967 verdict holding that since the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution.
SC to pronounce verdict on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status today
A seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud will pronounce the verdict.
Is Aligarh Muslim University A Minority Institution? Big Supreme Court Verdict Today
The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on Friday on a vexed legal question whether the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) enjoys minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution.
SC to pronounce verdict on AMUs minority status on Nov 8
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on Friday on a vexed legal question whether the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) enjoyed a minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution which empowers the religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions. A seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
In Memory of Arshad Ghazi: A Legacy of Literature and Compassion
Renowned writer, poet, and journalist Arshad Mansoor Ghazi passed away on 14th October 2024 in Aligarh after suffering a cardiac arrest, following a brief illness. Born into a distinguished scholarly family in Saharanpur, Arshad was the son of Maulana Hamid Al-Ansari Ghazi, editor of the prominent Zamana newspaper Madina Bijnoor, and Hazra Nazli, a well-known [] The post In Memory of Arshad Ghazi: A Legacy of Literature and Compassion first appeared on .
Nine-Year-Old From Surat Becomes India's First Hand Donor, Saves Seven
On October 30, 2022, 15-year-old Ananta Ahmed from Aligarh, the girl who received Riya's right hand, accidentally touched an 11,000 kW wire, suffering severe burns that led to her right arms amputation
Uttar Pradesh: Schools with less than 50 students to be merged with nearby institutions
Uttar Pradesh plans to merge schools with less than 50 students to create a more functional education system. Students will be moved to nearby schools. Officials have been asked to report on distance, infrastructure, and transportation. A meeting will discuss the plan in November. A private school in Aligarh was also under scrutiny for allegedly intimidating students.
LT. Gen Zamiruddin Shah Inciting Speech
By Sushil Kutty Lt. Gen (Rted.) Zamir-Uddin Shah, who was Deputy Army Chief and after retiring from the Army, Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University from 2011 to 2017, wants Indian Muslims to build a steely resolve to fight to survive in Modi & Yogis India. And quite like the Yogi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, all of whom have urged Hindus to stick together, Lt. Gen Shah has asked Muslims to forge unity and not [] The post LT. Gen Zamiruddin Shah Inciting Speech appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Aligarh court sentences priest to 20 years for raping minor Dalit girl
A local court in Aligarh has delivered a significant verdict sentencing a 50-year-old temple priest, Jamuna Das, to 20 years in prison for raping a five-year-old Dalit girl. The swift justice was notable as it was delivered within just 30 days after formal charges were filed on September 25. The court also imposed a Rs Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Karhal by-poll: Akhilesh says BJP has become 'rishtedar-wadi', Yogi's minister retorts
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the BJP, which accused his party of being family-oriented, has become ishtedar-wadi (relative-oriented). Yadav's remark comes a day after the BJP fielded Anujesh Yadav as its candidate for by-poll in the Karhal assembly seat in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri district against SP's Tej Pratap Yadav. Anujesh is related to Akhilesh, both being brothers-in-law. BJP leader and UP MoS (Independent charge) for Social Welfare Asim Arun countered the SP chief's jibe, saying it was ot a contest between relatives but a fight of policies, a fight between truth and lies, and one between criminals and those abiding by the law. Today is the last day for filing nominations. The BJP's list is out. They used to accuse us of being family-oriented, but now they've surpassed us and have become 'rishtedar-wadi', Akhilesh said while addressing a programme in Karhal's Dihuli, according to a post shared by the SP's official X account. Accusing the BJP government of being he most corrupt in the state's history, the SP chief said, The BJP has hollowed out Uttar Pradesh. They have deceived the farmers, youth, and traders alike, and they've destroyed the agricultural markets. The BJP has fielded Anujesh Yadav, uncle-in-law ('fufa') of SP candidate Tej Pratap Yadav, on the Karhal seat, considered an SP stronghold since 1993. This race will see a fufa versus bhatija (nephew) contest, with Tej Pratap Yadav facing off against Anujesh Yadav, who is related to him by marriage. Yadav also noted Karhal's historic ties with his late father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, stating, Karhal has an unbreakable bond with Netaji and socialists. This byelection will yield a historic result and Tej Pratap Yadav will win by a landslide. Meanwhile, minister Arun said Anujesh Yadav filed his nomination as BJP candidate for Karhal bypoll on Friday. Addressing a programme in support of Anujesh in Karhal, Arun said, This is not a contest between relatives of a family, but a fight of policies, a fight between truth and lies, and one between criminals and those abiding by the law. Narrating an anecdote, Arun said he has served in the police. Once I was in the adjoining Aligarh district and frequently police would arrest criminals from Mainpuri or vice-versa. But in the last seven years, have you heard of any such arrests in Mainpuri or kidnapping incidents? Why is that? Because it is the same law but the enforcer has changed. It is the same bulldozer which now got the correct driver, Arun said. Campaigning in support of the BJP candidate, he asked the crowd if it wanted the jungle raj back in the region. Arun also slammed former SP block head Nawab Singh Yadav, who has been jailed in connection with the rape of a minor. The minister also took a jibe at the SP harping on the PDA (pichhde, Dalit, alpasankhyak) family, saying the BJP was working for all sections of the society. Byelections for nine assembly seats, including Karhal, in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled for November 13, with results to be declared on November 23. In a statement issued from the SP headquarters, Yadav said, The BJP knows they will never win Karhal or Milkipur (seat in Ayodhya). Despite their efforts, they're losing internal surveys in Milkipur, which is why they postponed the election there. They are aware of their defeat in Karhal as well. He further predicted a major loss for the BJP coalition in the upcoming elections. The BJP alliance is headed for a historic defeat, Yadav claimed.
