Raging dumpsite fire leave residents struggling to breathe
Tricity sizzles on hottest day of season
2 more arrested in Rs 26L fraud case
Chandigarh International Airport Hiring Fresh Graduates by April 30
Chandigarh, April 25: Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL) has announced a recruitment drive for 17 positions of ILBS Screeners (Freshers) at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. Eligible candidates are invited to apply through an official notification. The online application process commenced on April 22, with the deadline set for April 30. Interested candidates can submit ... Read more Chandigarh International Airport Hiring Fresh Graduates by April 30
Chd MCs parking revenue rises after one pass rollout
MC to send parking pass pitch to 9 lakh Chd vehicle owners
BJP Welcomes Change-Minded Leaders from Punjab: Ashwini Sharma
Chandigarh, April 25: Political tensions have escalated following the recent joining of six members, including Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP leaders attribute this shift to growing questions regarding the partys policies and leadership. In a statement, Ashwini Sharma, the BJPs Punjab state ... Read more BJP Welcomes Change-Minded Leaders from Punjab: Ashwini Sharma
Shah conspiring to break AAP: Pannu
Pak balloons spook Chamba villages; 1 of 2 handed over to Army: SSP
Gaddars of Punjab: Mann says defecting AAP MPs not worthy of becoming sarpanch
Only 29% of procured wheat cleared from mandis
Cop suspended after devotees allege harassment at naka
BJPs Akshita Saini files papers for Ambala mayoral polls; Vij predicts big win
Warring blames AAP for rise in gangster culture
3 trucks carrying large illicit liquor seized in Sonipat
BJP turning universities into political playgrounds: Dushyant
AAPs split exposes politics of power and plunder: Bajwa
AAP MPs shift to BJP a move at right time: Jakhar
Activist Khalsa brought down from Samana tower after 559 days
Not just 7 MPs, 50 MLAs may also desert AAP: Warring
Sonipat civic body poll: BJPs Jain, 2 others file nominations
Western disturbance to bring dust storms, light rain across Haryana
Akash missile creator hails Make In India success in defence sector
MP accounts for 69% farm fires, Punjab stays low
Rohtak hits 44.6C as heatwave grips Punjab & Haryana, relief likely on Sunday
32-year-old man dies of drug overdose in Muktsar village, case registered
Haryana Government to Establish 23 Additional Air Quality Monitoring Stations in NCR
Chandigarh, April 24: The Haryana government has announced plans to set up 23 additional air quality monitoring stations in the National Capital Region (NCR), increasing the total to 52 by July. The state government will soon implement an aggregator policy to regulate transport services, aiming to completely eliminate legacy waste within 11 months. This information ... Read more Haryana Government to Establish 23 Additional Air Quality Monitoring Stations in NCR
AAPs Internal Strife Exposed: Pratap Singh Bajwas Take on Recent Defections
Chandigarh, April 24: The recent defection of several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised eyebrows. Punjabs Leader of Opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa, stated on Friday that the ongoing rift within AAP has unveiled the partys true nature. Bajwa emphasized that this crisis is not ideological. Instead, it revolves ... Read more AAPs Internal Strife Exposed: Pratap Singh Bajwas Take on Recent Defections
Hockey Olympian Gurbax Singh Grewal Passes In Chandigarh, Aged 84
Hockey Olympian Gurbax Singh Grewal: Former India international and Mumbai Hockey Association (MHA) secretary Gurbax Singh Grewal, who was a member of the national team that won a bronze medal in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, died of a heart attack in Chandigarh on Saturday evening. He was 84. Gurbax Singh, brother of Olympian Balbir Singh, retired as Sports Officer with the Western Railways in Mumbai and was elected as Honorary Secretary of The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd as part of a team that included former India captain and coach Joaquim Carvalho. Born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur, Punjab Province of British India, near present-day Faisalabad in Pakistan, Gurbax came to Mumbai in his 20s to play hockey for the Western Railways in Mumbai. He, along with his brother Balbir Singh, was part of the Indian team that won a bronze medal in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico. Gurbax Singh, brother of Olympian Balbir Singh, retired as Sports Officer with the Western Railways in Mumbai and was elected as Honorary Secretary of The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd as part of a team that included former India captain and coach Joaquim Carvalho. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After retiring from Western Railways as Sports Officer, Gurbax contested elections for the Mumbai Hockey Association and was elected Honorary Secretary in 2010. The renovation of the MHA's Mahindra Stadium happened during his tenure after the MHA and MCA reached an agreement on the transfer of land to the cricket association to install the floodlights for the Wankhede Stadium ahead of the 2010 World Cup. Article Source: IANS
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP of Betrayal Amid Party Defections
Chandigarh, April 24: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded to the recent defections of MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday. He stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always been anti-Punjab, and the people of the state will teach these traitors a lesson. Speaking to the media, Mann emphasized that the ... Read more Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP of Betrayal Amid Party Defections
Tesla to expand supercharger network across major Indian cities amid EV push and new model launches
Tesla is set to boost its charging network across India's major cities. This expansion includes superchargers and destination charging hubs. The company aims to address customer range anxiety. Tesla plans to establish these facilities in Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune. Home charging solutions are also being developed for nationwide availability.
