The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the CBI to investigate corruption allegations involving officials linked to the Chief Ministers office. Punjab High Court Orders CBI Investigation into Corruption Allegations Linked to Chief Ministers Office
Rabbi Shergill: Art has disappeared a little
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) Known for belting out hits such as Bulla Ki Jaana, Tere Bin, Challa and Heer, singer-songwriter Rabbi Shergill, who a decade ago had said that art was slowly losing space to entertainment, feels little has changed as she said that there is a little less space for art. Talking to IANS about how the landscape of art and entertainment has evolved over the past decade, Shergill reflected on his earlier observation that art is slowly dying and entertainment is taking its place, and shared whether he still feels the same way today or believes there has been a change. I think this has become a little subjective. My opinion is that, by and large, there is a little less space for art, said Rabbi, who has been called Punjabi music's true urban balladeer He added: And I feel that, you can imagine, have you heard any political song in the last 10 years? Have you seen any political film in the last 10 years? So these are some of the questions I think the viewers, the beginners, can answer themselves. Sheirgill, whose music has been described variously as rock, Punjabi, with a bani style melody, and sufiana, and semi-Sufi semi-folksy kind of music with a lot of Western arrangements, concluded: I feel that art has disappeared a little. His chartbuster hit Bullah Ki Jaana was based on the Kafi poem written by the Punjabi Sufi saint Bulleh Shah. He lent his voice to Yash Chopra's 2012 romantic film Jab Tak Hai Jaan starring Shah Rukh Khan as she crooned the leading number Challa composed by A. R. Rahman and the lyrics penned by Gulzar. Talking about Jab Tak Hai Jaan, the romantic drama film stars SRK as Samar Anand, a bomb disposal expert for the Indian Army, formerly as a struggling immigrant in London and whirlwind romance with Meera Thappar, based on a diary falls into the hands of Akira Rai, a Discovery Channel documentary filmmaker.
Punjab govt corruption case: Pratap Bajwa welcomes HC order on CBI probe
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 5 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in Punjab Legislative Assembly, Pratap Singh Bajwa, on Monday welcomed the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case of the letter written by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the DGP of Punjab. He said that those who looted the state must be punished, irrespective of their standing. This came as the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday ordered that the case of the letter written by the ED to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav be handed over to the CBI. Taking to X, Bajwa said, I welcome the Hon'ble High Court's decision and hope the CBI conducts a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation. Those who looted Punjab's exchequer must be booked and punished, irrespective of how powerful they are. The CBI has also been ordered to submit its report within two months. The ED had written three letters to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav in which it was said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman and his associates Nitin Gohal and Bir Devinder were involved in corruption and an FIR should be registered against them. The agency has alleged that they were interfering in administrative transfers and postings as well as government tenders. When the Punjab Police did not register a case in this matter, a PIL was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in which a demand was made to hand over the case to the CBI. The PIL was filed by Advocate Nikhil Saraf. In the petition, Saraf had said the Enforcement Directorate's letter levels several serious allegations against the officials linked to the Punjab Chief Minister's Office. Saraf argued that the cases should be handed over to the CBI for a fair and independent investigation, which is free from the influence of the Punjab Police and Punjab Vigilance. The petitioner also sought a detailed investigation into the money trail and strict action against those found guilty.
ED letters to Punjab DGP: HC orders CBI probe; demands report in two months
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 5 (IANS) The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday ordered that the case of the letters written by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the DGP of Punjab be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI has also been ordered to submit its report within two months. The ED had written three letters to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in which it was said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman and his associates Nitin Gohal and Bir Devinder were involved in corruption, and an FIR should be registered against them. The agency has alleged that they were interfering in administrative transfers and postings, as well as government tenders. When the Punjab Police did not register a case in this matter, a PIL was filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in which a demand was made to hand over the case to the CBI. The PIL was filed by Advocate Nikhil Saraf. In the petition, Saraf had said the Enforcement Directorate's letter levels several serious allegations against the officials linked to the Punjab Chief Minister's Office. Saraf argued that the cases should be handed over to the CBI for a fair and independent investigation, which is free from the influence of the Punjab Police and Punjab Vigilance. The petitioner also sought a detailed investigation into the money trail and strict action against those found guilty. Last month, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) urged Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to recommend a time-bound, court-monitored CBI probe into the organised corruption racket being operated from the Chief Minister's office. Asserting that when the CMO, the CM's OSD and the Chief Minister's wife were the subject of allegations and the state investigation agencies were proving ineffective, SAD urged the Governor to exercise his powers under Article 167 to call for a report from the Chief Secretary and the DGP as to why no FIR had been registered on the ED's reference. The representation also urged the Governor to intervene with the state government, and urged the Union government to conduct a court-monitored, time-bound CBI probe into all corruption cases disclosed in the EDs reference, including the role of every public servant, intermediary, developer and beneficiary and the money trail. The BJP had also questioned the police's inaction on the matter. We therefore demand an independent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the entire matter, former Union Minister Vijay Sampla had told the media. Sampla said the ED reference, based on material gathered during its investigation in a case, contained serious allegations relating to criminal conspiracy, corruption, unauthorised leakage of confidential government information, interference in transfers and postings, manipulation of government policies and tenders, illegal gratification and other cognisable offences. Sampla demanded registration of a first information report (FIR) sought by the ED, preservation of all digital, documentary, and financial evidence, and a time-bound CBI investigation into the entire matter, including the roles of Gohal, Ghuman, and all other persons named in the ED material.
Singh vs Kaur 2 | Song - Duniya
Watch the song 'Duniya' from Punjabi movie 'Singh vs Kaur 2' starring Gippy Grewal, Shehnaaz Gill, Prince Kanwaljit Singh and Raghveer Boli. 'Duniya' is sung by Gippy Grewal and music of the song is given by Kulshan Sandhu. Lyrics of 'Singh vs Kaur 2' song 'Duniya' are written by Fateh Shergill. 'Singh vs Kaur 2' is directed by Navaniat Singh and produced by Gippy Grewal, Ravneet Kaur Grewal, Shrikant Mohta and Mahendra Soni. 'Singh vs Kaur 2' also stars Honey Mattu, Gulzar Chahal, Rupinder Rupi and Gurpreet Bhangu in pivotal roles. To know more about 'Duniya' song from Gippy Grewal and Shehnaaz Gill starrer 'Singh vs Kaur 2' watch the video.
Two Punjabi Women Stranded in Oman Return Safely After Sant Seechewal
Families Allege Job Fraud, Passport Seizure and Extortion; Around 130 More Women Reportedly Stranded in Muscat Ashok Kaura Phagwara , October 3: Two Punjabi women from Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts, who were allegedly stranded and subjected to exploitation in Oman after being promised jobs, have returned safely to India following intervention by Rajya Sabha MP []
Mohun Bagan edge past Punjab FC 4-3 on penalties to win IFA Shield
Punjab FC went down narrowly 3-4 on penalties to defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant to end their campaign at IFA Shield here on Sunday. The Shers stayed competitive throughout 120 minutes and came close to finding the breakthrough on several occasions before Mohun Bagan prevailed in the shootout. The defending champions will face the winner of the second semifinal between East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC in the final. Punjab FC were tested by an intense Mohun Bagan press in the opening stages but remained compact and organised. The first chance came in the third minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte's effort took a slight deflection, but Arshdeep Singh kept his composure to collect. Mohun Bagan threatened again five minutes later when Asish Rai reached an aerial through ball and set up Lee Erwin with a first-time pass after Arshdeep rushed off his line. The Punjab FC defence recovered quickly to block Erwin's effort and clear the danger. Erwin then tested Arshdeep from a
Punjab Police Constable Result 2026 Released at punjabpolice.gov.in: Check Scorecard
The Punjab Police Constable Result 2026 has been released for candidates who appeared in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted for recruitment to the District Police and Armed Police cadres. The result was announced on October 4, 2026, and candidates can
Amritsar: Punjab Police ASI injured in firing by motorcycle-borne assailants
On Sunday evening, Sukhchain Singh, an ASI with Punjab Police, was shot at while returning home. The assailants fired from a motorcycle and fled the scene immediately after the attack. Singh sustained a bullet injury to his arm and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police officials have initiated an investigation into the shooting incident, which raises concerns over law enforcement safety.
