3 Arrested, 36 Detained As Delhi Police Raids Gangster Hideouts Across NCR
The Delhi Police conducted massive raids at criminal hideouts across the national capital and Haryana in the early hours on Thursday, and arrested three people including the father of jailed gangster Neeraj Bawana.
ED attaches Rs 696.21 crore assets from Haryana in PACL case
The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth Rs 696.21 crore in Haryana. This action relates to the PACL fraud case. The fraud involved Pearl Agro Corporation Limited. The company allegedly misappropriated Rs 48,000 crore from investors. The ED investigation revealed layering and diversion of funds. The attached properties are linked to several entities.
Over 97,000 taxpayers avail benefits under One Time Settlement scheme, says Haryana govt
Haryana's One Time Settlement scheme saw over 97,000 taxpayers benefit. They settled tax arrears worth Rs 712.88 crore. The scheme applied to dues up to June 30, 2017, under seven Acts. Taxpayers received relief with waivers on interest and penalties. The government urged taxpayers to settle dues before the September 27 deadline. Installment options were available for settlement amounts.
Day Belonged to Haryana Steelers', They Gave Opposition no Chance: Rishank Devadiga
Rishank Devadiga credited head coach Joginder Narwal for his bold auction picks and praised Neeraj Narwals performance
Rahul Gandhi calls CEC 'protector of vote thieves'; says will present more proof soon
NEW DELHI: Over a month after making his atom bomb claims against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over vote theft in Karnatakas Mahadevapura Assembly segment, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged large-scale irregularities in the states Aland constituency. He said that 6,018 voter names were allegedly deleted in a systematic manner using software. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi launched a blistering attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar accusing him of protecting the vote thieves and demanded that the ECI must release evidence to the Karnataka CID within a week. ECI must stop protecting vote thieves. They should release all incriminating evidence to the Karnataka CID within a week, he said. Gandhi added that although the Karnataka CID had sent 18 letters in 18 months to the ECI seeking destination IPs, device ports and OTP trails of the fake Form 7 applications, the poll body has not responded so far. Presenting evidence of vote theft in Aland, he claimed that the deletions were targeted in the top 10 booths where Congress holds strong influence and had won 8 of them. Inside information, voter deletion, black and white evidence: Key takeaways from Rahuls fresh vote theft allegations Gandhi said that an automated program chose the first name from each booth to delete votes, with mobile numbers from outside the state used to file fake applications. The fraud was exposed by chance when a booth-level officer discovered that even her uncles vote had been fraudulently deleted from the rolls. Voter names were deleted using software, citing fake form 7 applications, he said. Someone has set up a centralized criminal operation to steal elections. In Aland, this operation filed 6018 deleted applications by impersonating voters using automated filling of online EC forms, he said, adding that mobile numbers from outside Karnataka were used in the operation. The Congress leader further invited Karnataka resident Suryakant to the stage to present the evidence. Suryakant said that his identity was used to delete 12 voters in 14 minutes. However, he had no knowledge of the fact that his phone number had been used to delete the voter name. Gandhi alleged that a fake login under the name Godabai was used to delete 12 votes. He also played a video, where Godabai denied any knowledge of it. Someone ran an automated programme that ensured the first voter of the booth was the applicant, he said. Gandhi cited another example of Nagaraj, who filled two form 7 applications for deletions and submitted them in 36 seconds. Humanly impossible, said Gandhi. Rahul's allegations on vote theft baseless, incorrect: ECI Similarly, mass deletion of voters has happened in Maharashtra, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, he said. Millions of names of voters belonging to communities such as Dalits, adivasis, minorities, and OBCs have been deliberately deleted from the voters list. There is a systematic targeting of voters who vote for the opposition parties, he said. 'Information from inside EC' In another revelation, Gandhi said that he is getting help from people in the ECI in exposing the voter roll irregularities across the country. Information has now started coming from inside EC on vote theft, Gandhi said. I want to say that we are now getting information from inside the Election Commission, this was not happening before, but now we are getting information from inside ECI, and this is not going to stop. People will not accept this. Once the youth becomes aware that vote theft is happening, they will rise in anger, said Gandhi. Though the press conference was expected to be on Gandhi's 'hydrogen bomb' expose on alleged vote theft, the Congress leader clarified that he would soon drop it and the preparations are on in this regard. This press conference is not about the hydrogen bomb. It will happen soon. I will present it with solid proof. I have told my team that I will go on to the stage only with substantial evidence, said Gandhi The Congress leader further said that he will expose the mastermind behind the vote theft. BJP hits back at Rahul on vote theft allegations, says he stands for 'infiltrators first politics'
Delhi-Haryana: Police launch simultaneous raids on gang hideouts, register FIRs
Delhi Police conducted searches across the national capital and Haryana targeting members and associates of different gangs, an official said on Thursday. According to police, the raids were conducted at multiple hideouts of the gangsters in an effort to curb organised crime and break the supply chains of weapons and finances
Seven-time MLA Anil Vij drops minister tag from his bio on X; sparks political buzz in Haryana
Haryana Minister Anil Vij stirred political speculation by removing Minister from his social media profiles, aiming to connect with followers personally. He dismissed rumors of government discord, emphasizing his commitment to his ministerial duties. Vij also criticized Rahul Gandhi's hydrogen bomb remark, deeming it irresponsible and unpatriotic, further fueling the ongoing political discourse in Haryana.
Haryana Minister Anil Vij Updates His Bio On X, It Now Says...
Anil Vij, who holds multiple portfolios in the Haryana government, has dropped the word 'minister' from his bio on X to grow his presence on social media with his name and said that he is ot dependent on any tag.
Gangsters involved in Disha Patani's home shooting gunned down
The Delhi Police Special Cell, in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Special Task Force (STF), gunned down two gangsters involved in a shooting incident outside actor Disha Patani's Bareilly residence last week.
Women health & environment programmes launched in Haryana to mark PMs birthday
Month on, no FIR into Budanpur rampage; locals write to Haryana CM
Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjit embarrasses Haryana government over delay in Gurugram metro project
Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh demands accountability for 7-year delay in Gurugram metro project, questioning government responsibility.
Sports University of Haryana gains international acclaim in Tokyo event
Godara-Brar gang members linked to firing outside Disha Patanis house killed in Ghaziabad encounter
Two alleged members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang, accused in the firing outside actress Disha Patanis Bareilly home, were shot dead in a joint Delhi Police-UP STF-Haryana STF encounter near Ghaziabads Tronica City. One Special Cell personnel was injured; investigation to trace other gang members continues.
Two suspects involved in firing outside Disha Patani's Bareilly home killed in encounter
LUCKNOW: Two active members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Barar gang, allegedly involved in firing outside Bollywood actress Disha Patani's residence in Bareilly, were shot dead in an encounter near Tronica City in Ghaziabad on Wednesday, officials said. The encounter was carried out in a joint operation by Delhi Police Special Cell, Uttar Pradesh STF and Haryana STF, they said. The deceased were identified as Ravinder, a resident of Haryana's Rohtak and Arun from Haryana's Sonipat, they said. A senior officer of the Haryana STF confirmed that both were shot dead and a personnel of the Special Cell also sustained injuries during the encounter. The duo had a direct role in the Bareilly firing case, which had sparked security concerns around high-profile personalities. The incident was suspected to be an intimidation tactic linked to extortion, an officer of Delhi Police Special Cell said. Senior officers said further investigation is underway to trace other gang members who remain absconding. Unidentified assailants had fired multiple rounds outside Patani's Bareilly residence around 3.45 am on September 12, creating panic in the locality. A case was registered at the Bareilly Kotwali police station, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed immediate action in the matter, reiterating the state government's zero-tolerance policy towards crime. Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, said that police examined CCTV footage, gathered intelligence inputs, and matched records from neighbouring states, leading to the identification of the shooters as Ravindra, son of Kallu, resident of Kahni in Rohtak, and Arun, son of Rajendra, resident of Indian Colony, Gohana Road in Sonipat. Earlier, the officials said that a joint team of the STF's Noida unit and Delhi Police intercepted the duo in Tronica City, Ghaziabad. In the ensuing exchange of fire, both accused sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The ADG confirmed that both Ravindra and Arun are active members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang. Ravindra has a criminal history and has been involved in several previous cases. A Glock and a Zigana pistol, along with a large quantity of cartridges, were recovered from the spot, he added.
