ED raids residence of Punjab ministers aide in Pathankot land probe
CJI backs mediation as instrument in reducing litigation
Intl drug and arms smuggling network busted, 4 held with over 5 kg heroin
SAD govt facilitated conviction in Khalra murder case: Sukhbir
Nagra hand in glove with AAP, claims SAD, demands probe
Centre should regularise MGNREGA staff: Punjab minister to Chouhan
Dharamkot, Garhshankar lead Punjab in electoral digitisation drive
CJI launches youth rehab drive against drug abuse in Punjab
Punjabs power demand crosses 17,450 MW, highest this season
Punjab BJP appoints district presidents to strengthen party
17 benches in Patiala district hear 532 cheque bounce cases
PSPCL directs subdivision offices to process lawyers tariff applications
Himachal govt misusing central funds: LoP
NGT raps Himachal as 44.5% of its sewage flows untreated
HC seeks report on waste management system at Triund Trek in Dharamshala
Rain red alert puts Himachal on guard
Indias first Hydrogen train to run six days a week, Friday for maintenance
Punjab Police Uncovers Cross-Border Drug and Arms Trafficking Network, Four Arrested
Chandigarh, July 18: The Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled a cross-border drug and illegal arms trafficking network, leading to the arrest of four individuals. Authorities seized 5.557 kilograms of heroin and two sophisticated pistols during the operation. Punjabs Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav shared this information on Saturday. The arrested suspects have been ... Read more Punjab Police Uncovers Cross-Border Drug and Arms Trafficking Network, Four Arrested
Samsung Selects Chandigarh University Student as 'Punjab AI State Topper'
Samsung Selects Chandigarh University Student as 'Punjab AI State Topper'
'Operation Hard Ball': Punjab cop who extorted Rs 16 lakh from US family arrested
Inspector Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, named in a US indictment, has been arrested by Punjab Police. He allegedly extorted sixteen lakh rupees from a United States-based family. This arrest follows an inquiry initiated after media reports surfaced regarding the indictment. Nagra was relieved of his duties and transferred while an investigation commenced. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against the suspended inspector.
Still old school, believe in protocol, says Manish Tewari on buzz around interaction with Modi
The remarks came after his interaction with Prime Minister Modi after an official programme in Chandigarh garnered attention on social media
DC Kupwara inaugurates Aadhar Seva Kendra
Kupwara, Jul 17: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has operationalised a new UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) at Kupwara, marking another significant step towards strengthening resident-centric Aadhaar services in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, in the presence of Chief Planning Officer, Kupwara, Parvaiz Ahmad Lone. The inauguration ceremony was hosted by UIDAI Regional Office, Chandigarh and attended by V. Siva Subramanian, Deputy Director, UIDAI, and Shoaib Mohmad Khan, State Project Manager, UIDAI. Representatives from service provider, Rajnish Mehta, Regional Manager BLS International; Peer Mubashir Shah, Cluster Manager, and Aijaz Ahmad Wani, Operations Manager were also present on the occasion. The newly established Kupwara Aadhaar Seva Kendra is equipped with four operational Aadhaar enrolment and update kits to provide seamless Aadhaar-related services to residents. The centre offers a comprehensive range of Aadhaar services under one roof, including new enrolment, demographic updates, biometric updates, document verification, correction of Aadhaar details, and grievance redressal. The Aadhaar Seva Kendra functions on all working days except public holidays, ensuring greater accessibility, convenience, and an enhanced service experience for residents of Kupwara and the surrounding areas. During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with residents availing Aadhaar services and the staff at the centre. He reviewed the Aadhaar enrolment and update procedures and appreciated the efforts being made to provide efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly services. UIDAI officials informed the Deputy Commissioner that the centre has been designed as a fully inclusive and resident-friendly facility with amenities such as wheelchair accessibility, accessible washrooms, comfortable waiting areas, and a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism. Residents can also conveniently book appointments online for Aadhaar services through the UIDAI Aadhaar Appointment Portal. Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for eligible children aged 5 to 17 years are currently being provided free of cost up to 30 September 2026. The facility is available both at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra and through special school-based Aadhaar camps being conducted across District Kupwara. The DC termed the operationalisation of the UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra at Kupwara as important milestone in strengthening digital governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing the ease of living for residents in line with the vision of Digital India and inclusive governance. Speaking on the occasion, UIDAI officials reiterated the Authority's commitment to expanding high-quality, accessible, and technology-driven Aadhaar services across Jammu & Kashmir.