Punjab former sarpanch shot '10-odd rounds' on dashcam; land dispute?
Delhi AQI remains moderate, several areas record poor air quality
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) Delhis air quality remained in the moderate category on Monday, although several parts of the national capital recorded pollution levels in the poor category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As per CPCB data, overall air quality in Delhi remained moderate, with several monitoring stations reporting elevated pollution levels. Mandir Marg recorded an AQI of 146, Aya Nagar 140, Punjabi Bagh 212, CRRI Mathura Road 225, Shadipur 175, IGI Airport (T3) 187, Alipur 238, JNU 135, R.K. Puram 193, Mundka 257, Wazirpur 221, Vivek Vihar 230, Okhla Phase-2 203, Cantonment Area 87, Nehru Nagar 144 and Anand Vihar 179. The deterioration in air quality comes as Delhi enters the period when pollution levels typically begin to rise sharply. The national capital had witnessed its most polluted start to October in recent years, with the situation worsening over the past few days. On Sunday, Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season, with the citys average AQI reaching 187, placing it at the higher end of the moderate category. The rise in pollution follows a brief period of relatively cleaner air, when rainfall and strong winds helped disperse pollutants. However, declining wind speeds, the absence of rain and localised emissions have contributed to the renewed deterioration in air quality. PM10, consisting largely of coarse and inhalable particles originating from sources such as road dust, construction activity and biomass burning, has been among the major pollutants during the recent deterioration. Of the 43 operational air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 14 recorded AQI levels in the poor category in the average 4 p.m. bulletin. Mundka reported the highest AQI at 273, followed by 257 at both CRRI Mathura Road and Narela, while Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 237. The Delhi Cantonment area recorded the lowest AQI at 97, falling in the satisfactory category. Under CPCBs classification, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 severe. CPCB data also indicated that Delhi has witnessed one of its most polluted starts to October in the last six years. The average AQI during the first four days of October was 174.5 in 2026, compared with 119.75 in 2025, 167.25 in 2024, 155 in 2023, 161.25 in 2022, 107.25 in 2021 and 176.25 in 2020. Air quality in Delhi-NCR generally begins deteriorating from mid-September. Stubble burning, followed by emissions from vehicles, industries, power plants and biomass burning, contributes significantly to winter pollution. Firecrackers during the festive season, particularly around Diwali, can further aggravate the situation despite restrictions. The Commission for Air Quality Managements expert assessment has identified PM2.5 as a key pollutant affecting Delhis air quality, with secondary particulates formed from various combustion-related emissions contributing significantly during winter.
GRP Personnel Shot at by Three Assailants in Punjabs Ajnala
Recounting the attack, the injured GRP personnel said the assailants ambushed him and sped away immediately after firing
GRP personnel shot at by three unidentified men in Amritsar; BJP condemns attack, questions Mann govt New Delhi: An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Punjab Police, who is currently posted with the Government Railway Police (GRP), was shot at by three unidentified motorcycle-borne men while he was returning home from duty in Amritsar, with the [] The post GRP personnel shot at by three unidentified men in Amritsar; BJP condemns attack, questions Mann govt appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Heroin Seizures Along Punjab Border More Than Double as Smugglers Shift Tactics
The scale of cross-border narcotics trafficking along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab has emerged The post Heroin Seizures Along Punjab Border More Than Double as Smugglers Shift Tactics appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Retail store fined Rs 10k for selling expired Rs 75 mosquito repellant
Ludhiana cycles for a drug-free Punjab
To save water, agri varsity seeks ground for groundnut in Punjab
Hardware price surge drives student demand for refurbished laptops
Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistani prisoner dies by suicide in jail
Shahid Imran, a 36-year-old Pakistani undertrial prisoner, was found unconscious in his jail cell early Sunday. He was a resident of Sargooda district in Punjab, Pakistan. Authorities rushed him to GMCH where doctors declared him brought dead. The incident occurred at the high-security central jail in Jammu. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is likely to follow.
10-year jail for peddler caught with 100g narcotics in 2019
Congress Criticizes Punjab Government Over Sikhya Kranti Claims
Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa targets Punjabs AAP government over education system failures, highlighting discrepancies in Sikhya Kranti claims. Congress Criticizes Punjab Government Over Sikhya Kranti Claims
Cross-Border Arms Network Busted In Punjab, AK-47, Grenades Seized
The accused, identified as Navjot Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran district, was intercepted while riding a motorcycle.
Analysis: Drugs To Corruption To Education, AAP In Punjab Faces Heat On Many Fronts
The latest flashpoint is education, after AAP's Maur MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana publicly raised questions over teacher shortages in government schools and was subsequently suspended by the party for alleged indiscipline and anti-party activities.
Punjab AAP suspends MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana over anti-party activities
Punjab AAP has suspended MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana after he questioned teacher shortages in government schools and the State governments education reform claims.
No Pass, No Goal: Bhagwant Mann's Hockey Jab At Punjab Congress. New Chief Pargat Singh
I hope his team members also pass him the ball, because without a pass, no goal can be scored, Bhagant Mann said.
Haryana Congress Leader Backs 'No Chief Minister Face' Policy, Cites Punjab
In a letter to the Congress leadership, Kuldeep Sharma backed Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot's reported formulation that the party should contest elections under collective leadership.
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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday declared every mother and sister of Punjab as the brand ambassador of the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, calling the initiative a first-of-its-kind social revolution that is strengthening women's dignity, self-respect and financial autonomy.
Pakistan's information watchdogs left without a public voice for years: Report
Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Pakistan's right to information commissions have been running without their civil society members for years, leaving the public with no seat on the bodies meant to enforce its constitutional right to know, a report said. Each commission has a retired bureaucrat and a senior jurist, filling two of the three slots, barring Balochistan, which has four seats. However, the civil-society seats in the Federal Commission and Sindh have remained vacant since January 2024, in Punjab since March 2025, and in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) since April 2026, Pakistani daily Dawn reported. The commissions were set up to enforce Article 19-A of the Constitution independently of the government, with the civil society member meant to bring the public's view. Zahid Abdullah, a former Federal Information Commissioner, said the vacancy has real consequences. When this (civil society Commissioner) position remains vacant, an important balance built into the composition of the commission is lost, Abdullah said. Where two serving members disagree, there is no third commissioner to establish a majority and resolve the matter, he said, as per the report. The Punjab commission has also proposed 14 amendments to the province's 2013 transparency law in its 2024-25 annual report. The report said these raise questions about whether the commission is making access to information easier or adding obstacles. The proposals include exemptions for records relating to pending matters and internal correspondence; rejection of requests deemed 'vexatious', 'malafide' or 'vague'; personal attendance requirements for citizens submitting requests electronically; and extending the period for deciding complaints from 60 to 90 days, it said. The problems are not limited to Punjab. Karachi-based activist Naeem Sadiq says he gets information in only about half of his roughly 200 cases, and rates Punjab the worst performer, followed by Sindh and the federal system. In Balochistan, Information Commissioner Abdul Shakoor cites a lack of staff and office space, and delays in releasing the commission's budget. Pakistan may have the relevant legislation, but citizens continue to encounter delays, bureaucratic resistance and institutional barriers when attempting to exercise that right, the report said. The World Justice Project's 2025 index ranks Pakistan 130th of 143 countries on rule of law. Its open government score is 0.39, against a global average of 0.52. Civil society groups, including the Free and Fair Election Network, have called for more transparency in how information commissioners are appointed. These proposals point towards a common principle: transparency cannot be effectively enforced by institutions that are themselves opaque, inaccessible or insufficiently accountable. Otherwise, the institutions created to open the doors of government may themselves become another bureaucratic door that citizens struggle to get through, the report said.
