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Prayagraj

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Naini RTO switches to automated driving test system

The Times of India 28 Sep 2026 11:02 pm

Cong stages protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

The Times of India 28 Sep 2026 10:46 pm

Prayagraj farmers to receive PM Kisan funds ahead of Diwali

The Times of India 28 Sep 2026 10:46 pm

UIM launches apprenticeship-embedded BBA, BCA

The Times of India 28 Sep 2026 10:46 pm

MNNIT holds educational visit on biogas technology

The Times of India 28 Sep 2026 10:45 pm

Surprise check in Handia, Hanumanganj: BDO faces salary cut

The Times of India 28 Sep 2026 10:45 pm

RPSF personnel rescue woman under moving train at Prayagraj Junction

The News Mill

The News Mill 28 Sep 2026 8:53 pm

Firm in conviction, remarkable in his simplicity: PM Modi pens tribute to Ashok Singhal on his birth centenary

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international working president Ashok Singhal on his birth centenary, describing him as a formidable personality who was firm in his convictions and remarkable in his simplicity. The Prime Minister said Singhal combined spiritual commitment with tireless organisational work and remained unwavering in his dedication to social unity. PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, Shri Ashok Singhal was formidablefirm in conviction and remarkable in his simplicity. He combined spiritual commitment with tireless organisational work and an unwavering dedication to social unity. The Prime Minister also penned a detailed tribute to Singhal under the headline, A great personality, committed to nation-building. In the tribute, PM Modi began by quoting a well-known couplet highlighting the importance of living for the welfare of others. There is a beautiful saying, Vriksh kabahun nahin phal bhakhai, Nadi na sanchai neer. Parmarath ke karane, sadhun dhara sarir. It means the tree does not consume its own fruit, nor does the river retain its waters. Both exist for the benefit of others, he wrote. Our saints and seers have long taught us that a life devoted to the welfare of those around us acquires a meaning far greater than individual achievement. If there is one person in whom this spirit was constantly reflected, it was Shri Ashok Singhal Ji, PM Modi said. Starting 27th September, we mark his birth centenary to celebrate an outstanding personality who brought together spiritual pursuit, cultural awakening and decades of dedicated organisational work, he added. PM Modi recalled his personal interactions with Singhal and said he considered it a privilege to have had numerous opportunities to meet him and receive his affection. I consider it a privilege that I had innumerable opportunities to interact with Ashok Ji and receive his affection. One of the earliest instances dates back to 1981, when I was a young Karyakarta going about the organisational duties given to me. I received a handwritten letter from him. Naturally, it was a noteworthy moment for me. He talked about an important upcoming programme and gave a few tasks to be done, he said. The Prime Minister also shared the letter written by Singhal. Recalling Singhals extensive travels and organisational work, PM Modi said he had seen him work day and night and travel to remote and difficult areas. Over several decades, I saw him work day and night. He would undertake long and often difficult travels to the remotest of areas. He was particularly passionate about travelling across tribal areas of Gujarat. His mind was constantly running, thinking about what more one can do for those on the margins of society, he said. PM Modi also recalled Singhals contribution to relief efforts during natural disasters. Whenever any part of the nation was affected by a natural disaster, Ashok Ji was either among the first to reach there himself or among those guiding Karyakartas to help those affected. My own experience with him in the aftermath of the 2001 Kutch earthquake was unforgettable, he said. The Prime Minister said Singhals compassion and concern for others had taken shape early in his life despite his coming from a prosperous and distinguished family. This spirit of compassion and care for others is something that came to Ashok Ji very early in his life. He hailed from a very illustrious and prosperous family. His father, Shri Mahavir Ji, was a distinguished administrator. One of his brothers, Shri BP Singhal Ji, went on to become a police officer and later a Member of Parliament. Another brother, Shri VP Singhal Ji, was the Chief Secretary of Tripura when the state was just formed, he said. Other family members succeeded in the world of commerce and agriculture. But from a young age, Ashok Ji was attracted to something else altogetherthe revival of Bharat and bringing glory to Maa Bhartis children, PM Modi added. Recalling Singhals childhood in Prayagraj, the Prime Minister said his association with the Sangam and the people who visited the holy site helped nurture his understanding of Indias cultural ethos. Growing up in Prayagraj, Ashok Ji would sit for hours on the banks of the Sangam. The river naturally interested him, but so did the people who came, such as saints, seers and devotees. It nurtured an understanding of Indias cultural ethos and strengthened his intention to do something for society, he said. This desire to live for others drew him to the RSS. He embraced every responsibility that came his way with enthusiasm, discipline and a sense of duty, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister highlighted Singhals organisational abilities, oratory skills and his close association with