BJP releases list of eight candidates for Uttar Pradesh bypoll
LUCKNOW: A day ahead of the last date for filing nomination papers, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday ended speculation by announcing candidates for eight out of the nine seats going to by-polls in Uttar Pradesh. However, the party has left the Meerapur seat in Muzaffarnagar for ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), but managed to field Mithilesh Pal, a party functionary, to contest from the RLD symbol. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP rejected ally Nishad Party's demand for two seats Katehari and Manjhawan. However, in Katehari, the party has fielded a candidate from the Nishad community. The 10th seat, Milkipur in Ayodhya, which was also to go to by-polls, was left out by the Election Commission due to an ongoing legal dispute. The last date for filing nominations is Friday, with polling scheduled for November 13. Notably, of the nine seats, four, Karhal, Kundarki, Katehari, and Sisamau were won by the Samajwadi Party (SP), three , Ghaziabad, Khair, and Phulpur by the BJP, and one each by the Nishad Party and RLD, Manjhawan and Meerapur, respectively in the 2022 Assembly elections. In light of the ruling party's poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls, where OBC and Dalit voters drifted away from it, the BJP has cautiously expressed confidence in four OBC candidates to galvanise the community. This is particularly important with the state assembly elections just two-and-a-half years away, as the OBC community has historically been a decisive factor in Uttar Pradesh politics. Of the remaining four candidates, two are Brahmins, one is a Thakur, and one comes from a Dalit background. Notably, the party has set up a Yadav-versus-Yadav contest in Karhal by fielding Anujesh Yadav, the brother-in-law of SP MP Dharmendra Yadav (cousin of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav). Karhal, a traditional SP stronghold, was previously represented by Akhilesh Yadav, who vacated the seat after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Kannauj. Akhilesh has chosen his nephew, Tej Pratap Yadav, to contest from the seat. Anujesh Yadav and his wife Sandhya (Dharmendra Yadavs sister), the former Zila Panchayat president from Mainpuri, had switched to the BJP in 2017. In Kundarki, a Muslim-dominated seat in Moradabad, the BJP has fielded Ramvir Singh, a Thakur. Singh, a former district general secretary, contested the same seat in the 2012 and 2017 Assembly elections but lost both times to SPs Mohammad Rizwan. In Ghaziabad, considered a BJP stronghold, the party has fielded its district president Sanjiv Sharma, a Brahmin, making his electoral debut. In Khair, a reserved seat in Aligarh, the BJP has fielded Surendra Diler, a Valmiki Dalit and the son of former BJP MP from Hathras, Rajvir Diler, who passed away in April this year. In Phulpur, the party has fielded Deepak Patel, son of Keshari Devi Patel, the former Phulpur MP. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the party replaced Keshari Devi with Pravin Patel, who won the Phulpur seat. In Katehari, the BJP has fielded Dharmaraj Nishad, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) turncoat who joined the BJP just before the 2022 Assembly elections. Nishad, a three-time BSP MLA, won the seat in 1996, 2002, and 2007. In Manjhawan, the party has fielded Suchismita Maurya, who won the seat in the 2017 elections by defeating BSPs Ramesh Bind with a margin of nearly 42,000 votes. In Sisamau, where the by-poll was necessitated by the conviction of SP MLA Irfan Solanki in a criminal case, the BJP has fielded Suresh Awasthi. Awasthi contested Sisamau in 2017 but lost to Solanki by a margin of around 5,000 votes. He also contested the 2022 Aryanagar seat in Kanpur but lost to SP's Amitabh Bajpai by around 8,000 votes. Meanwhile, both the SP and BSP also released their lists of candidates on Thursday. The SP announced candidates for the Ghaziabad and Khair seats after failing to reach a seat-sharing agreement with its INDIA bloc partner, Congress. The BSP also announced candidates for eight of the nine seats going to polls on November 13. In Ghaziabad, the SP repeated its strategy of fielding a Dalit on an unreserved seat, as it did in Ayodhya in the recent Lok Sabha polls, by fielding Awadhesh Prasad against the BJPs Lallu Singh. Awadhesh Prasad defeated the BJP candidate by over 50,000 votes. Similarly, in Ghaziabad, the SP has fielded Singh Raj Jatav, and in Khair, a reserved seat, Akhilesh Yadav has fielded Dr. Charu Kain. Of the eight candidates declared on Thursday, the BSP has given preference to OBCs by fielding five OBC candidates. In Phulpur and Ghaziabad, the party has replaced its Dalit candidates with OBC candidates, clearly indicating its focus on consolidating OBC votes. Additionally, the party has fielded two Muslim candidates in Meerapur and Kundarki, and two Brahmins Virendra Kumar Shukla and Deepak Tiwari from Sisamau and Manjhawan, respectively.