Punjab police bust Pakistan-linked terror module, arrest 28-year-old with AK-47, grenades
Amritsar Rural Police conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of a suspect linked to terrorism. The accused, Navjot Singh, was found with an AK-47 rifle and hand grenades. Police stated that the weapons were allegedly smuggled into India via drones from Pakistan. Investigations revealed connections to handlers in both Pakistan and the Middle East.
BJPs Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra reaches 3,000 drug-affected families, claims party
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 4 (IANS) Behind Punjabs growing concern over drug abuse are thousands of families struggling to save their loved ones from addiction. Bringing their stories and concerns into the spotlight, the BJPs nearly two-week-long Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra reached out to 3,000 families affected by drugs while traversing all 117 Assembly constituencies in the state, the party said on Sunday. Describing the campaign as a peoples movement rather than a political exercise, the BJP said the yatra sought to give a voice to families battling the consequences of drug abuse and mobilise public support for a drug-free Punjab. According to a report compiled by the party, the campaign travelled nearly 4,000 km and organised 474 programmes, including public rallies, roadshows, reception events and street-corner meetings. The yatra, it claimed, directly reached 49.5 lakh people, while its social media content garnered 6.5 crore views. The campaign was conducted in four parts, with senior state leaders accompanying all four yatras. It culminated in Jalandhar on September 30 with an address by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Launched on September 18 from Madhopur in Pathankot in the presence of BJP president Nitin Nabin and state chief Kewal Singh Dhillon, the first leg covered 35 Assembly constituencies and 10 organisational districts. Travelling around 1,250 km, it directly connected with over 4.3 lakh people, while its overall outreach exceeded 15.5 lakh. The second leg began from Fatehgarh Sahib on September 19, with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participating as the chief guest. Covering 26 Assembly constituencies and nine organisational districts over approximately 920 km, it directly reached 3.5 lakh people, with total outreach crossing 13 lakh. The third yatra was launched from Fazilka on September 20 by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. It covered 25 constituencies and eight organisational districts, travelling around 910 km and directly reaching nearly three lakh people. Its overall outreach was estimated at 12 lakh. The fourth leg started on September 21 from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan participating. It covered 27 constituencies and nine organisational districts over approximately 850 km, directly reaching four lakh people and recording a total outreach of around nine lakh. Taking the anti-drug message beyond political platforms, the BJP also sought to connect the campaign with Punjabs religious and cultural traditions. During the yatra, party leaders visited seven temples, 23 gurdwaras and 10 deras. Street plays and Dhadi performances formed an important part of the awareness campaign, with 226 street plays and 225 Dhadi music programmes organised to communicate the dangers of drug abuse through local art and storytelling. State BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon said the response from people across Punjab reflected the campaigns success. He maintained that the yatra was not a political exercise but a mass movement against drugs. Citing the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make Punjab drug-free by December 31, 2029, Dhillon said the BJP would work towards fulfilling the promise under all circumstances. While the party highlighted the campaigns extensive public outreach, its stated engagement with 3,000 drug-affected families brought the focus back to the human cost of addiction and the challenge of turning public awareness into lasting rehabilitation and a drug-free future for Punjab.
Illegal arms & explosives network busted in Punjab, AK-47 assault rifle seized
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 4 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, Amritsar Rural Police has dismantled an illegal arms and explosives supply network with the arrest of an individual and recovered one AK-47 assault rifle along with a magazine and nine cartridges, and two hand grenades from his possession, Punjab's Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Sunday. The arrested accused has been identified as Navjot Singh, 28, a truck driver by profession and a resident of Cheema in Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering arms and explosives, police teams have also impounded his motorcycle, which was used for transporting the consignment. DGP Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused was allegedly linked to foreign-based smugglers and is involved in procuring illegal weapons. Further investigation is underway to uncover the complete network, he said. Sharing operational details, Inspector General of Police, Border Range, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on precise intelligence inputs, special teams of Amritsar Rural Police launched a targeted operation and intercepted the accused when he was riding a motorcycle. During the search, police teams recovered an AK-47 assault rifle along with a magazine and cartridges and two live hand grenades, he said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar Rural, Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal said that the operation was executed under the close supervision of Superintendent of Police, Investigation, Ramandeep Singh, and Deputy Superintendents of Police Gurinderpal Singh Nagra and Yadwinder Singh. A first information report under section 25 (8) of the Arms Act and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act has been registered at the police station in Gharinda in Amritsar Rural on September 30 . Last week, Amritsar Rural Police dismantled an illegal arms and narcotics supply network with the arrest of three persons, comprising a woman, her husband, and her brother. The police had recovered 10.030 kg heroin, two sophisticated assault rifles, including an AK-47 and an AK-56, along with three magazines and 10 cartridges from their possession.
Mayawati holds review meeting with Uttarakhand BSP leaders, discusses SIR
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday held a meeting with senior officials of BSP Uttarakhand State, in which the party said that she conducted an in-depth review of the latest status of the voter list following the Election Commission's SIR revision, along with the progress in selecting strong and effective party candidates for the upcoming Assembly General Elections in UP and Punjab, as well as other election preparations. According to a release from the party shared by Mayawati, in this meeting held at the BSP Central Camp Office, a review was conducted on the status of reorganising committees up to the polling booth level following the SIR of the voter list, to be completed at a war footing, and instructions were given to address the shortcomings in a time-bound manner. In the release, following the SIR, the names of approximately 9 lakh voters have been allegedly removed from the voter list, but efforts must certain...
Punjab Court Clerk Recruitment 2026: 1,270 Vacancies Announced, Apply From October 7
Punjab Court Clerk Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 1,270 posts. Check eligibility, important dates, selection process and application details.