fellow workers and religious leaders. Shri Ashok Singhal Ji nurtured institutions and movements through persistence and hard work. He was blessed with a formidable voice and an oratory that could hold an entire gathering in its spell. Equally noteworthy was his care for fellow Karyakartas, he said. Anyone who came into contact with him could not help but marvel at his remarkable simplicity. He shared a deep bond with the Sant Samaj and commanded immense respect among saints and seers across the country. They valued his counsel and listened to him with great regard, PM Modi said. He also recalled two incidents that, according to him, reflected Singhals organisational abilities and influence. My mind goes back to two instances which brought out the legendary persona of Shri Ashok Singhal Ji. The first was in 1993, when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad organised a convention in the USA to mark 100 years since Swami Vivekanandas Chicago address, PM Modi said. The vision to host such a conference overseas, the planning and the bringing together of diverse stakeholders revealed the organisational genius of Ashok Ji, he added. The Prime Minister then recalled the World Hindu Conference held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2000. The second instance is from the year 2000. The World Hindu Conference was organised in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. I could see how his presence ignited so much enthusiasm among other delegates, he said. After my address, his words of appreciation were a very moving experience for me. I saw yet again how his encouragement filled every Karyakarta with so much energy, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister also recalled Singhals prominent role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. No mention of Shri Ashok Singhal Ji is complete without recalling his pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement. Who can forget his address at the Boat Club Rally in 1991? Or the defining image of an injured and bleeding Ashok Ji at the peak of the movement, he said. Today, if there is a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, it is because of stalwarts like him who selflessly immersed themselves in the effort to make it possible. He would have been the happiest person on seeing the Ram Mandir take shape in Ayodhya, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister further highlighted Singhals emphasis on social harmony, equality and dignity. Shri Ashok Singhal Ji was blessed with remarkable clarity of thought, and one area where it was clearly seen was his belief that our society needs to be harmonious, that the message of brotherhood has to be reaffirmed. He worked towards strengthening social unity and equality, he said. He firmly believed that there could be no distinction of any kind in society and that every individual deserved equal dignity and respect, PM Modi added. He also referred to Singhals role in promoting social inclusion during activities associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and other community initiatives. It was his thought that the first brick of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would be laid by Shri Kameshwar Choupal Ji, a grassroots VHP Karyakarta from Bihar who hailed from the marginalised sections of society. At a Dharm Sansad in Kashi, he decided that the Dom Raja would be honoured and went on to work with him as part of various community efforts, PM Modi said. Beyond organisational and nation-building activities, PM Modi said Singhal had a deep interest in education, particularly Vedic education, as well as music. Beyond nation-building, Shri Ashok Singhal Ji had two areas that were very close to his heart: education (especially Vedic education) and music. As the MP from Varanasi, I feel very proud that the city I represent, the eternal Kashi, has played its part in Shri Ashok Singhal Jis life, he said. He was educated at BHU and was also known to be a good student. He was closely associated with the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative, which worked to extend basic education to remote villages, especially among tribal communities, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister also described Singhal as a voracious reader and a good listener who encouraged younger organisational workers to read extensively. Those who knew Ashok Ji closely knew how well he sang! I recall meetings in Nagpur, where he would sing the Ekal Geet, leaving everyone mesmerised and setting the tone for the meeting, he said. PM Modi also recalled Singhals performance of Yeh matru-bhoomi meri, yeh pitru-bhoomi meri during his 90th birthday celebrations in 2015, which he said went viral. Concluding his tribute, PM Modi called upon the younger generation to learn about Singhals life and contributions. On his birth centenary, let us ensure that more youngsters know about his greatness. And let us renew our pledge to realise his dreams for our nation and our people, the Prime Minister said.

bhaskarlive 28 Sep 2026 9:58 am

Labourer found dead in Kaushambi village

The Times of India 27 Sep 2026 11:16 pm

Devotees arrive Sangam to perform rituals

The Times of India 27 Sep 2026 11:15 pm

Ganga, Yamuna levels rise as rain swells rivers in MP

The Times of India 27 Sep 2026 10:59 pm

Woman dies after mud house collapses in Pratapgarh

The Times of India 27 Sep 2026 10:58 pm

A great personality, committed to nation-building

Born into a respected Prayagraj family, Singhal dedicated his life to Bharats revival, earning wide respect from saints, seers, and Karyakartas alike, while leaving a lasting imprint on education, music, and social unity.