I&B ministry advises ZEE5 not to release Lawrence of Punjab
Chandigarh: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 not to release the docu-series on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Lawrence of Punjab, after the Punjab Police expressed apprehension that it posed a risk to public order. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking a ban 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 .
Not withdrawing, BJP spreading rumours: Sonipat mayoral face after Cong ward rejig
HC directs Pb, Hry and centre to act on mental healthcare rules
The risks of media trials in digital era
In an age where a hashtag can convict before a courtroom convenes, the rule of law faces an unprecedented challenge. In any democracy, the media is the fourth pillar. It informs citizens, shapes public debate, and holds institutions accountable. Law, security, and public perception intersect in fragile and often explosive ways. But press freedom is not absolute. The Supreme Court made this clear in (1950): free speech must be balanced against other constitutional values, including the right to a fair trial. Today, that balance is under threat from a growing menace the media trial. It is evident that established or traditional media houses are fulfilling the role of the media: disseminating information without judgment. They employ trained experts as editors who filter information within the framework of media ethics. The real risk lies in the kind of information and journalism practised by portal-based journalists, who often lack editorial filters, social understanding, and legal ethics. A media trial happens when news channels, digital portals, or social media platforms declare someone guilty or innocent before a court has even heard evidence. In Kashmir, unverified posts and sensational headlines often create a parallel, unregulated courtroom; one without rules, without witnesses, and without appeal. The Supreme Court recognised this danger in (2012). It introduced postponement orders to prevent prejudicial reporting during ongoing trials. But on the ground, especially in Kashmir, such safeguards are often ignored. Media trials destroy the most basic principle of criminal justice: the presumption of innocence. No person should be branded a criminal in public before evidence is tested in a court of law. The Supreme Court has repeatedly called this presumption a human right, protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In (1966), the Court made it unequivocally clear: the presumption of innocence is a constitutional guarantee, binding on courts and, by logical extension, on media narratives as well. When a news anchor plays judge, or a tweet becomes a verdict, justice is undermined, whether in Delhi or in Kashmir. Reputations are destroyed without trial. Families are traumatised, and the rule of law takes a backseat to public hysteria. Judges are trained to be impartial. But they do not live in a vacuum. Excessive, sensational media coverage creates indirect pressure. When every headline screams terrorist or monster, can a trial remain purely evidence based? In Manu Sharma v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2010), the famous Jessica Lal murder case, the Supreme Court cautioned that media reporting must not prejudice the accused or interfere with the administration of justice. It emphasised restraint, especially in highprofile criminal cases. That warning is even more urgent in a state where every criminal case can acquire a political or communal colour. If television news started the media trial fire, social media poured fuel on it. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube spread information instantly but they also amplify misinformation, speculation, and rage. Algorithms reward sensational content over verified facts. A false claim can go viral in hours. Corrections, if they come at all, reach almost no one. In Kashmir, this dynamic is deadly. Unverified videos, old photos shared as new, and anonymous exclusive posts distort public understanding of ongoing legal proceedings. Virality replaces credibility. Justice becomes a hashtag. In such an environment, virality becomes a substitute for veracity. One often overlooked victim of media trials is the witness. Extensive publicity exposes witnesses to intimidation, social pressure, and fear. Some refuse to come forward. Others change their testimony to avoid harassment. The administration of justice depends entirely on witnesses who are willing to speak freely and truthfully. Media sensationalism undermines that willingness. In Kashmir, where witnesses already face security risks, a media trial can be the final reason to stay silent. Without credible witnesses, no trial can deliver justice. At its core, the media trial reflects an ethical collapse in parts of contemporary journalism. The commercialisation of news, the race for viewership and clicks, has pushed speed far ahead of accuracy. Verification is often an afterthought. Speculation is packaged as analysis. Investigative journalism remains essential to democracy, but when it transforms into adjudication without accountability, it loses legitimacy. A news organisation is not a court. It has no power to subpoena, no oath to administer, and no right to pronounce guilt. The solution is not to curb media freedom. The solution is responsible journalism that respects constitutional boundaries. Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression. Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to a fair trial. Courts have repeatedly held that neither right can eclipse the other. What is required is a principled balance, one that preserves the medias role as a watchdog while preventing it from acting as a judge. In a region marked by prolonged conflict, where even a single misreported incident can escalate tensions irreversibly, this balance becomes even more critical. The regions complex sociopolitical realities make it uniquely vulnerable to misinformation and narrative manipulation. A media trial is not just a legal problem. It can inflame community tensions, undermine counterinsurgency efforts, and destroy public trust in both media and courts. When a false headline spreads, it can take weeks or months to correct, and by then, the damage is done. Justice cannot be delivered through headlines. Justice demands due process, credible evidence, and impartial adjudication within the framework of law. As the Supreme Court observed in (1997), trial by media is antithetical to the rule of law. That observation assumes even greater urgency in Kashmir, where the stakes of justice are deeply intertwined with legitimacy, stability, and public confidence. A free press and a fair trial are not enemies. They are complementary pillars of a constitutional democracy. Preserving their equilibrium is essential not just for lawyers and journalists, but for every citizen. Justice must not only be done. It must be seen to be done in courts of law, not in the court of public opinion. Dr Ajaz Afzal Lone, currently working as an Assistant Professor in the University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh University
Irrigation project inaugurated, water relief for Chamkaur Sahib villages
State initiates Rs 1.4L crore recovery from Rajasthan: Dhaliwal
BJP leader urges Rs 1k-cr economic package for Asr
Jathedar Gargaj interacts with Sikh youth in Auckland
Army, civil admin conduct drill to bring Khalsa down
In vision document, SAD (Punar Surjit) proposes laws on conversion, sacrilege
2-day police remand for Amritpal in Ajnala attack case
PRTC adds 250 new buses to cover key routes, but locals say it is still inadequate
Congs Diwan back in Sonipat mayoral race, set to face BJPs Jain
Mann lauds Finland tie-up, says Punjab schools moving beyond rote learning
Ask Centre to raise incentives for Asha workers: Punjab minister to healh dept
Punjab cops ask Centre to block OTT series on Lawrence Bishnoi
State in dark as CM tours Europe: Cong slams AAP govt over power cuts
Punjab trails Hry, Himachal in central infra fund utilisation
Jakhar targets AAP govt over power cuts
4 student suicides since Feb: HHRC seeks report from NIT Kurukshetra
Dushyant seeks CBI probe into confrontation by Hry cops
Punjab Minister Denies Power Crisis Amid Opposition Allegations
Chandigarh, April 23: Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has responded to opposition claims regarding power cuts, asserting that there is currently no electricity issue in the state. In a conversation in Chandigarh, Cheema emphasized that minor adjustments are being made as a precaution. He noted that electricity demand is expected to surge in the coming ... Read more Punjab Minister Denies Power Crisis Amid Opposition Allegations
Power Cuts Spark Political Outrage in Punjab Amid Rising Temperatures
Chandigarh, April 23: As temperatures soar in Punjab, electricity demand has surged to approximately 10,500 megawatts. Instead of relief, residents are facing significant challenges due to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) announcing power shutdowns lasting between 8 to 10 hours. This situation is impacting everyone, from ordinary citizens to businesses and industries. In ... Read more Power Cuts Spark Political Outrage in Punjab Amid Rising Temperatures
Chandigarh administration must comply with all environmental impact assessments: HC
CAT stays transfer of schoolteacher accused of harassment
Man wanted in 2021 gunfire case held after shootout
Summer trial for Sukhna: UT officials say risk of main lake drying up minimal