Hope their players will support them: Punjab CM Mann on Pargat Singh's appointment as PCC Chief
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday congratulated former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh on his appointment as the new Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president, saying he hoped the PCC chief would receive support from his party colleagues and players. Speaking to reporters on Pargat Singh's appointment, CM Mann said,
Punjab CM congratulates Pargat Singh on appointment as Congress chief
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BJP criticises AAP after Punjab MLA suspended over school staff claims
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Sachin Pilot targets Gyanesh Kumar over SIR, alleges selective voter deletions
Congress leader Sachin Pilot accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of undermining the Election Commissions independence during the SIR of electoral rolls. Pilot also raised concerns over Rajasthans drought conditions, Punjab law and order, and Congress leader Vishvendra Singhs show-cause notice
V-P Radhakrishna says compassion, unity key to building Viksit Bharat@2047
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday called upon people to nurture the values of humility, compassion, service, unity and responsibility while building Viksit Bharat@2047. Addressing the Mahaparva Kshamapana Ceremony 2026, organised by the Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Committee and Jain Mahasabha Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan, Radhakrishnan said that development must go beyond economic prosperity, modern infrastructure and technological advancement. He said a truly developed India must also have trust among citizens, values within families, character among youth and compassion in society, in keeping with the vision of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi. Highlighting the deep historical connection between Tamil Nadu and Jainism, Radhakrishnan said Jainism has made significant contributions to Tamil literature and culture. He recalled the contributions of Jain scholars and monks to classical Tamil literature and noted the presence of ancient Jain temples and centres of learning across Tamil Nadu. Emphasising the universal message of Jain philosophy, the Vice-President said the teaching of friendship towards all living beings and enmity towards none resonates with Indias civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. In a world witnessing conflict and violence, he said, the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavira offer a path towards peace, dialogue, coexistence and compassion. The Vice President said Ahimsa is not merely the absence of physical violence, but also the absence of violence in thought, word and deed. He said Bhagwan Mahavira showed humanity the path of inner victory, reminding people that true strength lies in conquering anger, intolerance and revenge. The Vice President described the occasion as a celebration of universal values of forgiveness, friendship, non-violence and inner purification. On the occasion, he also presented the Jain Samaj Ratna Award to K.C. Jain. Those present included Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria; President, Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Committee, Kanhaiya Lal Jain; President, Jain Mahasabha Delhi, Dinesh Doshi; Acharya Visuddh Sagarji Muniraj; Vipin Jain, General Secretary, Shree Jain Tarun Samaj Bhagwan Mahaveer Memorial Samiti; Munishri Udit Kumar; Munishri Tirth Nirvaan Vijay and Upadhyay Ravinder Muni.
Mohun Bagan vs Punjab FC IFA Shield LIVE Score Updates: Mohun Bagan are facing off against Punjab FC in a blockbuster IFA Shield 2026 semi-final in Kolkata.
Akali Dal Leader Shot Dead In Punjab; Family Accuses Brother Of Land-Dispute Attack
Former Akali Dal leader Navtej Singh was allegedly shot dead in Ludhiana by motorcycle-borne assailants. His family linked the killing to a long-running land dispute, while police investigate the motive and search for the attackers.
Former sarpanch shot dead in Punjab's Ludhiana by bike-borne assailants
A 55-year-old former village sarpanch was allegedly shot dead in Punjabs Ludhiana by bike-borne assailants on Saturday. The incident happened around 6:30 PM, when victim Navtej Singh alias Neetu was returning home to Krishna Nagar...
Congress Leader Accuses Party Official of Assault and Intimidation in Amritsar
Shivani Sharma alleges assault and intimidation by Saurabh Madan Mithu, revealing internal strife within the Punjab Congress party. Congress Leader Accuses Party Official of Assault and Intimidation in Amritsar
Punjab-based queer influencer Mad Sandhu gunned down in Amritsar
Madhusudan Mad Sandhu, a Punjabi makeup artist and LGBTQ social media influencer, was shot dead by two unidentified men on a motorcycle in Amritsar on Saturday evening, local media reported.
Punjab BJP chief slams AAP government, alleges law and order situation has collapsed
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government over the law and order situation in the state, alleging that criminals were moving around without fear. Dhillon said that recent murder incidents had exposed what he described as the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. The law and order situation in Punjab has completely collapsed. Murders are taking place in broad daylight. Criminals are roaming around fearlessly, Punjab is burning, while the Chief Minister is busy cracking jokes, Dhillon alleged. He referred to the killing of social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu in Amritsar. Sandhu was shot by unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants on Loharka Road on Saturday evening and later died of his injuries. Police have launched an investigation into the killing and said they have leads in the case. Dhillon also cited the attack on former sarpanch Navtej Singh in Ludhiana, in which motorcycle-borne as...
Gyanesh Kumar undermined Election Commissions independence: Sachin Pilot
Congress leader Sachin Pilot alleged the SIR is being used to selectively delete voters, as he also criticised the Rajasthan governments drought response and the AAP government in Punjab
BJPs Tarun Chugh Blames AAP and Congress for Punjabs Drug Crisis
BJPs Tarun Chugh criticizes AAP and Congress for Punjabs drug issues, calling Congress an expired injection in state politics. BJPs Tarun Chugh Blames AAP and Congress for Punjabs Drug Crisis
Mohun Bagan vs Punjab FC LIVE Streaming, IFA Shield Semi-Final LIVE Telecast: When And Where To Watch MBSG vs PFC
Pakistani Prisoner Dies By Suspected Suicide In Jammu Jail
Jammu, Oct 4: A 36-year-old Pakistani undertrial prisoner died of suspected suicide at the high-security Central Jail here on Sunday, officials said. Shahid Imran, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistans Punjab province, was arrested along the International Border in the Makwal sector of Jammu in October 2024 and lodged in Kot Bhalwal jail, they [] The post Pakistani Prisoner Dies By Suspected Suicide In Jammu Jail appeared first on Northlines .
A Kolkata derby could be on the cards if Mohun Bagan and East Bengal reach the IFA Shield final.
AAP MLA cries foul over teacher shortage in Punjab; is suspended by party
Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana, the partys MLA from Bathindas Maur constituency, was suspended after alleging a shortage of teachers in government schools in his constituency
Mad Sandhu Killed After Nihang Extremists
The brutal killing of LGBTQ+ influencer and make-up artist Mad Sandhu in Amritsar has sent shockwaves through Punjab, particularly as it emerges that he had been living under threat from Nihang extremists for months before his death. Sandhu, whose real name was Madhusudan, was shot dead on Saturday evening, 3rd October, when two unidentified men [] The post Mad Sandhu Killed After Nihang Extremists Threats appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Akali Dal Leader Shot Dead In Punjab, Family Claims Brother Killed Him For Land
The two men blocked his Toyota Innova and allegedly fired 13 rounds.
Mona Singh gives a peek into her new project set in the UK
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Bollywood actress Mona Singh, Made in Heaven, Laal Singh Chaddha, 3 Idiots and most recently in Kohrra season 2, has shared glimpses from her upcoming project in the UK. The actress recently took to her Instagram, and shared a series of BTS pictures from Cotswolds, and Mona expressed her excitement about stepping into this new creative world. She also penned a long note in the caption, as she wrote, This project/movie feels special and unprecedented , its because we have thrown out the old rule book. #actorslife #cotswold #makingmovies #instamood #oct2026 (sic). Her statement hints at a refreshingly unconventional approach to storytelling, promising fans an innovative film that breaks away from traditional cinematic tropes and explores uncharted narrative territory. The project is reportedly directed by Vikas Bahl, who is known for Queen. The film brings together an ensemble of Indian and international actors, musicians. It also starred Jimmy Shergill, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mona Singh and Alizeh Agnihotri. The film is set in Britain in the early 1990s, and traces the rise of the UK Punjabi music movement, a turbulent and exhilarating time when a generation growing up between cultures began turning up the volume from garages, backrooms, pirate radio stations and underground gigs. Earlier, the actress spoke about the role of the industry and her own decisions in shaping her career. She earlier said in a statement: I think 40 percent is the industry. They provide the soil, the script, the platform, and 60 percent is me. You know, I choose which seeds to plant and, most importantly, which ones to pull out. The actress shared that the real shift started to happen when she learned the art of saying no, The real shift happened when I started saying no to 90 percent of the shows that were being offered to me. Mona gained recognition for her role in the soap opera Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, which first premiered in 2003. She was then seen in the first season of the reality series Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, and Kya Huaa Tera Vaada.