'Why not arrest a few errant farmers for indulging in stubble burning?': SC asks Punjab government
NEW DELHI: Concerned over the usual spike in pollution levels in winter, the Supreme Court asked the Punjab government on Wednesday why a few errant farmers should not be arrested for indulging in stubble burning, a key contributor to air pollution, to send across a stern message. You take a call, otherwise we will issue a mandamus, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said while making strong observations on the issue. The bench was hearing a suo-motu (on its own) plea relating to filling up vacancies in the state pollution control boards of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab. The court asked these states, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to fill up vacancies within three months. As the proceedings progressed, the CJI asked senior advocate Rahul Mehra, who represented the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab in the court, why errant farmers should not be arrested and penalised for stubble burning. Most of Delhi's air pollution in Oct-Nov locally created; weak link to stubble burning: Study Delhi AQI | What's the alternative to stubble burning? Farmers are special, and we are eating because of them, but it does not mean that we cannot protect the environment. Why don't you think of some penalty provisions? If some people are behind bars, it will send the correct message. Why don't you think of some penalty provisions for the agriculturists? If you have a real intention of protecting the environment, then why shy away? the CJI asked. I had read in newspapers that stubble can also be used as biofuel.We cannot make this a five-yearly exercise..., he added. The bench expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of stringent measures put in place by the Punjab government to check stubble burning, a practice in vogue among farmers in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to quickly clear their fields for the next sowing cycle. At the outset, the CJI said stubble, instead of being burnt, can be re-purposed as biofuel and insisted that the state must consider stricter punitive provisions if it is genuinely committed to environmental protection. Mehra said the Punjab government has already taken several steps and that the pollution level has gradually come down. It came down last year and will go further down now. In three years, a lot has been achieved and much more will be achieved this year, he said. The lawyer said the number of stubble-burning incidents has gone down from 77,000 to 10,000 in recent years. He said arresting small farmers, who till around one hectare of land, could disproportionately impact them and if they are arrested, their dependents will suffer too. When asked under which law the practice of stubble burning is prohibited, a lawyer pointed to the Environment Protection Act (EPA). The court, however, noted that the criminal prosecution provisions under the law have been withdrawn. Why was it withdrawn? Having people behind bars will send the right message, the CJI said. The bench was told that the EPA does not prescribe penalties and rather the CAQM Act provides for action against erring officials. Senior advocate and amicus curiae Aparajita Singh said despite subsidies, equipment and repeated orders of the apex court since 2018, the ground situation has not improved substantially. Farmers have even reported that they are asked to burn stubble when satellites do not pass over their fields. Since 2018, extensive orders have been passed by this court and yet the State only pleads helplessness, she said. The CJI took note of the concerns expressed by Mehra, qualified his observations and said the arrests need not be routine but may be necessary to set an example. Not as a routine but to send a message, the CJI said. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared in the court on behalf of regulatory bodies, sought time to place updated status reports on record. Last year, the bench had summoned the chief secretaries of Punjab and Haryana over the issue.
Supreme Court seeks comprehensive plan on air pollution within 3 weeks
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran also pulled up states over vacancies in their pollution control boards and asked states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab to fill them in three months
Supreme Court reverses 2022 verdict on Haryana village common lands, restores proprietors rights
Allowing the plea seeking review of its own judgement, a Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and K.V. Viswanathan set aside the 2022 verdict
SC asks CAQM, CPCB, state boards to come out with plan to deal with air pollution in 3 weeks
The Supreme Court has instructed the CAQM, CPCB, and state pollution control boards to implement measures addressing air pollution within three weeks, anticipating the winter pollution surge. States like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab face a three-month deadline to fill vacancies in their pollution control boards. The court emphasized the need for adequate manpower during peak pollution seasons.
Hyderabad: Six arrested, Rs 4.5 lakh worth of smuggled liquor seized in raid
Hyderabad: The Prohibition and Excise Department sleuths caught six persons who were selling non-duty paid liquor in the city on Wednesday. The officials seized 88 liquor bottles valued at Rs. 4.50 lakh from them. On information, the team headed by Ranga Reddy, Enforcement AES Jeevan Kiran, conducted searches and seized the bottles smuggled from Haryana, 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 reverses 2022 verdict on Haryana village common lands, restores proprietors' rights
NEW DELHI: In a setback to the Haryana government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday set aside its April 2022 decision directing village common lands be returned to gram panchayats, restoring land rights to proprietors. The 2022 verdict had held that land taken from proprietors under permissible ceiling limits would vest in panchayats only for management and control, including leasing and use by non-proprietors, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, for the benefit of the village community. Allowing a review plea, a bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and K V Viswanathan upheld a 2003 full bench ruling of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The high court had ruled that land not earmarked for common purposes during consolidation vests with proprietors, not the panchayat or state. We find no error in the judgment of the full bench of the high court lands which have not been earmarked for any specific purpose do not vest in the gram panchayat or the State, the bench said, dismissing Haryanas appeal. The CJI-led bench noted that the 2022 verdict had upheld the validity of the 1992 amendment to the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Act, 1961, which required that land reserved for common purposes be utilised by gram panchayats for present and future village needs and not be repartitioned among proprietors. The bench set aside these findings, restoring proprietors ownership rights. The 2022 decision had been delivered on appeals against the full bench verdict of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which examined the legality of sub-section 6 of Section 2(g) of the 1961 Act. The Supreme Court clarified that while management and control of certain lands taken under pro-rata cuts remain with panchayats, these lands do not revert to the panchayat if not earmarked for specific purposes.
6 Held in Hyderabad for Illegally Possessing Non-Duty Paid Liquor
The six persons were nabbed during a crackdown launched by the excise sleuths against non-duty paid liquor at Pahadisherif crossroads and accordingly checked buses entering Hyderabad from Goa, Haryana and Meghalaya.
Green sprint, long run: Haryanas dual climate plan targets both CO2 & fast-acting pollutants
Haryana govt has transferred Rs 1.06L crore via DBT schemes: Chief secy
In Haryanas Fatehabad, man gets life term for killing specially-abled wife
JAIPUR: A medical student from Bikaner has alleged that he was forced to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The youth, identified as Ajay, son of Mahavir Godara from Arjunsar village in Lunkaransar, had left for Russia in November last year to pursue medical studies. But now he has released a video in which he has made this claim and revealed other details. In the video, Ajay is seen in military fatigues, stating that he was tricked into joining the Russian army and then sent to the frontline. He says that he had gone abroad in search of education and career opportunities but is now trapped in a life-threatening situation. Ajay has alleged that him along with other youths were promised three months of training, but instead, within just four days, they were deployed at the border. We are in Ukraine right now. What they told us is very different from what is happening, he said. He further recounted that missiles fired from the Ukrainian side killed one of his four companions, while two others managed to flee. Ajay claimed that instead of being given kitchen duties, as initially assured, he was pushed into combat zones. According to him, around 15 Indian youths were with him, and four have already lost their lives. Ajay also named other IndiansSandeep, Vijay, and Ankitwhose lives are at risk, and he has appealed to the Indian government to intervene urgently. Following the release of the video, Ajays family has sought immediate action from authorities. His brother has already approached Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi. Lunkaransar MLA and state cabinet minister Sumit Godara has also taken up the issue with Meghwal. Ajays father, Mahavir Godara, expressed deep concern, saying, My son went to Russia on a study visa on 28 November 2024. He was lured into army recruitment with promises of some other job. We have had no contact with him for the past 15 days. I urge the Indian government to bring him back safely. The family confirmed that they have contacted the Ministry of External Affairs but are yet to receive any firm assurance. Congress General Secretary Dr Rajendra Mund has written to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, urging him to take immediate steps for Ajays rescue. According to Ajays family, several other Indian students, including youths from Haryana, who had gone to Russia for higher studies, are also stuck in similar circumstances. They allege that many of them have also been forced to serve at the frontlines of the conflict.
Haryana launches State Environment Plan 202526 to combat pollution and promote sustainability
CHANDIGARH In an effort to combat pollution and reduce carbon emissions, the Haryana Government plans to establish 13 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plants across the state for effective waste disposal. Additionally, e-waste collection centers will be set up in every district to ensure proper disposal of electronic waste. As part of the Clean Air Project, the government also aims to procure 500 electric buses for Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonipat. Furthermore, 18 additional air quality monitoring stations will be established. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday launched the State Environment Plan 202526 and released the Non-CO Pathway Report 202526. The implementation of the plan will help improve air quality, lower pollution levels, and ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment, he said while addressing the launch event held in Panchkula. Saini stated that Haryana has become the first state in the country to undertake such a comprehensive initiative for a clean environment. He noted that 5,600 tonnes of solid waste are generated daily in Haryanas cities. Currently, 77% of this waste is properly disposed of, while 23% remains unmanaged. To address this, a plan has been developed to establish 13 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plants across the state. Efforts are also underway to clean up legacy waste at dumping grounds50% of this waste has already been scientifically disposed of, and the remaining work is progressing rapidly. Saini highlighted that electronic waste poses a significant challenge. To address this, 42 e-waste recyclers are currently operating in the state. Moving forward, we plan to establish e-waste collection centers in every district, he said. He also pointed out that approximately 22 tonnes of biomedical waste are generated daily from around 7,000 hospitals in the state. This waste is fully disposed of through 11 common biomedical waste treatment facilities. Additionally, a common hazardous waste management site has been established in Pali, Faridabad, to handle industrial waste, he added. To combat air pollution, the state government has launched the Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development, with a budget of Rs 3,600 crore, in collaboration with the World Bank. As part of this initiative, 500 electric buses will be procured for Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonipat. Subsidies will also be provided for electric autos, gas-powered generators, gas boilers, and advanced monitoring equipment to replace diesel generators, he said. The government has already initiated a plan to operate electric buses in urban areas. The procurement process for 375 electric buses for city bus services is ongoing. So far, 50 buses have been received, with 105 more expected soon. Additionally, over 370 EV charging stations have been installed across the state to support electric vehicles. Saini acknowledged that stubble burning has been a major contributor to air pollution. To address this, farmers have been educated and equipped with over 100,000 stubble management machines. As a result, incidents of stubble burning have decreased by 90% since 2016. To reduce industrial pollution, the use of clean fuels such as CNG and PNG is being actively promoted. Air quality is currently monitored through 29 automatic and 46 manual air quality monitoring stations, with plans to establish 18 more in the near future. In addition, concrete steps have been taken to prevent water pollution. Awareness campaigns are ongoing, and efforts are being made to clean polluted water and make it reusable, he stated. At present, Haryana has a sewage treatment capacity of 2,343 MLD, of which 74% is utilized. The government aims for 100% utilization by connecting all discharge points to the sewerage network. 201 sewage treatment plants are currently operational, and the treated water from these plants is being maximally reused. Water from the sewage treatment plants in Rewari and Dharuhera, along with rainwater, is collected in the Masani Barrage of Rewari. This water is treated and reused for agriculture and other purposes. Saini noted that 27 schemes have been developed to use treated sewage water for irrigation, 11 of which have already been completed. These initiatives will provide a sustainable water source for irrigation, reduce pressure on the canal system, and curb groundwater exploitation. We are developing Masani Barrage as a pilot project to replicate this model across the state, he said. The state government also aims to rejuvenate ponds across Haryana by 2026. Measures have been implemented to regulate mining activities and monitor noise pollution, ensuring that natural resource exploitation remains balanced and within legal frameworks.