The Hindu Businessline 27 Sep 2026 10:15 pm

SSC reduces CGL 2026 vacancies to 10,731 across ministries

The Times of India 26 Sep 2026 11:06 pm

UP schools closed in several districts amid heavy rainfall and weather alerts

Schools in several Uttar Pradesh districts have been closed amid heavy rainfall and weather warnings. Lucknow, Prayagraj and Kanpur announced closures for September 26, while CM Yogi Adityanath directed officials to monitor relief operations and provide prompt assistance to affected families

Mid Day 26 Sep 2026 4:30 pm

One Rajendra Kumar Garg, Never a Second Again: One of Many Portraits From Raju Ramachandrans 14 Lawyers

THE FIRST ARGUMENT by R.K. Garg I encountered was in Ranjit D. Udeshi v. State of Maharashtra , which was part of our criminal law course in the Faculty of Law. Garg was counsel for Udeshi, the owner of the Popular Book Stall in Bombay, who had been convicted for obscenity under S.292 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 for selling D.H. Lawrences novel Lady Chatterleys Lover. Garg argued that S.292 was an unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). The judgment of the Court by Justice M. Hidayatullah paid a compliment to the counsel for the appellant. Our brilliant criminal law teacher Dr A.S. Bedi, referring to that compliment, said, Mr Garg is a great lawyer indeed. But the judgment went against the appellant. The Court upheld both the section and the conviction, declaring Lady Chatterleys Lover obscene. In condemning a piece of literature, Dr Bedi told us, Justice Hidayatullah wrote a piece of literature himself. I was sceptical of that, and disappointed by the judgment. Justice Hidayatullah was the 1960s equivalent of todays woke judge. He was educated at Cambridge, was a barrister at law, and seemed to be a synthesis of erudition, liberalism and cosmopolitanism. How could he and the Supreme Court through him purport to say a piece of literature was obscene? And, in my innocence, I thought, if a counsel was being complimented for his argument, he should have won the case. It is only later that I realized that the losing counsel will sometimes get the consolation prize of a compliment; I have received some in my time. I had, of course, heard of R.K. Garg even earlier, in my years in school. My mothers first cousin, M.K. Ramamurthi, along with R.K. Garg, D.P. Singh and S.C. Agrawal had set up a litigating law firm in the Supreme Court called Ramamurthi and Co., which became very well known. They were from different parts of the country. Ramamurthi was from Tamil Nadu, Garg from Uttar Pradesh, D.P. Singh from Bihar and S.C. Agrawal from Rajasthan. I am writing about Ramamurthi in another chapter of this book, so I only need to tell you about D.P. Singh and S.C. Agrawal. D.P. Singh, a lawyer from Bihar, later became a Senior Advocate and a Congress MP. Singh was a vocal supporter of the major constitutional amendments that Indira Gandhi brought about to implement her socialist vision and was an articulate defender of the supersession of judges in 1973. S.C. Agrawal was the sole non-political member of the team. He was the workhorse of the firm, excelling in drafting. He later became a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court and then served with distinction as a Judge of the Supreme Court from 1990 until 1998. Rajendra Kumar Garg was born in October 1928. His hometown was Saharanpur known for its high-quality iron and brass locks in western UP. After his school education there, he studied at Ewing Christian College, Allahabad. He obtained a masters degree in philosophy and a degree in law from Allahabad University. Those were the glorious days of that great university. The English department had two young lecturers who became legendary names in Hindi and Urdu literature. The first was Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and the second was Raghupati Sahai, better known as Firaq Gorakhpuri. Firaq was to become Gargs lifelong friend. Poignantly, when Firaq died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), his body was brought to Gargs house in Niti Bagh. In his student days, Garg was a prominent leader of the All India Student Federation and, in a natural progression, became a leader of the undivided Communist Party of India. He started his practice in Saharanpur in 1953 and was also elected vice-chairman of the Saharanpur municipality. He shifted to Allahabad in 1955 and joined the chambers of the progressive lawyer S.N. Dwivedi, who later became a Judge of the Allahabad High Court and eventually a Judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Dwivedi was in the minority of six in the Kesavananda Bharati case, holding in favour of Parliaments unlimited power to amend the Constitution. Such was his ardour for parliamentary supremacy that when he was elevated to the Supreme Court, he told a gathering of lawyers who had come to say goodbye to him at the railway station that he was going to Delhi to overrule Golak Nath. In 1960, R.K. Garg decided to shift to Delhi. He wrote to the Attorney General, Motilal Setalvad: You are the most eminent lawyer in independent India, and I shall consider myself fortunate if I am given the opportunity to join your chamber as I desire to learn to defend the interests of the working class, whom I politically represent. It is to the credit of the staid and dour M.C. Setalvad that he agreed to take a firebrand communist into his chamber. Till the end, Garg revered Setalvad, and no one who went to brief Garg could miss his photograph on his office wall. In his advocacy, Garg was vociferous and strident, and had the delightful habit of looking back after what he thought was a punchline to see if the rest of the courtroom liked his argument. I have often wondered why and how, in this