Diljit Dosanjh announces Aura India Tour 2026; check city-wise dates, tickets and venue details
Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has announced the India leg of his Aura World Tour. The Aura India Tour 2026 will cover seven cities across the country, with the tour set to begin in Delhi-NCR on November 1 and conclude in Lucknow on December 5. The singer made this announcement on Sunday with an Instagram post.
'Kejriwal is true dictator: Pargat Singh on suspension of AAP leader
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Punjab Congress President Pargat Singh trained guns at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over suspension of one of its leaders and a serving legislator Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana from the party, over latter's adverse commentary on the state of health and education in the state. He labelled AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal a 'true dictator'. This is the true face of the Aam Aadmi Party. They used to showcase a model of education and health. But one of their own MLAs said that proper arrangements for education are not in place. Within two hoursthis is dictatorship. Kejriwal is a pure dictator. He is one thing to show and another thing in practice, Singh said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suspended the primary membership of legislator Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana over alleged anti-party activities and indiscipline. Earlier, AAP MLA from Maur, Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana, broke down during a live Facebook video on Saturday while criticising his own government over the shortage of teachers in government schools. He said he had repeatedly raised the issue with the authorities. Punjab Congress President Pargat Singh further said that the law and order situation in Punjab is weak because of a lack of professionalism in the leadership. He said that there was a lack of will in political and police leadership in the state. Speaking to IANS on Sunday, the newly appointed Punjab Congress President Pargat Singh said, When you demolish institutions, it is natural that a situation arises which, I believe, creates chaos. Today, in our country, we are losing trust in institutions, or losing trust in a political system. Speaking on the protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, he said, Losing trust in an individual is one thing, but when institutions get demolished, that is a huge loss for the country. As they say, a person dying is not true death, but the death of their conscience is true death. He also spoke on the law and order in Punjab, saying, I think two, three, or four murders are happening every day in Punjab; there is no law and order, and there is no professionalism. This is because there is no leader. There is no leader in the police, and there is a lack of will in political leadership as well. So somewhere, when such conditions exist, it is the same police force that performs very well at times. But when it becomes leaderless, naturally, the performance goes down. Recently, Punjab Congress witnessed a change in leadership after Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigned as Punjab Congress chief, making way for MLA Pargat Singh, who was appointed as the new president of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee(PPCC).
New Punjab Congress president meets former PM Manmohan Singh's wife, takes her blessings
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Pargat Singh, the newly appointed Congress President in Punjab, visited former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhs residence on Sunday and sought his wife Gursharan Kaurs blessings. He also shared images of his meeting with Dr Singh's family members on his X account and wrote that the former Prime Minister will always be remembered for his integrity and dedication to the nation. Met Smt. Gursharan Kaur Ji, wife of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Took her blessings and paid my respects while remembering Sardar Manmohan Singh Ji. His simplicity, integrity and dedication to the nation will always remain an inspiration, the newly Punjab Congress president posted on his X account. . Speaking to IANS about the same, he said, He (Dr. Manmohan Singh) was a Prime Minister of our country who left behind a legacy not just in the country, but across the entire world. So, I believe that work should begin only after taking blessings from his wife. He also met veteran Congress leader Ambika Soni. After that, Ambika ji is there, because she has made a very significant contribution to Punjab. So, as I said, I wanted to finish all this from Delhi first before going to Punjab, he added. Recently, Punjab Congress witnessed a change in leadership after Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigned as Punjab Congress chief, making way for MLA Pargat Singh, who was appointed as the new president of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC). His appointment is expected to bring a new direction to the partys efforts in the state. The Congress leadership has emphasised continuity in the functioning of the state unit by retaining the existing Working Presidents and election committee heads. This move is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and uninterrupted organisational work in Punjab. Pargat Singhs appointment to the key post, ahead of Assembly elections, is being viewed as a significant development for the Punjab Congress as it seeks to revitalise its presence and enhance connect with workers and the public across the state.
Mona Singh shares first glimpse from her UK shoot; see post
Mona Singh has begun shooting for her next film in the UK, continuing a busy year that has seen the actor take on multiple roles across different projects. After appearing in six distinct roles in 2026, Singh has now started work on another feature film. The actor took to social media to share a glimpse from the films picturesque shooting location in the Cotswolds. Along with the post, Mona expressed her excitement about being part of the project and hinted at its unconventional approach to filmmaking. She captioned the post: This project/movie feels special and unprecedented , its because we have thrown out the old rule book. #actorslife #cotswold #makingmovies #instamood #oct2026. Her note suggests that the upcoming film will take a different approach to storytelling, moving away from conventional narrative formats. While details about the project are currently under wraps, her post offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the film. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mona Singh (@monajsingh) As per reports, the film is directed by Vikas Bahl and features an ensemble cast of Indian and international actors, musicians and performers. The story is reportedly set in Britain in the early 1990s and explores the period when the UK Punjabi music movement was beginning to take shape. The film is set against a time when a generation growing up between cultures was finding its voice through music and performance. The narrative reportedly traces this period through garages, backrooms, pirate radio stations and underground gigs, reflecting the emergence of a cultural movement that would go on to shape the experiences of a generation. With production now underway in the Cotswolds, further details about the cast, storyline and release plans are awaited. Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Vikas Bahls next stars Jimmy Shergill, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mona Singh, Alizeh Agnihotri; based on the explosive rise of Punjabi music in 90s UK
Deputy ECs to visit 5 states as poll body steps up preparedness to hold high stakes elections
Senior Election Commission officials will begin visiting five poll-bound states this week to assess election preparedness at the field level, starting with Goa and followed by Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur. Uttar Pradesh is yet to get a visit schedule. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Goa have started first-level checks of EVMs and VVPAT machines as part of preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Punjab Police Busts International Arms Smuggling Network, Seizes AK-47 and Grenades
Punjab police dismantle an international arms smuggling network, seizing an AK-47 and grenades while arresting one suspect. Punjab Police Busts International Arms Smuggling Network, Seizes AK-47 and Grenades
'Who is safe?' Delhi minister Sirsa attacks Punjab govt after Mad Sandhu killing
Punjab Congress Chief Parag Singh Responds to CM Bhagwant Manns Criticism
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No law and order in Punjab: Delhi Minister Sirsa on Mad Sandhu murder
Makeup artist and social media influencer Mad Sandhu was shot dead in Punjab on Saturday, with the incident once again raising questions over the law and order situation in the state. Sandhu was shot on Loharka Road and suffered two gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a private hospital in critical condition but died during treatment. Reacting to the incident, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa questioned the law and order situation in Punjab and said there is a
Newly appointed Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh on Sunday termed the Aam Aadmi Party
Influencer Mad Sandhu passes away after shooting in Amritsar
Hyderabad: Punjabi makeup artist and social media influencer Mad Sandhu has passed away after unidentified attackers opened fire on him in Amritsar on Saturday evening. Police said they have obtained leads in the case and are working to arrest those responsible. Sandhu, whose real name was Madhusudan, was known for his makeup work and presence 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 .
Who was Mad Sandhu? Punjabi influencer and makeup artist shot dead in Amritsar
In a shocking incident, renowned Punjabi makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot by two people in Amritsar on Loharka Road. This event unfolded in the evening on Saturday, resulting in serious injuries. Despite immediate medical attention at Fortis Hospital, he sadly passed away. Known for his vibrant presence on social media and expert makeup skills, Sandhu's untimely death is a significant loss. Authorities are currently investigating, claiming they have potential leads.