Monsoon likely to completely withdraw from Punjab, Haryana and HP by September 25
CHANDIGARH: While the monsoon has started withdrawing from the country from September 14-15, it is expected to withdraw completely from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh by September 25. The rainfall was seven per cent above the long-period average (LPA) this year in the country. Notably, it was significantly above normal in the region too, as it also witnessed floods. From June 1 to September 16, Punjab received 618.0 mm of rain against the LPA of 413.3 mm for the aforementioned period, marking 50 per cent surplus of rain. Neighboring Himachal Pradesh received 1,010.9 mm against the LPA of 692.1 mm, with 46 per cent more rain. Haryana witnessed 565.1 mm against the LPA of 405.7 mm, marking 39 per cent surplus. A bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) today stated that the rains have receded from the southwestern parts of Punjab, comprising Fazilka, Muktsar, and Bathinda districts, and from the adjoining district of Sirsa in Haryana. The line of withdrawal of the southwest monsoon now passes through Bhatinda, Fatehabad, Pilani, Ajmer, Deesa and Bhuj, it added. Light to moderate rain in Himachal Pradesh is expected to continue until September 22 as the IMD has termed the monsoon activity as 'vigorous' during the past 24 hours, with light to moderate rain at most places and heavy to very heavy rain at a few places. While Punjab experienced light to moderate rainfall in some areas of Pathankot and Kapurthala districts and heavy rains in Ropar district, moderate rain occurred at isolated places in Haryana. The monsoon activity in both states has been termed as 'weak'. The IMD has predicted isolated to scattered showers in some parts of these states until September 19 and added that these conditions are favourable for further withdrawal of the monsoon from a few more parts of Punjab and Haryana during the next two to three days. Meanwhile, the water level recorded this morning at Pong Dam on the Beas River was 1,393.50 feet, three and a half feet above the maximum level. The inflow was 130,344 cusecs, and the outflow was 55,020 cusecs. It has been more than a month that the level at the dam has remained above the upper limit of 1,390 feet due to heavy rains in the catchment area. The mean outflow in September during the last 10 years ranged between 9,622 cusecs and 14,852 cusecs, as per information available with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The water level at Bhakra Dam today was 1,676.14 feet, four feet below the maximum level of 1,680 feet. The inflow was 87,337 cusecs, and the outflow was 50,000 cusecs. The mean outflow during this month over the last 10 years was between 16,781 cusecs and 32,351 cusecs.
Supreme Court grants interim protection to Alok Nath
Alok Nath receives temporary protection from arrest from the Supreme Court. This relates to a fraud case involving a multi-level marketing scheme in Haryana. The court has issued a notice to Haryana Police. Shreyas Talpade previously received similar protection in the same case. A Sonipat resident filed a complaint against thirteen people, including Alok Nath and Shreyas Talpade.
SC protects Bollywood actor Alok Nath from arrest in Haryana marketing scam case
NEW DELHI: In a major relief to Bollywood actor Alok Nath, the Supreme Court on Tuesday in its order protected him from arrest in connection with a fraud case related to an alleged shady marketing scheme in Haryana. No coercive steps to be taken against the petitioner (Alok Nath) by the respondents till the next date of hearing in the case, said a two-judge Bench of the apex court headed by Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Mahadevan. While issuing notice to the Haryana Police and others on the actor's plea, the court asked them to file their replies on Nath's plea. During the course of the hearing, the petitioner's lawyer pleaded to the top court that his client was also seeking the consolidation of multiple FIRs. In the same case, another actor, Shreyas Talpa, also an accused, got relief from this court. We want the same for the present petitioner (Alok Nath) as well, the lawyer prayed to the top court. The case pertains to a complaint filed by37-year-old Sonipat resident Vipul Antil against 13 people,including actors and brand ambassadors Shreyas Talpade and Alok Nath. He alleged that both the actors promoted the Human Welfare Credit Cooperative Society Ltd as brand ambassadors. Antil, in his complaint, alleged that the society committed a serious crime of cheating the public through financial schemes. The society was formed under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, and it started functioning in many states, including Haryana from 2016. Its main functions were to provide savings schemes like fixed deposit and recurring deposit. It presented itself as a trustworthy, safe financial institution and carried out massive publicity to attract and convince investors. The model was based on multi-level marketing, which rapidly increased the number of investors, Antil in his complaint stated. He further stated that, promising better returns, the society assured investors that their money would be safe and the maturity amount would be paid on time. They did so initially for a few years, but later ondelayed the payment by making the excuse of system upgradation, he also stated. Antil also claimed that investors and agents approached the society officials, but were given false assurances.
Punjab and Haryana HC had quashed the summoning order, observing that during the preliminary evidence led by Param Vir Rathee it was not established that Mr. Chautala had made the alleged defamatory statements
SC Protects Actor Alok Nath from Arrest in Haryana Fraud Case
Court issues notice to Haryana Police on plea; case linked to alleged shady multi-marketing scheme
SC protects actor Alok Nath from arrest in Haryana marketing scam case
The Supreme Court has shielded actor Alok Nath from arrest in a fraud case concerning a questionable marketing scheme in Haryana, issuing a notice to Haryana Police. This action follows similar protection granted to actor Shreyas Talpade in the same case, which stems from a complaint alleging they promoted a dubious credit cooperative society.
Defamation: SC dismisses retired IPS officers plea against quashing of summons to Abhay Chautala
NEW DELHI, Sept 16: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea filed by a retired IPS officer challenging an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which quashed the summoning of Indian National Lok Dal chief Abhay Singh Chautala in a defamation case filed against him by the officer in 2008. A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma said it was not inclined to interfere with the high court order. The top court [] The post Defamation: SC dismisses retired IPS officers plea against quashing of summons to Abhay Chautala appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Speeding Car Crushes 2 Brothers Walking Home From School, Cop Was At Wheel
Days after rash driving claimed a senior government officer's life in Delhi, two brothers have been killed in neighbouring Haryana - this time, an enforcer of law is the accused.
Drunk Cop Mows Down 2 Minor Brothers Walking Home From School In Haryana, Third Critical
Two school-going brothers were killed and their younger sibling critically injured after a speeding car driven by an allegedly drunk policeman ran them over in Haryanas Palwal.
Pro Kabaddi League | Dahiya powers Haryana Steelers to narrow win over Gujarat Giants
Skipper Jaideep Dahiya leads Haryana Steelers to a thrilling 40-37 victory over Gujarat Giants in Pro Kabaddi League
Haryana govt agrees to hand over control of ITO barrage to Delhi
Haryana To Hand Over ITO Barrage: Delhi Steps Up Yamuna Flood Management
The Haryana government has given in-principle approval for the Delhi government to take over the ITO barrage, senior officials confirmed Monday.