obsequious and milord-ing profession, lawyers like Garg and Ramamurthi were aggressive. I believe that in the geriatric Supreme Court, in which they set up practice, in a court dominated by the likes of Setalvad, C.K. Daphtary and A.C.V. Viswanatha Sastri, youngsters could not afford to be meek. And thus, stormy petrels like them would not curb their natural style. Most judges took Gargs aggression in their stride, but not Justice A. Varadarajan, who, sitting as a junior judge with Justice Murtaza Fazl Ali, insisted (much to the discomfiture of the senior judge) on issuing a notice of contempt to him. Varadarajan retired in August 1985, and the matter lay hidden in the depths of the Courts registry till Gargs passing. However, behind the aggression and flamboyance lay a formidable intellect. There was both depth and width of knowledge, not only of law but of politics, literature and philosophy. As Chief Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah said at the Full Court Reference held on his passing, His was an enormous mind indeed. Gargs intellectual integrity made him a bit of an oddball in party politics. He was an elected member of the UP Legislative Assembly on a Communist Party of India (CPI) ticket from 1973 to 1977. I had always wondered why a person of such formidable talent and stature was not chosen by the CPI to represent it in Parliament. The party was evidently uncomfortable with him because of the Congress Partys comfort with him. In fact, his election to the UP Legislative Assembly on a CPI ticket was also with the support of the Congress. He was ultimately expelled by the Communist Party of India. Interestingly, Garg was in favour of the supersession of judges, and had backed Indira Gandhis progressive policies. He also did not oppose the Emergency. In fact, the CPI (his party at the time) supported it. Garg was, however, uncomfortable with the emergence of Sanjay Gandhi, and memorably described him as an extra-constitutional centre of power. Gargs contributions to the jurisprudence of the Court starts from the 1960s, and continued till his premature death in 1994. They were in the fields of personal liberty, freedom of speech, the right to life, criminal law, independence of the judiciary, public service law, and in varied areas of constitutional law and interpretation. Full Court References are rarely able to capture all the contributions of a lawyer to the jurisprudence of the court, but in the case of Garg (and a few months earlier in the case of his comrade Ramamurthi), the many cases argued by him are mentioned. In an era where fees were freely given in cash, and that was in fact the norm in criminal cases, Garg was known to deposit and declare every rupee that he earned. So he had the moral authority and standing to approach the Supreme Court himself as an honest taxpayer to challenge the Special Bearer Bonds Scheme. This was a scheme introduced by the post-Emergency Indira Gandhi government allowing the investment of black money into non-taxable, anonymously held bonds. The aim was to raise investment for the government by providing immunity from prosecution to those who put their undisclosed funds into government bonds. He failed in his challenge, but succeeded in getting a dissent from Justice A.C. Gupta. Decades later, my mind went back to Garg, as the Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, and as Justice B.V. Nagarathna wrote her powerful dissent in the demonetization case. Gargs long-time junior, Sunil Kumar Jain, recalls his senior as a kind person but a hard taskmaster. If they were working late into the night on a case, Garg himself would drive Sunil home to his flat in Lajpat Nagar. But he also recalls the many dressing-downs he received, during some of which he actually wept. Communal harmony was a cause dear to Garg. This was not surprising because Saharanpur had a large Muslim population, and he was educated in that great GangaJamuni town of Allahabad in its pre-Prayagraj avatar. One weekend in July 1994, when he was in the midst of hearings in the Presidential Reference on Ayodhya, he travelled to Saharanpur to address a meeting on secularism.9 Tragically, he died in a road accident during that trip. The circumstances of his passing left many of us teary-eyed. One of those who died with Garg in the accident was a communist friend of his. Sunil Jain recalls that the last rites for both were conducted together. Poignantly, a wreath on behalf of the Communist Party of India was placed on the body of the colleague but not on that of Garg. Expulsion from a communist party is no different from excommunication by a conservative religious sect; it goes right up to your grave. For me, it was a double whammy because my senior, Ramamurthi, had passed just the previous year, in 1993. In one of two instances of which I am aware of a court noting with regret the passing of a lawyer who had been arguing before it in an ongoing hearing, Justice S.P. Bharucha wrote: We are indebted to the learned Attorney General for the assistance that he has rendered to the Court. We are indebted to counsel who have appeared in these matters; if we single out Mr. R.K. Garg, it is because of his untimely demise. The other instance is Gobinda Mukhoty, about whom I write separately. The Full Court Reference to Garg in the Supreme Court on 10 August 1994 was one of the most memorable I have ever witnessed (I must confess that in the last couple of decades, I have stopped attending Full Court References because they have become mechanical and mindless repetitions of biodatas). The Attorney General Milon Kumar Banerji said, One Rajendra Kumar Garg, never a second again. One could see how moved Chief Justice Venkatachaliah was, and his description of Garg as the pillar of the alternative argument is unforgettable.