The Constitutional Paradox of Government-led Protest
Peaceful protest is an accepted democratic instrument through which citizens express dissent, hold governments accountable, and seek policy reforms. Protests in constitutional democracies are usually organized against governmental actions or inactions. But there is a special constitutional dilemma when the Government or those acting under executive powers themselves issue a call for protest. Can the Government constitutionally organize protests? Is it a means for promoting democracy or indicates the failure of constitutional governance? These questions acquire special importance in the constitutional framework of Jammu & Kashmir. This issue is not whether the government or their elected representatives have freedom of expression that is at stake. The constitutional question is whether the kind of executive responsibility is consistent with the idea of representation and constitutional accountability. The Constitution does not expressly mention a right to protest. Yet the right to peaceful protest forms part of the freedoms under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(c) of the Constitution which protect the freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly and association which allows the people to participate in public debate even outside the sphere of elections. These freedoms, however, are not absolute. The legality of a peaceful protest also has to be understood in the context of constitutional morality. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar repeatedly emphasised that the success of a Constitution lies not only in its provisions but also in the constitutional morality of the people. Democratic legitimacy depends not merely upon electoral victory but upon continual constitutional accountability. Governments ordinarily respond to public grievances through constitutional institutions rather than by mobilising public demonstrations. It is this constitutional inversion that makes the present situation unique. Symbolic protest occupies an important place in constitutional democracies. Peaceful demonstrations such as silent marches, candlelight vigils, black badges and public memoranda enable citizens and public representatives to express constitutional expectations without departing from democratic norms. In the case of Jammu & Kashmir, a gathering at a publicly known constitutional location like Jantar Mantar can be considered a form of constitutional dialogue. This is done without stepping out of the realm of democracy and legality. In cases where institutional dialogue has been attempted, constitutional commitments have been publicly recorded, and where the demand seeks to be met in fulfilment of such constitutional commitment, peaceful public demonstration could work as a complementary democratic tool rather than as a substitute to constitutional governance. The constitutionality of peaceful protest in the case of restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be assessed within the context of judicial dicta as well as the constitutional commitments documented before the Parliament of India. The Supreme Court has repeatedly recognised peaceful protest as an essential democratic freedom in the case of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India (2018) in which it noted that peaceful demonstrations constitute an important part of democratic practice and the state has the corresponding responsibility of balancing public order with the constitutional liberties enshrined in Article 19. Also, in Amit Sahni v. Commissioner of Police (2020), while regulating the manner of conduct of the protest itself, the Court did not weaken the constitutional right to protest but reaffirmed that peaceful dissent is a constitutionally protected right. The Supreme Courts decision in In Re: Article 370 (2023) added constitutional dimension, while ruling on the constitutional validity of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Constitution Bench observed that while noting the submission of the Union Government regarding restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as early as possible, the Court ruled that the democratic process, which includes elections, must be completed within the prescribed time frame. Even though the Court did not provide any time line to restore statehood, the fact was explicitly noted, putting the matter into the domain of constitutional governance. The constitutional discourse also gets strengthened by pledges made in Parliament itself. During the discussions on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Union Home Minister pledged to both the Houses of Parliament that the conversion of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory was only temporary and Supreme Courts verdict on Article 370. Parliamentary assurances, although political, assume constitutional significance when recorded before the nations highest legislative forum. The choice of the Jantar Mantar location is constitutionally significant, it has been used as an officially designated democratic space where individuals, civil society organizations, and political parties make their constitutional demands to Parliament. Conducting a peaceful protest in such a location makes it clear that the aim is not to clash with the Constitution but to work within its parameters. In conducting a protest, a constitutional demand is made to the constitutional body competent to deal with the issue. Questions about cooperative federalism are raised by this incident as well. According to the constitution of India, conflicts between the union government and the state government should ideally be settled by way of dialogues and consultation. Mobilization of people can serve as an additional means to back up a constitutional claim, but it cannot serve as a permanent replacement for intergovernmental engagements. The constitutional debate is therefore not about whether citizens may protest, that question is largely settled under Article 19. What needs to be considered more profoundly from a constitutional perspective is the position of the government in a representative federal democratic framework. Even though governments have the political freedom to pursue constitutional goals, at the same time, they carry constitutional duties of adhering to dialogue, federal cooperation and the rule of law. Dr Ajaz Afzal Lone, Assistant Professor in the University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh University.