4 IPS officers among 9 Haryana cops face contempt proceedings over delay in FIR registration
Despite the challenging geography and small land holdings, cooperative societies in Himachal Pradesh had been playing a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy, the Chief Minister said
Centre's refusal to allow Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan sparks outrage in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: Citing security concerns, the Union Government has denied permission for a Sikh jatha (group of pilgrims) to visit Pakistan for the Parkash Parb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, in November this year. This move has triggered a political row in Punjab, with all major political parties criticizing the BJP-led central government and accusing it of double standardsparticularly in light of the government allowing a T-20 cricket match between India and Pakistan in Dubai. A letter sent on September 12 to the Punjab Chief Secretary and also to other neighboring states including Haryana and Delhi, stated: Considering the prevailing security scenario with Pakistan, it would not be possible to send the Sikh pilgrims jatha to Pakistan on the occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jis Gurpurab in November 2025. We request that Sikh organizations in your state be informed, and that the processing of jatha applications be stopped immediately. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), questioned the rationale behind the decision. Speaking to the media at his official residence, Mann said, If you can allow a cricket match between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup, why should Punjabis' devotion towards their shrines in Pakistan be ignored? Either allow all kinds of engagements with Pakistan or dont allow any. You cant have cricket ties with Pakistanbecause the ICC is headed by 'bade sahib ke ladle' (a jibe at Jay Shah, President of the International Cricket Council and son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah)and at the same time, tell Sikhs they cant visit Pakistan due to deteriorating bilateral relations following Operation Sindoor. Mann demanded the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and permission for Sikh jathas to pay obeisance at their most revered shrines: Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib. He said he would be writing to the Centre on this issue soon. While the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor remains closed, trade via Wagah is shut, and Sikh pilgrims cannot travel to Pakistan, trade from Gujarat and Mumbai to Karachi is allowed. Does this not reflect the BJPs anti-Punjab and anti-Punjabi mentality? Perhaps they hate Punjabis because Punjabi farmers forced them to withdraw the three farm laws, he alleged. Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal took to X to urge Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the Centre's decision. Sikh pilgrims are eager to pay homage at Sri Nankana Sahib, and denying them would hurt their religious sentiments. In light of the resumption of sporting ties between Pakistan and India, I also appeal for the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, he noted. Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, Pargat Singh, also wrote on X: Nanak Naam Leva Sangat across the world holds deep reverence for the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Denying jathas permission to pay obeisance there, while allowing cricket with Pakistan, reflects a painful inconsistency in priorities.... A nation that takes pride in its diversity should not place financial interests above religious sentiments. Punjabs voice deserves fairness, dignity, and equal treatment, he added. In July this year, the SGPC had begun collecting passports of intending devotees and sending applications to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for the necessary visas for the 10-day pilgrimage. The SGPC had also been unable to send pilgrims to Pakistan for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in June this year due to similar concerns. Condemning the Centres refusal, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said: This decision is an insult to the religious sentiments of Sikh pilgrims. While cricket matches are being played between India and Pakistan, pilgrims wishing to visit their religious shrines are being denied this right in the name of security. He appealed to the Union Government to reconsider the decision, pointing out that the Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan has been a long-standing tradition, with jathas visiting for Guru Nanak's birth anniversary for decades. Since Partition, Indian Sikhs have been allowed to visit their religious shrines in Pakistan without interruption. This is the first time such a situation has occurred, Dhami added. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, in which 26 people were killed, the Union Government imposed stricter travel restrictions, barring Indian citizens from traveling to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah borders Joint Integrated Check Post (JICP). In response, Pakistan suspended all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Indian nationals, except for Sikh pilgrims.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court, on Monday, refused to stay the entire Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, but stalled certain provisions of the Act, including the condition that a person should be a practitioner of Islam for at least five years for dedicating property to waqf. The Collector cannot be permitted to adjudicate the rights of personal citizens and this will violate separation of powers. Till adjudication happens by the tribunal, no third-party rights can be created against any parties. The provision dealing with such powers to Collector shall remain stayed, said a bench of the top court, headed by CJI B. R. Gavai, in the order. It observed that while the SC is not issuing directions, it would be appropriate for the Centre to limit non-Muslim nominations to no more than three in the 11-member Central Waqf Council. The top court suggested that there cant be more than 3 non muslim members in the waqf board and in total not more than 4 non muslim members, the top court clarfied that as far as possible the Chief Executive Officer of the Waqf Board should be a Muslim. The court made this observation while refusing to stay the amendment permitting the appointment of a non-Muslim as CEO. The apex court, in its order, said that laws enacted by Parliament must be presumed valid and that a stay should be granted only in the rarest of rare cases. However, it added that the determination of waqf by user by a government official would be subject to the orders of jurisdictional High Courts. We have considered the prima facie challenge to each of the sections. We have found that no case was made out to stay the entire provisions of the statute. However, some sections need some protection, said the top court in its order. The bench passed the order staying sections 3(r), 2(c) proviso, 3(c) and 23 on the following grounds: Section 3(r) need 5 years as practising Islam stands failed until rules are formed, it would lead to arbitrary exercise of powers. Section 2(c) proviso- waqf property shall not be treated as waqf property. 3(C) designed officer making challenge in revenue records permitting the collector to determine rights would be against separation of powers. Until finality, the rights of properties will not be affected. Until the title is not decided, neither waqf will be dispossesed of the property. Section 23- Ex-officio officer must be from Muslim community as far as possible, it said. The bench of the apex court -- which had reserved the order on May 22 -- pronounced the decision on Monday. A batch of petitions challenging the Consitutional validity of the Act was filed before the apex court, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights. President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 , which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses -- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. During the hearing in May, the Union of India (UOI), through its senior law officer Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, had submitted to the apex court that the waqf management had misused monuments, giving rooms for shops and making unauthorised alterations. The submission of Mehta was vehemently opposed by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for some petitioners. He had argued that there are other laws which deal with such issues. You cannot take my right over the waqf property because of these issues, Sibal had stated. SC reserves interim orders, reiterates presumption of constitutionality in Waqf law's favour The Centre, while strongly defending the Amendment Act, submitted that there was no ground for staying a validly enacted statute by the competent legislature. The very fact that the court has to hear the batch of pleas for interim stay for three days, shows there is nothing ex-facie unconstitutional with the law. Mere legal arguments are insufficient to stay the statute. There is no ground for staying a validly enacted statute by the competent legislature, Mehta argued before the top court. He had submitted that creating a waqf is different from donating to a waqf, which is why there is a five years practice requirement for Muslims so that waqf is not used for defrauding someone. Suppose I am a Hindu and I want to donate to a waqf, it can be done. How can a non-Muslim be allowed to create a waqf. He can always donate to a waqf, said Mehta. Delving into the batch of pleas that these were filed without any proper materials to support, Mehta had argued that three days of hearings had revealed no ex-facie evidence of unconstitutionality. He said that mere legal propositions or hypothetical arguments do not justify halting the operation of a law duly enacted by Parliament. On the other hand, Sibal -- opposing these submissions of Mehta -- had asked if waqfs used for religious purposes can be stripped of the status, merely for being unregistered. Can the government for its own fault of not conducting surveys now claim waqf properties as government land by a legislative fiat, Sibal had questioned. Senior lawyer Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the state of Rajasthan, supported the 2025 Act. He said that waqf by user is not a core practice of Islam, as it did not involve any formal dedication. It was merely a way of holding land as waqf through adverse possession. Senior advocate Ranjeet Kumar, appearing for the Haryana government and a tribal organisation supporting the 2025 Amendments, said in Rajasthan, a waqf claim was made over a 500-acre land given for mining purposes. DMK will resist black bill as it did for CAA, Waqf Act: CM Mehta had said that the dedication of land as waqf is permanent and irreversible. Therefore, land belonging to members of Scheduled Tribes (STs) cannot be dedicated as waqf. The state restricts the alienation of tribal land to protect tribal communities. Otherwise, anyone could become a mutawalli (Manager of Waqf property) and misuse the waqf to their detriment, the Centre's law officer had contended. Mehta further had argued that Muslim tribals are being victimised. There may be differing points of view, he says, but that cannot be a ground to stay the operation of a duly enacted law. The apex court was hearing five petitions -- out of more than 100 -- after noting that it was impossible to hear all the pleas in the matter, as more or less, the prayers were strikingly similar. The Centre on April 25 had defended the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, as a valid, lawful exercise of legislative power. While filing a detailed reply in the Supreme Court, the Union had requested it to dismiss the batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of it. It is a settled position in law that the constitutional courts would not stay a statutory provision, either directly or indirectly, and will decide the matter finally, said the Centre, in its reply filed before the top court. The UOI filed the reply after complying with the top court's order asking it to file the same before it. The Centre said that shockingly after 2013, there was an addition of over 20 lakh hectares (precisely 20,92,072.536) in Waqf land. Right before even Mughal era, pre-independence era and post-independence era, the total of waqfs created was 18,29,163.896 acres of land in India, said the Centre, through its affidavit filed in the top court. For the last 100 years, waqf by user is recognised only upon registration and not by word of mouth. Hence, the amendment was in sync with consistent practice. There will be maximum of two non-Muslims among 22 members in the Waqf Council and Aukaf Boards, a measure that is representative of inclusiveness and not intrusive of the administration of waqfs, the Centre said. The affidavit added that the identification of government land deliberately or wrongly mentioned as waqf properties is to set the revenue records right and that such land cannot be treated as land belonging to any religious community. The Centre, in its 1,332-page counter affidavit, submitted that there cannot be a lanket stay on the law as there was a presumption of its constitutionality. The Centre had submitted that the law was not violative of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The amendments are only for the regulation of the secular aspect regarding the management of the properties and hence, there was no violation of the religious freedoms guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, it had said.
Nuhs madrasas weigh Haryana governments modern education push
Chief Minister Nayab Saini has reaffirmed his governments commitment to register madrasas and gurukuls with the Haryana State Education Board in order to integrate them into the mainstream and provide financial support; madrasas say they arent opposed to formal education but have concerns that need to be addressed
Activist who accused Haryana SP of sex abuse shoots self dead
Haryana Police reported that social activist Sunil Kapoor, accused of involvement in sexual harassment allegations against former SP Sumit Kumar, allegedly shot himself dead during a police cordon in Dehradun. A joint police team raided Kapoor's hideout after a case was registered against him related to a viral letter containing the allegations.
Gujarat Governor Devvrat to Assume Maharashtra Charge Today
66-year-old Acharya Devvrat has been serving as the Governor of Gujarat since 2019. A former educator and Arya Samaj pracharak, he previously served as principal of a Gurukul in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Expansion of Saha Industrial Area in Haryana planned soon; 2,600 acres of land to be acquired
Haryana government is set to boost industrial development in Ambala Cantonment by resuming the acquisition of 2,600 acres of land near the Saha Industrial Area. A new Industrial Area and Logistic Park will be developed, complemented by a nearby Railways freight terminal. This integrated development aims to strengthen regional infrastructure and generate numerous employment opportunities.
Haryana Police face a peculiar situation where employees are reluctant to accept promotions due to financial burdens and increased workload. Newly promoted Havildars incur significant personal expenses for resources like laptops and vehicles, while struggling with long hours and leave denials. This has led to voluntary retirements and discontent over pay disparities and discriminatory rules, prompting calls for reforms.
2,808 Haryana private schools face fines for withholding EWS vacancies under RTE
How do we exit the cycle of floods and deaths?