Bhagwant Mann's AAP Government Under Fire From Punjab Opposition After LGBTQ Influencer Shot Dead
Mad Sandhu was a prominent LGBTQ activist. He was shot dead by two men on a bike in Amritsar on Saturday
Strengths And Weakness Of Punjab Congress With Pargat Singh At Helm
Pargat Singh is not new to party organisation. He has served as Punjab Congress general secretary (organisation)
Punjabi Influencer, Makeup Artist Shot Dead in Amritsar
Two unidentified persons, who were on a motorbike, opened fire at Mad Sandhu and fled the spot, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sirivennela said
Punjab LGBTQ Influencer And Makeup Artist Mad Sandhu Shot Dead In Amritsar
Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu, one of the regions prominent LGBTQ personalities, was shot dead by two unidentified men on a motorcycle in Amritsar on Saturday. Police said the attackers opened fire around 6 pm, leaving Sandhu critically injured. He died while being taken to hospital. A Facebook post claiming responsibility has surfaced and is being examined by investigators. Sandhu, who openly identified as gay, frequently spoke about makeup, films and gender issues and faced homophobic trolling online.
Punjab-Origin Truck Driver Sentenced to Six Years in Canada for Fatal Highway Crash
A 29-year-old truck driver of Punjab origin has been sentenced to six years in The post Punjab-Origin Truck Driver Sentenced to Six Years in Canada for Fatal Highway Crash appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Meaningful Dialogue: PM Modi Meets Haryana BJP MLAs
BJP President Nitin Nabin, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, and BJP national general secretary in-charge of Haryana Smriti Irani attended the meeting.
One new case, Punjab now accounts for nearly 36% of total farm fires
10,000 cops to be recruited to root out drugs in Punjab: CM Mann
Former Ropar judge challenges dismissal over leak of 2017 Haryana judicial exam
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What happened in Chitkara University and Lovely Professional University? What are the police probing?
Punjabi Singer Gill Raunta Joins Jailed MP Amritpal Singh's Akali Dal
Born Gurwinder Singh Gill, the 35-year-old is a prominent Punjabi lyricist, writer, author, and actor from the Raunta village in Moga district of Punjab.
Analysis: Why Punjab's Sikh Politics Is Not Just About Having A Jat Leader
All top leaders of major political parties in Punjab belong to the same social background.
Haryana STF Arrests Most Wanted Suspect with
The Haryana STF has apprehended a wanted suspect in a murder case linked to a showroom owner, recovering illegal firearms during the operation. Haryana STF Arrests Most Wanted Suspect with 5 Lakh Bounty in Murder Case
Team game, each player has a role: Pargat brings hockey playbook to Punjab Congress
India summons Pakistan envoy over Ferozepur border firing incident
India summoned Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires after Pakistan protested the alleged killing of two men near the Punjab border, with both sides giving different accounts of the October 2 incident
Mad Sandhu death reason: Who was the social media influencer and what happened to him? Check details
Mad Sandhu news: Mad Sandhu, a makeup artist and social media influencer, was shot dead in Punjab on Saturday. He sustained two gunshot wounds and died during treatment at Fortis Hospital. Police have begun an investigation into the incident and are gathering leads. An FIR has been registered after taking statements from the victim's family. The motive and identity of the attackers remain under investigation.
No PUC, No fuel: Haryana govt directs fuel pumps in its NCR districts
In view of the stringent measures being implemented to control air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, the Haryana transport department has directed all petrol pump operators and retail outlets in the NCR districts of the state to ensure mandatory verification of a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) before refuelling vehicles. The directions have been issued in accordance with the directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), under which the No PUC, No Fuel rule came into effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) from October 1, according to an official statement. As part of the measures being undertaken by the government of Haryana to curb vehicular pollution, including the deployment and implementation of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera systems at petrol pumps across the NCR districts, strict enforcement of emission norms has been prioritised. Under the directions, petrol, diesel and CNG stations are required to den
Navpreet Singh needs to be taken to 4 states for probe: Delhi Police tells Rouse Avenue Court
The accused Navpreet Singh has to be taken to Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab for investigation, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Akhand Pratap Singh for Delhi Police submitted before a Special NDPS Judge at Rouse Avenue Court. After hearing the submissions, the court granted 10-day custody of Navpreet Singh to Delhi Police. The Rouse Avenue court on Saturday remanded alleged Narco Network Kingpin Navpreet Singh to 10 days of police custody. He was deported from Turkey on Saturday. He was wanted in an NDPS case of 2022. Special Judge (NDPS) Anuradha Shukla granted 10 days of police custody to Navpreet Singh after hearing the submissions of Delhi police and counsel for Delhi Police. Delhi Police Special Cell produced Navpreet Singh before the court and sought 10 days' custody to investigate the case. The court asked why 10 days' police custody is required. The court asked what evidence is against the accused. SPP submitted that there are three charge-sheeted accused...
Himesh Reshammiya, Shilpa Rao, Anu Malik, Hariharan, Euphoria Band, Roop Kumar Rathod, Neeraj Shridhar and several other artists are set to perform at the 10th anniversary edition of the Bollywood Music Project. The festival will take place at Jio Gardens in Mumbai on October 24, 2026, bringing together artists from Bollywood, folk, Sufi, indie, pop and Punjabi music across multiple stages. The upcoming edition follows last years festival, which saw an attendance of over 20,000 people. The 2026 line-up will feature more than 20 artists and 10 curated acts, with performances scheduled across the Main Stage and Second Stage. Deepak Choudhary, Organiser, Bollywood Music Project stated, Ten years ago, we set out to build a boundary-breaking playground where legendary maestros, chart-topping pop icons and indie visionaries could coexist on the same stage. To watch the IP evolve from an ambitious dream into a massive cultural phenomenon is nothing short of historic. This landmark 10th anniversary is our definitive love letter to the fans and we are dialling up the scale, production and sonic diversity to deliver an absolute juggernaut of a festival experience. Himesh Reshammiya will headline the Main Stage with a set featuring songs from across his career. Shilpa Rao will perform in the prime-time slot ahead of the finale, while Hariharan will take the stage alongside his son Akshay Hariharan. Himesh Reshammiya stated, Im really happy to be performing at The Bollywood Music Project. Its a great live celebration of Bollywood music, and Im looking forward to bringing the audience an energetic and unforgettable evening with some of my biggest hits and lots of nostalgia. Shilpa Rao stated, We are putting together a performance that is full of heart and high energy. We are looking forward to watching the audience leave the festival with a memory that stays with them for a very long time. The Main Stage will also feature Euphoria Band, which will perform alongside Vaishali Samant, Shalmali Kholgade and Abhay Jodhpurkar. Anu Malik will present a collaborative showcase with Babul Supriyo, Shahid Mallya and his daughters Anmol Malik and Ada Malik, featuring songs from across his career. Anu Malik stated, Sharing the stage for this special showcase alongside Babul Supriyo, Shahid Mallya and my daughters, Anmol Malik and Ada Malik, is an incredibly emotional moment for me. We are taking the audience on a journey through my composed melodies and cinematic songs that have defined generations of Indian music. It is a true celebration of family and the music that connects us all. Hariharan stated, Music is a beautiful language that connects different generations, and sharing the stage with Akshay is a wonderful continuation of that journey. This performance is our way of bringing together timeless classical roots with a fresh, modern sound. It is a very intimate and proud moment for us, and we are excited to experience it live with the fans. Roop Kumar Rathod and Sunali Rathod will perform Sufi and romantic numbers during the afternoon, while Neeraj Shridhar will bring his popular pop tracks to the festival. Playback singer Anirudh Susuwaram will open the Main Stage. The Second Stage will offer a mix of folk, semi-classical, indie and contemporary music. The line-up includes Rajasthani folk fusion artist Kutle Khan, semi-classical and folk singer Junaid Ahmed, Anjana Padmanabhan and indie-rock act Bombay Bandook. Jaan Kumar Sanu, Aseem, The Qurious Band and Retro2Metro will also perform as part of the Second Stage line-up. Palash Sen stated, Euphoria has always thrived on the raw love and energy of the fans who have stood by independent Hindi rock. Teaming up with brilliant voices like Vaishali Samant, Abhay Jodhpurkar and more allows us to bring our classic stadium anthems and brand new music to life with a fresh perspective. We are ready to hit the stage, have an absolute blast, and give the audience a Dhoomsday they won't forget The 10th anniversary edition will also include experiential zones and curated food and beverage kiosks as part of the festival set-up. Tickets for the Bollywood Music Project 2026 will be available exclusively on District by Zomato. HSBC is the presenting sponsor, while Hero Vida, JBL India and Vijay Sales are the co-powered partners. Ticket prices will range from INR 1,499 to INR 14,999 across General Access, VIP and Lounge categories. Also Read : Netizens shower praise on Afsaana Banaaya Aapne from Gunmaaster G9, call it a nostalgic throwback
Key Conspirator In 2016 Nabha Jailbreak In Punjab Gets Bail
Romi has been granted bail in the Nabha jailbreak case by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while a Nabha court has also granted him bail in a separate case registered under the Arms Act.