theleaflet 26 Sep 2026 3:59 pm

CMO Prayagraj Contractual Medical Officer Walk-In-Interview Schedule 2026 - Check Dates and Documents at prayagraj.nic.in

CMO Prayagraj has released the Walk-In-Interview schedule 2026 for 25 Contractual Medical Officer (MBBS) posts under the National Health Mission (NHM). Interviews will be held on 2829 September 2026 at the Office of the Chief Development Officer, Vikas Bhawan, Prayagraj. Check the roster by serial number, required documents checklist, venue details, and important instructions in this complete guide.

FreeJobAlert 26 Sep 2026 3:24 pm

Pilgrims Flock to Prayagraj for Pitra Paksha Rituals as Sacred Period Begins

Thousands gather at Prayagrajs Sangam for Pitra Paksha, a time to honor ancestors and perform sacred rituals. Pilgrims Flock to Prayagraj for Pitra Paksha Rituals as Sacred Period Begins

Daily Kiran 26 Sep 2026 9:58 am

Fatehpur police to expedite return of cyber fraud funds

The Times of India 25 Sep 2026 11:32 pm

Prayagraj devotees brave rain for Ganesh idol immersion

The Times of India 25 Sep 2026 11:32 pm

Vidya Bharatis Vande Mataram campaign draws 50,000 students

The Times of India 25 Sep 2026 11:30 pm

Rain alert: Schools up to class VIII closed today

The Times of India 25 Sep 2026 11:30 pm

Upadhyay, Mishra bag top posts in HCBA polls

The Times of India 25 Sep 2026 11:29 pm

The Importance of Performing Pind Daan in Prayagraj Before Kashi and Gaya

Understanding the significance of Pind Daan in Hindu traditions, particularly its roots in Prayagraj before Kashi and Gaya. The Importance of Performing Pind Daan in Prayagraj Before Kashi and Gaya

Daily Kiran 25 Sep 2026 2:14 pm

Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat train could make travel between Delhi, Prayagraj, Kanpur and Varanasi during Diwali season faster and more convenient with 160 kmph top speed, 16 AC coaches and 823 passenger capacity

Indian Railways is planning a Sleeper Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Varanasi route via Prayagraj and Kanpur, with a possible Diwali launch. The 16-coach train will carry 823 passengers and run at up to 160 kmph. Fares and final timings are yet to be confirmed by the Railway Board.