Mumbai: The cycles of extreme climate, alternating between floods and drought, is getting worse by the year, and there are no answers. This year, more than half the country is reeling from floods. Punjab is facing its worst deluge since 1988. Haryana, Rajasthan, and the hill states of Himachal and Uttarakhand have seen cloudbursts, and entire towns being wiped out. In neighbouring Pakistan, the north-west has suffered far worse, with millions displaced and over a 1,000 lives lost. It is not a pretty picture. Across Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana, the combined death toll has reached 500 as of September 4, 2025. Himachal is the worst with 355 deaths. In the northeast, relentless rains in June have claimed 30 lives. Every year the location and toll numbers change. Otherwise, the destruction of lives, crops and human habitation continues with sickening repetition. Somehow our planners and government departments have never really digested the old adage ofgeographer Gilbert F. White, who noted in 1942, Floods are acts of God, but flood losses are largely acts of man. Upstream water Punjab is facing its worst floods since 1988 with nearly 2,000 villages submerged, 4 lakh acres of farm lands devastated and nearly 3.9 lakh people across 9 districts having to migrate to relief spots. Environmental platform Mongabay has documented the extent and reasons for the damage. Punjabs affected villages mainly lie along the River Ravi and lower reaches of the Beas and Sutlej. The waters swelled to unmanageable proportions due to incessant rains in upstream areas in Himachal, which has received as much as 46% above-normal rainfall till 8 September. The situation worsened with the lower catchment areas in Punjab too receiving 55% excess rain. Environmental activists point to the shoddy management of dam waters. The excess release of water at the wrong time, is one of the principal problems. While the Centre controls the Bhakra-Beas Management Board (BBMB) that manages Bhakra and Pong dams, the Punjab government manages the Ranjit Sagar dam on the River Ravi. In the early part of August, the release of water from these dams was kept low despite heavy rainfall in the catchment areas. This was a huge mistake. Thereafter, Himanshu Thakkar, the coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), said: They had to eventually release heavy quantities of water from August 26 onwards when Punjab was already facing floods due to local rainfall. It ultimately led to the submergence of large parts of Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts. There is rightful fury at the dam management organistions. Citizens groups have filed petitions before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), while the Himachal government has filed an F.I.R. against the dam authority accusing it of releasing excess water without warning. Glacial outbursts Significantly, the floods that ravaged the Harsil region of Uttarakhand on 5 August, wiped out riverside towns Dharali and Sukhi Top, and have claimed several lives, have a different explanation. Despite reports of cloudbursts, the Indian Meteorological Department recorded minimal rainfall. Harsil recorded only 6.5 mm of rain on the day of the disaster, while Bhatwari received just 11.5 mm over 24 hours. This is far short of what is defined as a cloudburst, which implies a massive precipitation of 100 mm or more of rainfall over 24 hours over a localized area. This has led some experts to venture a hypothesis that it was not a cloudburst, but rather a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) or a glacier collapse in the upper reaches that triggered the flash floods. What these experts are saying is that climate change is accelerating glacial retreat, leading to the formation and expansion of glacial lakes that can break their bunds at any time. It is also time that the state government and commercial groups be made accountable for having slaughtered trees, expanded roads and highways in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan zones. It has changed the course of rivers like the River Kheer Ganga. The destruction caused by floods in Pakistan needs intensive study too. As a country that contributes barely 1% towards global climate change, it has suffered widespread damage. Speaking to Dialogue Earth, climate scientist Mohammad Ehsan Leghari said the floods were triggered with 200 to 300 mm of rainfall in a short spell, along with glacial melts, and northern heatwaves in June. While these natural disasters came together, he pointed to the human-made disasters too -- the deforestation, and urbanization and human encroachments blocking the natural flows. Similarly, the Ravi Urban Development Authority s paving of floodplains along the River Ravi in Punjab turned absorbent areas into concrete, inviting devastation by turning them into river paths. The bigger tragedy is there is no learning or rolling back mistakes of the past. Extreme and cyclical changes of climate are not being factored in. The El Nino effect - warming of central and equatorial Indian and Pacific Ocean waters that cause millions of cusecs of rain being dumped in as far off places as Europe, the Horn of Africa, and Bali this year -- has not been reversed. In Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, despite the tragedy that unfoleded recently in the states Harsil sector, there is no rethink on devastating projects in the valley. A Rs 6,200-crore Rispana -- Bindal Elevated Corridor, two flyovers of over 26 kilometers, are in the pipeline. The plan includes erecting support columns in the middle of the beds of Rivers Rispana and Bindal that will choke the natural flow of water and create flooding along the banks of the rivers. Bharti Jain, architect and town planner, has pointed out that as far back as 2007 the flyovers were to be implemented after feasibility studies and Environmental Impact Assessment is done. However, the Doon authorities are brazenly implementing these projects without a thought for on the citys environment, Ms Bharti told this writer.
Haryana Police arrests coaching institute owner of Patna in Rs2.43cr cyber scam
Haryana Police arrested Sanjay Singh, a coaching institute operator in Patna, for allegedly defrauding people of Rs 2.43 crore through fake digital arrests. Singh, part of a gang posing as law enforcement, pressured victims into transferring money. Facing a financial crisis, he admitted to collecting the money and has been taken to Haryana for further investigation.
Pleas seeking stay of Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025: SC to pass interim order on September 15
The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce on September 15 its decision on the issue of an interim order on a batch of petitions seeking stay on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and including Justice Augustine George Masih who had reserved the order on May 22, will pronounce the decision. A batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Act was filed before the apex court, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights. President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses -- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. During the hearing in May, the Union of India (UOI), through its senior law officer Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, had submitted to the apex court that the waqf management had misused monuments, giving rooms for shops and making unauthorised alterations. The submission of Mehta was vehemently opposed by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for some petitioners. He had argued that there are other laws which deal with such issues. You cannot take my right over the waqf property because of these issues, Sibal had stated. The Centre, while strongly defending the Amendment Act, submitted that there was no ground for staying a validly enacted statute by the competent legislature. The very fact that the court has to hear the batch of pleas for interim stay for three days, shows there is nothing ex-facie unconstitutional with the law. Mere legal arguments are insufficient to stay the statute. There is no ground for staying a validly enacted statute by the competent legislature, Mehta argued before the top court. He had submitted that creating a waqf is different from donating to a waqf, which is why there is a five years practice requirement for Muslims so that waqf is not used for defrauding someone. Suppose I am a Hindu and I want to donate to a waqf, it can be done. How can a non-Muslim be allowed to create a waqf. He can always donate to a waqf, said Mehta. Delving into the batch of pleas that these were filed without any proper materials to support, Mehta had argued that three days of hearings had revealed no ex-facie evidence of unconstitutionality. He said that mere legal propositions or hypothetical arguments do not justify halting the operation of a law duly enacted by Parliament. On the other hand, Sibal -- opposing these submissions of Mehta -- had asked if waqfs used for religious purposes can be stripped of the status, merely for being unregistered. Can the government for its own fault of not conducting surveys now claim waqf properties as government land by a legislative fiat, Sibal had questioned. Senior lawyer Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the state of Rajasthan, supported the 2025 Act. He said that waqf by user is not a core practice of Islam, as it did not involve any formal dedication. It was merely a way of holding land as waqf through adverse possession. Senior advocate Ranjeet Kumar, appearing for the Haryana government and a tribal organisation supporting the 2025 Amendments, said in Rajasthan, a waqf claim was made over a 500-acre land given for mining purposes. Mehta had said that the dedication of land as waqf is permanent and irreversible. Therefore, land belonging to members of Scheduled Tribes (STs) cannot be dedicated as waqf. The state restricts the alienation of tribal land to protect tribal communities. Otherwise, anyone could become a mutawalli (Manager of Waqf property) and misuse the waqf to their detriment, the Centre's law officer had contended. Mehta further had argued that Muslim tribals are being victimised. There may be differing points of view, he says, but that cannot be a ground to stay the operation of a duly enacted law. The apex court was hearing five petitions -- out of more than 100 -- after noting that it was impossible to hear all the pleas in the matter, as more or less, the prayers were strikingly similar. The Centre on April 25 had defended the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, as a valid, lawful exercise of legislative power. While filing a detailed reply in the Supreme Court, the Union had requested it to dismiss the batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of it. It is a settled position in law that the constitutional courts would not stay a statutory provision, either directly or indirectly, and will decide the matter finally, said the Centre, in its reply filed before the top court. The Centre said that shockingly after 2013, there was an addition of over 20 lakh hectares (precisely 20,92,072.536) in Waqf land. Right before even Mughal era, pre-independence era and post-independence era, the total of waqfs created was 18,29,163.896 acres of land in India, said the Centre, through its affidavit filed in the top court. For the last 100 years, waqf by user is recognised only upon registration and not by word of mouth. Hence, the amendment was in sync with consistent practice. There will be maximum of two non-Muslims among 22 members in the Waqf Council and Aukaf Boards, a measure that is representative of inclusiveness and not intrusive of the administration of waqfs, the Centre said. The affidavit added that the identification of government land deliberately or wrongly mentioned as waqf properties is to set the revenue records right and that such land cannot be treated as land belonging to any religious community. The Centre, in its 1,332-page counter affidavit, submitted that there cannot be a lanket stay on the law as there was a presumption of its constitutionality. The Centre had submitted that the law was not violative of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The amendments are only for the regulation of the secular aspect regarding the management of the properties and hence, there was no violation of the religious freedoms guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, it had said.
Governor urges permanent solution to Ghaggar river issue in Punjab and Haryana
Government cant remain silent spectator to woes of homebuyers: SC
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday said that the government cannot remain a silent spectator to the challenges faced by lakhs of homebuyers across the country who are expressing delays in receiving their flats. In its order, the SC directed the Centre to find effective ways to infuse funds in incomplete housing projects and consider taking over such projects. The Government is constitutionally obliged to protect the interests of homebuyers and the economy at large. It is not merely about houses or apartments; the banking sector, allied industries, and employment for a large populace are also at stake, observed a two-judge bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan. Highlighting that this is a matter of policy falling within the exclusive domain of the Government, the court added that the Centre cannot remain a silent spectator. It added that the right to housing is not merely a contractual entitlement but a facet of the fundamental right to life under Article 21, and its protection is a constitutional obligation, and the government must ensure that the dream home of Indias citizens does not turn into a lifelong nightmare. Stressing that the State carries a constitutional obligation to create and strictly enforce a framework wherein no developer is permitted to defraud or exploit homebuyers, the SC directed that ensuring timely project completion must be a cornerstone of Indias urban policy. Equally, the State must proactively address the menace of a parallel cash economy and speculative practices in the real estate market, which artificially inflate housing costs and enable trigger-happy investors to jeopardise the interests of genuine end-users, the bench said. Also in top court SC flags disability discrimination The SC directed a nationwide monitoring of all state-run care institutions housing persons with cognitive disabilities to be undertaken under the name and style of Project Ability Empowerment by 8 National Law Universities, while questioning centre on steps for upward movement of candidates on securing more than unreserved category cut-off. Kangana withdraws defamation plea Bollywood Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Friday withdrew her appeal challenging the Punjab & Haryana HCs rejection of her plea for quashing a defamation case in connection with 2020-21 farmers protests. A two-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta declined to entertain Ranauts plea, forcing her to withdraw it.
