Following the Supreme Court's decision to remove the time limit for prosecution, the Punjab government has given the go-ahead for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to stand trial in three sacrilege cases since 2015. The incidents, which led to widespread protests and violent clashes in Punjab, resulted in the death of two protesters. The government has also agreed to prosecute three other key members of the Dera Sacha Sauda's national committee. This development comes as Ram Rahim is already serving a prison sentence for murder and rape and has been granted parole multiple times, often coinciding with election periods.
Former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar calls for resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, following allegations of their involvement in the case. Congress President Amit Patkar warns of state-wide protests if government fails to act and calls for Sawant and Khaunte to step down to ensure a fair investigation.
In a scathing response to economist Sanjeev Sanyal's remarks, Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh defended the judiciary against blame for India's growth hurdles. Singh strongly criticized Sanyal's comments as irresponsible and displaying a lack of understanding of how courts function. He also clarified that addressing judges with titles like "My Lord" is simply a habit and does not affect their decisions. Singh stressed the crucial need for judicial breaks to prevent burnout and maintain the efficiency of the system.
A heated altercation between members of a self-proclaimed Gau Rakshak Dal and a local family in Bhopal has resulted in complaints being filed and an investigation being initiated by the police. The incident, which took place at the residence of Saroj Trivedi, involved claims of an unwell calf and quickly escalated into an argument and physical altercation. The accused, Mohd Rusi, who was wanted in connection with a cow slaughter case, has now been arrested under the National Security Act. Both sides have filed written complaints and legal action will be taken after a thorough investigation.
On the 19th death anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav expressed gratitude towards social justice icons like B R Ambedkar and his own father Mulayam Singh Yadav for guiding the SP's efforts towards empowering the oppressed and minorities. Yadav also reaffirmed the SP's commitment to establishing a government of PDA in Uttar Pradesh. He credited the SP for securing Kanshi Ram's first stint in Parliament and highlighted the alliance between SP and BSP in fighting against communal politics.
After four years, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has closed a contempt of court case against Sant Rampal, who had previously incited violent clashes in 2014. The self-proclaimed godman sought forgiveness from the court, leading to a peaceful resolution of the case. The incident serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility held by religious and spiritual leaders.
The disappearance of a statue of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and a martyr's memorial has caused outrage among political leaders in Goa such as Leader of Opposition and Margao MLA, Digambar Kamat. The issue has been highlighted by local newspaper Team Herald, which had previously exposed the neglect shown by concerned authorities towards the monuments. However, Kamat has demanded immediate action from the State government in tracing and securing the missing statue and memorial, stating that it is the duty of the Archaeology Department to preserve such historical sites. This incident not only exposes the lack of respect for freedom fighters in India, but also brings to light the government's fake nationalism.
At a state executive meeting of the BJP, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed deep sorrow over the death of senior IPS officer Y Puran Singh. Amidst allegations of criminal and caste-based harassment, the Chief Minister vowed to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. While a Congress delegation visited the deceased officer's family to express solidarity, the Haryana IAS Officers' Association mourned the loss of an exemplary civil servant. The case, which has drawn significant attention, highlights the need for accountability and justice in the Indian police force.
Amidst the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza, President Trump has emerged as a key player in the negotiations, utilizing his leverage to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take decisive action. From securing the release of hostages to mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Trump's involvement has shifted the landscape and put pressure on Netanyahu to act. With his ambitious 20-point plan to end the war, Trump continues to exert his influence in the region and reshape the narrative of the crisis.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. Nadda held a meeting with party leaders and allies to discuss the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The NDA partners are expected to announce a seat sharing arrangement by Sunday, with the Janata Dal (United) likely to contest 101 or 102 seats and the BJP getting one seat fewer. Discussions are still ongoing with other NDA allies, but BJP Bihar president Dilip Jaiswal expressed that "all is well" within the party and the NDA is moving forward with unity.