Amrit Bharat push: PM opens revamped stations in Mohali, Kalka
PU researchers secure patent for tech combining wastewater treatment, green hydrogen production
Draw today to decide fate of 774 street vendors
Absconding banker faces Red Corner Notice in 30-year-old fraud case
Duo held for robbing motorists after seeking lifts
MC removes alleged encroachment from govt land in Mataur village
Man stabbed to death as reconciliation bid fails
Bomb threat email triggers massive security sweep at Secretariat
Chandigarh Has Set Benchmark Of Planned Urban Development: Modi
Launches Rs 4,700cr Projects; Hails UTs Devp
PGI capacity gets major boost with new centres, MBBS college
Chandigarh students make it to Top 100 in Re-NEET UG 2026
PU admission counselling marred by ABVP-SATH clash; parents witness chaos
Cyclist killed in hit-and-run near Manimajra traffic light
Fresh twist in Sector 52 death; homicide case filed
Man loses Rs 1.5 lakh saved for sisters surgery at PGI to thief
3 city residents lose over 8 lakh to cyber frauds
Work-from-home Scam, Fake Visa Offer And Bogus Bank Call Among Frauds Reported
Man convicted of beheading friend over 40,000 goat trade dispute
Congress censures PM Modis Punjab visit, says key issues ignored
HHRC orders regular inspection of mortuary freezers in govt hospitals
Haryana launches 45-day drive to recover Rs 56 crore in power theft
GJUST scholar bags $7,000 fellowship for advanced research at US University
Suspend ops of biogas plant in Jind: Congress
Dabwali police nab 2 in separate cases; 256g heroin seized
Punjab rain deficit widens to 38%, Haryana to 20%
Worlds longest hydrogen powered train flagged off from Haryanas Jind
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Indias first hydrogen-powered fuel cell train from Jind in Haryana, marking a major step towards cleaner rail transport. He also laid the foundation stone for development projects in Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab. Heres why the hydrogen train is significant and how it works.
Why railways picked Jind-Sonipat route for its 1st hydrogen train
India has joined select nations operating hydrogen-powered trains with its first service. The Jind-Sonipat route was chosen for its low traffic and infrastructure availability. This 10-coach train is the longest of its kind globally. It utilizes indigenous technology and a powerful fuel-cell propulsion system. The service will eventually be extended to New Delhi.
Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh Signs MoUs with 36 Top Global Universities; to provide global exposure for students
A Chandigarh consumer commission ordered a domestic help agency to refund Rs 17,727. The agency also must pay Rs 10,000 compensation for failing to provide services. Caregiver services were only provided for less than five months. This was against the agreed full term of eleven months. The agency was found guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
Prime minister Narendra Modi flags off India's first Hydrogen train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind. This new train will operate between Jind and Sonipat, covering a distance of eighty-nine kilometers. The service is scheduled to run twice daily, with fares fixed at twenty-five rupees. The train can reach a maximum speed of seventy-five kilometers per hour. After the flagging-off ceremony, the Prime Minister addressed a public rally and inaugurated development projects.
Immigration firm co-owner held over use of forged papers
A joint owner of an immigration consultancy is on the brink of arrest due to accusations of forging visa documents. He allegedly submitted counterfeit bank statements to Australian authorities, misleading unsuspecting students into paying hefty fees. Investigations have confirmed that at least forty students fell victim, although the toll may rise. The police have initiated a case and are probing the actions of the other partner as well.