Relentless reformer who made democracy accountable
I first met Professor Jagdeep S Chhokar in 2006, when I was the youngest in the Election Commission of India. At that time, the relationship between the Election Commission (EC) and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)the organisation he co-foundedwas marked by caution, even suspicion. ADR had begun to make waves with its landmark petitions in the courts, demanding greater transparency in elections. From within the EC, we were instinctively wary: here was an organisation holding up a mirror to the system we were constitutionally sworn to safeguard. But the more we engaged with Jagdeep, the more we realised that we were fighting the same battleto make Indias democracy not just participatory, but truly informed. It was the beginning of a professional partnership and a personal friendship that endured through the years. A Shared Haryana Connection The fact that Jagdeep belonged to Haryanawhich was my own cadrebrought us personally closer. He was born in Patti Kalyana, a well-known village in Panipat, which was earlier part of Karnal district, where I underwent my IAS training. That coincidence alone would have been enough to give us a sense of kinship, but our connections went even deeper. As a student, I used to attend German classes at Max Mueller Bhavan, where his sister, Bimla Chhokarwho later became Bimla Bhallawas also a fellow student. These ties made it feel natural for us to look upon each other almost as family. Our conversations often ranged from electoral law to personal anecdotes, and just a few months ago he told mewith characteristic candor that for the last 15 years he has been quoting me on a subject close to both our hearts: electoral rolls. I had once said that electoral rolls are the soft underbelly of the Election Commission. Jagdeep said he had repeated that line hundreds of times in his writings and speeches. Now, with the controversy around the Special Intensive Revision of rolls in Bihar at its peak, that observation seems more relevant than ever. From IIM to ADR: A Scholar Who Chose The Battlefield Professor Chhokar was not a career activist. A distinguished academic and former dean of IIM-Ahmedabad, he could have chosen a quiet, comfortable life in the cloisters of academia. Instead, he brought the same intellectual rigour that defined his scholarship to the contested arena of electoral reform. ADRs origin story is now the stuff of democratic legend: a group of IIM-A professorsincluding Chhokarfiled a PIL in the Delhi High Court in 1999 seeking mandatory disclosure of criminal, financial, and educational background of candidates contesting elections. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court, and in 2002, the landmark judgment mandated that such disclosures be made public. This was a watershed moment in Indian democracy. It was Jagdeep who became the public face of this movement, taking ADRs mission beyond courtrooms to civil society, media platforms, and public debates. He combined the empiricism of a researcher with the passion of a reformer, often presenting data that embarrassed political parties but empowered the citizenry. ADR As The Eyes and Ears Of Reform In the years that followed, ADR became indispensable to the cause of electoral reform. Its painstaking work of compiling and analysing candidate affidavits, publishing reports on criminalisation of politics, and tracking campaign finance violations provided an evidence base that no one could ignore not even the political class. ADRs data is now the gold standard for anyone studying the state of Indian democracy. For the EC, ADR became an ally we did not know we needed. Its data helped us sharpen our own interventionsfrom tightening rules on candidate disclosures to nudging political parties toward internal democracy. I would often share panels with Jagdeep at public fora; we spoke the same language of reform, he perhaps a bit more sharply, I a bit more diplomatically. But we were on the same side of history. The Legacy He Leaves Behind Today, when we speak of informed choice as a cornerstone of free and fair elections, we must remember: millions of citizens now check candidate affidavits, criminal records, and asset declarations before casting their vote. This shift from blind allegiance to evidence-based votingis part of Jagdeeps legacy. S Y Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner Of India
13 years on, hero who saved 11 from burning house in Haryanas Jind still waits for nations salute
Haryana govt intensifies efforts to promote safety & welfare of women, children
India unveils INS Aravali in Haryana
CHANDIGARH, Sep 12: In a landmark move to fortify its maritime defenses, India is set to commission INS Aravali, the first naval base in Haryana, strategically located amidst the scenic Aravali hills in Gurugram. The inauguration will be presided over by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, marking a significant step in enhancing Indias vigilance over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). INS Aravali is designed to serve as a nerve center for maritime domain awareness (MDA), equipped with [] The post India unveils INS Aravali in Haryana appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Hansi-Butana canal issue: Preneet Kaur submits memorandum to Haryana CM
CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura, who represents the Khadoor Sahib Assembly constituency, was sentenced on Friday to four years of imprisonment in a case related to the molestation and assault of a Dalit woman. Additional Sessions Judge of Tarn Taran, Prem Kumar, handed down the sentence in connection with the 2013 assault and molestation case. Lalpura was convicted on September 10. Subsequently, he was arrested and remanded into custody. According to the victims counsel, Amit Dhawan, the case was registered under Sections 323, 324, and 354 of the IPC, along with provisions of the SC/ST Act. In total, 12 persons were convicted: seven have been arrested, one is deceased, one is already lodged in Tihar Jail, and three others, who are wanted in connection with the case, are still absconding. The victim told the media that she was satisfied with the verdict, as she had to fight a long and difficult battle against the accused. At the time of the 2013 incident, Lalpura was working as a taxi driver. The incident occurred at a wedding hall in Tarn Taran, where the victim was allegedly caned by police personnel from the Tarn Taran police station, along with Lalpura. She was also molested during the police assault. Lalpura was arrested days after another AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra from Sanaur was booked for rape and cheating. He escaped from the custody of Patiala police from Karnal in Haryana. In June this year the state vigilance bureau had arrested Raman Arora, AAP MLA representing Jalandhar (Central) constituency in a corruption case. A corporation official was also involved in the case. In February, 2023 Amit Rattan Kotfatta MLA representing Bathinda (Rural) constituency was arrested in a graft case. In 2022, a few months after the AAP government came to power, the then health minister and Mansa MLA Vijay Singla was arrested on corruption charges. These arrests have dented the image of the ruling party. A senior AAP leader on condition of anonymity said that all these controversies have hurt the public perception of the government which now needs to be improved. On the other hand, the party leadership claimed that the arrests of these legislators are evidence enough that the government is committed to zero tolerance for wrongdoing. Spokesman of Punjab AAP, Neel Garg said that, he law has taken its own course Lalpura's case. The incident for which he was sentenced took place before he became an MLA. Our stand is clear. We'll not defend any person involved in wrong doings, he added.
'Vote chori' main issue before country today, PM's Manipur visit now no 'big deal': Rahul Gandhi
JUNAGADH: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Manipur has been in trouble for a long time and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the strife-torn state now is not a ig deal as he insisted vote chori (vote theft) remains the main issue before the country currently. Talking to reporters outside the Keshod airport in Junagadh district of Gujarat, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed everywhere people are raising vote chor (vote thief) slogan. After landing at the airport in the afternoon, Gandhi reached Junagadh city where is scheduled to address district and city unit presidents of the Congress in Gujarat and interact with senior leaders. When reporters sought Gandhi's comments on PM Modi's scheduled visit to Manipur on Saturday, the Congress MP sought to downplay his tour to the trouble-torn north-eastern state. Manipur has been in trouble for a long time and the PM has decided to go there now. So that's not a big deal. The main issue today in India is 'vote chori' (vote theft), asserted Gandhi. PM Modi to visit Manipur on Saturday, his first visit since ethnic violence broke out in 2023 Modi will visit Manipur on September 13 and interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and state capital Imphal. This will be the PM's first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in the state two years ago. They stole the elections of Haryana and Maharashtra. We proved that in Karnataka recently. So, the main issue is vote theft. Everywhere people are raising 'vote chor' (vote thief) slogan, said the Lok Sabha MP from Raebareli. A training camp for local party leaders is being organised in Junagadh from September 10 to 19 as part of the Congress' 'Sangathan Srujan Abhiyan' (campaign to strengthen the organisation) in the BJP-ruled state. The camp was inaugurated on Wednesday by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul Gandhi will address district and city unit presidents and interact with senior leaders of the party. He will be at the event for nearly three hours before leaving for Delhi, Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said.
Divorced Spouses Name On Passport? Punjab & Haryana High Court Says Its No Ground To Cancel It
Navpreet Kaur had challenged the revocation of her passport by the Regional Passport Office, Chandigarh, and the subsequent dismissal of her appeal by the Chief Passport Officer.
Rahul Gandhi acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's upcoming Manipur visit, highlighting the ongoing ethnic clashes. However, he shifted focus to allegations of vote theft in Haryana and Maharashtra, claiming widespread public distrust. Modi's visit to Manipur, his first since the violence, aims to address the crisis with development projects and meetings with displaced families from both Kuki and Meitei communities.
'Added spice', SC says as Kangana withdraws plea over 'defamatory' tweet during farmers' protest
Ranaut moved the apex court challenging an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which refused to quash the complaint against her.