3 held for supplying weapons to gangsters aides
Haryana rights panel seeks report on Panchkulas defunct CCTV cameras
Haryana Municipal Elections 2026: BJP Announces Chairperson Candidates
Chandigarh, April 23: Political activity is intensifying in Haryana as the state gears up for the 2026 municipal elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its candidates for the chairperson positions in the Rewari Municipal Council and the Sampla and Dharuhera Municipalities. Additionally, the party has revealed the names of candidates for the ward ... Read more Haryana Municipal Elections 2026: BJP Announces Chairperson Candidates
No ambulance, cops shift body in tempo
Akshay Sharma, Dhruv Sheoran share lead at DP World Players Championship
Nuh (Haryana), April 22: Akshay Sharma of Chandigarh and Gurugrams Dhruv Sheoran shared the 36-hole lead at nine-under 135 after round two of the Rs 1 crore DP World Players Championship at the Classic Golf & Country Club here on Wednesday. Thirty-five-year-old Akshay (70-65), a two-time DP World PGTI winner, produced the best round of []
Pak doors open: Pilgrim-turned-converts invite clip sparks row
Punjab minister refutes conflict of interest claims in sale of PSPCL land
Beyond the ordinary: Young artists turn lens on a changing world
UT chief engineer cracks whip on road re-carpeting delays
Gas agency staffer follows LPG rules, but gets stabbed
Heatwave conditions likely in most parts of India: IMD
NEW DELHI, Apr 22: Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail over major parts of northwest, central and eastern India during the next four to five days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Isolated parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, may expect heatwave conditions on April 24 and 25. Western Uttar Pradesh during April 23-25; eastern Uttar Pradesh during April 22-26; Rajasthan during April 24-26; Madhya Pradesh during April 23-26, Vidarbha [] The post Heatwave conditions likely in most parts of India: IMD appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BJP fields veteran in battle for mayors post
Rs 7.5cr zip-line project in Kangra likely to be ready by June
Pay by May 31, avail property tax rebate: UT civic body urges residents
CBI court dismisses plea challenging order to provide signature samples
Ban on breeding farm pigs lifted in Amritsar village
Cong declares 17 candidates, 3 pending
CM Mann engages with Punjabi diaspora in Finland
Govt sanctions Rs 123-cr relief for hailstorm-hit Punjab farmers
Crop diversification: Netherlands can help Punjab, says CM Mann
BJP didnt notify 2023 womens reservation law, but now wanted to use it for delimitation: Hooda
4 suffer burn injuries after blast in Abohar house
Congs Sonipat mayoral candidate files nomination
Samana morcha set to end on Friday, Army help sought for Khalsas descent
Chandigarh Police Issues Second Notice to Writer Madhu Kishwar Over Viral Video Controversy
Chandigarh, April 23: The Chandigarh Police announced on Wednesday that they have issued a second notice to writer and activist Madhu Kishwar, who is based in Delhi. This action follows the registration of an FIR against her for allegedly disseminating false and misleading content on social media. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur stated ... Read more Chandigarh Police Issues Second Notice to Writer Madhu Kishwar Over Viral Video Controversy
Gyan Bharatam Mission: Residents urged to share old manuscripts
At 42.9, Faridkot hottest in region; rain likely from April 26
From drug survey to census: Aaganwadi workers upset over multiple duties beyond job profile
Extreme heat puts food systems & farm livelihoods at risk: FAO-WMO report
Facebook friend hacks Aanganwadi worker to death in Muktsar
North India sizzles as IMD predicts heatwave conditions; mercury breaches 43-deg C in Bengal
According to the IMD, parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi may see heatwave conditions on April 24-25, while similar conditions are likely to prevail over parts of Uttar Pradesh (April 23-26), Rajasthan (April 24-26), Madhya Pradesh (April 23-26), Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh (April 24-27), and Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand (April 22-23).
Akshay Sharma and Dhruv Shyoran Share Lead at Players Championship
Gurgaon, April 22: In the ongoing 1 crore Players Championship at Classic Golf and Country Club, Chandigarhs Akshay Sharma and Gurgaons Dhruv Shyoran have jointly taken the lead after the second round, both scoring 9-under 135 over 36 holes. The 35-year-old Akshay, a two-time PGTI Tour winner, delivered the best round of the day on ... Read more Akshay Sharma and Dhruv Shyoran Share Lead at Players Championship
