This year, the Kerala state government has announced an increase in the Onam gift for workers under the rural and urban employment guarantee schemes. The gift amount has been raised to Rs 1,200, benefiting 5,25,991 workers. An allocation of ₹51.96 crore has been made for rural workers, while urban workers under the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme will receive a total of ₹63.68 lakh. This move is expected to provide much-needed relief to workers who have completed at least 100 days of work in the past year.
The controversy surrounding actor-politician Vijay's recent speech took a new turn as Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi slammed the TVK leader for his comments against Chief Minister MK Stalin, calling them "immature" and unfit for someone new to politics. Poyyamozhi also reminded Vijay of his family's cordial ties with the ruling DMK and urged him to show restraint in his public speeches. DMK cadres have also responded by putting up posters in Madurai, condemning Vijay's use of the term "uncle" for the Chief Minister, with one minister stating that it lacked political decorum.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reopened a corruption case against former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, alleging that he received a property worth crores from Delhi Land & Finance (DLF) in exchange for railway projects. Interestingly, the probe has named Yadav's son Tejashwi as an accused for purchasing the property at a much lower price. This latest development is expected to create political turbulence in Bihar, as the Opposition accuses the BJP of using central agencies for political revenge.
In his address at the inauguration of two major projects at a Suzuki Motor plant, PM Modi urged states to take advantage of the current global interest and compete in implementing pro-development policies. He also emphasized on the importance of embracing swadeshi products and highlighted India's potential as a manufacturing and investment hub. The event was attended by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Ono, showcasing the strong bonds between India and Japan.
On Thursday, Telangana Congress organized a series of candlelight rallies in all district headquarters as part of their ‘Vote Chor-Gaddi Chhod’ campaign, targeting BJP for their alleged “vote theft” in the 2024 general elections. Leaders from various levels of the party, including Ministers, MLAs, and MPs, participated in the rallies, condemning the recent filing of police cases against Rahul Gandhi for highlighting discrepancies in the voter list. Speakers at the rallies emphasized the need to protect democracy and called upon citizens to come forward and take a stand against BJP's alleged attacks on democracy.
In today's round-up, we highlight the latest news and commentary related to the Supreme Court. With a focus on a wide range of topics, from recent decisions to upcoming cases and analysis of the court's impact, this daily selection provides readers with a comprehensive coverage of the highest court in the land. Stay informed on the latest developments and opinions shaping the legal landscape in our country.
The tragic and brutal death of Nikki Bhati at the hands of her in-laws over dowry demands has once again brought attention to India's longstanding issue with dowry violence. Despite criminalization in 1961 and continued efforts to eradicate the practice, cases like Nikki's continue to make headlines. The recently codified Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes additional safeguards for women, but it remains to be seen if it can effectively address this deep-rooted societal problem.
The Supreme Court has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by former apex court judge J Chelameswar to conduct a fact-finding inquiry against Vantara, a zoo in Gujarat's Jamnagar. This decision comes after allegations of non-compliance with laws and acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants. The court deemed it necessary to have an independent investigation due to the serious nature of the allegations and the lack of verification by statutory authorities or courts. The SIT will consist of respectable individuals with impeccable integrity and high repute, and their findings will assist the court in making any further decisions.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded to the Opposition's accusations of 'vote theft' and claimed that they were using these claims as a way to reassure their own party workers about their chances. The statement comes after MNS chief Raj Thackeray supported Rahul Gandhi's claims of 'vote chori' in the previous Assembly elections. Thackeray also mentioned bringing up this issue to top leaders but no action was taken. Fadnavis dismissed Thackeray's claims, saying they were just trying to prevent their party workers from getting disheartened after continuous losses.
The Delhi High Court has set aside a 2016 order by the Central Information Commission (CIC) that had directed Delhi University to disclose details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree in response to an RTI application. The court held that information regarding an individual's educational qualifications falls under the category of "personal information" and should not be disclosed without overriding public interest. The verdict comes after DU had challenged the CIC's order in 2017, citing fiduciary relationship and right to privacy. The HC further expressed its dismay at the CIC's subjective approach and emphasized that the RTI Act was not meant for sensationalism but to promote transparency in government functioning.