The Supreme Court has passed an interim order restraining the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from conducting an investigation into the allegations against former AIADMK Minister K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji in a cash-for-job scam case. This order comes after the Madras High Court directed CBI's probe in January, following the State government's failure to comply with the Court's earlier order. Today, a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and S.V.N Bhatti heard two special leave petitions challenging the High Court's order, with arguments from counsels representing the State, Rajenthra Bhalaji, and the complainant. Justice Mithal questioned the complainant's locus standi, while directing their intervention application to be put on record.
The Election Commission of India is facing backlash after a large number of VVPAT slips were found dumped near a college in Bihar. The Commission has ordered an inquiry and the concerned ARO has been suspended. Political parties such as the RJD have accused the Commission of being a "thief commission" and "dacoit of democracy" and have demanded a thorough investigation. The district administration is currently conducting an investigation and an FIR will be filed in the case.
The BJP has criticized J&K CM Omar Abdullah for his opposition to the recitation of Vande Mataram in schools, accusing him of appeasement politics. According to party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, this opposition is motivated by vote-bank considerations and follows a pattern of similar objections by leaders across states. Poonawalla also alleged that these leaders have a history of opposing national symbols and prioritizing their politics of appeasement over the Constitution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met veteran BJP leader and Bharat Ratna awardee Lal Krishna Advani at his residence on Saturday, on the occasion of his 98th birthday. PM Modi took to social media to extend birthday greetings and praise Advani's monumental service to the nation, calling him a statesman with a towering vision. Home Minister Amit Shah and former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu also sent their wishes, highlighting Advani's contributions to strengthening the BJP and the country's progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a two-day conference on strengthening the legal aid system in India. He highlighted the crucial role of ensuring ease of justice in achieving the goals of ease of doing business and ease of living. The conference will discuss key aspects of the legal services framework, including the role of technology and mediation in improving justice delivery. PM Modi also launched a training module for community mediation to empower individuals in resolving disputes at the grassroots level.
Anumula Revanth Reddy, the Congress legislature party leader, will be taking oath as the second Chief Minister of Telangana amidst great anticipation as senior officials and one lakh people are expected to attend the event. Prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be present at the ceremony. Reddy has extended an open invitation to the public, emphasizing the 'people's government' he aims to establish.
A political controversy has emerged during the Bihar assembly elections after VVPAT slips were found dumped near a college in Samastipur. The Chief Election Commissioner has clarified that the slips were used in mock polls and did not affect the actual voting process. However, the RJD and Congress have raised questions about the conduct of the election and an on-the-spot investigation has been ordered.
In a shocking incident, a large number of VVPAT slips were found scattered on the roadside in Bihar's Samastipur district. The Election Commission swiftly took action and suspended an assistant returning officer for negligence, along with filing a FIR against him. The DM has been asked to inquire into the matter and an investigation has been launched. Though the integrity of the polling process remains uncompromised, the incident has raised serious concerns about the security and transparency of elections in India.
A clash broke out between West Bengal Police and Border Security Force (BSF) over the seizure of a smuggled consignment of banned syrup, phensedyl, in Nadia district. Three police personnel were injured and one BSF jawan was detained in the incident. However, senior officers from both sides were able to resolve the misunderstanding and the detained BSF jawan was released. BSF and police assure cooperation in serving national interests.
Leaders of the opposition Congress party in the Indian state of Goa have launched a scathing critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), slamming them for their failure to ensure law and order in the wake of multiple murders, including that of activist Umakant Khote. The Congress leaders called for an emergency assembly session to address what they termed a "complete breakdown of policing and governance," citing a string of violent incidents as evidence of a systemic failure. According to the opposition, Goa's reputation as a peaceful tourist destination has been tarnished by a rise in crime and corruption, worsened by economic struggles that have left locals vulnerable to land grabs by private developers.
The Goa government, under CM Pramod Sawant, has granted two district magistrates the power to invoke the National Security Act for a period of three months. The move comes after a spate of incidents involving organised crime in the state and the police's request for preventive arrest powers. This decision is likely to spark controversy as the NSA allows for detention without formal charges or trial for up to 12 months.