Haryana govt. to set up waste-to-energy plants in three cities
CHANDIGARH: At least nine Indian youngsters, mostly from Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu, have sent desperate SOS videos from the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine war, stating they were tricked into military service and are now being forced to fight for the Russian Army. The videos show the young men -- wearing Russian military fatigues -- pleading for urgent rescue, claiming they were misled by agents who promised jobs or student visas. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued fresh advisory, warning Indian citizens to avoid such dubious offers. Calling the situation fraught with danger, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has taken up the matter strongly with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow. We are in touch with the families and have demanded an immediate end to this practice, he said. The issue was also raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Russia last year, he added. One of the trapped youngsters, Samarjeet Singh from Ludhiana, said that nine Indians, including himself, were sent to the frontlines and are being grossly mistreated, with barely any food. Buta Singh, another victim, said some belonging to their group have already died in combat, while others fear for their lives every day. We were promised work in Moscow, but instead were pushed into war, he said. Ankit Jangra, 23, from Kumharia village in Fatehabad, Haryana, said he and 12 others are trapped. When we ask to return, the Russian soldiers point guns at us and say, Kill or dietheres no going back. Ankit had travelled to Russia on a student visa and was working part-time at KFC before being conscripted. Another youth from the same village, Vijay Poonia, is also among the stranded. Families allege that agents orchestrating this trafficking racket are not only sending youth into war zones but are also siphoning off death benefits and pensions meant for the injured or deceased. Congress MLA Pargat Singh, who brought the families to Chandigarh, accused both Centre and state governments of negligence. He claimed 126 Indian youth are currently trapped in Russia, with 15 missing. This is not isolated fraudits a full-blown human trafficking network, and the silence of the government is indefensible, he said.
BKU leadership meets Haryana CM, presents 11-point charter of farmers demands
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Charuni, led by Gurnam Singh Charuni, met Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, presenting an 11-point demand charter addressing critical issues faced by Haryana's farmers. Key demands include early paddy procurement starting September 15, enhanced flood compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre, and a sugarcane price hike to Rs 500 per quintal.
Haryana power compensation policy under high court lens over exclusion of 33 kV lines
Indian youths caught in crossfire of Russia-Ukraine war seek Centre's help to rescue them
CHANDIGARH: Young men from Punjab, Haryana and Jammu who were caught in the crossfire of Russia-Ukraine war have sent an SOS pleading to rescue them at the earliest. In video messages shared by these youths, they could be seen dressed in Russian military uniforms and pleading for urgent intervention by the Indian government to rescue them. We are being grossly mistreated. We're being sent to the frontline daily and we're starving, said one Samarjeet Singh from Ludhiana. Another youth Buta Singh, claimed some among them had already died in the war. He added that they were promised work in Moscow but recruited in the Russian army. The situation is dire, get us out immediately, he pleaded. Echoing the same view, Sumeet Sharma from Jammu said that they have been deceived by travel agents. 23-year-old Ankit Jangra from Kumharia village in Fatehabad district said that he and 12 others from India are now trapped in Russia. Vijay Poonia of the same village is also trapped with Ankit and fighting for the Russian army. Both Ankit and Vijay had gone to Russia on student visas to study the Russian language. Lamenting lack of effective action from the Indian government, Jagdeep Singh, whose brother Mandeep is among the missing said,`` Since July this year, these new recruitments have taken place, and the stranded youths have been making frantic calls to the Indian embassy in Russia, but there has been little response. Family members of these youth allege that compensation for youths killed in the war or pensions for injured ones are being siphoned off by the agents. Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment Pargat Singh, who brought these family members to Chandigarh to press for action, criticized both the Centre and the state government for failing to identify arrest the travel agents. ``The continuous inaction of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow constitutes a breach of duty and dereliction of responsibility. As government agencies persist in issuing ineffective advisories, our youths are dying on foreign battlefields while families are left unsupported, uninformed, and denied even the dignity of adequate investigation or compensation, he said. Singh claimed that in July this year 15 Punjabi youths were taken to Russia under false job promises. By August, five were dead, three missing, and seven were forcibly conscripted. At least126 youths from across north India remain trapped in Russia and about 15 are missing, he said. These are not isolated cases of fraud this is a coordinated, large-scale operation that the Indian system has utterly failed to acknowledge or combat. The Punjab Governments ongoing delay in prosecuting the agents whose criminal exploitation even robs families of death benefits and insurance payouts is inexcusable and unacceptable, he further added. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal meanwhile emphasized that India has repeatedly raised the issue with Moscow and urged families to maintain close contact with the authorities. We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian Army. The government has, on several occasions over the past year, underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly. We have also taken up the matter with Russian officials, both in Delhi and Moscow, demanding an end to this practice and the release of our nationals. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also raised the issue during his visit to Russia last year.
SC to hear Kangana Ranaut's plea for quashing defamation case related to 2020-21 farmers' protests
NEW DELHI: The SC is scheduled to hear on September 12 the appeal filed by actor-turned-politician, Kangana Ranaut, challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court's rejection of her plea seeking quashing of a case. The case pertains to her alleged defamatory remarks in connection with the 2020-21 farmers' protests. As per the causelist, a two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta is scheduled to hear the appeal of Ranaut. The actor-turned-politician has moved the top court, after the Punjab and Haryana HC, in its August 1 order, dismissed Ranauts plea for quashing the complaint, filed by one, 73-year-old Mahinder Kaur from Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Punjabs Bathinda district. The Bollywood actor has also moved the apex court challenging the summoning order issued by a Bathinda magistrate on February 22, 2022. Kaur, in her complaint alleged that Ranaut had allegedly made false imputations and remarks against her by referring to her as the same dadi; namely Bilkis Bano, who had been part of the Shaheen Bagh protest and featured in international media coverage, including the 'Time' magazine. Kaur further claimed that she had no connection to the Shaheen Bagh protester referenced in the tweet and that the comparison (by her) was incorrect, defamatory, and injurious to her reputation. She filed the complaint against Ranaut under Sections 499 and 500 (Defamation) of the now-repealed Indian Penal Code (IPC) arose from a retweet by the actor. Earlier the Punjab and Haryana HC, while dismissing Ranauts plea, noted in its order that the magistrate had duly applied mind to the material on record before issuing the summoning order. The HC had rejected Ranauts plea, as it held that the commission of an offence under Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC was prima facie established and that the filing of the complaint could not be considered mala fide.
Man arrested from Rajasthan for duping senior cardiologist of Rs 6.69 lakh
NEW DELHI: A 33-year-old man was arrested from Rajasthan for duping a senior cardiologist of a private hospital of over Rs six lakh. The accused, identified as Jalaluddin, a resident of Alwar district in Rajasthan, posed as an army cantonment official and induced the complainant to transfer funds for medical consultations of army personnel, police said on Thursday. He was previously found to be involved in seven cases in Delhi and Haryana. A complaint was received on August 30 from a senior cardiologist of a private hospital where he reported that he was contacted by a person claiming to be an army cantonment official, requesting medical consultations for 25 army personnel at Rs 1,500 each. Believing the request, the complainant transferred a total of Rs 6.69 lakh across four transactions from his wifes account and from his own. Later, when the arrangements did not materialise, he realised the fraud and approached police, a senior police officer said. During investigation, police traced the money that was transferred from the complainant to the fraudster and it was revealed that the Rs 6 lakh was used to repay a loan for a car, and the remaining amount was diverted towards credit card settlement, Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Ankit Chauhan said. Later, the accused was traced to Alwar, Rajasthan. A police team went there and his location was zeroed in at Khairthal, Alwar. A raid was conducted and the accused was arrested. One car purchased from cheated funds, three mobile phones, and Rs 70,000 frozen in a fixed deposit linked to credit card settlement, the DCP said. The accused made video calls showing pre-recorded visuals of army personnel to gain trust. Later, he convinced the complainant that payments would be routed via credit card and induced him to make transfers, which were actually diverted to settle his own liabilities, police added.
Hooda visits flood-hit villages in Haryana, seeks special relief package
Selja asks govt to ensure return of 2 Haryana men forced to fight for Russia
Court Orders CBI Probe Against Lawyer Accused Of Taking Money To Bribe Judge
Punjab and Haryana HC ordered CBI probe into claims that an advocate took money to bribe a judge, highlighting threats and serious allegations affecting judicial integrity.
Upcoming evidence on 'vote theft' will make everything clear: Rahul Gandhi to BJP
LUCKNOW: Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi repeated his allegation of vote theft reiterating that governments were being formed in the country through vote fraud. He said this as he wind up his two-day visit to Rae Bareli on Thursday. The BJP leaders are agitated. I want to tell them that everything will be clear once we drop the hydrogen bomb as the next set of evidence proving vote theft, said the Congress MP during an informal interaction with media persons in Rae Bareli. Rahul Gandhi claimed vote theft in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana. Notably, while the BJP won the Maharashtra and Haryana state assembly elections, Karnataka was bagged by the Congress. We have given the evidence of fraud in black and white. Just wait for the next series of evidence. I want to tell the BJP not to get perturbed as the upcoming evidence would be a hydrogen bomb which will make everything clear, added the Congress MP. He said that under the present government, the Constitution of India was in danger as the government was trying to snatch peoples rights. Earlier in the day, the Congress MP presided over a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) which was boycotted by Unchahar MLA, Manoj Kumar Pandey. The DISHA meeting is held every quarter to discuss the development projects in the region. Several public representatives, including Amethi MP KL Sharma and Minister of State Dinesh Pratap Singh attended the meeting. However, Pandey walked out of the meeting. Will further prove 'vote theft' in more dramatic ways across country: Rahul Gandhi in Raebareli Pandey, a former Samajwadi Party leader and partys chief whip in Assembly, was expelled from the party for working against the principles and supporting the BJP in last years Rajya Sabha elections. Speaking to reporters later, Pandey claimed that he raised the issue of alleged derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother in Bihar. He said he had submitted a written proposal to the Leader of the Lok Sabha and all present, requesting they condemn the insult to the prime minister's mother. Pandey also criticised Gandhi, claiming he had not addressed the shortage of ICU beds at the AIIMS here and questioned how many times the Congress leader had raised the voice of Rae Bareli in Parliament after winning from Rae Bareli in 2024. He further challenged Gandhi to apologise to the country for his accusations against the Constitutional body like Election Commission.