Popular Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot dead in Amritsar on Saturday evening after two unidentified men allegedly opened fire at him on a motorcycle, police said. The incident took place...
Does Article 14 Belong in Arbitration? The Pre-Deposit Reference in Santosh Associate
LAST MONTH, the Division Bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Manmohan of the Supreme Court pronounced its judgment in Santosh Associate (P) Ltd. v. Haryana SIIDC Ltd. (2026) in which it made reference to a larger bench the question of whether an arbitration clause that requires a refundable pre-deposit to be made by a claimant as a precondition to arbitration is legally valid. The reference was necessitated by the fact that the Division Bench expressed disagreement with a decision of a full bench (3 judges) of the Supreme Court in S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009), where a similar clause was upheld as valid. The reference is a welcome development inasmuch as it will clear the ambiguity around such pre deposit clauses. However, the earlier line of cases which test the validity of such pre-deposit clauses against constitutional standards in what should be a purely an Arbitration Act and/or private law issue, raises important questions that a larger bench would do well to address. Facts The Appellant held a works contract with HSIIDC awarded through a tender. Clause 25-A(vii) of the contract made the reference to arbitration non-maintainable unless the contractor first furnished a security deposit on a slab basis: 2% for claims below 10,000, 5% up to 1 lakh, and 10% for claims of 1 lakh and above. At the end of the arbitration the deposit was adjusted against any costs awarded against the contractor, and the balance, or the whole sum if no costs were awarded, was refunded within one month of the award. At the threshold, HSIIDC made an application under Section 16 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Arbitration Act) to the appointed arbitrator challenging his jurisdiction because the pre-deposit had not been made by the Appellant. The Arbitrator ruled in favour of HSIIDC and directed the Appellant to make the deposit, and dismissed the claim when it refused. The Commercial Court, Gurugram dismissed the Appellant's Section 37 appeal, relying on S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009). The Appellant then appealed to the Supreme court. Discussion of Law The Supreme Court in Santosh Associate draws from a line of earlier Supreme Court cases to arrive at its holding and reference to a larger bench. S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009): In this case, a full bench (3 judges) of the Supreme Court had the opportunity to examine a pre-deposit clause similar to one in question in SK Associate . The claimant contractor in a public works contract had to pay a refundable security deposit to the Haryana Government to invoke arbitration under the arbitration clause of the said contract. The Court upheld this pre-deposit condition stating that there was logic in the clause to prevent frivolous and inflated claims. Further, the tiered percentage rates (of the claim) for the pre-deposits were also found to have merit. Notably, while arriving at the judgment, the Court rejected the arguments of unequal bargaining power in commercial contracts citing Central Inland Water Transport Corp. Ltd. v. Brojo Nath Ganguly (1986). It stated that there was no compulsion on anyone to enter into these contracts and that it was voluntary on both sides rejecting allegations of state power. It also rejected arguments on doctrine of fairness (to be undertaken by the State) given it is an administrative law concept and refused to invoke any additional public law standards for the States dealings in the performance of contracts. Icomm Tele Ltd. v. Punjab State Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Anr. (2019): Here, a Division Bench (2 judges) of the Supreme Court through Justice Rohinton Nariman examined the validity of a deposit-at-all condition in the arbitration clause for a public works contract tendered by the Punjab State Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The clause stipulated a 10% deposit to invoke arbitration by the claimant contractor which would be refunded only in proportion to the percentage success of the claim amount. The Court here struck down this deposit-at-call clause. It differentiated the facts from SK Jain . The clause in question in SK Jain stipulated a refundable deposit as opposed to an essentially non-refundable clause in Icomm . Further, there was no plea taken in SK Jain that the arbitration clause was violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. It is interesting that SK Jain rejected the invocation of public law standards for the State in the contractual sphere, but the Court in Icomm seems to have imported Article 14 and public law commitments of the State into the contractual sphere as well. The Court cited ABL International Ltd. v. ECGIL (2004) to hold that the State has the responsibility to act fairly and reasonably in terms of Article 14 even in the contractual sphere. The Court emphasised that arbitration is an important alternate dispute resolution process and must be encouraged given the high pendency of cases in the courts and cost of litigation. It held that the clause as such defeats the very purpose of alternate dispute resolution given that it would discourage claims and render arbitration expensive and ineffective. Lombardi Engineering Ltd. v. Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (2024): In this case, a full bench of the Supreme Court speaking though Justice JB Pardiwala had the opportunity to examine yet another arbitration pre-deposit clause in a public works contract. The clause stipulated that 7% of the claim amount would need to be furnished as a fixed deposit for security. However, no criteria for eligibility or conditions for refund of the security deposit was mentioned in the clause. Given the ambiguity and vagueness of the clause, the Court struck it down. In doing so, also held the clause as violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. Notably, upon an examination of previous Supreme Court and High Court judgement, the Court also held that there was no conflict between Icomm and SK Jain . The clauses in question in those cases were on a different footing. More interestingly, what the Court picked up on was the observation in Icomm that no plea of Article 14 reasonableness was taken in SK Jain . The Court dedicated a whole section to whether the validity of a pre-deposit condition can be decided on the anvil of Article 14 and be decided in a petition to appoint an arbitrator under Section 11 of the Act. The Court held that a referral court under Section 11(6) can test an arbitration clause against Article 14 since the arbitration agreement sits below the Constitution and the 1996 Act in the grundnorm hierarchy. Party autonomy therefore cannot extend to terms that violate fundamental rights, and a contractor's consent to a pre-deposit clause at the time of contracting does not estop it from challenging that clause. Relying on Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corpn. (1985) and Basheshar Nath v. CIT (1958), the Court held that the Article 14 right cannot be waived. Discussion in Santosh Associate The starting point of the reasoning of the Court in Santosh Associate was approvingly citing from Justice Hrishikesh Roys opinion in Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE) v. ECI SPIC SMO MCML (JV) (2025) concerning Section 18 of the Arbitration Act which mandates equal treatment of parties across all stages of arbitral proceedings as being mandatory and non-derogable. However, it also cited from the portion of the majority judgment in CORE which cited Lombardi to the extent of holding that party autonomy cannot be stretched to an extent where it violates fundamental rights of parties under the constitution. It found that unlike Lombardi which found no conflict between SK Jain and Icomm , Icomm indeed is in conflict with SK Jain . The Court said Icomm could not have overridden the ratio of SK Jain even though the Court was in prima facie agreement with the reasoning in Icomm . It also held that given judicial discipline, it could not hold SK Jain to be sub silentio or no longer good law. It also cited a Smt. Gangabai v. Vijay Kumar (1974) wherein the supreme court reiterated that the right to sue inheres in every individual and it is no defence to contend that there is no such right. Unlike an appeal, the maintainability of a suit requires no statutory sanction. It also said that such pre-deposit clauses fall foul of Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act, 1972 which voids any contractual stipulation