All INDIA bloc candidates to fight Uttar Pradesh bypolls on cycle symbol
Bypolls will be held for Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad).
All INDIA bloc candidates to fight UP bypolls on 'cycle' symbol
LUCKNOW: INDIA bloc candidates will contest all nine seats in the upcoming bypolls on his party's election symbol 'cycle', Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav announced on Wednesday. He said the alliance's decision was not informed by any seat-sharing math but its pursuit of victory. Congress and Samajwadi Party are united and stand shoulder to shoulder for a big victory. India bloc is going to write a new chapter of victory in this by-election, Yadav said in a post on X. With this unprecedented cooperation and support, every worker of 'INDIA bloc' on all 9 assembly seats is filled with new energy with the resolve to win, he added. 9 , Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) October 23, 2024 The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said that the coming election will be fought for the protection of the country's Constitution, peace, and the honour of Pichchde (backwards), Dalit and Alpsankhyak (Minorities). Bypolls will be held on November 13 on nine seats-- Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad). Eight of these seats fell vacant after their MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha, while a bypoll is being held on the Sisamau seat due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case. The Congress had originally demanded five of 10 assembly seats (including Milkipur). The SP, however, last week said the Congress had agreed to contest on two seats, Ghaziabad and Khair (Aligarh), leaving the rest to the SP. The Election Commission has announced a by-election on nine seats, leaving out Milkipur (Ayodhya). The last date for filing nominations is October 25. The SP has already declared its candidates from Karhal, Sisamau, Phulpur, Milkipur, Katehari, Majahawan and Meerapur. Counting of votes will take place on November 23.
Uttar Pradesh assembly Byelections are set to be held on nine Assembly seats Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sisamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Kundarki (Moradabad)
Retired Lt. Gen Zamiruddin Shah is respected; he should not have given an inciting speech
His provocation will only harm the interests of Indian Muslims, boosting Yogi line By Sushil Kutty Lt. Gen (Rted.) Zamir-Uddin Shah, who was Deputy Army Chief and after retiring from the Army, Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University from 2011 to 2017, wants Indian Muslims to build a steely resolve to fight to survive in Modi [] The post Retired Lt. Gen Zamiruddin Shah is respected; he should not have given an inciting speech appeared first on Northlines .
Experts Call for Sustainable Urban Water Management
Hyderabad: Governments need to adopt innovative and sustainable strategies for efficient urban water management in fast-growing cities, especially in developing regions, said experts in water management who converged in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Speaking at an International Conference on Sustainable Urban Water Management, Dr Mihir Shah, a former member of the erstwhile Planning Commission, stressed that rapid urbanisation is straining water resources and that collaboration among government, industry, and communities is crucial to ensure equitable access to water for all. The discussions covered a range of key issues, including interdisciplinary approaches in urban water governance, integrated urban water management (IUWM), equity in water infrastructure: socio-cultural perspectives, and water quality. Experts agreed that only a coordinated effort between stakeholders can provide the solutions necessary for sustainable water systems, particularly in the Global South where urban growth is most intense. Hosted by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad, in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, the event was part of the Centres Department of Science and technology-sponsored project, Structured Dialogue for Sustainable Urban Water Management. Other prominent speakers included Dr Soumyo Mukherji, director of BITS-Pilani Hyderabad; Prof. Elisabeth Grohmann from Berlin University of Applied Sciences; Dr Manish Sharma, CEO of Parascalr Inc; Prof. Gora Datta from the University of California, Berkeley; Prof. T. Shashidhar from IIT Hyderabad; and Dr. Mitthan Lal Kansal from IIT Roorkee. The experts reinforced the importance of developing solutions that not only improve water efficiency but also address the social inequalities surrounding water access in growing urban centres. They expressed the urgency for governments, academic institutions, and industry leaders to collaborate on creating equitable, sustainable water systems for all.