The Economic Times 25 Sep 2026 11:04 am

City logs 7 new dengue cases

The Times of India 25 Sep 2026 12:13 am

Prayagraj STF arrests wanted murder suspect after 13 months

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:12 pm

AU VC Sangita Srivastava gets historic second 5-year term

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:12 pm

HC: Change of religion does not automatically end ST status

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 11:12 pm

Sanjay Nishad Critiques Akhilesh Yadavs Leadership Amid Allegations of Neglecting SC/ST Rights

Sanjay Nishad criticizes Akhilesh Yadav for neglecting SC/ST communities and prioritizing rhetoric over action in Prayagraj. Sanjay Nishad Critiques Akhilesh Yadavs Leadership Amid Allegations of Neglecting SC/ST Rights

Daily Kiran 23 Sep 2026 8:13 pm

Bharat Taxi to operate on zero commission, drivers to get 5 lakh social security: CM Yogi Adityanath

Operations begin in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj; taxi as well as two-wheeler and three-wheeler drivers to join

The Hindu 23 Sep 2026 3:14 pm

Bharat Taxi to operate on zero commission, drivers to get 5 lakh social security: CM Yogi Adityanath

Operations begin in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj; taxi as well as two-wheeler and three-wheeler drivers to join

The Hindu 23 Sep 2026 3:14 pm

Kadapa-based Shirdi Sai Electricals ships first 345 kV power transformer to U.S., targets 600 crore in exports

The 175 MVA extra-high voltage transformer was built at the companys Naini plant in Prayagraj; SSEL is also seeking approvals in Europe

The Hindu 23 Sep 2026 8:16 am

Village womans SHG turns into Rs 2.2 cr company

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 11:12 pm

Admin launches survey to regulate e-rickshaw routes

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 11:07 pm

Varanasi-Agra Vande Bharat likely to extend to Mathura soon

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 11:06 pm

Fatehpur police bust inter-state burglars gang, 7 held

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 11:06 pm

Pandas of Prayagraj Organize Ancient Records Ahead of Pitru Paksha

As Pitru Paksha approaches, the Pandas of Prayagraj are diligently maintaining centuries-old family records for pilgrims. Pandas of Prayagraj Organize Ancient Records Ahead of Pitru Paksha

Daily Kiran 22 Sep 2026 11:38 am

Devotees Flock to Prayagraj for Padma Ekadashi Rituals

Thousands of devotees gathered in Prayagraj for Padma Ekadashi, marking a day of worship and sacred dips in the Ganges. Devotees Flock to Prayagraj for Padma Ekadashi Rituals

Daily Kiran 22 Sep 2026 10:33 am

Dasara, Diwali Rush: SCR Announces Special Trains From Charlapalli

The PrayagrajCharlapalli special train (04121) will operate on Mondays from September 28 to November 30, with 10 services.

Deccan Chronicle 22 Sep 2026 9:50 am

Allahabad HC orders probe into caste discrimination at Prayagraj NLU

The News Mill

The News Mill 22 Sep 2026 8:42 am

PCI Adds AI to B Pharm curriculum

The Times of India 21 Sep 2026 11:29 pm

NCR boosts safe drinking water measures across stns

The Times of India 21 Sep 2026 11:28 pm

UPRTOU former VCs ashes immersed at Sangam

The Times of India 21 Sep 2026 11:27 pm

HC orders inquiry over claims of caste-based humiliation in NLU

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has ordered an independent inquiry against the head of the Department of Law and warden of the boys hostel at Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj over allegations of caste-based humiliation and discrimination raised by two students. Justice Vinod Diwakar also directed an independent re-evaluation of the answer sheets 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 .