that restrains parties from enforcing contractual rights by the usual proceedings in ordinary tribunals. Having said this, the Court said that it was of the view that an arbitration clause cannot impose pre-deposit conditions so onerous as to render the right to sue illusory or nugatory. A stipulation mandating the deposit of a substantial percentage of claim amount as a precondition to invoking arbitration would inevitably, suppress claims, deter recourse to ADR, and defeat its very object. Consequently, the court framed the following questions for reference to a larger bench: Whether a stipulation requiring the contractor alone to make a pre-deposit of security/fees prior to reference of disputes to arbitration is contrary to Section 18 of the Act, which mandates equal treatment of parties at all stages of arbitration Whether pre-deposit conditions in contracts having an arbitration clause discourage Alternative Dispute Resolution and undermine its objective of declogging the court system? Whether a condition of pre-deposit of security/fees prior to reference to arbitration is arbitrary and violative of the right to sue, as well as Article 14 of the Constitution and Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872? Whether a requirement of pre-deposit of security/fees has any rational relation to the object of curbing frivolous claims? At that stage it cannot be said that the claims are frivolous, and such claims may in any case be addressed through costs under Section 31(8) of the Act at the conclusion of the arbitral proceedings. Whether a pre-deposit condition is valid in an arbitration case where the deposit is refundable upon the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings? Whether S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009) is a valid and binding precedent? The Supreme Courts Snowballing Doctrinal Confusion The judgment in SK Jain was pronounced in 2009, in the pre-BALCO ( Bharat Aluminium Co. v. Kaiser Aluminium Technical Services Inc. (2012)) era, when courts intervened far more in arbitration-related proceedings. After BALCO, courts have been far more hands-off in dealing with arbitration, and far more attentive to party autonomy and the equality of parties under the Arbitration Act. I postulate that SK Jain would never have upheld such a unilateral pre-deposit clause had BALCO come to pass before it. Even so, what SK Jain did well, even if its conclusion may have been wrong, was to refuse to invoke administrative and public law principles at the stage of arbitration reference. In doing so, it stated that the State is not liable to fulfil its duties in the contractual sphere in the same way it does when carrying out its sovereign and public functions. There is no doubt that the grant of tenders by public authorities can be scrutinised by courts, as it is essentially a public and sovereign function of the State. However, it would be better if the State were treated as any other private party once a public works contract is entered into, and its performance and the disputes arising from it come to be adjudicated, much like SK Jain held. The problem has been that the Supreme Court has since been reading Article 14 reasonableness and administrative law principles into the functioning of essentially private contracts when it ought not to. This is apparent not just from Icomm and Lombardi . In CORE too, where the Supreme Court held unilateral appointments of arbitrators by one disputing party impermissible, the majority opinion said that Article 14 could be read into public-private contracts. Lombardi , Icomm , and CORE invoked Article 14 in the context of arbitration, but the Supreme Court has also been allowing Article 14 to be read into the States contractual dealings more generally as well (See for example, Madras Aluminium Co. Ltd. v. T.N. SEB (2023)). Reading Constitutional Standards into the States Contracts Is Unfair to Everyone The problems with this approach are apparent on the face of it. It is fair neither to the State nor to private parties in general for Article 14 to be read into the States functions in the contractual realm. The State does exercise its commercial weight in all its contracts. It is a monopsony and can extract very favourable terms from contractors, terms which a contractor would not agree to with others in normal market conditions. If Article 14 testing were to be applied, then not only such arbitration clauses but almost every contract of a State body would be susceptible to judicial review. Article 14 invocation will upend government contracting if future judgments continue going down this path. Article 14 then becomes a blunt weapon to attack anything perceived as less than palatable in the States commercial contracts. Commercial contracts should not be interfered with in this manner. The bargain struck by the parties should be upheld. Most of the pre-deposit cases deal with one State party and one private party. What if such a pre-deposit clause were introduced in an arbitration clause between two private parties say, a private contractor and a private owner? Would the court uphold such a clause? Article 14 cannot be invoked against a private party. By giving an Article 14 justification rather than a statutory one, the courts end up creating situations where clauses may be valid not on the basis of what their content is but who the parties are. This persistent widening of constitutional principles to test and challenge anything is akin to using a bazooka to kill a mosquito, when a humble spray would have sufficed. The Solution This view is further elaborated in Justice Hrishikesh Roys dissent in CORE . Agreeing with Justice Narasimha that public law principles evolved in constitutional and administrative law should not generally be imported into arbitration law, he held that equality between the arbitrating parties must be anchored in the framework of the Arbitration Act itself, with the obligations of fair treatment grounded in Sections 12 to 15 and Section 18 of the Act. Importing constitutional principles at the Section 11 stage, in his view, would defeat the very objective of the Arbitration Act and depart from the norm of minimal judicial intervention. The solution here was simple. The humble spray referred to above would have been Section 18 of the Arbitration Act, which mandates equal treatment of parties. Had Section 18 alone been used, such pre-deposit clauses would have been outlawed simpliciter on the basis of the statute, as opposed to the Constitution, which cannot be enforced against private parties and opens a Pandoras box for the State. And even in the contractual sphere, if the fear is that the State will not perform its duties in good faith, instead of reading Article 14 reasonableness, courts can infer duties of good faith in commercial contracts. Although good faith dealing in contract law is not part of common law, following Bates v. Post Office pronounced by the English High Court in 2019, good faith dealings are being read into performance of contracts in relational contracts. Indian courts can certainly create common law for government contract dealing rather than open up avenues for constitutional challenges. The Santosh Associate judgment also refers to Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act (which declares agreements in restraint of legal proceedings void) and the common law right to sue. These are other instruments, short of the Constitution, available to courts to restrict pre-deposit clauses. The resort to Article 14 is, therefore, perplexing. Conclusion The problem with the line of cases relation to arbitration pre-deposits is apparent. To the credit of the bench in Santosh Associate , the precise questions for reference also delineate whether the validity of such pre-deposit clauses should be tested against Article 14. Given the problems delineated above in importing constitutional provisions into the arbitration and private law realm, it is hoped that the larger bench looking into this issue will be open to considering the very doctrinal basis upon which these will be tested to be valid or invalid. Justice Roys and Narasimhas opinions in CORE will be a good starting point for the larger bench, when constituted.
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Punjabi Makeup Artist and Influencer Mad Sandhu Shot Dead in Amritsar
Punjabi makeup artist and social media influencer Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle in Amritsar on Saturday evening, according to reports. Sandhu, whose full name was Madhusudan, sustained a gunshot wound and was found lying on the road. He reportedly died while being taken to hospital. According to NDTV, [] The post Punjabi Makeup Artist and Influencer Mad Sandhu Shot Dead in Amritsar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