ED conducts raids across multiple states in Rs 650 crore fake ITC case
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted multi-state searches in a money laundering case linked to alleged fake GST input tax credit claim of Rs 650 crore, official sources said. The raids were being carried out at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Telangana by the Guwahati office of the federal probe agency, sources said. The action is being undertaken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, they said.
Elderly population rises in Punjab & HP, while Haryana stays younger
Haryana govt grants prosecution sanction Tayal in disproportionate assets case
Haryana local bodies minister Vipul Goel holds meeting with all mayors of state
Anglo-Indians fight for visibility and voice in 'numbers game' across the country
KOCHI: In what many describe as a perilous umbers game, India's Anglo-Indian communitydescended from European fathers and Indian mothers during colonial timesis grappling with the erosion of its political influence and cultural footprint. The 2011 census officially pegged their numbers at a mere 296, a figure hotly contested by community leaders who insist the true count exceeds 4,00,000. This statistical disparity has fuelled tangible setbacks, including the stripping away of their assured seats in legislative bodies. Compounding the issue, younger generations are increasingly emigrating or intermarrying, threatening the community's distinct identity amid India's fast-evolving society. Dr Charles Dias, a former Member of Parliament and president of the Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India, outlined the historical safeguards: Articles 331 and 333 of the Constitution once permitted the nomination of two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha and one to each of 12 state legislative assemblies. However, in 2020, this provision was revoked through the 104th Constitutional Amendment in a profoundly unjust manner. Dias noted, According to the Union government, the Anglo-Indian population stands at just 296 according to the 2011 census, and they are 'well off'. These claims were rigorously challenged by opposition parties, backed by data. Countering the official narrative, Dias highlighted association-collected data showing a nationwide population of nearly 4,15,000. He further estimated an additional 50,000 individuals dispersed across urban areas, unaffiliated with any associations. Echoing these concerns, Harry Maclure from Chennai, who runs the magazine Anglos in the Wind, challenged the official census figures and called for continued representation. You go to any wedding of our community and you can see 500 people. The census data is wrong. We were a big community and the maximum recorded population is around 7.5-8 lakh, he said. Maclure acknowledged the community's decline but emphasised its relative size: It is true that we are now a dwindling community but we are bigger than the Parsi community and we do need representation. He added that many from the community are marrying outside it, making the preservation of culture and heritage an ongoing struggle. Maclure remains cautiously optimistic, noting that while old settlements are disappearing, the educated youth in the community feel more comfortable in India and could carry forward the community's legacy. Charles Dias emphasised that the Anglo-Indian community's contributions to modern India far outweigh their population size. He highlighted their unparalleled role in nation-building across sectors like education, sports, railways, post and telegraph, health, and especially the armed forces, where eight Anglo-Indians have risen to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal and over 25 have received top gallantry awards such as the Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. The three service chiefsAdmiral R L Pereira, Air Chief Marshal Denis Anthony La Fontaine, and Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browneexemplify the Anglo-Indian community's unwavering commitment to the nation, he said. Despite these achievements, the community faces significant hurdles. In 2013, the ministry of minority affairs formed a fact-finding team to study the problems and aspirations of the Anglo-Indian community in cities including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi. The team's report noted that amongst the various challenges and problems being faced by members of the Anglo-Indian community in India, the more significant ones are related to (1) identity crisis, (ii) lack of employment, (iii) educational backwardness, (iv) lack of proper facilities, and (v) cultural erosion. ANGLO-INDIAN POPULATION Assam 4,300 West Bengal 37,500 Bihar - 8,200 Chhattisgarh 7,500 Odisha 4,500 Madhya Pradesh 25,500 Jharkhand 7,500 Uttarakhand 5,500 Uttar Pradesh 18,500 Punjab 2,500 Haryana 3,800 Delhi 4,500 Maharashtra 27,500 Andhra Pradesh 15,500 Telangana 17,500 Goa 1,500 Karnataka 42,500 Tamil Nadu 42,000 Kerala 82,500 Total: 4,15,000 (Source: Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India) STATE-WISE ENUMERATION (2011 CENSUS) West Bengal -9 Odisha - 4 Chhattisgarh - 3 Maharashtra - 16 Andhra Pradesh - 62 Karnataka - 9 Kerala - 124 Tamil Nadu - 69 Total: 296
REA India operates across 30+ offices nationwide, with its corporate headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana.
Vegetable Prices Soar In Delhi As Recent Floods Hit Supply
The damage to crops in neighbouring states such as Haryana and Punjab has led to a surge in vegetable prices in the mandis of Delhi.
Hooda demands special flood relief package for Haryana from Centre
Former Haryana Chief Minister says the compensation being given is inadequate, and it should be 50,000-60,000 per acre as the farmers have suffered huge losses
Delay by HCs in uploading judgements on website a grave concern, says Supreme Court
NEW DELHI: The SC expressed serious concern over thegrowing practice by few state High Courts in pronouncing operative parts of its verdicts but uploading detailed judgments on its website months or even years later. The Supreme Court recently in its order,said this practice was a matter of grave concern, and such delays deprive litigants of their right to seek timely judicial redress. Over a period of time, it has been the practice of few High Courts to pronounce the operative part of the order without the reasoned judgment. The reasoned judgment is uploaded only after a substantial length of time. This practice has been deprecated by the Court in many of its judgments and orders, said the two-judgeBench of the apex court, headed by Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Sandeep Mehta in its September 2 order. The Bench also expressed its hope in its order that it may not have to come across any matter wherein there is a delay at the end of the High Court in uploading the reasoned order, more particularly after the operative part of the judgment is pronounced, the top court said. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by one Rajan, challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that upheld his conviction in a 1998 murder case. Notably, the Bench was only reiterating the directions already laid down in Anil Rai vs State of Bihar. According to First Information Report (FIR), the appellant Rajan attempted to fire at the victim with a pistol but missed the target. In the case, a trial court convicted him. Aggrieved by this order, Rajan challenged it before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. However, the High Court dismissed his appeal and affirmed his conviction. But, at the same time, surprisingly, the HC failed in its duty to upload the reasoned judgment of upholding his conviction. Following this, Rajan knocked the doors of theSupreme Court andargued that a delay of two years and five months in uploading the High Courts reasoned judgment caused grave prejudice, and that no firearm was recovered from him. The delay at the instance of the High Court in uploading the Judgment after a period of about 2 years 5 months is a matter of grave concern. We should not overlook this fact. We have taken serious cognisance of this delay at the instance of the High Court, the Court said. The top court, however, clarified in its order that delay alone cannot be a ground to set aside a conviction unless prejudice is shown. We have reached at the conclusion that despite there being a delay of 2 years 5 months in uploading the judgment, the oral testimony of the two eyewitnesses inspires confidence and there is nothing on record in the form of any intrinsic evidence to render their testimony doubtful, the Court noted. Accordingly, the top court dismissed the appeal and directed circulation of its judgment to all High Courts.
Cash-in-bag scam: High court issues notice on CBI appeal against acquittal of Justice Yadav, others
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acknowledged the CBI's appeal against the acquittal of Justice Nirmal Yadav and others in the cash-in-bag scam, issuing notices for their response. This action follows a special CBI court's earlier decision to acquit the accused due to the CBI's failure to provide sufficient evidence, a verdict the agency is now challenging.
Family of martyred soldier from Haryana was preparing for his marriage
Lance Naik Narendra Sindhu, a 28-year-old soldier from Rohera village in Haryanas Kaithal district, was martyred during an encounter with terrorists in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, yesterday.
MoHUA to formulate SoP, regulations to ensure effective functioning of RERAs
NEW DELHI: The ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) is likely to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to ensure the effective functioning of Real Estate Regulatory authorities (RERAs). The Central Advisory Committee (CAC) under the ministry recommended working out comprehensive guidelines to further strengthen RERA for enforcement of orders along with a detailed framework to get stalled projects completed. According to the officials, the ministry is also expected to consider frame rules to introduce uniformity in the functioning of authorities in all states and union territories (UTs). In the recent meeting of CAC held under the chairmanship of union minister of housing and urban affairs Manohar Lal last week, the issue was discussed following which it was agreed upon to consider amendments required in the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act for bringing in regulations for uniformity. The council also suggested putting focus on next generation reforms in RERA. A detailed exercise may be conducted by the ministry to work out the necessary measures to further strengthen RERA and also to develop the Real Estate Sector in consultation with the stakeholders, added officials. In April, the Government set up a 14-member committee to find solutions for completion of legacy stalled projects and propose future course of action to ensure that homebuyers get their booked home. Former chief executive officer (CEO) of Niti Ayog and G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant was appointed as the chairman of the panel with senior Government officials, heads of RERA from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as its members. The Council stressed on steps to be taken to bring about uniformity in RERA implementation, faster registration, compliance of orders, and clarity in definitions. It advised to study and ensure that rules, regulations made under the Act are in consonance with the parent Act. For this purpose, at Central level a committee should be constituted in MoHUA with representatives of all stakeholders to drive reforms in the RERA framework, said officials. On the occasion, the minister also launched the unified RERA portal (rera.mohua.gov.in), a common platform for stakeholders aimed at enhancing transparency and enabling sharing of best practices among states/UTs. According to the ministry, so far 35 states/UTs have established RERA and 29 of them have set up Appellate Tribunals, while 27 have appointed Adjudicating Officers. Out of about 1.51 lakh projects, 1.06 lakh agents are registered under RERA.