Assams first underwater tunnel: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says DPR nears completion
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Gohpur-Numaligarh tunnel project is almost complete. This will be Assam's first underwater tunnel and will cost Rs 6000 crores. Sarma and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also discussed various road projects in Assam to improve infrastructure.
Uncertainty looms over SP-Congress seat-sharing for UP bypoll
LUCKNOW: Uncertainty hangs over seat-sharing between Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) within the INDIA bloc for the upcoming bypolls on nine seats in UP. While SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had claimed on Saturday that the deal was sealed with Congress for the bypolls, UPCC chief Ajai Rai refuted the claim saying that no formal agreement had been reached as his party had demanded five seats. However, on Monday, the SP chief changed his stance, stating that talks with Congress regarding seat sharing for the upcoming bypolls were still ongoing. He was interacting with media persons following the submission of nomination papers of his nephew Tej Pratap Yadav from the Karhal assembly seat. Earlier, even SP spokesperson Rajendra Chowdhury announced that the seat-sharing deal had been finalised, with Congress contesting two seats - Khair (Aligarh) and Ghaziabad - while the SP would field candidates for the remaining seven. Significantly, a day after the Haryana poll result, the SP had moved to announce its candidates for seven seats including Karhal, Katehari, Kundarki, Phulpur, Sisamu, Majhawan and Meerapur leaving the Congress party red-faced. It is to be noted that Congress had never won in Khair or Ghaziabad before. However, UPCC chief Ajai Rai said that his party was still in talks. We had demanded five seats and the state unit had conveyed its choice of seats to party top brass in Delhi. Meanwhile, Congress is prepared to contest any of the seats decided by INDIA bloc leaders, he said adding that the sole aim of the Congress party was to defeat the ruling BJP on all nine seats. According to SP leaders, Congress will contest two seats, while the SP will field candidates in the remaining eight. The Election Commission has released the bypoll schedule for nine seats, with Milkipur left out due to an ongoing legal dispute. Voting for the nine seats will take place on November 13. As per highly placed Congress sources, the party had demanded Phulpur (Prayagraj), Sisamau (Kanpur) and Majhawan (Bhadohi) seats to contest but Akhilesh Yadav did not pay heed to the Congresss demand and announced candidates on all those seats. The sources claimed that Congress may not be fielding candidates in Ghaziabad and Khair seats as both have been the traditional strongholds of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the chances of it winning them are grim. As per the political analysts, Akhilesh Yadav, strategically, spared Khair and Ghaziabad seats for Congress ensuring the SP retained control over its key constituencies. While UP Congress leadership awaits a decision to contest or otherwise from its top brass, the All India Congress Committee general secretary (in charge of U.P.) Avinash Pandey expressed hope for coordination with the Samajwadi Party. Congress sees 'possibilities' on seat sharing after ally SP names candidates for UP Bypolls We hope the SP will offer us a respectable number of seats, he said. Congress is also looking at striking a deal with SP vis-vis Maharashtra polls where SP has demanded a dozen seats from MVA to contest. A section of Congress leaders in UP believes that if SP leaves its contention in Maharashtra, Congress will relinquish its claim in UP. Meanwhile, speaking about the Maharashtra Assembly polls, Akhilesh, on Monday, said that he would claim only those seats where his party had a strong presence. In Maharashtra, we have decided that we will claim only those seats where we have a strong organisation. We have certain parameters for asking for our share of tickets. Our state president has decided on candidates for 12 seats. We hope we will be given those seats and we will contest elections... Talks with Congress are going on seat sharing in UP, he said.
VP lauds freedom fighter Raja Mahendra Pratap
ALIGARH (UP), Oct 21: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said the next generation of historians should highlight the role of forgotten heroes of the freedom movement. The vice president was speaking at the first convocation at the Raja Mahendra Pratap University here. The establishment of the Raja Mahendra Pratap University was a testament to the historic role of Raja Mahendra Pratap, one of the great freedom fighters and patriots of the 20th century, he said. Dhankhar said it was [] The post VP lauds freedom fighter Raja Mahendra Pratap appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