The Siasat Daily 21 Sep 2026 10:00 pm

Allahabad HC orders independent probe into alleged caste-based humiliation of students at NLU Prayagraj

Digital Desk | Prayagraj, Sep 21 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has directed the constitution of two committees to independently re-evaluate answer sheets and inquire into allegations of caste-based humiliation and discrimination against students at Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj. A single-judge Bench of Justice Vinod Diwakar passed the directions while hearing a writ petition filed by a PhD research scholar and a fifth-semester B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) student of the university, who alleged that academic and administrative authority had been used by the Head of the Department of Law and Warden of the Boys' Hostel for caste-based humiliation and retaliation. The High Court directed the Vice-Chancellor to constitute an independent committee to re-evaluate the answer sheets of petitioner no. 2 in subjects taught and evaluated by respondent no. 6 (Dr Deepak Sharma), as well as any other subjects indicated by the student. It further directed that the answer sheets be placed before the committee after masking the identities of the candidate and original evaluator, without disclosing the marks originally awarded. The Committee shall complete the exercise and submit its report to the Vice-Chancellor within one week, the Allahabad High Court ordered, directing that the Vice-Chancellor place the report before it on the next date of hearing. For examining the allegations raised by the petitioners, the High Court asked Archana Singh-I, Judge, Small Cause Court, District Court, Prayagraj, and Arun Kumar Yadava, Special Chief Judicial Magistrate, Prayagraj, to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. The inquiry will examine whether students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were subjected to caste-based humiliation or discrimination by Dr Deepak Sharma or any other person employed by or working for gain in the university, and whether their complaints were dealt with in accordance with applicable regulations. The inquiring officers were authorised to record the statements of the petitioners and other persons, including Dr Sharma, and call for varsity records required for the inquiry. The Registrar of the university was directed to extend full cooperation. The High Court also directed that before recording any adverse conclusion against a person, the inquiring officers must communicate the substance of the allegations and provide a reasonable opportunity to explain. The inquiry report must record the substance of the explanation and any recommendations. It further directed the inquiring officers to take appropriate measures to protect the identities of students who depose before them, in view of the apprehension of retaliation expressed in the complaint filed on August 20. The report shall be submitted in a sealed cover before the next date of hearing, Justice Diwakar ordered. The High Court also directed the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that neither petitioner faces any adverse academic or administrative consequences on account of the proceedings or statements made during the inquiry. Until further orders, Dr Sharma will not be assigned any role in evaluating the answer scripts of petitioner no. 2 or in any disciplinary or hostel-related matter concerning either petitioner. The university was further directed to relieve the assistant professor concerned of all administrative responsibilities until the completion of the inquiries. The High Court also asked the Vice-Chancellor to file an affidavit stating whether the university had constituted an Equal Opportunity Cell and a committee for redressal of grievances of students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as required under applicable University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The affidavit must also disclose the composition of these bodies, the action taken on the complaint filed on August 20 and subsequent reminders, and the reasons for the apparent failure to act on the grievance. The Registrar was directed to file a personal affidavit addressing the same aspects. The petitioners had alleged that the university authorities failed to act on the complaint submitted by petitioner no. 2 to the Vice-Chancellor, despite repeated reminders and further complaints. The complaint, as reproduced in the High Court order, alleged that stricter evaluation of answer sheets was linked to the student's caste and referred to remarks allegedly made by Dr Sharma concerning caste and reservation. The student sought independent review or re-evaluation of the Constitutional Law-II and other answer scripts by an impartial evaluator, subject to university rules, while requesting confidentiality over the complaint due to apprehensions of retaliation and adverse consequences in the academic environment. The Allahabad High Court clarified that it had not recorded any finding on the truth of the allegations against Dr Sharma or any other person. The allegations are serious, and for that very reason they require to be examined by an impartial agency after affording a full opportunity of hearing to the person against whom they are made, the order observed. The High Court directed the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar to maintain strict confidentiality concerning the proceedings and disclose information only to persons necessary for compliance with the order. The matter has been posted for fresh hearing on September 24, at 12 noon.

bhaskarlive 21 Sep 2026 5:03 pm

UPPSC LT Grade Assistant Teacher DV Schedule 2026 - Check Schedule PDF at uppsc.up.nic.in

UPPSC has released the document verification schedule for Assistant Teacher (Trained Graduate Grade) Exam-2025 for Science, Commerce and Agriculture/Horticulture. DV is on 25 September and 26 September 2026 at Saraswati Bhawan, Prayagraj. Check subject-wise serial numbers, session timings, documents required and how to download the DV form set.

FreeJobAlert 21 Sep 2026 12:10 pm

Traffic police crack whip on irregular parking at markets

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 9:41 pm

NGO celebrates decade of empowering slum youth

The Times of India 20 Sep 2026 9:41 pm