Amritpal aide to contest Pb polls from Moga
Larvae found at homes, health dept issues notices amid dengue drive
Punjab extends MACP benefits to all govt doctors, covers post-2020 recruits
Punjab logs 35% deficient rain as monsoon weakens
People facing vehicle problems due to E20 petrol, claims CM Bhagwant Mann
Extortion bid: Firing at Zira shop, owner says 2nd attack in 20 days
69L women enrol for Punjabs monthly allowance, 7.4L of them in Ludhiana
Ex-girlfriend, cousin burn man alive, dragged into flames
We dont know anyone there: Family seeks help to bring body of woman stabbed in UK
8 govt hospitals in Himachal to get 1.5 Tesla MRI machines: HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Ex-CM Charanjit Singh Channi meets Venugopal, says final decision with high command
SAD to treat 2027 manifesto as legal document, forms panel to draft promises
Free training announced for police constable aspirants
Bomb-like object recovered from a field in Fazilka border village
Punjab power engineers warn of system collapse
Free kitchens support Amarnath pilgrims
Baltal, July 12: As thousands of pilgrims arrive at the Baltal base camp for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, free community kitchens set up by religious and voluntary organisations are playing a vital role in assisting devotees with meals, accommodation, healthcare support and other basic amenities. Operating day and night, these service centres cater to a large number of yatris daily by providing freshly prepared food, resting spaces, clean washrooms and medical assistance, helping pilgrims prepare for and recover from their trek to the holy cave shrine. Vikas Sharma of Delhi, who has been associated with this service for the last 20 years, said their organisation welcomes every pilgrim without any charge. He said providing meals and a place to stay for devotees is their way of contributing to the annual pilgrimage. Among the prominent organisations, Shiv Gauri Sewa Mandal Delhi Tiranga Bhandara has been serving pilgrims at Baltal for nearly two decades. The organisation also manages another service centre near the Neelgrath, where it has been assisting devotees for the past five years. Lakhi Ram from Chandigarh said his camp prepares a wide range of food items, including more than 50 varieties of sweets, besides wholesome meals. He said visitors are also provided with accommodation and other necessary facilities free of cost. Sanjay Kumar Parasari from Uttar Pradesh said his organisation has been associated with the pilgrimage for the past 20 years, extending support through free meals, lodging, medicines and other essential services to pilgrims throughout the Yatra. The dedicated efforts of volunteers and service organisations, along with support from the administration, continue to enhance facilities at Baltal, ensuring that thousands of devotees receive timely assistance during their spiritual journey.
4 convicted, 11 acquitted in 2020 Narnaund murder case
Hry Cong targets BJP over toll hikes, traffic and water crisis
Abhay Chautala writes to PM Modi, demands early completion of SYL canal
Man held for raping 1.5-yr-old daughter in Yamunanagar
Modi To Unveil Rs 25,000-Cr Projects in Three States
Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh get major projects
Global Hospitality Giants Recruit 619 Chandigarh University Students for Careers Across Hotels, Airlines and Travel Industry
The Naveen Jindal Foundation organized a major employment and skill assessment drive. Over forty candidates secured jobs at a steel manufacturing unit in Oman. Around two hundred fifty others received placements with various domestic employers. Sixty-one candidates cleared a German language exam for future apprenticeships there. The foundation also explores government partnerships for more overseas employment opportunities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth Rs 5,470 crore. He will dedicate 75 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. New rail lines and train services will enhance connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Several national highway projects worth over Rs 3,070 crore are also planned. Additionally, Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects in Chandigarh.
PM Modis Upcoming Visit to Jind: Launching Indias First Hydrogen Train
Chandigarh, July 16: Preparations are complete for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Jind, Haryana, scheduled for July 17. The state government has announced various programs involving ministers and local representatives. During this visit, the Prime Minister will participate in a state-level event and will flag off the countrys first hydrogen train. In addition to ... Read more PM Modis Upcoming Visit to Jind: Launching Indias First Hydrogen Train
Sukhbir Badal Criticizes Bhagwant Mann Government Over Employee Action
Chandigarh, July 16: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has launched a sharp attack on the Punjab government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding police action against employees and workers in Khanna. He accused the government of using force against peaceful protesters, which he claims is against democratic values. In ... Read more Sukhbir Badal Criticizes Bhagwant Mann Government Over Employee Action
Khalra film brings focus back on Jathedar Kaunkes 33-year-old unresolved disappearance
Every Auto and E-Rickshaw in Panchkula to Get a Unique Identity
At 7, Ropar boy youngest to scale 6,000+ peak
AAP sarpanch held for Rs 36L visa fraud
NCW chief flags drug abuse as major threat to Punjab women
CM announces new appointments to boards and commissions
